Battle of the Alamo gradually became known as a battle site rather than a former mission. The Texas Legislature purchased the land and buildings in the early part of the 20th century and designated the Alamo chapel as an official Texas State Shrine. The Alamo has been the subject of numerous non-fiction works beginning in 1843. Most Americans, however, are more familiar with the myths and legends spread by many of the movie and television adaptations, including the 1950s Disney mini-series "Davy Crockett" and John Wayne's 1960 film "The Alamo". Under President Antonio López de Santa Anna, the Mexican government began to shift away
Heroes of the Alamo was made. Xydias had planned the film as a tie in with the 1936 Texas Centennial but fell behind in his plans. Columbia Pictures acquired the film for 1938 release and changed the billing of the actors in the film. The film featured the song "The Yellow Rose of Texas" being sung by the defenders though it had not been written at that time. This was the last film Xydias produced. When World War II broke out he was in the Philippines and was interned by the Japanese. Heroes of the Alamo Heroes of the Alamo (1937) is a low-budget