Factual error: The song that Davy Crockett plays on the violin is 'The Mockingbird Quick-Step,' written in 1855, several decades after the events of this movie (and later used by the 'Three Stooges' as a theme song.).
The Alamo (2004)
Directed by: John Lee Hancock
Starring: Dennis Quaid, Billy Bob Thornton, Patrick Wilson, Jason Patric
Continuity mistake: While one of his advisors tells Houston that some of the men from Gonzales have deserted to go to the Alamo, the advisor's hands change from clasped in front of him to on his knees. (01:06:55)
Continuity mistake: In the shot where Travis hands Seguin the third message to Houston the off-center seal is closer to Travis. As Seguin takes it the seal is closer to him. (00:56:15)
Trivia: The film cost $107m to make and earned only $26m worldwide. It is considered one of the all time movie flops.
William Travis: One crowded hour of glorious life is worth an age without a name.
Antonio Lopez de Santa Ana: If we are not successful, our grandchildren and their grandchildren will beg for crumbs from the Americans.
David Crockett: We're gonna need a lot more men.
Question: Can anyone tell me if Santa Anna really ran away from Houston's forces as it shows in the movie? And was that battle really over in 18 minutes? (Not being an American or a Texan for that matter, I have very little knowledge about what happened at the Alamo, I'm just curious).
Answer: The defenders of the Alamo held off Santa Anna's troops for 13 days before a final assault on 6 March 1836, where the complex was stormed just before dawn. The battle ended by sunrise. Santa Anna was captured at the Battle of San Jacinto in April of the same year, and Texas won its independence from Mexico. Also check www.thealamo.org for detailed information and links.
Answer: In a way. Santa Anna tried to pass himself off as a common soldier, but when he was captured, his men spilled the beans by calling him by his title.
Question: What's the meaning of the Mexican war cry when they charge towards the Alamo?
Answer: It is Viva Santa Ana meaning "Long live Santa Ana." Santa Ana was the leader of the army.
Question: Did the real battle for the Alamo happen during the day or during the night?
Answer: The siege of the Alamo lasted thirteen days, so events would happen both day and night. The actual final assault began at around 5am, and took no more than ninety minutes - it was over by sunrise.
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Answer: Yes, the battle of San Jacinto really did last 18 minutes. Houston's army surprised the Mexican army while they were taking an afternoon nap.