Davy Crockett and the River Pirates is a frontier adventure film starring Fess Parker as the legendary backwoods hero. Set along the Mississippi River, the story follows Davy and his loyal friend Georgie as they investigate mysterious river “pirates” who are attacking flatboats and stealing from settlers. Blending tall tales with action and humor, the film celebrates courage, ingenuity, and the rugged spirit of early American folklore.
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Rivers, Races, and Responsibility: Let’s Talk About Davy Crockett
After the credits roll, don’t stop there! Jump into an engaging conversation with your family about how you can apply the lessons from Davy Crockett to your life! Find lessons you can live, not just watch.
Note: The following may contain spoilers.
Davy Crockett and the River Pirates is more than a tale of adventure; it is a blueprint for character, courage, and charity. Watching Davy in action is inspiring, but the real reward comes from reflecting on his example and asking ourselves how we might live out these lessons in our own lives.
In an age where men are constantly emasculated, Davy Crockett is a strong example of true masculinity: brave, inventive, honest, charitable—and yet humble. He is the kind of hero boys can look up to with confidence and try to imitate.
When his friend George Russell wagers that they can beat Mike Fink—the self-proclaimed “King of the River” and captain of the steamboat Gullywhumper—in a race to New Orleans aboard the Bertha May, Davy’s determination, leadership, honesty, and creativity are put to the test.
Principle Over Profit
- Despite the fact that his friend George made the deal with Mike while drunk, Davy stands by his friend and refuses to back out of the deal, since George gave his word. What attributes does Davy demonstrate by doing this?
- Davy responds patiently towards George when he makes mistakes, instead of losing his temper. What decisions do you think Davy had to make earlier in his life to become a man who could be forbearing toward others?
- How does Davy respond when Mike Fink repeatedly cheats to find ways to get ahead? Does he ever cheat back?
- When Mike is attacked by pirates masquerading as “indians,” Davy slows down and helps him, despite risking losing the race and risking losing all the furs he spent all winter trying to collect for his livelihood. How does Mike respond to Davy’s unselfishness?
- Why does Davy decide to stop and help a poor stranded man at the risk of losing the race? How is Davy rewarded for this action?
How Does Davy Lead His Men?
- Unlike Mike, who sits back and watches his men work, Davy works shoulder to shoulder with his men. How do they respond to his example?
- What kind of influence does Davy have over his men and who they are trying to become? What kind of influence does Mike have over his men?
Peacemaker
- After winning the race, Davy takes some of his money and buys Mike an expensive canon as a gift. Not only does he not rub in the fact that he won, but he also refuses to take the winning title of “King of the River.” How does Davy’s lack of ego and pride affect Mike? Does Mike deserve the gift?
- Davy holds no hard feelings toward Mike and cheerfully tries to become his friend, despite being mistreated and demeaned many times. When talking with Mike, he always tries to find common ground and respect his position as “King of the River.” How can we love those who try to hurt us? How can we build bridges with those who are different than us?
- After being captured by the Indians and learning they were banished from their land, Davy takes the responsibility upon himself to capture the pirate perpetrators in order to keep peace between the white men and Indians. How is Davy a good example of a true hero who takes responsibilities upon himself that are not his fault? How is he a good example of one of the “nursing fathers” described by Nephi in 2 Nephi 10? How does this imitate the character of Jesus Christ, who took the consequence for the sins and mistakes of those who repent upon himself?
Creativity, Strategy, & Grit
- Davy repeatedly demonstrates ingenuity and quick-thinking to solve problems when faced with difficult situations, instead of complaining or giving up. For example:
- Finding a crew of men to take the Bertha May to New Orleans
- Creating his own tiller to direct the ship
- Disguising Mike and the boat, and filling sacks with rocks and spreading a false rumor that they’re full of gold in order to catch the thieves
- Realizing the old peddler was suspicious
- Harmlessly teasing Mike by pretending to catch a bullet in his teeth
- What other ways can you think of that Davy creatively responded to a problem?
Strong Principled Character
- Davy never drinks or puts himself in a position where he will lose control of himself.
- Despite being taunted repeatedly by Mike, Davy never loses his temper—or his confidence. He never becomes “easily provoked.” Why do you think this is? How does this differ from the way George responds to Mike?
- How are George and Davy different? What attributes does Davy have that George does not? Does George have attributes Davy doesn’t have?
- Despite having a legendary reputation, Davy never lets fame go to his head and become an issue of pride. Why do you think this is? How can we model strength and masculinity while remaining humble?
- Time and time again, Davy Crockett demonstrates strength, agility, and fitness. Why is it important to take care of our bodies so we are ready to take on any responsibility that comes our way? How does Davy use his strength? Does he ever use it against others, or always for a noble purpose?
- Despite wearing rough clothing and not having a lot of physical possessions, Davy always exemplifies nobility in both character and demeanor. Why is this important to recognize?
- Moroni 7:45 describes having charity as:
45 And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
What specific examples do you remember of Davy Crockett demonstrating these attributes of charity?
