Davy Crockett: King of the Wild Frontier (1955)

Davy Crockett: King of the Wild Frontier (1955)

“Davy Crockett don’t lie.”

Synopsis:
After showing off his mettle by fighting a bear in the wild, frontiersman Davy Crockett (Fess Parker) and his pal George Russel (Buddy Ebsen) play pivotal roles in American history by helping General Andrew Jackson (Basil Ruysdael) battle and then sign a peace treaty with the Muscogee Indians; joining Congress to fight corruption and unfair seizure of Cherokee lands; and helping to defend the Texas Alamo against attacks from Mexican troops.

Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:

  • Fess Parker Films
  • Hans Conried Films
  • Native Americans
  • Westerns

Review:
This compilation of the first few installments of Disney’s five-part television serial about folk legend Davy Crockett offers a fairly seamless adventure tale which is nonetheless clearly divided into three distinct episodes from Crockett’s life: his involvement in the Creek War

his controversial service as a congressman from Tennessee…

and his participation in the Battle of the Alamo.

Parker comes across as appropriately humble, stalwart and brave, and we appreciate his authentic respect for the Native Americans he interacts with.

However, this film likely won’t be of much interest to modern film fanatics given that it was clearly marketed at youth audiences of the day — who responded by kicking off an absolute mania for Davy Crockett paraphernalia, especially coonskin caps.

Fair warning: the title song is guaranteed to remain stuck in your head for hours or days after watching this film (I’m humming it to myself right now…).

Redeeming Qualities and Moments:

  • Fine Technicolor cinematography

Must See?
No; you can skip this one unless you’re curious or nostalgic.

Links:

2 thoughts on “Davy Crockett: King of the Wild Frontier (1955)

  1. ⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    A classic from my childhood and a firm favourite back then even if it’s an historical whitewash. Parker is great as the title character. Very enjoyable western for all the family but not must see.

  2. First viewing. Not must-see.

    Rather standard Disney fare of the period. Those interested in the actual history covered would be better off studying it elsewhere rather than watching this 90-minute wrap-up. FFs needn’t hunt it down.

Leave a Reply