Posts by PW Stines

Just out of curiosity what size is the chest, waist and sleeve length. I knew that Mr. Wayne was a big tall man.

The sight of Oliver Hardy in buckskins and fur cap still makes me chuckle. I loved the bell crowned hat that Hardy loaned Wayne. But the statment about militia not marching is incorrect. Some of the larger militia companies (Like State Militia)were taught marching, the manual of arms, volley fire and other parts of drill. Probably based on Baron Von Steuben's training dating from the Revolutionary War. Some militia units got together often to practice and some troops had uniforms made. If a militia man needed a gun, ammunition or clothing he could be issued what was needed from the state arsenal. When Abe Lincoln first signed up for service in the Blackhawk Indian War in 1832 he didn't own a gun and was issued one. Later when he was elected captain of his unit he was issued muskets and bayonets to arm those in need. True some militia companies were next to useless but others worked at becoming good soldiers.

Dix would later portray one of Sam Houston's sons, colorful and controversial lawyer Temple Lea Houston. As I understand it Mr. Wayne was originally intended for the part but he wasn't enough of a big name at the time. Yes it has it's share of anachronisms and historical errors but it's still a fun flick. The reviewer from NY who is quoted above doesn't know jack s..t about Texas and like so many lefties he's hung up on slavery. All I can say to that idiot is DO YOUR HOMEWORK AND STOP LIVING IN YOUR LEFT WING FANTASY WORLD. GROW UP. DEAL WITH FACTS AS THEY WERE NOT THE WAY YOU WANT IT TO BE. IT WAS A DIFFERENT TIME AND VALUES. YOU CAN'T CHANGE THE PAST.

Sorry it took so long to respond. I've been in hospital for a week. I have cancer and a host of other health issues. Dalpes could do horse falls and stunts. I don't think he doubled for Duvall, if he did he never mentioned it. But Dalpes liked Campbell and said that as long as you knew your lines and handled the scene well Wayne, was easy to work with. BUT PISS HIM OFF AND ACT THE FOOL YOU'D HAVE HELL TO PAY.

A friend of mine worked as a stunt man in that film. He was a double for "Mexican Bill" and was the one that Glenn Campbell shot off the horse. His name was Bill Dalpes. He was living in Baytown Texas at the time of his death in the 1990's. Bill was a good horseman and a model builder delux. We shot black powder guns many a time together. He had a collection of memorabilia from True Grit but what happened to it is anyone's guess.

I saw the Alamo remake. Wasn't impressed. They took pains to get the weaponry, clothing etc right but blew it after that. Poor casting in my book. Travis came across as a wimp. Bowie was a "wise ass" and nowhere like the real Bowie
Quade was okay as Sam Houston but Santa Anna was old and pudgy. Santa Anna was in his prime in 1836. I can see why it didn't do well at the box office. Duke is probably smiling to himself over this flop of a remake.

I think that is how we got the expression "THOSE WHO CAN; DO BUT THOSE WHO CAN'T TEACH"

I remember seeing Allegheney Uprising on tv many many moons ago. I think Belle and Blade has it. I need to snag a copy myself!
FWIW Robert Barrat would portray Davy Crockett in MAN OF CONQUEST and Mr. Wayne was going to be cast in the same film as Sam Houston but the part went to Richard Dix. From what I'm reading, Mr. Wayne was looking into making an Alamo film back then. Kind of ironic that he was originally going to be Sam Houston in 1960.

That doesen't surprise me. In fact the left wingers claim that the Texas Revolution was fought for slavery. Pure BS! The majority of people who came to Texas in the early days were fairly poor. They had lost much property in the Panic of 1819 (an economic downturn partially from debts from the war of 1812) These immigrants were farmers, stock raisers and tradesmen who couldn't afford a slave even if they wanted them. True there would be some slave owners but the laws of Mexico at the time forbid slavery in Texas. They did allow "indentured servants" among the colonists but many native Mexicans were debt peons and bound to a master until said debt was paid and that often extended for generations. Too many teachers and professors still live in the 1960s and have this "I HATE AMERICA" attitude. Historical fact and reality don't enter their mind set.

I'm looking for information and good clear photos of the rifle Mr. Wayne used in THE ALAMO. As I understand it the half stock cap lock rifle used in that film was made by the late Hacker Martin. It was more or less a copy of the original Crockett rifle on display in the Alamo museum. ( I have pictures and info on that gun) From what I've read that the gun Mr. Wayne used was .40 caliber. I'd like to know the barrel length and overall length. If the gun has set triggers and a close up photo and dimensions of the patch box. Where is this gun now ? Would also like some good pictures and dimensions of the powder horn and bullet pouch he used in the film. Thanks much for any and all help.