Also known as 'Texas' Screenplay by Sean Meredith | Genre Historical fiction Directed by Richard Lang | |
Based on Texas
by James A. Michener Starring Patrick Duffy
Stacy Keach
Chelsea Field
Rick Schroder
Grant Show
David Keith
John Schneider
María Conchita Alonso
Benjamin Bratt | ||
James A. Michener's Texas (also called Texas) is a 1994 ABC television miniseries directed by Richard Lang and starring Patrick Duffy as Stephen F. Austin, Stacy Keach as Sam Houston, Chelsea Field as Maddie 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.
Adapted from the historical fiction novel Texas by James A. Michener, it 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 ends in the modern day.
Although 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.
Plot
The 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 sprawling land have already been set in motion. It begins with Mexico's infamous and brutal General Santa Anna and explodes into an armed revolt waged by such legendary names as the fiery and headstrong Sam Houston, Stephen Austin, the Father of Texas and the immortal heroes of the Alamo: Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie. Set against the thrilling backdrop of America's turbulent frontier, Texas weaves a dazzling, epic tapestry of 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 stormy quest to fulfill its extraordinary destiny!