TRUE WOMEN (1997)

[neferetus]

TRUE WOMEN, a 1997 TV move,
based on the book by author Janice
Woods Windle, teleplay by Christopher
Lofton, directed by Karen Arthur.

It's not that this movie is so much about Texas history as it is a melodrama, set in 19th Century Texas. What should have and could have been a refreshingly different slant and perspective of the birth of Texas---from the point of view of Texas women-- instead comes across as a quite hollow love story, strung together with unforgivable bits of half-history.

Again, the premise is a good one. And so is the cast. Dana Delaney, Annabeth Gish and Angelina Jolie are pioneer women from the States who come to Texas to seek a new life, each of them having left behind a sad secret, or memory. (One of the memories is of Irene Bedard, as an Indian woman named Tobe who gets lynched by some Indian-haters.) Caught up in the Texas revolution, the women are forced to abandon their homes and skedaddle on the 'Runaway Scrape'. Dana Delaney takes over the wagon train of refugees, as there are no men about to take on the task. Her husband, (Powers Booth) is off riding with Sam Houston's army. Dana Delaney's daughter (Tina Marojino) narrates most of the story from the viewpoint of a child. While playing in the field one day, she is practically ridden down by Sam Houston (John Schneider) Schneider has the distinction of having played both Davy Crockett, in James Michener's TEXAS and Sam Houston, in TRUE WOMEN.

Anyway, the Runaway Scrape is depicted nicely, with all of its hardships and heartaches. No battles, or any fighting is depicted at all, save for a glimpse of cannon fire in the distance as the refugees seem to be close enough to the San Jacinto battlefield to see the action there---happening at night, mind you. Next day, the victorious Texans, Sam Houston in the lead and unwounded, ride up to report of their success against Santa Anna.

The rest of the film depicts the progression of the lives of the TRUE WOMEN, up to the Civil War and beyond.

Filmed in Texas' Hill Country and the Washington-On-The-Brazos Park, TRUE WOMEN is certaing visually stunning for its setting.

(Also stars Michael York.)

[neferetus]

Channel 2 was showing TRUE WOMEN, PART ONE, this past Saturday Night. Perhaps part two will be shown next Saturday. Keep tuned to your television listings.




Annabeth Gish defends the homestead.

[bubbabod]

I don't remember that being the name of the TV miniseries, but it was a really good series. I'll have to try to catch it again.

[Greg C.]

Any Alamo references/characters?

[neferetus]

admin said:

Any Alamo references/characters?

Not much more than my synopsis relates. However, when Dana Delaney's Texas Ranger husband (Powers Booth) warns her that trouble is brewing in Texas, she replies how Santa Anna and 5000 men are headed for San Antonio. Now, just how she is privy to that information, when even her ranger husband isn't is anybody's guess.

[bubbabod]

I hate to show my ignorance, but were there even TExas Rangers in 1836? I thought they were founded much later. Regardless, a good flick.

[seguin]

The ancestors of the Texas Rangers was 2 companies set up by Austin in 1923. In 1835 a "Corps of Rangers" were set up to protect the frontier from hostile indians. In 1836 they covered the retreat of civilians in the famous "Runaway Scrape". One of the most famous early rangers was John Coffee "Jack" Hays. He came to San Antonio in 1837 and became a Ranger Captain within three years. The term "Texas Ranger did´nt appear officially in a piece of legislation until 1874. During Austin's day, companies of men volunteered and disbanded as needed. Some served for days and others for many months. The official records show that these companies were called by many names: ranging companies, mounted gunmen, mounted volunteers, minutemen, spies, scouts and mounted rifle companies. When communicating with the commanders of his Hispanic ranging companies, Austin, who was fluent in Spanish, called them the milicia nacional (national militia) after Spanish and Mexican militia regulations dating back to 1713. By whatever name they were known, these units performed the same ranging service.

I hope these bits of information helps, bubbabod...

[bubbabod]

Sequin, thanks for all the great info. I had no idea they dated back that far. On one of my trips I want to visit the TExas Rangers Hall of Fame or Museum. I think it's in Waco, right?