“The Martyrs of the Alamo” is a silent film released in 1915, which tells the story of the Battle of the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, during the Texas Revolution. The movie is considered to be one of the earliest examples of the Hollywood epic genre, and it was directed by Christy Cabanne and produced by D.W. Griffith.
The film begins with the arrival of William Travis, Jim Bowie, and Davy Crockett at the Alamo, which was a former mission that had been converted into a fort by the Texian rebels. The three heroes become friends and prepare to defend the fort against the Mexican army led by General Santa Anna.
The Texans are outnumbered and outgunned, but they fight fiercely and hold off the Mexican army for 13 days. During this time, tensions rise within the Alamo as some of the defenders begin to question whether they should continue fighting or surrender. Travis famously draws a line in the sand and asks all those who are willing to stay and fight to cross it. All of the men do, including Crockett and Bowie, who are later killed in battle.
The final battle is depicted in great detail, with the Texans bravely fighting to the last man. The film ends with the Mexican army victorious and the Alamo in ruins. However, the sacrifice of the Texans at the Alamo inspired others to join the fight for Texas independence, and the film ends with a caption that reads, “Their heroic struggle inspired the birth of Texas.”
“The Martyrs of the Alamo” was a critical and commercial success, and it helped establish Hollywood’s reputation for producing epic films. The movie remains a classic and is considered to be an important part of Texas history, as it tells the story of the brave Texans who fought and died for their independence.
Directors:
Christy Cabanne
Writer:
Christy CabanneTheodosia Harris
Stars:
Sam De Grasse, Allan Sears, Walter Long
