The Man from the Alamo (1953)

During the war for Texas independence, one man leaves the Alamo before the end (chosen by lot to help others' families) but is too late to accomplish his mission, and is branded a coward. ... See full summary »

Director:

Budd Boetticher

Writers:

Steve Fisher (screenplay), D.D. Beauchamp (screenplay),

Stars:

Glenn Ford, Julie Adams, Chill Wills

Won 1 Golden Globe.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Glenn Ford	...	John Stroud
Julie Adams	...	Beth Anders (as Julia Adams)
Chill Wills	...	John Gage
Hugh O'Brian	...	Lt. Lamar
Victor Jory	...	Jess Wade
Neville Brand	...	Dawes
John Daheim	...	Cavish (as John Day)
Myra Marsh	...	Ma Anders
Jeanne Cooper	...	Kate Lamar
Marc Cavell	...	Carlos (as Mark Cavell)
Edward Norris	...	Mapes
Guy Williams	...	Sergeant

Storyline

During the war for Texas independence, one man leaves the Alamo before the end (chosen by lot to help others' families) but is too late to accomplish his mission, and is branded a coward. Since he cannot now expose a gang of turncoats, he infiltrates them instead. Can he save a wagon train of refugees from Wade's Guerillas?

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Plot Keywords:

wagon train | texas | alamo | ambush | one armed man | 

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Taglines:

Out Of Texas' Bravest Hour... Came The Man They Called The Coward

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Genres:

Western

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

24 August 1953 (Sweden)

Also Known As:

Der Mann vom Alamo

Filming Locations:

Mexican Street, Backlot, Universal Studios - 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal International Pictures (UI)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

79 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Opening credits: The story of Texas symbolizes the spirit of independence so close to the heart of all Americans. Her people fought for Mexico's freedom from Spain and lived peacefully as a separate province until... ...General Santa Anna seized the presidency of Mexico. They were then faced with the prospect of military government or war. General Sam Houston was entrusted with the task of mapping a course of action that would determine the future of Texas ....

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Goofs

The one armed man as he exits the river at the last scenes of the movie reveals his hidden arm in the back of his pants.

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Quotes

Alamo Soldier: Never thought I live to see the day Johnny Stroud would turn yellow.
2nd Alamo Soldier: Who said he is?
Alamo Soldier: He's runnin' out, isn't he?
3rd Alamo Soldier: Did you ever figure it might take more nerve to leave than to stay?
4th Alamo Soldier: The worse that can happen to you is that somebody will say you died a hero. That man's going to called a coward the rest of his life.
Alamo Soldier: Then why's he leavin'?
2nd Alamo Soldier: We drew lots. Johnny always was unlucky.

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Connections

Featured in Budd Boetticher: A Man Can Do That (2005)

User Reviews

a ferocious western with an ethical bite

By chance, June clouds threatening, I sat down and watched this entertaining western on a Saturday afternoon. An earlier commentator ended his praise for this film by noting that it is "an excellent western for a Saturday afternoon." And it was. The ethical dilemma of leaving a field of battle (in this case the Alamo)to try and save the lives of loved ones is a powerful theme. The repercussions to John Stroud, Ford's weary but stalwart character, are scorn, accusations of cowardice and worse. The best part of the film are the sweeping shots of the Texas plains. The movie is well-composed, capturing the majestic plains and hills with a strength of purpose that demands an emotional response. One of the early films of Jeanne Cooper, who is a favorite of mine.