The Last Command | |
---|---|
Directed by | Frank Lloyd |
Screenplay by | Warren Duff Allen Rivkin |
Story by | Sy Bartlett |
Produced by | Frank Lloyd |
Starring | Sterling Hayden Anna Maria Alberghetti Richard Carlson Arthur Hunnicutt Ernest Borgnine J. Carrol Naish |
Cinematography | Jack A. Marta |
Edited by | Tony Martinelli |
Music by | Max Steiner |
Color process | Trucolor |
Production company | |
Distributed by | Republic Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 110 minutes |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
The Last Command is a 1955 American Western film directed by Frank Lloyd starring Sterling Hayden, Anna Maria Alberghetti, Richard Carlson, Arthur Hunnicutt, Ernest Borgnine and J. Carrol Naish based on the life of Jim Bowie and the Battle of the Alamo.
Plot
In the 1830s Mexican Texas, Jim Bowie arrives in a town where some disaffected Texians are discussing their increasingly harsh treatment by the Mexican authorities. When news arrives that William Travis has been arrested, several men decide to take action, but they calm down after Bowie identifies himself and suggests they be more patient. Bowie confronts the provincial governor Juan Almonte, who has known for a long time, and convinces Almonte to free Travis.
He takes Travis to a meeting of Texians at the home of Lorenzo de Quesada. Quesada says many Mexicans are concerned about General Santa Anna returning Mexico to its more despotic past. Travis tells them when Stephen F. Austin went to Mexico City to complain that he was arrested and that they must take up arms. Quesada says that, although he agrees with their aims, he cannot condone armed rebellion. Bowie admits that he is a Mexican citizen and landowner, and is married to the daughter of a Mexican Lieutenant Governor. When Travis accuses Bowie and Quesada of urging caution for their own self-interest, Bowie becomes and angry and leaves. As he is readying his horse in the stable, Quesada's daughter, Consuelo, arrives to warn him that some of the men from the meeting are intending to stop him leaving. Bowie defeats Mike Radin in a knife fight, after which Radin changes his mind about Bowie.
When Bowie arrives at the Molclava, the nearest town to his ranch, he is at first invited, and when he refuses, arrested, and taken to Santa Anna, with whom he is on friendly terms. Over drinks, they discuss Santa Anna's actions, and the reasons for them, and Bowie's concerns. Bowie says Santa Anna needs to return to the 1824 constitution, be less despotic, and free Austin. Santa Anna says he will think about it. As Bowie is about to leave, Santa Anna tells Bowie that the real reason he had to see him was to tell Bowie that his wife and children have died of the plague. After Bowie leaves in shock, Santa Anna orders Austin to be released, but Texas to be fortified with soldiers, especially San Antonio. Any armed Texian rebels are to be shot.
Some time later, after wandering alone for a while, Bowie meets Austin who is on his way home after being released. Austin is resolved to incite armed rebellion. Bowie says that, while he agrees that such action is inevitable, he will go his own way alone for now. Austin informs the Texians that they must fight. Quesada has already decided that Consuelo must go to San Antonio for safety.
While Bowie and a band of Texians are trailing a Mexican patrol, they are joined by young Jeb Lacey who Bowie had met previously at Quesada's home. Lacey tells Bowie that he could not get into San Antonio because the Texians had it surrounded and were trying to fight their way in. Bowie says despite having only 25 men against 100 Mexicans, they must stop the patrol getting to San Antonio or the Texians will be attacked from the rear. Bowie's men win the battle and head to San Antonio. On the way he meets Radin who tells them the Texians won the battle and have taken over San Antonio. In the Quesada home outside San Antonio, Consuelo talks to her father and Travis. When it becomes clear Travis still does not trust Bowie, Consuelo strongly defends him.
When Bowie arrives at a party for the Texians at Quesada's home, Travis says that General Cos has left and promised not to return. Bowie does not believe Cos's promise and says that even with Bowie's men there are only 125 Texians, which is not enough. The argument gets heated before Consuelo interrupts. Shortly after two of Quesadas men arrive and say that Santa Anna and 1000 Mexican troops are on their way. Travis and Bowie, both colonels in the Army of Texas, continuing arguing until Radin suggests the garrison vote for their commander. Bowie wins and Travis becomes his second in command. Bowie drafts a letter to his commanding officer, Sam Houston, saying they must hold San Antonio and that he and Travis will be co-commanders. Travis is surprised but agrees to sign the letter. Just then Davy Crockett arrives, but instead of the expected 1000 men, Crockett only has 29.
The Texians fortify the Alamo mission with many residents of San Antonio taking refuge inside. Bowie tries to convince Consuelo to leave, but she stays because she is in love with him. Santa Anna's army besieges the Alamo and requests Bowie to meet him under a flag of truce. They agree that events have spiralled out of control, but Bowie refuses to surrender the Alamo or to sit out the battle as Santa Anna's prisoner. Santa Anna agrees to let the women and children leave in peace, but Captain Dickinson's wife and Consuelo refuse to go.
Later Bowie is severely injured when seizing a Mexican cannon and bringing it back to the mission. Messengers return with the news that they will not receive any reinforcements in time to help them. With his health failing Bowie cedes full command to Travis. Travis sends a message to Sam Houston, telling them their situation is hopeless. Bowie says to send Lacey with the message. Knowing Lacey is in love with Consuelo he gives him a letter and tells him not to open it until he has delivered the message. The letter says to not give up hope on Consuelo.
