The Indian Removal Act: Movie Analysis
serve as the town’s representative. His political career begins to take off as he is asked by Andrew Jackson to run for Congress. While he is on tour, the Indian Removal Act is in the process of being passed by Congress. Davy returns just in time to deliver a powerful speech that would ultimately mean the end of his political career. Davy and George head west toward Texas. They meet up with a river boat gambler as well as a Comanche Indian who accompany them. They make it to the Alamo where Crockett meets Colonel William Travis and Colonel Jim Bowie. The volunteers are successful in holding off Santa Anna’s forces for several days; however, the men are finally overrun by sheer force of numbers. All of the men inside are slaughtered including Crockett and his companions. From the start of the movie in 1813, to the end of it in 1836, one sees many things change. Crockett starts out an Indian fighter under General Jackson’s command. He then has a seat in the United States’ Senate. Finally, his journey ends at the Alamo where he is ultimately killed. However, one of the main themes that does stay the same throughout the entire movie, is the controversy of removing the Native Americans. This time in American history is this
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movie’s key historical setting. There is no doubt that there is quite a lot of embellishing of facts in the film. The real David Crockett was much different than Fess Parker. As a tribute to Crockett, many biographers believe that there were in fact two Crockett’s. One of them was the Tennessee Representative that was also a frontiers man who fought at the Alamo. The other is the figure one sees today, the almost mythological figure that is the epitone for the true American Patriot.
3
The “Davy” Crockett that we know today is an Indian fighting, ring roaring, political mastermind that never made an indecisive decision in his life.
However, “David” Crockett was very far from this figure that one knows today. This mix up is not all film makers’ doing. Many books about Crockett were published around the time of his life. As History.com puts it, “Books about Davy Crockett, the “ring-tailed roarer” from Tennessee, sold well.” These books helped to push Crockett’s fame to the edge. People everywhere were enthralled by the back woods hunter from Tennessee. These books are what also helped him to get elected to Congress. Obviously, many of the things that are now thought of as fact are in reality far from
it. The real David Crockett was born on August 17, 1786, in East Tennessee. While he was alive, he actually preferred the name David as opposed to Davy. He was raised by a pioneer family who moved around quite a lot. According to “Narrative of the Life David Crockett of the State of Tennessee” written by Crockett himself, his father’s name was John Crockett while his mother’s was Rebehka. He was from Irish descent on his father’s side. His parents had six sons and three daughters, Crockett being the fifth son. He grew up on a farm as his father was one. Crockett also grew up very poor. This accounted for John Crockett always moving to find new work. At the age of thirteen, Crockett ran away from home for fear his father would punish him for not going to school. As a young man he joined the Lawrence County, Tennessee Militia serving as a scout. While serving here he was promoted to luetenient colonel. He served under General Andrew Jackson for a while but later returned home before the Battle of New Orleans. He differed from Jackson’s views during war time and especially later on in life. 4
Crockett served as the Lawrence County Town Commissioner and magistrate; however it was only in 1821, when Crockett was elected into the Tennessee Legislature that he would start making an impact on Americans. This marked the point in his life that he would start to actually be recognized. His political career began to take shape. He was re-elected to the legislature in 1823 but lost in the 1825 election. Although he lost the election, this did not hurt his chances. In 1827 he was elected into the House of Representatives. Tennesseeencyclopedia.net says, “He campaigned as an honest country boy and an extraordinary hunter and marksman--someone who was in every sense a "straight shooter.”’ This image that he had built helped him again in the election of 1829. The Indian Removal Act hurt Crockett’s chances of re-election. He very strongly opposed the bill even with then President Jackson backing it. Because of this he lost the 1831 election. However, in 1833 he was elected for a third term in Congress. This would be the last time he would be voted into office. In 1835, he was beaten by a lawyer named Adam Huntsman. This defeat would dishearten him to the point of leaving for new territory. In 1836, Crockett would leave Tennessee to go to Texas. This would be the last move that he would ever have to make. David Crockett: His Life and Adventures by John S. C. Abbott says’ “The fortress of Alamo is just outside of the town of Bexar, on the San Antonio River.” This place called the Alamo was an old Spanish Mission that the Texans had made into a make-shift fort. The Texans there were the last line of defense against Santa Anna and his army. These men were able to hold off a huge army for a staggering thirteen days before finally being
