Touches You

For all the hype it got I was expecting a lot more!

it is finally so absorbing because it plays like a lyrical road odyssey that’s also a detective story.

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties.

I remember the summer of 1955 when this movie was THE movie of that summer, and when I felt it was a must to have a rabbit-skin cap and a Davy Crockett suit, all of which my mother bought me, and it was all because of the influence of that unforgettable movie. As much as I liked it, and as much as I play it now on my own video tape of it, it was definitely not your typical Walt Disney movie, like "Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs", and "Pollyanna"; the latter came along later. (Who would have ever connected Kenneth Tobey, who portrayed Jim Bowie, with a Disney movie, or Helene Stanley, who played the small role of Davy's wife Polly, since she was a lady who did often play not-so-nice girls?) Basil Ruysdael performed well the role of the then pre-president Andrew Jackson, and in these his pre-"Beverley Hillbillies" days, Buddy Ebsen was excellent as Crockett's sometimes-comical sidekick George Russell, and the large Don MacGowan was convincing as Colonel Travis the second-in-command to Bowie. Hans Conreid did a good turn as the shifty riverboat gambler, who perhaps surprisingly was very brave at the Alamo. Nobody else could have played Crockett as well as did the large Fess Parker; Crockett was a sometimes-rough man, but always good-hearted and honest. The movie followed well the man's life, all the way from his resolving the Creek Indian wars in 1814, to Davy's term in Congress where the man with butchered English expressed himself articulately and bravely his negative feeling about the Indian Bill when expansion was on everyone's minds, then to the battle at the Alamo in 1836. Again, some of the actors were rough and brave, and the fighting Mexicans at the Alamo were as mean as they could be. What also stood out to me was the song toward the end entitled "Farewell", which was soothing and beautiful in its own right. Definitely, an outstanding production.

I'm far too young to have experienced the Davy Crockett craze that kids in the '50s got to experience. However, I did first see this movie (which is compiled from three episodes of the TV series "Disneyland") as a boy. In the small town where I grew up, teachers would often show movies to us kids whenever it was raining outside and we couldn't go out for recess or if there was a substitute teacher or maybe if the regular teacher just didn't bother with a lesson plan that day. Whatever the reason, they would show us movies and cartoons from time to time. Usually these were Disney movies and among the ones I have the most distinct and pleasant memories of is Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier. As I said, the movie is compiled of three episodes from TV so it's broken into three parts. The first part deals with Crockett the Indian fighter. The second part is about Crockett the politician. The third part is about Crockett at The Alamo. Not surprisingly, this final part is the best and most exciting of the three. The first part is fun, too, if you're not an easily offended type. The second part is a little dull but amusing at times. Fess Parker is great in the role of his career. Buddy Ebsen is fun as his comic relief sidekick. Hans Conried, Kenneth Tobey, Mike Mazurki, and Don Megowan are all part of the good cast. It's a beautiful-looking movie, filmed on location with that wonderful Disney polish. Love the timeless theme song, too. It's a little corny and aimed at kids but lots of fun if you're in the right frame of mind for it. Those with sanctimonious attitudes towards historical figures will hate it.

I had not seen the movie since I was a kid. I purchased the DVD and wondered if it would remain on the shelf forever with the many "I must watch one day" movies. At first I thought how bad the movie was. I have found before that Disney early movies were not really well made and the effects are pretty awful. There are scenes that are terrible, such as the "alligator attacking "sequence. Even the late, great Steve Irwin was not that good.The early scenes of the Indians were terrible.The white guys come across as racist bigots. I found myself just hoping the indians would win. I felt angry with Crocket for killing a beautiful bear. The world has changed and so have our attitudes. Thank heavens. At first I thought that this movie is terrible and in many ways it is. The history is woeful. The funny thing is that as the movie grows on you and you start to warm to it. The reason is simple. Fess Parker is delightful. It is him and him alone that carries the film. THe man is handsome and gives a superb under stated performance. He is Davey Crocket. Buddy Epstein is great too. There are scenes that are just too awful for words but sit back and enjoy the central performance. He is superb and very under rated. THe scenery is lovely; I wonder if its covered by real estate today. I hope not.

Wow, was this big stuff back in the mid '50s. I remember my little brother walking around with his coonskin cap on all day. This was exciting material back then, and when we were young boys. When we first saw this, it wasn't one film but three episodes on the weekly "Disneyland" TV program.Looking at it 50 years later was a bit disappointing, but I should have expected that. It looks so dated and the story ends so abruptly. However, it was still fun to watch, not just a piece of nostalgia.It's almost refreshing to see such a likable, old-fashioned, God-honoring hero on screen again. You certainly don't see a lot of that today.The grammar is so bad in here with Davy (Fess Parker) and his buddy "George" (Buddy Ebsen) and the expressions so country-corn pone that you can't believe some of the things you hear!The best part for us old codgers might be that Davy Crockett theme song. Tough to get that out of your head, once it's in there.