As Sam Houston is reading news of the loss of the Alamo to his men, the women who have survived arrive. Lacey goes to Consuelo who is glad to see him.
Cast
- Sterling Hayden as Jim Bowie
- Anna Maria Alberghetti as Consuelo de Quesada
- Richard Carlson as William Barret Travis
- Arthur Hunnicutt as Davy Crockett
- Ernest Borgnine as Mike Radin
- J. Carrol Naish as Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna
- Ben Cooper as Jeb Lacey
- John Russell as Capt. Almaron Dickinson
- Virginia Grey as Mrs. Dickinson
- Jim Davis as Ben Evans
- Eduard Franz as Lorenzo de Quesada
- Otto Kruger as Stephen F. Austin
- Russell Simpson as The Parson
- Roy Roberts as Dr. Summerfield
- Slim Pickens as Abe
- Hugh Sanders as Sam Houston
- Charles Stevens as Villager (uncredited)
- Ken Terrell as Defender (uncredited)
Production
John Wayne
The project first emerged at Republic Films in 1948 as The Alamo, written by Patrick Ford, John Ford's son as a vehicle for the studio's biggest star, John Wayne.[1] In 1950 it was announced Wayne would produce, direct and star in the film.[2][3] The project was going to be filmed after Wayne did The Quiet Man for Republic; Paul Fix and James Edward Grant had reworked the script.[4]
"I've always wanted to direct ever since I came into pictures", said Wayne, who had just begun producing with The Bullfighter and the Lady.[5] He planned to make the film in Tucana, Mexico.[6] Robert Clarke was announced for a key role.[7]
However Republic Pictures head Herbert Yates and Wayne clashed. Wayne wanted to film the project in Mexico but Yates wanted to shoot it in Texas. Wayne was also unhappy that Yates wanted the actor to make the film for Republic, instead of making it for Wayne's company and distribute through Republic. It resulted in Wayne leaving Republic, an association that had existed since 1935, despite the fact that Wayne had a contract to make three more films for the studio.[8][9]
"Yates will have to make me a darned good offer to make another picture with him. I'm fed up with him", said Wayne.[8]
Five years later Wayne would play Davy Crockett in, as well as direct, the three-hour-plus Todd-AO production The Alamo, released by United Artists, that featured many elements of The Last Command but was also flawed with historical inaccuracies in its screenplay.
Shooting
Yates decided to rework the Alamo project with other actors. Republic were not making many films in 1954 but the Alamo project was key to the year.[10] The movie was also known as The Unconquered Territory, The Texian, The Alamo and San Antonio Bexar. Frank Lloyd became attached to direct.[11]
Filming started February 1955.[12] William Witney shot the battle scenes near Fort Clark, Texas.[13][14]
San Antonio's Sol Frank Uniform company made uniforms for the extras depicting the Mexican Army. For the foot soldiers 260 uniforms in sky blue, a color designed for the benefit of the Trucolor cameras, with red facings and 160 red uniforms with blue facings for the mounted soldiers.[citation needed]
Soundtrack
Max Steiner's theme song for The Last Command, "Jim Bowie", is sung by musical star Gordon MacRae, who that year was starring in the smash hit film Oklahoma!, adapted from the famous Rodgers and Hammerstein musical. Steiner's score also re-imagines El Degüello, the Mexican song of no quarter as a bugle call.
Reception
The Los Angeles Times called it "an exciting, vigorous attraction".[15]
References
- ^ METRO ACQUIRES NEW RAINE STORY New York Times 17 Mar 1948: 31.
- ^ ROLE IN WAR PATH' TO EDMOND O'BRIEN New York Times 5 Aug 1950: 9.
- ^ Thompson, Frank Alamo Movies 1994 Republic of Texas Press
- ^ Drama: John Wayne to Direct 'Alamo' in Fall Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 21 Feb 1951: B11.
- ^ Actor or Not, Wayne Hits Screen Jackpot: Style All His Own Works Miracles for Strong, Silent Man of Outdoors Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 4 Mar 1951: D1.
- ^ COAST'S STARS SUCCUMB TO THE DIRECTING URGE By HELEN GOULD HOLLYWOOD New York Times 15 July 1951: X3.
- ^ Drama: Ford, Darnell Hailed for Costarring; Steve McNally 'Courier' Lead Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 27 Sep 1951: A7.
- ^ a b Actor Wayne Finally Splits With Republic By Bob Thomas. The Washington Post 17 Nov 1952: 2.
- ^ Richard Carlson Gets Lead in Epic of Texas Life Hopper, Hedda. Chicago Daily Tribune 14 Jan 1955: a8
- ^ NEW 5-YEAR PACT FOR VAN JOHNSON New York Times 4 May 1954: 36.
- ^ Drama: Frank Lloyd Readying 'Texian;' Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 15 Apr 1954: A13.
- ^ Louella Parrsons: Starlet and Studio Both Get Excited The Washington Post and Times-Herald 30 Dec 1954: 35.
- ^ "Forget the Alamo". September 11, 2010. Archived from the original on February 4, 2019. Retrieved February 4, 2019.
- ^ Tarantino, Quentin (April 6, 2020). "I Escaped from Devil's Island". The New Beverly Cinema. Archived from the original on August 19, 2020. Retrieved April 7, 2020.
- ^ Hayden Heads Vigorous Cast in "Last Command" Scott, John L. Los Angeles Times 13 Oct 1955: B15.