AllMovie

Ever since the battle of the Alamo was fought in 1836, its story has been told by history books and films with varied slants. During the famous battle - an early part of the struggle between Mexico and supporters of Texan independence - thousands of Mexican soldiers led by General Santa Anna attacked several hundred Texans in a minor fort called the Alamo. The Alamo was not designed for serious military defense and its location was not strategically important. The battle lasted less than two hours - but the Texans' anger at the massacre enraged and energized them, and heavy losses demoralized the Mexican people (nearly 2000 of whom were killed). This led to Santa Ana's eventual defeat, Texas's independence as a state, and the addition of a huge amount of land to the United States. Interesting figures of the time, including Jim Bowie and Davy Crockett, are examined as human beings instead of legends. Interviews with historians who specialize in the period contribute perspective to the account. Part of the A&E series, The Real West.