The Alamo
|
List Price: Our Price: $4.02 You Save: $10.96 (73%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $0.40 (click here) Category: DVD See more DVD releases |
|---|
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
Movie Reviews of The Alamo
Movie Review: Frankie Avalon in one of his 1st movie roles
Summary: 5 Stars
The movie is good and with Frankie Avalon in one of his 1st movie roles.Movie Review: Despite some flaws, one of the best
Summary: 4 Stars
Of Hollywood's efforts to produce a great Alamo movie, John Wayne's 1960 production remains out in front. Yes, it has its historical and technical flaws, but these do not detract from the overall portrayal of the situation and main events. Its scope and its "you are there" feeling clearly stand out.
The film's general tone is quite in contrast to that of the recent (2004) movie of the same name with Billy Bob Thornton as Crockett, of which another reviewer has aptly noted: "Where the battle, as depicted in the new film, shows scared men doing the best they can to stay alive, the 1960 Wayne film shows a more heroic stand, men selling their lives dearly." In a word, the newer version is more "politically correct" according to some currently popular worldviews, with its portrayal of the main heroes with "warts and all" often distracting from their decisive roles as defenders of Texas independence and individual liberty. (See my Amazon review of that movie.) Nonetheless, in both films the 183 Alamo defenders are shown as having made the fateful choice to remain and fight despite the hopeless odds -- each having been given the chance to leave when Colonel Travis frankly described to them their dire situation in what turned out to be the third day before main the attack, and all fell as a result -- an American Thermopylae indeed!
Many criticisms of the Wayne film by some reviewers are misplaced even where, strictly speaking, correct. Actually, the final assault on the Alamo took place in the darkness well before dawn. Still, its being portrayed here in broad daylight does allow the unfolding of some of the most impressive battle scenes ever filmed. Among other criticisms that have been leveled, many are trivial and shallow. In the end, what real difference does it make whether Crockett habitually wore a coonskin cap or not, whether he preferred being called "Davy" or "David," or whether the pre-battle sorties to sabotage a big enemy cannon, or heisting and stampeding cattle into the Alamo for food, were invented for the film or not? (A cattle raid of sorts did take place, but sooner, much nearer the walls and netted about 30 head, not the couple of hundred or so filmed.) These two scenes add interest and in a larger sense well portray the defenders' resourcefulness and determination which, from all we do know, were certainly not lacking. After all, this is a MOVIE, not strict history, and a bit of pictorial and dramatic license is not amiss; those wanting "just the facts" (known, that is) can easily find them elsewhere.
Similarly, Crockett's brief liason with the beautiful and cultured young Mexican widow is more than just entertaining but points out early that a significant number of political aware Mexicans in Texas were determined opponents of Santa Anna's dictatorship: Some "Tejanos" in fact supported the mostly Anglo "Texicans," even as leaders who fought alongside them -- most notably Juan Seguín, whose heroic role in bringing the Alamo's appeal for help to Houston through Mexican lines, however, is rather misleadingly usurped by the engaging teenager "Smitty," played by Frankie Avalon. (Although in fact a brave teenager named James Allen did gallop away with Travis's last plea to Fannin at Goliad to the south, it was Juan Seguín who earlier brought Travis's message east to commander-in-chief Houston -- the film conflates the two, with Seguín's more consequential role lost.) The film portrays Mexicans with respect throughout, even as adversaries.
Principles of freedom are portrayed frankly and without apology in Crockett's and others' remarks. Such principles really were held very widely and fervently at the time -- however much they are so often downplayed and even lampooned today.
Bowie's incapacitating illness is rather conspicuously missing, however (his only "ailment" being shown as a fractured leg suffered in the bombardment, hastily splinted so he could carry on). As convincingly played by Richmard Widmark, Bowie's prickly disputes with Travis, however, are appropriately emphasized. Lawrence Harvey's portrayal of Travis is simply superb on all counts, as is Richard Boone's brief portrayal of Houston.
Since the film ends at the Alamo's fall, the subsequent defeat of Santa Anna at San Jacinto some six weeks later by Houston, made possible in large part by the unyielding stand at the Alamo, is not shown. In dramatic terms this makes sense, as covering the aftermath, although informative for the uninitiated, would be rather anticlimactic and reduce the full impact of the film's main event. (Note that the recent movie of the same title, with Dennis Quaid as Houston, does briefly cover this. For further observations on San Jacinto, see my review of that film.)
