The First Texan (1956): Cast & Plot
The First Texan is a 1956 war western directed by Byron Haskin, starring Al Haskell as Texan (uncredited), Joel McCrea and William Tannen. It runs 1 hour 22 minutes.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 22m (82 min)
- Director
- Byron Haskin
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- Walter Mirisch Productions
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The First Texan About?
The premise of The First Texan without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Having arrived in Texas to flee a scandal, lawyer Sam Houston hopes to keep a low profile, avoid politics and simply set up his practice. But President Andrew Jackson summons him to command the fight for Texan independence. Reluctant at first, Houston accepts, leads his men and secures a series of hard‑won victories against the Mexican army, leaving his mark across the frontier’s toughest miles.
The First Texan Themes & Keywords
· 47 tags- texas
- former governor
- san antonio texas
- horseback riding
- real life father and son acting together
- mexican troops
- arrest
- bowie knife
- attorney
- courtroom
- reference to a political convention
- delegate
+35 more Show fewer
- texas revolution
- reference to the alamo
- army scout
- texas army
- washington d.c.
- texas general
- petition
- mexican army
- attempted desertion
- battle of san jacinto
- artillery
- no retreat
- swords
- flintlock rifle
- mexican general
- surrender signed by enemy
- republic of texas
- reference to president of texas
- 1830s
- sam houston character
- begins with voice over narration
- voice over narration
- red river
- jim bowie character
- stephen f. austin character
- santa anna character
- uncle niece relationship
- magistrate
- reference to tennessee
- reference to the american revolutionary war
- davy crockett character
- president of the united states
- andrew jackson character
- lawyer
- independence
The First Texan Cast & Characters
Al Haskell leads the cast as Texan (uncredited), with Joel McCrea as Sam Houston and William Tannen as President Jackson's Aide (uncredited). Directed by Byron Haskin; 42 actors are credited in all.
-
Director Byron Haskin
- Al Haskell as Texan (uncredited)
-
Joel McCrea as Sam Houston - William Tannen as President Jackson's Aide (uncredited)
- Carl Benton Reid as President Andrew Jackson (uncredited)
Also Starring in The First Texan
· 38 more- Frank McGrath Mexican Horseman (uncredited)
- Jeff Morrow Jim Bowie
- Wallace Ford Henry Delaney
- Felicia Farr Katherine Delaney
- James Griffith Davy Crockett
- David Silva General Antonio Lopez de Santa Ana
- Paul Fierro Lopez (uncredited)
- Roy Roberts Col. Sam Sherman
- Franklyn Farnum Delegate (uncredited)
- Cosmo Sardo Delegate (uncredited)
- Nestor Paiva Priest (uncredited)
- Lane Chandler Col. James Fannin (uncredited)
- Herman Hack Courtroom Spectator (uncredited)
- Frank Puglia Pepe
- Fred Aldrich Courtroom Spectator (uncredited)
- William Hopper William Barrett Travis
Show all 42 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Myron Healey Capt. Martin (uncredited)
- Art Felix Courtroom Spectator (uncredited)
- Kermit Maynard Texan (uncredited)
- George Bruggeman Texan (uncredited)
- Nelson Leigh Col. Hockley
- Sol Murgi Courtroom Spectator (uncredited)
- Fred Rapport Courtroom Spectator (uncredited)
- William Phipps Lt. Jack LeBlanc (uncredited)
- John Roy Soldier (uncredited)
- Charles Soldani Courtroom Spectator (uncredited)
- Chubby Johnson Deaf Smith - army scout
- Abraham Sofaer Don Carlos - magistrate
- Dayton Lummis Stephen Austin
- Jody McCrea Lt. Baker
- Tom Monroe Lt. Hargrave (uncredited)
- Rodolfo Hoyos Jr. Col. Cos (as Rodolfo Hoyos)
- Chris Willow Bird Vendor (uncredited)
- Salvador Baguez Don Juan Veramendi (uncredited)
- Fred Krone Soldier (uncredited)
- Roydon Clark Courtroom Spectator (uncredited)
- Maurice Jara Pablo Dominguez (uncredited)
- Ted Smile Texan (uncredited)
More from Byron Haskin
More films directed by Byron Haskin, best-rated first: Treasure Island, The War of the Worlds, I Walk Alone and The Power.
The First Texan Plot Summary
What happens in The First Texan from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Sam Houston is a seasoned lawyer and former governor who travels to San Antonio, Texas, seeking a fresh start on the frontier. In the bustling town he crosses paths with Jim Bowie, a fearless frontiersman determined to free Texas from Mexican rule. The two men embody different approaches to leadership: Houston brings legal sharpness and political savvy, while Bowie embodies rugged courage and unmistakable resolve.
Full summary
The whole story of The First Texan, scene by scene
How Well Do You Know The First Texan?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Who portrays Sam Houston in the film?
The First Texan Also Known As
5 alternative titles, including “Libertad o muerte” and “La storia del generale Houston”.
- Also known as
-
- Libertad o muerte
- La storia del generale Houston
- Der Held von Texas
- El primer texà
- Pierwszy Teksańczyk
Seen The First Texan?
Movies Like The First Texan
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Man of Conquest, Houston: The Legend of Texas and The Man from the Alamo.
The First Texan FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of The First Texan, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The First Texan?
The First Texan runs 1 hour 22 minutes (82 minutes).
When was The First Texan released?
The First Texan was released on June 29, 1956.
Who directed The First Texan?
The First Texan was directed by Byron Haskin.
More films by Byron Haskin Who is in the cast of The First Texan?
The First Texan stars Al Haskell as Texan (uncredited), Joel McCrea as Sam Houston and William Tannen as President Jackson's Aide (uncredited), among 42 credited actors.
Does The First Texan have a post-credit scene?
No. The First Texan has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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