Davy Crockett & The River Pirates [VHS]
Davy Crockett wasn't only a celebrated hero, warrior, and backwoods statesman, he was the subject of a popular Disney television series that made star Fess Parker a household name. (Parker had a hard time breaking the perceived image of himself as a frontiersman, and eventually went on to star in another TV series,Daniel Boone.) Starring Parker and a pre-Beverly HillbilliesBuddy Ebsen, this boy-oriented series was well known for lots of action in its frontier setting.Davy Crockett and the River Piratesconsists of two episodes of the television show--it's as bright and vibrant as any current television show and the story, about Davy and George (Ebsen) heading downriver toward New Orleans, is still fresh. Given television budgets of the day, the production values are notable. The villains will be recognizable to anyone who watchedWalt Disney Presentsbecause they were standards. This 1956 offering was certainly designed with boys in mind. Look for lots of river rafting, fight scenes, and braving of rapids--and, of course, the catchy "The Ballad of Davy Crockett," which topped the nation's hit list for 13 weeks. (Ages 7  and older)--N.F. Mendoza