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.
| James A. Michener's Texas | |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Cast
editThe 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.
Plot
editThe 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.
Release
editAlthough 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
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