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
The Alamo (1960 film) Wayne, producer). Its successful bid for several Oscar nominations over such films as "Psycho" and "Spartacus" was largely due to intense lobbying by producer John Wayne. Dimitri Tiomkin won the best original score Golden Globe award. The movie was selected by the National Board of Review as one of the year's ten best films. The picture won the Bronze Wrangler award as the best theatrical motion picture of the year from the Western Heritage Awards. "The Alamo" premiered at its 70 mm roadshow length of 202 minutes, including overture, intermission, and exit music, but was severely cut for wide release.