Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Shulgasser-Parker
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Legend of famous hero has outdated cultural references.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier
What's the Story?
DAVY CROCKETT, KING OF THE WILD FRONTIER is a rambling narrative that follows real-life Tennessee frontier hero Crockett (Fess Parker) as he volunteers with the army to use his scouting and hunting skills to help track and conquer "Injuns" who are still fighting white settlers despite peace treaties. Crockett says he has no beef with the "redskins." He just wants to live in peace with them, as long as both sides abide by the treaty. He does his best to broker peace with a hold-out chief, but not until the two engage in hand-to-hand combat. Later, as a congressman in Washington, Crockett denounces President Andrew Jackson's reversal of the peace policy with Native Americans, a government-sanctioned push to destroy the Native American culture in the name of American expansionism. Crockett's adventures with his friend George Russell (Buddy Ebsen) take them both to Texas, where American settlers vainly try to fight off the Mexican army in a battle for control of then-Mexican Texas, which would later become the Republic of Texas and finally an American state. History tells us Crockett died with scores of other men at the fort, but the movie deliberately suggests a happy ending, before Crockett dies, implying he survived.
Is It Any Good?
This movie presents a lovable, courageous, smart, and charming hero, which makes this movie surprisingly watchable despite biases common to the 1950s. Crockett was, in fact, one of the most famous men in 19th century America and he did it all, from hunting and fighting to legislating in Congress to defending the Alamo. Disney had resurrected the rugged frontiersman for a short-lived TV series and after that offered Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier and its sequel, Davy Crockett and the River Pirates of 1956, all of which ignited a passion for coonskin hats among children of the day. Today, young kids who like horses and the outdoors may find much to enjoy here, and the film could provide a great introduction to a discussion of the way the federal government historically mistreated Native Americans.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the way that pioneers and frontier settlers are portrayed. Does Davy Crockett: King of the Wild Frontier give a sense of how difficult it must have been for courageous people to start lives in the wilderness? Would it be possible to do this today?
What are some of the character strengths that Davy Crockett displays? Does he seem brave? Does he seem wise? Does he seem appealing? What are some things you like or don't like about him?
Davy says when he follows his gut about doing the right thing, he sometimes has to do the difficult thing. What are some difficult things he does in the movie? What are some difficult things you've had to do?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 25, 1955
- On DVD or streaming : September 7, 2004
- Cast : Fess Parker , Buddy Ebsen
- Director : Norman Foster
- Studio : Disney+
- Genre : Western
- Character Strengths : Courage
- Run time : 93 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : January 28, 2020
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