The First Texan (1956)

Joel McCrea: Sam Houston

Photos 

Quotes 

• Sam Houston : You may have wondered why I delayed this attack for so long. I wanted Santa Ana to be positive we were running for the United States and then I wanted the Mexican army in a position from which it could not retreat. That's where it is right now. The Bay of San Jacinto is at their backs. All right are there any questions, gentlemen? Good luck - and remember the Alamo!

• Santa Ana : General, if I may so, you may consider yourself born to no common destiny. You have conquered the Napoleon of the West. Now it remains to you to be generous to the vanquished.

  Sam Houston : You should have remembered that kind of philosophy at the Alamo, General.

• Santa Ana : What terms do you propose, General?

  Sam Houston : I don't propose terms, I dictate them.

• [last lines] 

  Deaf Smith : General Sam, what's the writin' on that paper say?

  Sam Houston : Well, we've got a country officially now. This is an independent republic.

  Deaf Smith : Who's going to be President?

  Katherine Delaney : Sam Houston!

• Sam Houston : Apparently you don't want to leave the retreat.

  Lt. Baker : No, Sir. I don't think it will be a retreat much longer. I think I've figured out where you're taking us.

  Sam Houston : Oh, you have, huh?

  Lt. Baker : Yes, Sir - the Plain of St. Hyacinth, the bend of the San Jacinto River.

  Sam Houston : You're a smart young man. Good Soldier too.

  Lt. Baker : Thank you, Sir.