5
overrun. All of the Texans, including Crockett, met their demise that day. The Alamo would forever be remembered as the true testimony to the American Dream. It is the epitome of fighting for freedom and liberty. “Davy” Crockett and “David” Crockett are two very different people. Davy is the product of tall tales and legends about a larger than life character that went about doing as much goo as a person could do. He is everything that movie goers and western expansion enthusiasts want him to be. He had only one thought in his mind when he journeyed to Texas with his little party, fighting for freedom. Davy made a valient last stand on the steps of the Alamo swinging an empty rifle at enemy troops in a last ditch effort to fight. Disney’s “Davy Crockett: King of the Wild Frontier” makes Davy look better than any man could possibly be. This, of course, is not historically accurate; however, the movie does get the main concept of Crockett’s life right. While some of the details and exploits are embellished quite a lot, the major plot theme is fairly accurate. One example of the movie getting something right is the fact that Crockett did fight in the Creek Indian War. Crockett served as a scout in the army for a good number of years. He was also promoted to colonel during this war. Crockett served under General Andrew Jackson for a time, but since he did not like what Jackson was doing to the Indians, he was discharged and went back home. This would be the last time Crockett would serve under General Jackson while in the army. 6
Another example is after the war was over Crockett made a move to Lawrence County and became magistrate there. While he was there, his wife died, leaving him in agony. He continued up the chain and became a representative in the Tennessee States Legislature. He represented both Lawrence and Hickman Counties in Tennessee. The movie skips with Crockett being asked by Jackson to run for Congress. He accepts and is seen in Washington delivering his first speech in the House of Representatives. The movie skips to Jackson being in his second term. One can only assume that during this time skip all of the other elections have already taken place. The viewer finds Crockett in what will be his final term in congress. This is largely due to the controversy surrounding the Indian Removal Act. Crockett speaks out against the bill which in the end cost him his seat in the House of Representatives. Finally, David Crockett did go to Texas. He arrived at the Alamo with a small company of men that he had brought with him. As with the movie, Crockett is said to have taken on a leadership role. Tennesseeenccyclopedia.net says, “Travis wrote that during the first bombardment, Crockett was everywhere in the Alamo, encouraging the men to fight and fulfill their duties.” Colonel William Travis was one of the commanding officers at the Alamo. He could see first-hand what was going on during the battles. While Crockett never had a standing rank, he still encouraged the men within the walls to not give up and to keep on fighting. This corresponds greatly with the film’s account of the Alamo. While the major plot theme for the movie corresponds quite accurately with David Crockett’s life, most of the details are either: exaggerated, taken out, or put in. One example of
7
a detail being put in is George Russel. David Crockett did not have a George Russel in his life. Russel is a fictional character put in the plot by Disney. This was probably for audience approval porpuses. Disney seemed to think that the main character needed a successful second character to make the movie more enjoyable. This is also true for some of the othe characters. Crocket did not serve under Major Tobias Norton; instead, he was part of Major Coffee’s regiment. The two men that Davy meets on the way to Texas, a river boat gambler and a Comanche, are fictual as well. Crockett carried around twelve men to fight at the Alamo with him. It was not a mesely four people. One other character that was also made up was Red Stick, the Creek Chief who wanted to fight the army to the last. While