James A. Michener's Texas
James A. Michener's Texas | |
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Also known as | Texas |
Genre | Historical fiction |
Based on | Texas by James A. Michener |
Screenplay by | Sean Meredith |
Directed by | Richard Lang |
Starring | |
Narrated by | Charlton Heston |
Composer | Lee Holdridge |
Production | |
Executive producers |
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Producers |
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Production locations | Brackettville, Texas Del Rio, Texas Alamo Village - Highway 674, Brackettville, Texas |
Cinematography | Neil Roach |
Running time | 180 minutes |
Production companies |
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Original release | |
Network | ABC |
Release | April 16 April 18, 1995 | –
James A. Michener's Texas (also called Texas) is a 1994 ABC television miniseries directed by Richard Lang. It was adapted from the 1985 historical fiction novel Texas by James A. Michener, but includes only the section of the book related to Texas Independence and the Battle of San Jacinto. The novel is more wide-ranging, starting with Spanish explorer Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca and ending in the modern day.
Plot
[edit]The year is 1821. The vast, unsettled territory that will one day be known as Texas still belongs to Mexico. But the forces that will shape the future of this land have already been set in motion. It begins with Mexico's General Santa Anna and turns into an armed revolt led by Sam Houston, Stephen Austin, and the heroes of the Alamo: Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie.
Set against the backdrop of America's turbulent frontier, Texas explores conflict, romance, and adventure. It's the story of an inspiring fight for freedom and statehood - and of the soldiers, settlers, outlaws and empire-builders caught up in their young homeland's quest to fulfill its destiny.
Cast
[edit]The series includes Patrick Duffy as Stephen F. Austin, Stacy Keach as Sam Houston, Chelsea Field as Mattie Quimper, Rick Schroder as Otto McNab, Grant Show as William B. Travis, David Keith as James Bowie, John Schneider as Davy Crockett, María Conchita Alonso as Lucia, and Benjamin Bratt as Benito Garza. The film is narrated by Charlton Heston. Aaron Spelling was the executive producer.
Release
[edit]Although produced for television, Texas was released on home video first. This decision was not due to its quality, but to recoup its $12 million production cost feasibly as broadcast networks had shied away from expensive productions.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ Nichols, Peter M. "'Texas' as a Mini-Series". The New York Times (November 4, 1994). Retrieved August 3, 2012.
External links
[edit]
- 1994 television films
- 1994 films
- 1990s American television miniseries
- Films based on American novels
- Cultural depictions of Davy Crockett
- Television series set in the 1820s
- Television series set in the 1830s
- Television series about the history of the United States
- Adaptations of works by James A. Michener
- Films scored by Lee Holdridge
- Films directed by Richard Lang (director)
- Cultural depictions of James Bowie
- American television film stubs