A real standout in the movie is the wonderful music provided by Dimitri Tiomkin, by turns stirring and inspiring. It draws one into the story to an extent few scores have been able to do. In this setting "The Green Leaves of Summer" is one of the most moving songs ever committed to film, especially its choral background rendition in the scene during the evening before the final assault.
Of all his films I've seen, I believe this is John Wayne's most convincing performance, despite -- or maybe partly because of -- his taking on the demanding and perhaps excessive burdens of producing and directing as well. And also, despite his inexperience in the latter two departments (as noted in the DVD's accompanying documentary on the making of the movie), the overall result is still a deeply satisfying and basically true drama. Wayne quit his association from his longtime studio, Republic, and sunk much of his personal fortune into making this film, for which we owe him profound thanks. Those who wish to probe more deeply and straighten out the known details of the story (though many will never be known since no defenders survived) can delve into books such as Walter Lord's excellent, consise and readable "A Time to Stand", which includes both background and aftermath; it also outlines major areas of contention concerning disputed points. Also, Albert A. Nofi's "The Alamo" is well worth a read as it highlights many fascinating aspects often not dealt with elsewhere.
Since I have not as yet seen the "Director's Cut" on VHS and Laserdisk (compared to which many reviewers have declared the present DVD is flawed on account of scenes cut for theater release), I cannot comment on that. But I can say that despite those cuts, the DVD nonetheless presents a sweeping and mostly coherent impression of the events portrayed. A point of interest is that the included documentary on the film's production happens to show, very interestingly, how much the original celluloid film has faded in picture quality in the nearly half-century since being shot -- the restoration of both color and sound for the DVD's main content is magnificent. Digital technology came along just in time to save many classic films. One hopes that a similarly restored full Director's Cut will be made available in this widescreen format in the future.
The film's flaws such as those noted above are enough to deny it 5 stars here, but if a full 10-point scale were allowed I'd unhesitatingly give it a 9.
Movie Review: Heroes One and All
Summary: 4 Stars
This review refers to the MGM DVD edtion(2000 release) of "The Alamo"(1960).....
So many times in History, man has had to make the decision of whether to accept things the way they are and live in terror, or rise up against his oppressor no matter what the cost, to make life better for future generations. "The Alamo" is one story of the brave people in American History, who stood and fought for what they believed in, against overwhelming odds.John Wayne put his heart and soul into this epic story and breathes life into these dedicated and heroic Americans.
Col.Davey Crockett,Col.Jim Bowie and Col. William Travis are the driving force behind a group of less then 200 untrained men and their families, barracaded in an old Texas mission("The Alamo"), being used as a fort to fend of the advances of the immense army being lead by Generalissimo Santa Anna. All knowing that they will probably lose their lives, and they could leave without shame at any time, they all stay to defend the right of freedom, and to give General Sam Houston the time he needs to prepare his army for battle. It is a touching and gripping account of the events, of the battles, and of the growing comraderie within the fort.
John Wayne produced, directed and stars as a very convincing Davey Crockett. Richard Widmark as Jim Bowie and Laurence Harvey as Col Travis are fabulous in the roles as the two Colonels at odds with each other but are united for the cause.
Also starring is Richard Boone(every time I see him I expect the old "Palidan" music to start playing), a very young Frankie Avalon and western legend Chill Wills, who recieved a nod from Oscar for his performance as "Beekeeper" in the supporting actor catagory. The music is hauntingly beautiful, and will stay with you long after the film is over. Dimitri Tiomkin won a Golden Globe for his scoring as did Paul Francis Weber for his equally beautiful lyrics of "The Green Leaves of Summer".The cinematography, also garnering a nomination from Oscar,makes this film a joy to watch.
I had previously taped this film from a classic film channel,finally bought the DVD, and when I saw the brillance of this transfer and heard it in the enhanced 5.1 Surround I was in movie heaven. The picture in the original theatrical widescreen and the colors looked magnificent. Every sound from the galloping of the horses, to the cannons blasting, the dialouge and the music were crystal clear. There is also a great documentary included on the making of the film, where you will see the great John Ford making an appearance on the set and adding his expertise as well.It may also be viewed in French and Spanish and also has subtitles in those languages.
So why only 4 stars for my rave review of this film and the DVD?....As I mentioned I had this on tape and watched it many times. I noticed a couple of my favorite scenes are now missing and the film somewhat shorter in length. I especially missed the little birthday party scene(if you have seen it before, you know what I am talking about). This scene to me, depicted the growing closeness of the people inside the mission and the family like atmosphere.