there are no records of an Indian Chief named Red Stick, the term was not completely fabricated. The term “Red Stick” was used as another name for the Creek Indian War. It was also used for naming a particular sect of Indians that fought with United States’ Forces in many battles. Another inaccurate part of the film were the actors. The “Davy” Crockett protrayed in the movie differs quiete a bit from “David” Crockett. David Crockett looks next to nothing like Davy Crockett potrayed by Fess Parker. Fess Parker was measured to be almost 6 feet 6 inches tall. This is quite a bit taller than the real Crockett who was between five feet ten inches to six feet tall according to. Not only was Parker taller than Crockett, he also did not resemble him at all. General Andrew Jackson was another one. While Basil Ruysbael and General Jackson Are similar in height, over six feet tall, Ruysbael is not the best match for
8
Jackson. While the film did bring to life Jackson’s disgust for Indians, he does not resemble the real Jackson very well. A final detail that the film got wrong was Davy’s dress. In the movie, Davy said to George, “Do you think I can go in there dressed like any self-respecting Congressman, no. I got to go in there like the wild frontier thanks to you.” This is a common misconception about David Crockett. As a Congressman, he always had on appropriate apparel that a Congressman should have been dressed. He always had on nice apparel. Thus, the notion that David Crockett, the Congressman from the backwoods of Tennessee, dressed in his buckskins on the Congress floor is totally untrue. I personally knew quite a bit about the historical setting of this film before I watched it. I had already known about the War of 1812 and the events that surrounded it. I also have always known about Andrew Jackson’s presidency. In addition to knowing about President Andrew Jackson, I also knew about Andrew Jackson as a man. For example, I knew that Jackson was a General during the War of 1812. I also knew that he once challenged Charles Dickinson to a dual and killed him. Along-side of Andrew Jackson, I had also known about David Crockett. I had always known that Crockett was a legendary figure. I also knew that while he was born and raised in the Tennessee back woods, he was also a Congressman. I also knew about his life while in Tennessee. For example, I have always known that he was a great hunter. In addition, I also knew about Crockett going to the Alamo. 9
There were a few things that I did not know. For example, I did not know that Crockett was a scout in the war. I also learned that his wife’s name was Polly. Another example is General Andrew Jackson’s relationship with Crockett. I learned that Crockett served under Jackson. I also learned that Crockett was very much against the Indian Removal Act. I believe that one of the most compelling and effective scenes in the movie, is when Crockett rips the Indian Removal Act. This was a very powerful and moving state meant made by Davy. This signifies that Crockett would stand against this bill to the last. The viewer knows that at this moment in the film, Crockett’s career in politics was over. That is why it is so compelling. It is a man standing against something because he knows he is right. However, I believe that the most touching, emotional, and powerful scene in the film is the very last part. It is when Davy Crockett is standing on the steps of the Alamo swinging an empty rifle at the overwhelming enemy army. After Santa Anna’s army had breached the mission, they slaughtered everyone. The only one left was Crockett. In a valient last effort, he continues fighting even though he knows he cannot win. Even though this probably did not happen in real life, it still strikes the viewer with a sense of American Pride. I believe that Walt Disney was trying to make a point. I believe that the film maker wanted to express a specific view point of David Crockett. Disney made Crockett into a larger than life hero that would do anything freedom. They made Crockett into a very lovable character that everyone wants to watch.
movie’s key historical setting. There is no doubt that there is quite a lot of embellishing of facts in the film. The real David Crockett was much different than Fess Parker. As a tribute to Crockett, many biographers believe that there were in fact two Crockett’s. One of them was the Tennessee Representative that was also a frontiers man who fought at the Alamo. The other is the figure one sees today, the almost mythological figure that is the epitone for the true American Patriot.
3
The “Davy” Crockett that we know today is an Indian fighting, ring roaring, political mastermind that never made an indecisive decision in his life.
