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) United States to assist in teaching about the Alamo. In 1960, the world premiere was held at the Woodlawn Theatre in San Antonio, Texas. The film does little to explain the causes of the Texas Revolution or why the battle took place. Alamo historian Timothy Todish said "there is not a single scene in "The Alamo" which corresponds to a historically verifiable incident." Historians James Frank Dobie and Lon Tinkle demanded their names be removed as historical advisors. Wayne's daughter Aissa wrote, "I think making "The Alamo" became my father's own form of combat. More than an obsession, it was