Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier1955Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier
1955
Tennessee frontiersman Davy Crockett, with his loyal friend Georgie Russel, fights in the Creek War, makes peace with a Creek chief, goes to Congress, and finally rides to Texas to defend the Alamo. Edited from Disney's hit 1950s TV episodes, it made Fess Parker's coonskin cap a national craze.
The default: films the whole family can watch together; any scary or intense moments for the littlest viewers are flagged in the Context Notes.
Why it’s here
Fess Parker's Davy is a frontiersman who keeps his word, stands up in Congress against an unjust Indian bill, and stays at the Alamo. A beloved American hero, told with gratitude.
Context notes
For parents, before you press play.
Frontier battles with many deaths by gunshot, knife, and cannon, ending at the Alamo, which is intense for little ones. Native Americans are enemies in the Creek War with dated portrayals, though Davy's stand for Indian rights is part of the story and worth pointing out.
Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier (1955)
Discussion questions
When the credits end, go around the room. Each person gives the film a score out of ten and says why.
- What did Davy mean by "Be sure you're right, then go ahead"?
- Why did Davy speak against the Indian bill in Congress? Was that brave?
- Why did the men stay at the Alamo?
- What kind of friend was Georgie Russel?
Content advisory
Common Sense Media 7+: frontier battles and the Alamo, many deaths by gunshot, knife, and cannon; tobacco use.
Trailer
Best edition
The disc comes first.
No US disc release found; Blu-ray listed on Blu-ray.com (release date unconfirmed)
Edition link coming soon.
Coming later
Where to stream
Streaming services are not listed yet. When they are, this note stays secondary to the disc.