HOLLYWOOD Western Films "THE FILMS OF HOPALONG CASSIDY"

Description: I COMBINE SHIPPING $1.50 per book. FREE SHIPPING for orders over $60. Send books to your check-out cart. E-Bay will automatically adjust shipping costs. PACKAGING & SHIPPING RULES: 1. Individual books Under $18.00 are shipped in padded poly envelopes. 2. Individual books Over $18.00 are shipped in a poly envelope inside a box. 3. Buy Three or more books and the order is shipped in a box.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THIS LISTING:For over half a century the name Hopalong Cassidy meant something to either readers, movie-goers, radio listeners or TV viewers. The fictional book hero, created by Clarence E.Mulford, first appeared in 1905 and lasted until 1941. By that time the red-thatched, hard-cussing cowpoke had been transformed by actor William Boyd into an urbane, polished knight-gallant. This is the Hoppy that Francis Nevins looks at and, as the name of his book implies, the author exhaustively details all 66 of these superior B grade western Cassidy films, between 1935-48.These films continued to be run into the 1960s such was the great popularity of Boyd's Hoppy, in the 1950's, via TV, radio and the actor's marketing genius in promoting a plethora of Hoppy goods, including food, toys, clothing etc. Nevins also catalogues the TV Cassidy series but does not engage in detailed information on these as many of the early TV Hoppy shows were cut-down versions of the earlier films. The book is extensively laced with large black and white photos, from all the movies and, together with a lively text, brings back some great memories to all the Hoppy fans the world over who were growing-up in the 1950s,or earlier. As Nevins notes, 'the best of the Hopalong Cassidy movies are among the finest westerns ever made. 'However this book is not just a puff-job. Nevins is also critical of some of the films and dismisses the TV series as amongst the worst westerns (that view of course was not shared by 1950's children who couldn't get enough of their hero-and of course the TV series was pitched at a juvenile audience). Although forgotten today, Bill Boyd was a huge-star for over 20 years as Hopalong, completely fusing his persona with that of the cowboy. The role seemed to change the man. From a frivolous silent-era heart-throb(with 4 failed marriages) whose career seemed over, until he accepted the Cassidy role in 1935, Boyd became the epitome of everything wholesome and decent. In 1937 he started two enduring partnerships, one with his fifth wife, the actress Grace Bradley, the other with Topper, his four-legged ghostly grey co-star. These partnerships were severed only by death-Topper's in 1961 and Boyd's in 1972 (Grace is still alive).Boyd's acts of kindness to children, particularly the sick, are legendary and in films and life Boyd represented the best of American values. Thus, whilst making a store-appearance in the Deep-South, Boyd refused to allow the segregation of children waiting to see him. Hoppy, as always, continued to 'ride-tall'. The Cassidy films too showed great sensitivity in portraying Indians and Afro-Americans in an era not particularly known for such portrayals. A minor criticism of this detailed book relates to Boyd's birth and death. Nevins, like a majority of writers on William Boyd, states the actor was born in 1898. In fact, Boyd was born in 1895. Likewise, Nevins states that Boyd died on 13 September 1972 whereas all other references I have read state he died on 12 September. Nevertheless, Nevins has written an interesting book on a great western star analyzing the films in the context of the times.Footnote: Grace Boyd died 21 September 2010 - on her 97th birthday- surviving her husband by 38 years.

Price: 16 USD

Location: Livonia, Michigan

End Time: 2025-01-16T14:11:56.000Z

Shipping Cost: 5.4 USD