Blog #357: Which is the better “Alamo” Adaptation to show a Special Education US History
- Jeffrey Snyder
- Aug 21, 2023
- 4 min read
“Remember the Alamo!”
That’s the cry that was made out after the 13 day Siege of the Alamo in Texas ended which resulted in Mexico slaughtering all of the 185 defenders including Davy Crockett, William Travis and Jim Bowier. Studying the War for Texas Independence is something that is usually covered in History classes. Much like the American Revolution, it’s a war for independence from tyranny, such as in this case, Mexico and it’s dictator Santa Anna.
When it comes to special education history classes, teachers will of course want to add a motion picture to their curriculum. However, there are two versions of the Alamo that stand out the most. And those are the versions I'[l be discussing today.
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Option #1: “The Alamo” (1960)
Looking at the 1960 version of “The Alamo,” it’s a very grand film and among its stellar cast included John Wayne as Davy Crockett, Laurence Harvey as William Travis and Richard Widmark as Jim Bowie.
You can also tell that there was a lot of passion put into this film, particularly from the part of John Wayne himself. In fact, he had an entire replica of the Alamo built on his property and had spent time, effort and money to make it happen.
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But looking at the 1960 version, you get the point of view from the Alamo defenders and what they are going through: they are trying to buy Sam Houston (Richard Boone) time to whip his army into shape and when it seems like that they would be given the option to leave after reinforcements are killed, they opt to stay and fight to the bitter end. Students will immediately sympathize with the defenders because they are hyper focused on weakening the Mexican army as much as they can, even though they have exceeded their efforts.
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Students will also learn that there is internal conflict in all walks of life as demonstrated between Col. Travis and Jim Bowie with Crockett being the mediator. But there will be a time to put that conflict aside when there is something far more important to focus on such as defending the Alamo.
The next important factor is the importance that there is a hereafter after we pass on. The 1960 version has a spiritual vibe to it that can sort of help the student relax whatever is going on in their minds. In fact, after the defenders basically sign their death warrants (by staying to fight), one of them, Beekeeper (Chill Wills) wonders if St. Peter will slam the pearly gates right in his face for all the sins he had committed. This goes to show that there is a commitment to our respective faith and we have to believe in that faith.
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Finally, students will also learn why there are always going to be protected by parents or guardians even if they don’t feel like being protected. This is demonstrated through the character of Smitty (Frankie Avalon) who is sent away from the battlefield to deliver a message to Sam Houston and when he returns, he discovers that all of his comrades are dead. In a way, Smitty was the youngest of the Alamo defenders and Crockett felt that Smitty still had a lot to live for. Being the youngest in my family, I can connect with Smitty as I am always being looked out for, especially with my autism, even if I don’t want to. Students who are like me will get that immediate connection.
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Option #2: “The Alamo” (2004)
Looking at the 2004 version starring Billy Bob Thorton as Davy Crockett; Jason Patric as Jim Bowie; Patrick Wilson as Col. William Travis and Dennis Quaid as Sam Houston, the one big difference is that research was put into the study of the film. An example would be that the 1960 film had it’s climatic battle sequence done during the daytime in the early morning whereas the 2004 film had it’s battle sequence done at night as it was originally accurate.
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The next factor is that this version focused on the events leading up to the battle as well as the treatment of slavery in the film. I bring this up because in the 1960 version, Jim Bowie’s servant, Jethro, is offered the chance to go free but ends up staying to fight alongside his master and dies trying to protect him from a barrage of bayonets. This version demonstrates the slaves of Bowie (Jason Patric) and Travis (Patrick Wilson) plotting to escape to Mexico as slavery in Mexico is not legal down there and they don’t care what happens to their masters.
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Another factor is that it portrays General Santa Anna in a very perverse manner that might turn off some students greatly. Whereas the 1960 version portrays him in a gentleman manner, the 2004 version sees him as a monster who does not hesitate to kill Davy Crockett (Billy Bob Thorton) after he is taken prisoner by the Mexicans.
Ultimately, he is taken prisoner and forced to give Texas to the United States in exchange for his life at the hands of Sam Houston (Dennis Quaid).
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Finally, the battle of San Jacinto is shown in the 2004 version whereas the 1960 version does not and it gives teachers the option to have their students witness the battle that ultimately won the war for the Americans. However, something I would like to caution is that the battle was really revenge for the deaths of the Alamo defenders.
While revenge is something we all want to obtain if we get offended, special education students could get the idea that revenge is okay when in reality, it’s not. Before showing the scene, warn your students and make them aware that revenge is not okay and the only reason why revenge is taken on the Mexicans is because it’s an armed conflict and not something to be taken personally.
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So, what version of “The Alamo” do you think is best for your special education history classes? If you like something that is easier to follow and connect with characters more, I recommend the 1960 version. However, if you want a historic approach, then go for the 2004 version. In other words, do what is best for your students.
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Catch you all later!!
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