Davy Crockett (TV)
"Davy Crockett (TV)" refers to a miniseries produced by Disney that aired as part of the Disneyland television series in the 1950s. Starring Fess Parker as the legendary frontiersman and Buddy Ebsen as his sidekick George Russell, the series consists of three episodes: "Davy Crockett, Indian Fighter," "Davy Crockett Goes to Congress," and "Davy Crockett at the Alamo." The show blends fact and fiction, presenting a dramatized version of Crockett's life, including his political career and his ultimate sacrifice at the Battle of the Alamo. Initially broadcast in black and white, it was among the first color television productions and sparked considerable interest in American frontier history, particularly among children. The series not only revitalized interest in Davy Crockett but also inspired a cultural phenomenon, with children dressing in coonskin caps and singing the hit anthem "The Ballad of Davy Crockett." Its impact extended beyond entertainment, encouraging a new generation to read about historical figures and the Old West. Overall, the series played a significant role in shaping the narrative of American folklore and its portrayal in popular culture.
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Davy Crockett (TV)
Identification Television program about the life and adventures of the early nineteenth century frontier hero
Date Aired from 1954 to 1955
Producer Bill Walsh
Director Norman Foster
The Disney production represented the first television program that had a tangible commercial impact on the buying interests of children. Commercial “spin-offs” and hype set off a buying mania of Crockett material among the general public and increased interest in U.S. and Texas history. Moreover, the program’s emphasis on Crockett’s efforts to free Texas from Mexico held resonance for an American public living in the shadow of the Korean War and Cold War.
Key Figures
Bill Walsh (1913-1975), producerNorman Foster (1900-1976), director
The real-life Davy Crockett was an authentic frontier hero of early nineteenth century history, considered as such even during his own lifetime. Born in Greene County, Tennessee, Crockett was a strong supporter of farmers and homesteaders all his life. In 1813, he fought with General Andrew Jackson in the Creek War, an event that became the basis for part of the later television series.
In 1821, Crockett was elected to the state legislature. Though he had strong support among his local constituency, he was defeated in a bid for Congress in 1825. However, in 1827 he was elected. His most notable political achievement was his support of a land bill that allowed homesteaders to purchase land at a reasonable price. Breaking with President Andrew Jackson over the issue, he was defeated in 1830. In 1836, Crockett went to Texas, where, on March 6, he was killed while defending the Alamo.
Television Hero
Disney created Davy Crockett as a “miniseries” within the Disneyland television series and designed the series to promote the Frontierland attraction at Disneyland. The program consisted only of three episodes, “Davy Crockett, Indian Fighter,” “Davy Crockett Goes to Congress,” and “Davy Crockett at the Alamo,” which aired over a three-month period. The episodes were later combined into a movie, with the addition of two “prequels,” and continued to appear sporadically in syndication. The series starred Fess Parker as Crockett and Buddy Ebsen as his sidekick, George Russell. It was one of the first programs to be filmed in color, although the show initially was broadcast only in black and white. Each episode was self-contained and presented a fictionalized account of Crockett’s life and events related to a certain period or milestone in his life. The final show ended as Crockett was shown swinging his gun at the Mexican soldiers pouring into the fort.
Impact
While Davy Crockett was well known among historians, and the story of the Alamo had a life of its own among Texans, younger generations were not as familiar with his story. The widespread popularity of the programs generated a renewed interest in this facet of American history. Children flocked to libraries in droves not only to learn about Crockett but also to read about the Old West and historical figures such as Annie Oakey, Buffalo Bill, and Sitting Bull.
Moreover, although the Crockett series was one of several Western-genre shows included on weekly Disney programming, its commercialization set it apart from the others. The anthem of the series, “The Ballad of Davy Crockett,” became one of the most popular hits of the year. Children carried lunch boxes and wore coonskin caps and T-shirts depicting the character. The program became a national phenomenon.
Bibliography
Aaker, Everett. Television Western Players of the Fifties: A Biographical Encyclopedia of All Regular Cast Members in Western Series, 1949-1959. Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland, 1997. Collection of brief biographies of television actors, including those on Davy Crockett.
D’Angelo, Ruby. Television’s Cowboys, Gunfighters, and Cap Pistols. Iola, Wis.: Krause, 1999. Details several television Westerns of the 1950’s and 1960’s that were based on real-life heroes. Also includes biographies of the historical characters and photographs and price guides for promotional toys and outfits that have since become collectibles.
Davis, William. Three Roads to the Alamo: The Lives and Fortunes of David Crockett, James Bowie, and William Barret Travis. New York: HarperCollins, 1999. Serves as a biography for three pivotal figures in the Alamo battle.