What to make of this film?
It starts off slow and we think the first 35-45 minutes are pointless, as is the entire Crockett-Flacca relationship. She leaves after the first act and should have been made a nurse in the Alamo. The film suffers from a lack of things to do, which is why the defenders have not one but two capers against the Mexican army.
Dimitry Tiomokin wrote an excellent score with just a touch of Russian in it. Viewers will hear what we mean.
As noted previously, John Wayne was miscast (by the studio) and should have played Sam Houston. Laurence Harvey chews the scenery until settling down in the 3rd act. Richard Widmark is meh. There are many excellent character actors, not Chill Willis.
The Alamo is a good looking movie set in the Texas prairie with a splendidly appointed cast, especially the Mexicans.
The final assault remains one of the best combat sequences we've ever scene, well acted, directed, and edited. Well done.
Over all 2.5 out of 4 stars.
The Alamo was John Wayne's project. He wisely wanted to play the bit role of Sam Houston, but the studio, understandably, wanted the Duke in a staring role. So Davey Crocket he was, much to the detriment of the film. John Wayne is bigger than The Alamo.
Richard Boone, who plays Houston, would have made a fine Crocket.
