Rating: 
Summary: An overlong, hokey epic with a terrific ending.
Review: Despite being a child of the 70's, my heroes as a boy were Davy Crockett and John Wayne. Yet John Wayne's "The Alamo" was not one of my favorite films as a child.Over twenty years later I still consider myself a huge John Wayne fan, but my opinion of "The Alamo" remains the same as it was when I was six- over two hours of hokey boredom followed by one of the greatest action sequences from the 60's. The uncut version contains more hokey, clunky speeches and a truly smaltzy birthday party for one of the Duke's kids. The interesting part of the uncut version is the documentary about the making of the film after the movie. It gives some hints why "The Alamo" failed to be the epic the Duke wanted it to be. One reason was loyalty. Michael Wayne, the Duke's oldest son, states that loyalty could be a great asset, but it also could hurt you and it hurt his father. I have no doubt that Michael Wayne is referring to the Duke's friend, James Edward Grant, who wrote the screenplay. The biggest weak point of the film is the script- full of Hollywood hijinks, a cheesy romance that goes no where, and preachy almost embarrassing speeches- "Your Mr. Jefferson..." or "Republic. I like the sound of the word." Loyalty to a friend helped ruin this film. It's a shame. This was John Wayne's baby. He ended his long and fruitful relationship with Republic Pictures and sunk most of his personal wealth to get this movie made. Another reviewer stated that the Duke seems to be going through the motions as Crockett; that probably has some merit. The Duke wanted to be the director only. Eventually, he had to take on the role of producer to have total control. He only took the role of Crockett after he had to get a major studio to provide him with financial backing, the studio would not invest their money in the film unless he took a starring role. The Duke spread himself thin and that shows too. At the time this was one of the most expensive films ever made and it shows. A full size replica of the Alamo made from real adobe bricks. Thousands of extras. A small version of San Antonio. Tons of pyrotechnics. And a great score by Dmitrii Toimkin. All that money is on the screen; but the story to link it all together is lacking. I own this tape; but I have watched straight through only a couple of times. I have watched the ending a bunch of times- I just fast foward through the first two and half hours. The ending is terrific- although not even close to historical reality. And I love John Wayne's death scene! It is because of that ending that I give the film three stars and I say this "as American and a conservative."
Rating: 
Summary: Great Film!
Review: The Alamo is a masterpiece from John Wayne. Any controversy over this film is overblown and outdated. Who really paid for the keg of Corn Liquor that got blown up by the cannonball, Chill Wills or Davy Crockett? Did Davy sleep with the senora?
Rating:
Summary: Underated Western Masterpiece
Review: This film had nothing at all to do with Vietnam. It was filmed in 1959 in Brackettville TX, and written/conceived a couple of years earlier (Batjac business venture). The film preaches patriotism, which is a direct result of the early 1950's anti-communism frenzy, very much a commentary on the Cold War, considering John Wayne's political alignment and previous box office endevours (Big Jim McClain). Wayne was a great American and patriot, and believed strongly in democracy and freedom for all individuals. This film brings his talents to bear both acting and directing. The more you view this film, the more apparent the professionalism of the cast and crew becomes. If you've never seen the magic of the cinema before, visit the "Alamo Ranch" north of Brackettville ... the sets are certainly not as large as life! The performances by Wayne, Harvey and Widmark are extrordinary. I also believe, as alluded to in the documentary, that John Ford lent his expertise as a mentor to Wayne during the production. If you don't interrogate the narrative too deeply, and dwell on the performances and historical perspective of the times, the film delivers in many ways. It's right up there with "Moses", "Cleopatra" and "Ben Hur" in terms of production value and the complicated production logistics required to complete the film. My teenage kids have seen it a few times, and enjoy it. I really hope they produce a wide screen version on DVD. Bottomline, not for every casual viewer, but very much part of the Ford/Wayne legacy...(i.e. "The Searchers", "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon"). Enjoy the film for what it is... a classic.