However, “David” Crockett was very far from this figure that one knows today. This mix up is not all film makers’ doing. Many books about Crockett were published around the time of his life. As History.com puts it, “Books about Davy Crockett, the “ring-tailed roarer” from Tennessee, sold well.” These books helped to push Crockett’s fame to the edge. People everywhere were enthralled by the back woods hunter from Tennessee. These books are what also helped him to get elected to Congress. Obviously, many of the things that are now thought of as fact are in reality far from
it. The real David Crockett was born on August 17, 1786, in East Tennessee. While he was alive, he actually preferred the name David as opposed to Davy. He was raised by a pioneer family who moved around quite a lot. According to “Narrative of the Life David Crockett of the State of Tennessee” written by Crockett himself, his father’s name was John Crockett while his mother’s was Rebehka. He was from Irish descent on his father’s side. His parents had six sons and three daughters, Crockett being the fifth son. He grew up on a farm as his father was one. Crockett also grew up very poor. This accounted for John Crockett always moving to find new work. At the age of thirteen, Crockett ran away from home for fear his father would punish him for not going to school. As a young man he joined the Lawrence County, Tennessee Militia serving as a scout. While serving here he was promoted to luetenient colonel. He served under General Andrew Jackson for a while but later returned home before the Battle of New Orleans. He differed from Jackson’s views during war time and especially later on in life. 4
Crockett served as the Lawrence County Town Commissioner and magistrate; however it was only in 1821, when Crockett was elected into the Tennessee Legislature that he would start making an impact on Americans. This marked the point in his life that he would start to actually be recognized. His political career began to take shape. He was re-elected to the legislature in 1823 but lost in the 1825 election. Although he lost the election, this did not hurt his chances. In 1827 he was elected into the House of Representatives. Tennesseeencyclopedia.net says, “He campaigned as an honest country boy and an extraordinary hunter and marksman--someone who was in every sense a "straight shooter.”’ This image that he had built helped him again in the election of 1829. The Indian Removal Act hurt Crockett’s chances of re-election. He very strongly opposed the bill even with then President Jackson backing it. Because of this he lost the 1831 election. However, in 1833 he was elected for a third term in Congress. This would be the last time he would be voted into office. In 1835, he was beaten by a lawyer named Adam Huntsman. This defeat would dishearten him to the point of leaving for new territory. In 1836, Crockett would leave Tennessee to go to Texas. This would be the last move that he would ever have to make. David Crockett: His Life and Adventures by John S. C. Abbott says’ “The fortress of Alamo is just outside of the town of Bexar, on the San Antonio River.” This place called the Alamo was an old Spanish Mission that the Texans had made into a make-shift fort. The Texans there were the last line of defense against Santa Anna and his army. These men were able to hold off a huge army for a staggering thirteen days before finally being
5
overrun. All of the Texans, including Crockett, met their demise that day. The Alamo would forever be remembered as the true testimony to the American Dream. It is the epitome of fighting for freedom and liberty. “Davy” Crockett and “David” Crockett are two very different people. Davy is the product of tall tales and legends about a larger than life character that went about doing as much goo as a person could do. He is everything that movie goers and western expansion enthusiasts want him to be. He had only one thought in his mind when he journeyed to Texas with his little party, fighting for freedom. Davy made a valient last stand on the steps of the Alamo swinging an empty rifle at enemy troops in a last ditch effort to fight. Disney’s “Davy Crockett: King of the Wild Frontier” makes Davy look better than any man could possibly be. This, of course, is not historically accurate; however, the movie does get the main concept of Crockett’s life right. While some of the details and exploits are embellished quite a lot, the major plot theme is fairly accurate. One example of the movie getting something right is the fact that Crockett did fight in the Creek Indian War. Crockett served as a scout in the army for a good number of years. He was also promoted to colonel during this war. Crockett served under General Andrew Jackson for a time, but since he did not like what Jackson was doing to the Indians, he was discharged and went back home. This would be the last time Crockett would serve under General Jackson while in the army. 6
