A LINE IN THE SAND . . .  I BELIEVE

One of my favorite movies as a child was The Alamo.  I remember this Hollywood version of Texas history very well. I don’t think historical accuracy was a major goal of the director, John Wayne, who also starred as Col. Davy Crockett.  I remember watching Santa Anna’s Mexican army sweep into the Alamo and there was big John Wayne, swinging his Kentucky long-rifle, gallantly fighting to the last.

Before the final and climatic battle there was a romantic scene. I’m talking about girls and kissing and yucky stuff that eight year boys can’t stand. I’m talking about ‘kid romantic’; I’m referring to a kid who loved Daniel Boone, Superman,  and six-shooters.

The Most Romantic Scene:  The ‘Texacans’ and other Americans were gathered inside the walls of the Alamo. Col. William Travis (Laurence Harvey) stood before them and explained the situation looked bad, real bad. They were tremendously outnumbered (7,000 to 185) and no help was on the way.   Colonel William Travis is hoping to give Houston the time he needs to pull his forces together.

Travis speaks to the men who have been defending the Alamo. He tells them there will be no shame if anybody wants to leave.

Richard Widmark, a real Hollywood tough guy plays the role of Sam Bowie. For some reason lies on a blanket unable to stand. In the most remarkable and indelibly imprinted movie scene of this eight year old had ever seen, Col. Travis draws a line in the sand.  If you cross that line in the sand, you are saying you’ll stay no matter what. Nobody moved.

Then, Sam Bowie, laid out on a blanket says, “Carry me over boys,” or something like that. Then all the other Alamo defenders step over the line. I’ll never forget the image of that line in the sand.

WHAT’S YOUR LINE IN THE SAND?

I looked it up.  Continue reading A Line in the Sand →