THE LAST COMMAND
US, 1955, 110 minutes, Colour.
Stirling Hayden, Anna Maria Alberghetti, Richard Carlson, Arthur Hunnicutt, Ernest Borgnine, J. Carroll Naish, Virginia Grey, Jim Davis, Otto Kruger, Russell Simpson, Slim Pickens.
Directed by Frank Lloyd.
The Last Command is the story of Jim Bowie before the Alamo. He is married to a Mexican, is a Mexican citizen, a friend of General Santa Ana. When he encounters discontent in Texas, he has to take sides even though he disagrees with William B. Travis (Richard Carlson). However, he and Travis fight together with Davy Crockett (Arthur Hunnicutt) at the Alamo.
The film climaxes with the Battle of the Alamo, seen in John Wayne’s 1960 film The Alamo as well as the 2004 version. Richard Widmark played Bowie in John Wayne’s film. He was played by Jason Patrick in the 2004 version. Stirling Hayden is a solid presence in this film. Anna Maria Alberghetti, opera and musical theatre star, is the love interest. Ernest Borgnine won his Oscar this year for Marty. J. Carroll Naish gives a more sympathetic portrayal of General Santa Ana than is usual.
The film was directed by Frank Lloyd who began directing in 1914. This was his last film. He won two Oscars for best director, 1929 for The Divine Lady and 1933 for Cavalcade. He also directed the Charles Laughton- Clark Gable Mutiny on the Bounty.
1.Another western on Texas and the Alamo? Its distinguishing features? The focus on Jim Bowie?
2.The Texas settings, Mexico and Texas? San Antonio? The Alamo? The battle sequences? The musical score? Anna Maria Alberghetti singing?
3.Audience knowledge of Bowie, Davy Crockett, William B. Travis, General Santa Ana? Of the difficulties with the Texans and the Mexicans? The battle with Mexico? The Alamo? The deaths of the American heroes?
4.Stirling Hayden as Jim Bowie, the strong silent type, a Mexican citizen, married to a Mexican, his scenes with Santa Ana and their friendship? In town, the discussions of the locals about the Mexicans? The clash with Travis? The fight with Mike Radin? Some plotting to kill him? Consuelo and her warning?
5.Bowie, his interest in Mexico and Texas? His strong character? The death of his wife and children? His discussions with the Americans? The build-up to the Alamo?
6.Travis, lawyer, the concerns about the imprisonment of lawyers in Mexico? The denunciation of Santa Ana? His rousing speeches? Wanting to go to war? The others who supported him?
7.Consuelo, and her uncle, the years passing, her attraction to Jim Bowie? To the young man, the romance?
8.San Antonio, the build-up to the fight with Santa Ana, the discussions with Bowie, Santa Ana and his strong stance?
9.The arrival of the men in San Antonio, the arrival of Davy Crockett? Travis and his command? The women, Mrs Dickinson wanting to stay, Consuelo staying?
10.The scenes of the battle, the injuries, the deaths of Bowie and the others?
11.The future of Texas, its becoming a state of the Union, moving away from Mexico? A significant event in American history?
