The Alamo (1960 film) of the former Alamo Mission. The set was an extensive three quarter-scale replica of the mission, and has since been used in 100 other westerns, including other depictions of the battle. It took more than two years to construct. Wayne was to have portrayed Sam Houston, a bit part that would have let him focus on his first major directing effort, but investors insisted he play a leading character. He took on the role of Davy Crockett, handing the part of Houston to Richard Boone. Wayne cast Richard Widmark as Jim Bowie and Laurence Harvey as William Barrett Travis. Harvey
Frankie Avalon songs, "The Faithful Kind" and "Gee Whiz Whillikins Golly Gee"; both were released as singles. Ladd announced he would reteam Avalon and his daughter in "Six Steps to Freedom" but the film was never made. Rushes for "Timberland" were seen by John Wayne, who was looking for a young actor to play the (fictitious) role of "Smitty" in his passion project, "The Alamo" (1960). Avalon was cast in his second dramatic part. After making the film Wayne told the press "We're not cutting one bit of any scene in which Frankie appears. I believe he is the finest young talent