Alfalfa Bill Murray.

F2013.134.2.0028

Description: Narrative on the life of William H. "Alfalfa Bill" Murray, with a strong emphasis on his political career. Murray's childhood is briefly discussed at the beginning of the film. Then, the narrator details the evolution of Murray's career from a teacher at age 22, then editor, lawyer, and politician. While living in Tishomingo, Oklahoma Murray served as an attorney, married his wife, and practiced law in the Chickasaw Nation courts. He purchased land in Washita, built a cabin for his wife and kids, spent time studying constitutions from various states and countries around the world, and was sought out for his farming techniques. Murray explains how he received the name "Alfalfa Bill." Murray's role in the writing of the constitution, his contributions to and presidency of the Constitutional Convention of Oklahoma, the Squirrel Rifle Brigade, and the various government positions he held are detailed. Also, Murray's failed attempt at governorship,his time spent living and farming in Bolivia, his return to Oklahoma, and subsequent success at becoming the Governor of Oklahoma. The narrator discusses Murray's "unconventional leadership" methods, including rules that he immediately posted after inauguration, his campaign speeches and promises, declaring war on Texas and the federal courts, then marching with National Guard members to the Red River Bridge near Durant, OK. Murray also launched a military attack against falling oil prices of the depression, declaring martial law against all major and most independent oil producers in the state. Murray decided to become president and launched a campaign that extended beyond Oklahoma to Los Angeles, California, and the 1932 Democratic Convention in Chicago, Illinois. Views of Murray during the campaign and his loss to President Franklin D. Roosevelt are addressed. In 1934, Murray left office with the firm belief that a literal interpretation of the constitution could save the state and nation. Furthermore, he was unable to bring himself to the countenance of the increasing federal control of FDR's New Deal. In 1936, he introduced Republican nominee for president at an Oklahoma City rally. The narrator explains why this was a bad political move on Murray's behalf for his final attempt to run for office in 1940 election. Murray's son, Johnston Murray, is elected for Governor in 1950. In 1956, Murray passed away after suffering from a stroke.

Creator: WKY News
Coverage: Oklahoma City (City), in Oklahoma (USA); Tishomingo (City), in Oklahoma (USA); Washita (City), in Oklahoma (USA); Los Angeles (City), in California (USA); Chicago (City), in Illinois (USA)
MARC Geographic Areas: Bolivia (bo); United States (xxu); Oklahoma (oku); California (cau)
Extent (quantity/size): 24min 44sec
Media: 16 mm film; Moving Images
AVI 1920 x 1080 29.97 FRAMES PER SECOND
Subjects: Biography / Democratic Party (Oklahoma) / Depressions--1929 / Governors / Marital law / Murray, Alfalfa Bill, 1869-1956 / Murray, Johnston, 1902-1974 / Murray, William H. (William Henry), 1869-1956 / New Deal, 1933-1939 / Oil--Production / Oklahoma Constitutional Convention (1906-1907) / Oklahoma National Guard / Oklahoma--Constitution / Politics / Presidential nominees / Primary Elections / Roosevelt, Franklin D. (Franklin Delano), 1882-1945 / Statehood--Oklahoma--1900-1910 / Toll Bridge War

To inquire about licensing or purchasing a high resolution digital file contact the Oklahoma Historical Society Film Archives:
https://www.okhistory.org/research/film