Hoppy and Topper at his ranch called 'Boyd Nest'

Aboard his trusty steed 'Topper,' and flanked by sidekicks such as Johnny Nelson and Uncle, Hoppy was a draw at the Saturday matinees from 1935 to 1948. Boyd himself never stopped working, even when the camera stopped rolling. With a United Artists distribution deal under his holster, he bought the rights to the Hopalong character in 1946. He then acquired the older pictures from Paramount, and licensed them to NBC in 1949, which televised them as one-hour episodes.

Hoppy's Success on Television

After Hoppy hit the TV airwaves, the craze began in earnest worldwide, as the episodes began airing overseas. The 55-year-old Boyd, even though he had dozens and dozens of features already under his belt, became an 'overnight sensation.' He formed a television company and industriously shot new half-hour episodes. He did worldwide press tours and made constant public appearances, sometimes drawing million-plus crowds that included presidents, generals and ambassadors. He also had the amazing foresight, given the girth of merchandise that was created and sold, to license his own image.

Hoppy "Most Beloved"

In the ongoing debate over who is the most beloved and best-remembered cowboy star of the 50's, Hopalong Cassidy is a very strong contender. Dressed in black atop a white horse named Topper, "Hoppy" enjoyed remarkable success in book, film, and television form.

Hopalong Cassidy

In 1948, Boyd shrewdly acquired the television rights to the films, editing them into 30 and 60-minute segments. The television audience embraced the cowboy hero as moviegoers had done, and the segments became such a hit that Boyd filmed an additional 52 episodes.

Hopalong Cassidy

But perhaps the most popular aspect of the show was Bill Boyd himself. Though Hopalong had eleven sidekicks throughout his years on TV and film, Boyd as Hoppy never changed. Never in Hollywood history has one man played the same character for so many filmed installments. In the crowded world of cowboy heroes, Hopalong Cassidy wins at least that distinction.