The Western movie genre has produced some of the most beloved characters of the last century. From John Wayne to James Stewart and Clint Eastwood, all remain household names across America to this day.
Yet not all are remembered. One you’ve likely never heard of, even though he starred in nearly 70 movies, is Hopalong Cassidy, portrayed by the legend who’s faded into the background, William Boyd.
The Birth of Hopalong
During the early part of the 1900s, American author Clarence E. Mulford began writing novels based on the adventures of a cowboy, Hopalong Cassidy.
Over the next four decades, Mulford penned nearly 30 novels centered on the world of Cassidy men of Bar-20 Ranch.
Premiere on the Big Screen
Mulford’s books garnered a great audience across America. His weaving storylines created a Western universe of stories that followed the life of Cassidy.
Eventually, it was announced that Mulford’s lead character would star in his very own Western movie three decades after the character was first created.
William Boyd Takes on the Role
In 1935, William Boyd appeared on the screen for the first time as the hero Hopalong Cassidy.
The first in a long series of movies was called “Hop-a-long Cassidy.”
Instant Hit with Moviegoers
While rumors of the era suggest that 40-year-old Boyd wasn’t the studio’s first choice for the role of the sasparilla-drinking cowboy, no doubt they made the right choice (via History).
Due to the first film’s success, “The Eagles Brood” and “Bar 20 Rides Again” were quickly released before the end of the year.
Going Against the Norm
Boyd’s character, Hopalong, became a cultural icon for the franchise’s fan base after only three releases.
Well-spoken and an advocate for justice and fairness across the Western frontier, the white-haired cowboy did all he could to ensure honest citizens were well taken care of and free from danger.
Paramount Begin Building a Franchise
After the trilogy’s success, Paramount knew they had something special on their hands with Hopalong and his trusty steed, Topper.
Eleven more movies were released over the next two years, and the studio didn’t seem to show any signs of slowing down.
10 Movies in One Year
Paramount broke its own record by releasing 10 Hopalong movies throughout 1941.
“Doomed Caravan” started the year with its January release, culminating with “Secret of the Wastelands” in November.
Film Rights Change Hands
After 41 movies, Paramount decided to sell some of its movie rights, which included the Hopalong series.
They were picked up by United Artists, who produced the subsequent 25 films until the series finally came to an end in 1948, with 66 productions in total.
Guinness World Record-Holder
Having starred as the hero in each movie from the Hopalong franchise, Boyd was eventually recognized for this achievement.
The Guinness World Records issued Boyd with an award for “Most Hollywood film performances in the same role,” a record that still stands today some eight decades later.
Boyd Purchases Rights
The end of Hopalong’s movie career wasn’t the end of the franchise.
Boyd fought hard to buy the rights from United Artists and managed to do so after raising over $350,00 from the sale of his ranch, among other things.
One of the Most Successful Western Franchises
NBC picked up the show and produced over 52 television episodes over a five-year period ending in 1955.
Merchandise sales were through the roof by the end of the TV series, and the character, Hopalong Cassidy, was considered one of the most successful brands of the era.
