Parents' Guide to

Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier

By Barbara Shulgasser-Parker, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 7+

Legend of famous hero has outdated cultural references.

Movie PG 1955 93 minutes
Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

  • Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier Movie: Scene #1
  • Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier Movie: Scene #2
  • Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier Movie: Scene #3

Community Reviews

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age 12+

Based on 2 parent reviews

JoeBernard57
JoeBernard57 Adult
January 20, 2023
age 16+

Disneyfied history…

To say that this movie is useful to introduce discussion about settler relations with Native people is disingenuous at best. It is a terribly inaccurate telling of the history, but most kids won’t know that and will believe it to be a true story. The derogatory language and stereotypes are not benign, they are harmful and kids should not be led to believe it’s acceptable. Stay away.
Common_Sense_Dad
Common_Sense_Dad Adult
July 24, 2020
age 8+

Stands the test of time

Terrific movie. A great way to introduce children to the harshness of frontier life, the injustice suffered by Indians, and the bravery of Davy Crockett, in a light enough tone. Crockett's shining courage and strong morals, both on the battlefield and in Congress, are a great examples for children. Highly recommended.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 2 parent reviews

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?

Our review:
Parents say: (2):
Kids say: Not yet rated

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

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