Rustlers’ Valley (1937)

Directed by Nate Watt and produced by Harry Sherman, Rustlers’ Valley is the 12th entry in the long-running Hopalong Cassidy series starring William Boyd. Released by Paramount Pictures, this 61-minute Western delivers classic frontier justice with a dose of cattle rustling, mistaken identity, and loyal friendship.

Plot Summary
When Lucky Jenkins (Russell Hayden) is falsely accused of bank robbery, Hopalong Cassidy (William Boyd) sets out to clear his name. The real culprits are part of a gang led by a crooked lawyer trying to steal a herd of pedigree cattle and take over the valley. With help from trusty sidekick Windy Halliday (George “Gabby” Hayes), Hoppy uncovers the plot and restores order to the ranching community.

Cast Highlights

• William Boyd as Hopalong Cassidy
• George “Gabby” Hayes as Windy Halliday
• Russell Hayden as Lucky Jenkins
• Muriel Evans as Agnes Randall
• Lee J. Cobb (credited as Lee Colt) in his first credited film role
• Morris Ankrum, Ted Adams, and Al Ferguson in supporting roles

Behind-the-Scenes Trivia

• This was one of 54 Hopalong Cassidy films produced by Harry Sherman between 1935 and 1944
• After their theatrical run, William Boyd purchased the rights to the series and syndicated them for television starting in 1948, where they became a massive hit
• For TV, each film was re-edited to 54 minutes to fit a one-hour slot with commercials
• The film was first broadcast on KTLA Los Angeles in 1948, and later aired in Atlanta and Fort Worth in 1949
• The onscreen title actually reads Rustler’s Valley, though the official title is Rustlers’ Valley