The New Adventures of Davy Crockett
Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2008 1:05 pm
I don't know if anyone else remembers this, but in the early 90s Disney switched the anthology series back to NBC with a new name change calling it "The Magical World of Disney". The strategy to keep the ratings up was to air continuing stories throughout different seasons. This is where the remake movies of "The Absent Minded Professor" and "Davy Crockett" films came from. I recently obtained a copy of the first Davy Crockett film 'Rainbow in the Thunder' (starring Johnny Cash) and truly enjoyed it! Anyway, I emailed Tim Dunigan, the actor who took over the reins from Fess Parker and he actually replied! I thought I would share our correspondence here and anyone can feel free to show their love for these forgotten and unvaialble Crockett films;
My letter to Mr. Dunigan -
Hi Mr. Dunigan,
My name is Aaron and I recently got a copy of your first Crockett film "Rainbow in the Thunder". At first I didn't think anyone could carry the reins of Fess Parker, but you truly carried the spirit of Davy Crockett. I just wanted to quick praise you for your work. It was high quality, and HIGHLY entertaining. I'll be on the lookout for the rest of your Crockett films (none of which Disney seems to have made available). Do you have any fun memories of making those films?
Aaron
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Mr. Dunigan's reply -
Hello Aaron,
First off, I'd like to thank you for taking the time to write me and your kind words for my work in " Rainbow in the Thunder". I have MANY fond memories of playing that part...most of them having to do with the excellent people that I was privileged to work with. Gary Grubbs was and is, one of most gifted and giving actors in the business, and that doesn't even take into account that he is just a great guy. He was the source of many a fun day on the set for me, and was by far one of the best guys I've ever worked with. Working with the writer Bill Blinn was also a privilege and honor for me. Then there were all the great guest stars like Barry Corbin who played my uncle in one episode, and the crew who were just fantastic. The locations were difficult but so beautiful that it was all worth it. We filmed the entire series up in British Columbia, Canada in a place called Golden Ears Provincial Park. We would often have to get into helicopters to access the shooting location as there simply were no roads that went there! All of it was hard...but also the most fun I think I ever had on a shoot.
I Hope that answers a bit of your question below.
Thank you again for taking the time to write me and I send you nothing but great wishes for your future!
Sincerely
Tim Dunigan
"Davy Crockett"
My letter to Mr. Dunigan -
Hi Mr. Dunigan,
My name is Aaron and I recently got a copy of your first Crockett film "Rainbow in the Thunder". At first I didn't think anyone could carry the reins of Fess Parker, but you truly carried the spirit of Davy Crockett. I just wanted to quick praise you for your work. It was high quality, and HIGHLY entertaining. I'll be on the lookout for the rest of your Crockett films (none of which Disney seems to have made available). Do you have any fun memories of making those films?
Aaron
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mr. Dunigan's reply -
Hello Aaron,
First off, I'd like to thank you for taking the time to write me and your kind words for my work in " Rainbow in the Thunder". I have MANY fond memories of playing that part...most of them having to do with the excellent people that I was privileged to work with. Gary Grubbs was and is, one of most gifted and giving actors in the business, and that doesn't even take into account that he is just a great guy. He was the source of many a fun day on the set for me, and was by far one of the best guys I've ever worked with. Working with the writer Bill Blinn was also a privilege and honor for me. Then there were all the great guest stars like Barry Corbin who played my uncle in one episode, and the crew who were just fantastic. The locations were difficult but so beautiful that it was all worth it. We filmed the entire series up in British Columbia, Canada in a place called Golden Ears Provincial Park. We would often have to get into helicopters to access the shooting location as there simply were no roads that went there! All of it was hard...but also the most fun I think I ever had on a shoot.
I Hope that answers a bit of your question below.
Thank you again for taking the time to write me and I send you nothing but great wishes for your future!
Sincerely
Tim Dunigan
"Davy Crockett"