
The Alamo: Thirteen Days to Glory
1987

Representation Score
Minimal
1986
Not RatedDirector
Peter Levin
Runtime
144 minutes
Average Rating
No ratings yetNew Showbiz Analysis
Houston: The Legend of Texas is a traditional historical biopic that focuses on the foundational narratives of nation-building. It adheres to the standard Western genre conventions of the 1980s, centering on the life of Sam Houston and the rebellion against Mexico. The film reinforces established hierarchies of leadership and patriotism. It highlights masculine-coded conflicts and political strategies, presenting a celebratory view of state-building rather than a critical or diverse perspective. While the story includes Mexican leadership, it sticks to the typical frontier themes of the era. The production serves more as a celebration of historical heroes than a critique of the period’s social structures.
Category Breakdown
The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or stories. It follows the traditional heterosexual-focused social norms of the mid-19th century and 1980s TV standards.
The story emphasizes military leadership and political strategies. It reinforces traditional masculine leadership through the main character, Sam Houston, and his male colleagues.
The film addresses the racial tensions during the Texas Revolution. Although Mexican leaders are part of the story, it follows the typical frontier themes of the time.
This film celebrates the founding of Texas as a historical myth. It upholds traditional Western values of patriotism and heroism without questioning the underlying institutions.
There is no information about the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities in this production.
Present on Screen
Limited or Absent
Official Synopsis
Sam Elliot stars as Sam Houston, the visionary who nearly single-handedly forged the state of Texas into a powerful entity in its own right. Refusing to forget the Alamo (as if anyone could), Houston led the military in Texas' rebellion against Mexico. G.D. Spradlin co-stars as President Andrew Jackson, with Michael Beck appearing as Jim Bowie, James Stephens as Stephen Austin, and Richard Yniguez as Mexican General Santa Anna. Lensed on location in the Lone Star state, this sweeping made-for-TV film originally occupied three hours' screen time on November 22, 1986. Its title at that time was Houston: The Legend of Texas. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

1987

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1988
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