This film is a sentimental favorite of mine, and I really hope someday MGM will release the entire film to DVD, until then I will certainly enjoy this terrific transfer. It's absolutely worth the view.
"Remember the Alamo"...and enjoy.....Laurie
also recommended:
A Bridge Too Far
Great American Western V.10, The
John Wayne
Movie Review: John Wayne is at his best in this epic account of one of history's most courageous battles
Summary: 4 Stars
This review is for the 2000 release MGM DVD.
The movie, `The Alamo' is a major theatrical re-creation of the siege and the final assault on the Alamo in 1836. This battle is arguably the most celebrated military engagement in Texas history (although Texas did win its independence at the battle of San Jacinto). Many historians believe the battle at the Alamo allowed Sam Houston's army to gain men and time to win their independence. For many Americans and most Texans, the battle has become a symbol of patriotic sacrifice as the freedom fighters were outnumbered 2400 to 197. The four main characters in the film are General Sam Houston (Richard Boone), Colonel William Travis (Laurence Harvey), Davey Crocket (John Wayne) and Jim Bowie (Richard Whitmark).
There are a lot of great things about this film. John Wayne produced and directed this massive production and even built a small town in South Texas to re-create the battle. The cast included thousands of men in full authentic-looking Mexican uniforms. The final battle is well done with plenty of action and impressive stunt work. Wayne also gives an outstanding as Davey Crocket. Best of all, the film sends the clear message of the heroism of the men who choose to fight even in the face of death.
I only have three minor pet peeves with the film. One is that Colonel William Travis was born in South Carolina and later moved to Texas and as a result, Laurence Harvey with his thick British accent was clearly miscast for this part. Another problem is that most Texas historians will affirm the famous story that Travis drew a line in the sand, and said, "Those prepared to give their lives in freedom's cause, come over to me." The line in the sand incident was not shown in the movie, but there was a scene that in effect was the same type of challenge to his army. Finally, the film is 2 hours and 43 minutes long. It really needed to be shortened by at least 15 minutes and preferably a half an hour.
The DVD quality is a beautiful widescreen color presentation. The color and contrast appear visually accurate and the film transfer is pristine. There is a very good 40-minute long documentary about the filming of this movie with plenty of interviews and several old Black & White clips of John Wayne discussing the historical significance of the Alamo.
Movie: B+
DVD Quality: A
Movie Review: Colorful Historical Fiction
Summary: 4 Stars
I love this film. It's entertaining as it can be but historically it is way off the mark. The lyrics of one of song goes as follows: "...let the legend grow and grow....'bout those thirteen days of glory at the siege of Alamo..." I think this demonstrates Wayne's philosophy..."let the LEGEND grow and grow..." He had no problem with bending the facts a little to emphasize the glory that was Alamo.
I'm in total disagreement with this philosophy. I think that the actual story of Alamo is so compelling that it shouldn't be fictionalized. So what if a few men, including possibly Davie Crockett, tried to surrender at the end? Outnumbered, out of ammunition and with a bayonet at your throat, ANYONE would have surrendered. It doesn't diminish the heroism by one iota.
That fact is that the men at Alamo--against all military logic--decided to stand despite the possibility/probability of bloody death, says it all. Travis summed it up for all of them, "I'll never surrender. I'll never retreat." He didn't, either. None of them did. No, they didn't kill thousands of Mexicans and the big fight occurred in the darkness of early morning before the sun arose, providing little opportunity for Hollywood cinematography.
Davie Crockett wasn't lanced and he didn't blow the powder room up. The powder and ammunition were captured virtually intact by the Mexicans. Jim Bowie probably was in no condition to put up a last ditch struggle and Joe didn't die protecting his master. Joe, who probably was an actual combatant, survived to become Santa Ana's personal servant.
Still, the movie is grand and the maneuvers of the colorful Mexican army are a thing to behold...not accurate but wonderful. Santa Ana was not only the bastard as portrayed but was also a physical coward. When given the opportunity to die for his country, he surrendered Texas to save his own skin.
Yes, the movie although nonhistoric, does reflect something of the glory and tragedy that was the siege of Alamo.
Ron Braithwaite, author of novels, "Skull Rack" and "Hummingbird God" on the Spanish Conquest of Mexico