Funny how it all came about for Fess Parker. Walt originally wanted Buddy Ebsen as Crockett and for awhile was interested in James Arness. But then he spotted bit actor Fess Parker in the movie THEM! and the rest is history. Ebsen proved to be a natural as Georgie Russel and Fess Parker a natural as
Davy Crockett. And Arness of course went on with Gunsmoke.
BUt it didn't HAVE to happen that way--
Now looking back--can you imagine ANYONE else except Fess Parker playing Davy???
Which brings me to a question--when Disney "resurrected" Davy Crockett in 1989-1990 (with Tim Dunigan) the pilot episode had Davy meeting President Jackson to discuss old times, etc. That "elder" Crockett was played by Johhny Cash. I hear that they REALLY wanted Fess Parker to provide that lead in, but somehow that didn't happen. Anyone know why??? I would have thought Fess Parker would have been pleased to do that part....