I love Hopalong Cassidy, both versions. The rough behind the ears Clarence E Mulford Hoppy who spit, drank and gambled has a 'what's he going to do next' appeal. William Boyd portrayed a man in black who worked for the common man, yet had a rough edge every now and then.
This book is about the latter. Yet it celebrates the best of both Hoppys, the good, bad, and the limpy. And I loved it.
The plot in a nutshell: Hopalong, Lucky, and California are on their way to visit Hoppy's brother who wrote him requesting help in his fight against Haskell, a local bully/business owner. Hoppy's brother, Buddy is killed in a stampede, and soon thereafter, Hoppy and his cohorts take up the cause. Mary, Buddy's widow, and children depend on Hoppy's help, and he is more than willing to offer it. Mase Haskell, the tycoon, is trying to control the valley with water rights and fees. As owner of the local saloon, he has the sheriff and banker in his hip pocket. If something happens, Haskell wins. That is, until Hoppy lands on the scene. Haskell doesn't see it, but his men do. And more than one man is sent back after a beating by Hoppy.
Unlike all of the stories, Hoppy meets Miss Sarah, the school teacher. From first glance, love is in the air. Lucky, too, is not immune to the charms of a certain young lady. Fortunate for these men, these women folk are up to the challenge of a ranch life!
What happens next is pure adventure. Jail breaks, murder, betrayal, showdowns, and love. Hoppy actually shoots to kill after Sarah is shot by Haskell! Ooh down Hoppy...where's the milk?
Like I said, this story is fantastic and deserving of best seller status. I asked Jerry where the story came from, and he told me that he had written this as a movie script way back in 1990. When Dan Blasius came on the scene, Jerry showed it to him and told him to give it a shot as a novel. As a true Hoppy fan, it was an effort of love. "Writing Hoppy was pure joy. I found myself crying with joy and lived through the characters that are so close to me" he told me. I could see that. Jerry warned me about the apple pie that made you drool....I had ice cream instead, but could taste and smell the fresh apples.
Go To Page: 1 2
