DISNEYLAND: DAVY CROCKETT: DAVY CROCKETT, INDIAN FIGHTER (TV)
Summary
One in this series of family programs, presented under the umbrella title of "Disneyland," hosted by Walt Disney. This "Frontierland" episode begins the story of Davy Crockett, kicking off a five-part series inspired by the real-life exploits of the early 19th-century Indian fighter and legislator, and based on his journals. Disney tells about the many "hats" donned by the pioneer, and how Davy became known as "the buckskin buccaneer."
The story begins in 1813 in Tennessee as Davy's friend Georgie Russel summons Davy to report for the Creek Indian War being waged by General Andrew "Old Hickory Face" Jackson. Davy regretfully bids farewell to his wife, Polly, and two young boys, Billy and Johnny. Once with the other soldiers, Davy earns notoriety for killing a ferocious grizzly with his knife. General Jackson sends Davy and Georgie on a mission to scout out Creek Indians in the area. Against Davy's advice, Major Norton and the troops head down a path where a war party is congregating. Davy and Georgie watch as Chief Redstick and his tribe prepare for battle. Soon, the troops are in an all-out fight with the Creeks, and Davy and Georgie ride to Captain Norton's rescue. After getting reinforcements from General Jackson, Davy and Georgie mount an attack on Redstick and his men. When Redstick injures Davy, Georgie saves Davy's life.
Later, General Jackson refuses to talk peace with the Creeks since Redstick escaped capture. General Norton tries to prevent Davy from returning home to visit Polly, but Davy, Georgie and the other volunteers prevail. Though Polly is thrilled to see Davy, she's crestfallen to know that his stay is temporary. Once reporting back to the troops, Davy and Georgie find that Major Norton is now in charge. While tracking Redstick and his men, Davy and George split up, and a brave knocks Georgie unconscious and takes him prisoner. After scaring off alligators, Davy approaches the Creeks' camp and tries to reason with Redstick. When Redstick ignores Davy's request for peace, Davy challenges Redstick to a tomahawk duel. Davy ultimately prevails, and spares Redstick's life when he promises to sign a peace treaty. George is then freed and he and Davy begin their trek home. Commercials deleted.
(Series title varies: From 1954 to 1958 this series was telecast under the title "Disneyland"; from 1958 to 1961 this series was telecast under the title "Walt Disney Presents"; from 1961 to 1969 this series was telecast under the title "Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color"; from 1969 to 1979 this series was telecast under the title "The Wonderful World of Walt Disney"; from 1979 to 1981 this series was telecast under the title, "Disney's Wonderful World"; and from 1997-2005 this series was telecast under the title "The Wonderful World of Disney.")
(Network varies; this series was telecast on ABC from 1954-1961, on NBC from 1961 to 1981; on CBS from 1981 to 1983; and on ABC from 1997-2005.)
Details
- NETWORK: ABC
- DATE: December 15, 1954 7:30 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 0:48:55
- COLOR/B&W: B&W
- CATALOG ID: B:00373
- GENRE: Drama, action/adventure
- SUBJECT HEADING: Drama, action/adventure; Indigenous Peoples Collection
- SERIES RUN: ABC - TV series, 1954-1958
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Bill Walsh … Producer
- Norman Foster … Director
- Tom Blackburn … Writer
- Davy Crockett … Based on journals by
- George Bruns … Music by
- Walt Disney … Host
- Fess Parker … Cast, Davy Crockett
- Buddy Ebsen … Cast, Georgie Russel
- Basil Ruysdael … Cast, Andrew Jackson
- William Bakewell … Cast, Tobias Norton
- Helene Stanley … Cast, Polly Crockett
- Pat Hogan … Cast, Redstick
- Eugene Brindel … Cast, Billy Crockett
- Ray Whitetree … Cast, Johnny Crockett