The Alamo (1960 film) of the former Alamo Mission. The set was an extensive three quarter-scale replica of the mission, and has since been used in 100 other westerns, including other depictions of the battle. It took more than two years to construct. Wayne was to have portrayed Sam Houston, a bit part that would have let him focus on his first major directing effort, but investors insisted he play a leading character. He took on the role of Davy Crockett, handing the part of Houston to Richard Boone. Wayne cast Richard Widmark as Jim Bowie and Laurence Harvey as William Barrett Travis. Harvey
Heroes of the Alamo was made. Xydias had planned the film as a tie in with the 1936 Texas Centennial but fell behind in his plans. Columbia Pictures acquired the film for 1938 release and changed the billing of the actors in the film. The film featured the song "The Yellow Rose of Texas" being sung by the defenders though it had not been written at that time. This was the last film Xydias produced. When World War II broke out he was in the Philippines and was interned by the Japanese. Heroes of the Alamo Heroes of the Alamo (1937) is a low-budget