 The Alamo 1960   N/R, 161 min.
Genre: Western / Action / Drama / Adventure
Director: John Wayne
Cast: John Wayne, Richard Widmark, Frankie Avalon, Richard Boone, Laurence Harvey, Chill Wills, Patrick Wayne, Linda Cristal, Ken Curtis, Denver Pyle, Joan O'Brien, Joseph Calleia, Carlos Arruza, Veda Ann Borg, John Dierkes
John Wayne directed and starred (as Davy Crockett) in this major production about the famous battle of Texas' independence in 1836 against an attack by the Mexican army at a small fort near San Antonio. Great musical score by Dimitri Tiomkin, and the final attack is a real spectacle. Several Oscar nominations were received with one winner: Best Sound. Nominations included Best Picture and Supporting Actor (Chill Wills). 1 User Review
| User Review |
| | Mt. Everest of western epics | crocketteer 02/22/2008 | Mighty and glorious in the old style of vast Hollywood epics, directed by the Paul Bunyan of the genre himself, John "Duke" Wayne.
After being schooled by master directors Walsh, Wellman, Hathaway, De Mille, Von Sternberg, Hawks and Ford - the actor put his self on the line, by producing and directing, as well as heading the cast - to release the immortal story of the doomed patriots, awaiting reinforcements that never came, as they battled the Army of Mexico and meglomaniacal dictator Santa Anna.
Though padded out with unneccesary subplots and occasional historical inaccuracies - it rises to the levels of greatness with a heartfelt soundtrack, sumptous cinematography, and vivid battle action that ranks among the best, in historic recreations. Later versions of the story - lack the folkloric essence of Manifest Destiny, that Wayne infused in his version. Mocked upon its release, it has been justly rewarded with continuous sales in the VHS / DVD market worldwide, and is now getting the respect it deserves.
Recent remake of story is morose and lacking in spirit and vigor. Though Wayne's panoramic release was never made for tiny TV screens, it is getting it's due - when seen on a large plasma screen - and eventually will be given the DVD release it deserves. Ghost riders of the West salute you, John Wayne. |
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| 1. The Alamo (1960)
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