Hoppy Serves a Writ (1943)

Sheriff Hoppy has to find a way to bring the bad guys, headed by Tom Jordan, to justice in the Lone Star state. The problem is that they are hiding out beyond his jurisdiction, in Oklahoma.

Director:

George Archainbaud

Writers:

Clarence E. Mulford (story), Gerald Geraghty (screenplay)

Stars:

William Boyd, Andy Clyde, Jay Kirby

Cast

Complete credited cast:
William Boyd	...	Hopalong Cassidy
Andy Clyde	...	California Carlson
Jay Kirby	...	Johnny Travers
Victor Jory	...	Tom Jordan
George Reeves	...	Steve Jordan
Jan Christy	...	Jean Hollister
Hal Taliaferro	...	Henchman Greg Jordan
Forbes Murray	...	Ben Hollister
Robert Mitchum	...	Henchman (as Bob Mitchum)
Byron Foulger	...	Danvers (storekeeper)
Earle Hodgins	...	Bartender, Desk Clerk
Roy Barcroft	...	Rancher Tod Colby

Storyline

Posing as a cattle buyer, Hoppy crosses over into Oklahoma where the Jordan brother's and their outlaw gang operate outside the law. After receiving an unfriendly reception when he finds them, he, California, and Johnny rustle their cattle and drive across the river into Texas. He hopes they will cross over to retrieve their cattle and then he can arrest them.

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Plot Keywords:

hopalong cassidy | barroom brawl | rustler | character name in title

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Western

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Certificate:

Passed

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

12 March 1943 (USA)

Also Known As:

Arizona sheriffen

Filming Locations:

Alabama Hills, Lone Pine, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Harry Sherman Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

67 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Wide Range System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Robert Mitchum's film debut.

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Connections

Followed by Forty Thieves (1944)

User Reviews

Lots of Stars, Little Action

Unlike the later Hoppy films, this one doesn't follow a mystery outline. We know who the baddie is from pretty near the beginning, & it's just a matter of catching him. Victor Jory (who had already starred in "The Shadow" & "The Green Archer" serials), is featured in this film. George Reeves (later TV's "Superman") has a small part. And Robert Mitchum has a short line. Jan Christy (the heroine) is prettier than most of the Hoppy heroines. Andy Clyde (as "California") gets a serious beating, & "Johnny" (Jay Kirby) doesn't act as silly as other Johnnies in this series. Sounds like it has a lot going for it, doesn't it? Not so, because there's little action aside from a couple of good fight scenes & about three gunfights. The plot is weak, & it's not helped by the fact that there's no mystery involved. Hoppy wears all black at the beginning & end of the film, & wears his rancher's outfit in the middle. It doesn't even have the usual dose of humor for a Hoppy film. I rate it only 5/10.