John Wayne described the 1966 film The Alamo as “the most American story I ever heard”, reflecting his belief that its account of Texan defenders facing overwhelming odds captured ideals of courage, sacrifice and national identity. The film matters largely because Wayne directed, produced and starred in it, making it one of his most personal and ambitious projects.

The Alamo dramatises the 1836 battle in which Texan forces, including Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie, resisted the Mexican army under Santa Anna before being defeated. Released in 1960 rather than 1966, the film was a major, expensive production that received mixed critical reactions but gained recognition for its scale, including several Academy Award nominations.