Howard Bretherton directed this first Hop-a-Long Cassidy flick in a long series of more than 40, which ended in the 1940s but which TV brought back to life in the mid to late 1950s. This first film also goes by the title of HOPALONG CASSIDY ENTERS, and according to my late father, Cassidy was his, and other kids' joy on Saturday afternoons as the starter before the main film.
I was born in colonial Mozambique in 1957, and there was no TV there those days - so I missed Hop-a-Long Cassidy, Tom Mix, Gene Autry and the like. Now, I am glad that I have been able to watch some of these about 1-hour long flicks on Youtube.
This initial entry is one of the best - though, to be honest, I have always found William Boyd a rather mediocre actor - perhaps his distinctive black outfit explains his unusual popularity, because I do not find him physically a credible hero figure, either. George Hayes is the actor that I really look forward to watching , what with his accent, twists of lips and mouth, and unique laugh.
Here the problem has to do with the Bar 20 ranch, which is somehow served - owned? - by Cassidy, and in this case some neighbors, including cowardly villain Kenneth Thomson, are rustling cattle belonging to Uncle Ben, portrayed by the above mentioned, and immensely likable George Hayes.
Enjoyable oater, with handsome Ellison and pretty Paula Stone providing the love component. Strictly standard script and competent photography, especially of cattle on the move and a shootout in craggy cliffs. 7/10.
I was born in colonial Mozambique in 1957, and there was no TV there those days - so I missed Hop-a-Long Cassidy, Tom Mix, Gene Autry and the like. Now, I am glad that I have been able to watch some of these about 1-hour long flicks on Youtube.
This initial entry is one of the best - though, to be honest, I have always found William Boyd a rather mediocre actor - perhaps his distinctive black outfit explains his unusual popularity, because I do not find him physically a credible hero figure, either. George Hayes is the actor that I really look forward to watching , what with his accent, twists of lips and mouth, and unique laugh.
Here the problem has to do with the Bar 20 ranch, which is somehow served - owned? - by Cassidy, and in this case some neighbors, including cowardly villain Kenneth Thomson, are rustling cattle belonging to Uncle Ben, portrayed by the above mentioned, and immensely likable George Hayes.
Enjoyable oater, with handsome Ellison and pretty Paula Stone providing the love component. Strictly standard script and competent photography, especially of cattle on the move and a shootout in craggy cliffs. 7/10.