Another example is after the war was over Crockett made a move to Lawrence County and became magistrate there. While he was there, his wife died, leaving him in agony. He continued up the chain and became a representative in the Tennessee States Legislature. He represented both Lawrence and Hickman Counties in Tennessee. The movie skips with Crockett being asked by Jackson to run for Congress. He accepts and is seen in Washington delivering his first speech in the House of Representatives. The movie skips to Jackson being in his second term. One can only assume that during this time skip all of the other elections have already taken place. The viewer finds Crockett in what will be his final term in congress. This is largely due to the controversy surrounding the Indian Removal Act. Crockett speaks out against the bill which in the end cost him his seat in the House of Representatives. Finally, David Crockett did go to Texas. He arrived at the Alamo with a small company of men that he had brought with him. As with the movie, Crockett is said to have taken on a leadership role. Tennesseeenccyclopedia.net says, “Travis wrote that during the first bombardment, Crockett was everywhere in the Alamo, encouraging the men to fight and fulfill their duties.” Colonel William Travis was one of the commanding officers at the Alamo. He could see first-hand what was going on during the battles. While Crockett never had a standing rank, he still encouraged the men within the walls to not give up and to keep on fighting. This corresponds greatly with the film’s account of the Alamo. While the major plot theme for the movie corresponds quite accurately with David Crockett’s life, most of the details are either: exaggerated, taken out, or put in. One example of
7
a detail being put in is George Russel. David Crockett did not have a George Russel in his life. Russel is a fictional character put in the plot by Disney. This was probably for audience approval porpuses. Disney seemed to think that the main character needed a successful second character to make the movie more enjoyable. This is also true for some of the othe characters. Crocket did not serve under Major Tobias Norton; instead, he was part of Major Coffee’s regiment. The two men that Davy meets on the way to Texas, a river boat gambler and a Comanche, are fictual as well. Crockett carried around twelve men to fight at the Alamo with him. It was not a mesely four people. One other character that was also made up was Red Stick, the Creek Chief who wanted to fight the army to the last. While there are no records of an Indian Chief named Red Stick, the term was not completely fabricated. The term “Red Stick” was used as another name for the Creek Indian War. It was also used for naming a particular sect of Indians that fought with United States’ Forces in many battles. Another inaccurate part of the film were the actors. The “Davy” Crockett protrayed in the movie differs quiete a bit from “David” Crockett. David Crockett looks next to nothing like Davy Crockett potrayed by Fess Parker. Fess Parker was measured to be almost 6 feet 6 inches tall. This is quite a bit taller than the real Crockett who was between five feet ten inches to six feet tall according to. Not only was Parker taller than Crockett, he also did not resemble him at all. General Andrew Jackson was another one. While Basil Ruysbael and General Jackson Are similar in height, over six feet tall, Ruysbael is not the best match for
8
Jackson. While the film did bring to life Jackson’s disgust for Indians, he does not resemble the real Jackson very well. A final detail that the film got wrong was Davy’s dress. In the movie, Davy said to George, “Do you think I can go in there dressed like any self-respecting Congressman, no. I got to go in there like the wild frontier thanks to you.” This is a common misconception about David Crockett. As a Congressman, he always had on appropriate apparel that a Congressman should have been dressed. He always had on nice apparel. Thus, the notion that David Crockett, the Congressman from the backwoods of Tennessee, dressed in his buckskins on the Congress floor is totally untrue. I personally knew quite a bit about the historical setting of this film before I watched it. I had already known about the War of 1812 and the events that surrounded it. I also have always known about Andrew Jackson’s presidency. In addition to knowing about President Andrew Jackson, I also knew about Andrew Jackson as a man. For example, I knew that Jackson was a General during the War of 1812. I also knew that he once challenged Charles Dickinson to a dual and killed him. Along-side of Andrew Jackson, I had also known about David Crockett. I had always known that Crockett was a legendary figure. I also knew that while he was born and raised in the Tennessee back woods, he was also a Congressman. I also knew about his life while in Tennessee. For example, I have always known that he was a great hunter. In addition, I also knew about Crockett going to the Alamo. 9
There were a few things that I did not know. For example, I did not know that Crockett was a scout in the war. I also learned that his wife’s name was Polly. Another example is General Andrew Jackson’s relationship with Crockett. I learned that Crockett served under Jackson. I also learned that Crockett was very much against the Indian Removal Act. I believe that one of the most compelling and effective scenes in the movie, is when Crockett rips the Indian Removal Act. This was a very powerful and moving state meant made by Davy. This signifies that Crockett would stand against this bill to the last. The viewer knows that at this moment in the film, Crockett’s career in politics was over. That is why it is so compelling. It is a man standing against something because he knows he is right. However, I believe that the most touching, emotional, and powerful scene in the film is the very last part. It is when Davy Crockett is standing on the steps of the Alamo swinging an empty rifle at the overwhelming enemy army. After Santa Anna’s army had breached the mission, they slaughtered everyone. The only one left was Crockett. In a valient last effort, he continues fighting even though he knows he cannot win. Even though this probably did not happen in real life, it still strikes the viewer with a sense of American Pride. I believe that Walt Disney was trying to make a point. I believe that the film maker wanted to express a specific view point of David Crockett. Disney made Crockett into a larger than life hero that would do anything freedom. They made Crockett into a very lovable character that everyone wants to watch.