Rating:
Summary: Both accurate and inaccurate but a classic treatment
Review: I have seen the Alamo dozens of times and will probably watch it a few dozen more before it is over. I have been fascinated by the story since I was a kid in the 50's watching Fess Parker on Disney. Of course there are plenty of historically inaccurate scenes but I feel that these are balanced by the accuracies. The total package to me is exactly what John Wayne meant it to be, an heroically presented version of what was indeed an heroic event. These men that fell at the Alamo deserved to have their stories told in such a manner. Let those of us who have read our history make our mental corrections as we watch and enjoy this movie accordingly. As I read other reviews above I have to wonder if some of the reviewers really watched that closely. For instance in the film Travis did not "die by the sword and then break it", he was shot and broke his sword over his knee as he fell. Also I think it is unfair to classify The Alamo as an attempt to temper the effects of our involvement in Vietnam. Our involvement at that time was minimal and not a source of concern in this country. The telling of this story did not need a diversionary foundation, it stands on its own. If the reviewer wants to accurately tie John Wayne to a Vietnam-inspired film I believe The Green Berets would fit the bill. As for the Alamo I don't think it is fair or accurate to try to explain his endeavor with The Alamo away with what hadn't developed in our national consciousness yet, namely Vietnam. I would suggest watching it again with a fresher take on it.
Rating:
Summary: MAMA and PAPPA
Review: I am the son of DIAGO and Rosary Palumino/ no wonder / people have been trying to lead me astrsay;true Lumans dont try E"DO Jose Palumino DE DIAGO
Rating:
Summary: American Heroism at its Best!
Review: I've been a student of US military history all my life, and yes some will say Wayne's version of the Alamo is not the most historically accurate----and they are correct. But that is not the point that Wayne was trying to make! In 1960 Wayne was trying to keep Americans focused on US military heroism as the US was starting to become bogged down in the Vietnam War. This film is a Masterpiece to the US Soldier and what he is willing to sacrifice to keep his Freedom! I highly recommend this movie to all Young Americans!
Rating:
Summary: Despite some overblown dialogue, a masterpiece of directing.
Review: Superbly crafted and highly accurate portrayal of the battle for the Alamo. Chill Wills deserved the Oscar nomination, but then destroyed his work by his media campaign trying to make sure he got it. Wayne calls on each day of his long career to craft a fine movie, despite some turgid dialogue. While his old mentor, Jack Ford, is credited with second-unit directing, none of Ford's work was included in the final cut. Wayne, trying to get rid of Ford who was intruding on his directing, not wanting to embarrass or anger his friend and mentor, simply asked Ford to shoot some second-unit stuff in order to get him off the lot. The film is all Wayne's. If you want to see how to shoot a battle , watch the final scenes carefully. Wayne has been belittled by some for his acting in this film, (and others, of course,) but watch him carefully--it's very difficult to act without seeming to act, but Duke's performance is beautifully done. Wayne gets some great performances from his cast, particularly Harvey and Widmark, despite the latter's peevishness with Wayne offscreen. The sets were as accurate as historical information available let them be; the events are as they happened.
Rating:
Summary: The most accurate film ever made about Texas history
Review: John Wayne brings his heart and soul to the screen in this amazingly accurate picture of Texas in 1836. Wayne's life long dream of filming a story about the Alamo comes to life. Excellent acting by Laurence Harvey (Travis), just enough comic relief by Chil Wills and a few others to make the story personal. The last scene where Mrs. Dickenson walks out must be viewed to be believed, you will cry in spite of yourself. Great for every American! A masterpiece of film. When you watch it, turn off the lights, turn off the phone, get the kids quiet and you will be in Texas in 1836. This film is great for school children also.
Rating: 
Summary: Honor, courage, duty, hokum
Review: Now that the cold war is over, America should take a cold shower and re-examine this fascinating (if overblown) episode in its history and once more dare to interpret it (perhaps even objectively) for the silver screen. John Wayne's embarassing rendering ages badly - unless, of course, you are a John Wayne fan. Wayne is less interested in history than in a make-believe story of what he thinks history is. As a proud liberal and American I will state it loud and clear: This movie is junk.
Rating:
Summary: Greatest Movie ever made.
Review: If you care about freedom then you will see what I see in this film: honor, duty, and sacrafice. Is it a perfect film? Probably not, but no matter the detaste liberals have for courage, this is a story/history of men who gave their lives for the freedom of others, and the Duke did his best to tell their story. I believe he did an exceptional job!!!
|
