Cassidy of Bar 20 (1938) in Color — Starring William Boyd & Russell Hayden

Cassidy of Bar 20 (1938) — Buy This Classic in Color

Step back to 1938 with Cassidy of Bar 20, a classic American western directed by Lesley Selander and starring the iconic William Boyd as Hopalong Cassidy. This fast-paced adventure, featuring Russell Hayden and Nora Lane, pits our hero against a ruthless land-grabbing scheme that threatens the Bar 20 ranch. With a gripping story of deception and frontier justice, this film is a must-have for any western enthusiast. Own this classic movie in color as a DRM-free MP4 digital download for just €15.00.

Plot Summary

The story opens on the sprawling Bar 20 ranch, where Hopalong Cassidy and his loyal friend Lucky Jenkins (Russell Hayden) are enjoying a peaceful life. Their tranquility is shattered when a mysterious and powerful newcomer, Mark Givens (Robert Fiske), begins buying up land surrounding the ranch. Givens, a seemingly respectable businessman, has a hidden agenda that involves controlling the local water supply, a move that would cripple the Bar 20 and force its owner to sell.

Hoppy and Lucky soon discover that Givens is not working alone. He has enlisted the help of a local lawyer and a gang of hired thugs to intimidate the other ranchers into selling their land. When a friend of Hoppy’s is murdered for refusing to give up his property, the situation turns deadly. Hoppy realizes that this is no ordinary business deal; it’s a ruthless conspiracy to take over the entire valley.

Determined to bring Givens to justice, Hoppy begins his own investigation. He finds an unlikely ally in the beautiful Nora Clayton (Nora Lane), a young woman who is also suspicious of Givens’ motives. As they dig deeper, they uncover a web of forged documents and fraudulent claims, all orchestrated by Givens to legally steal the land. The evidence points to a powerful and well-connected enemy who will stop at nothing to succeed.

The tension escalates when Givens’ men frame Lucky for the murder of the lawyer, hoping to eliminate the loose end and put the Bar 20 crew on the defensive. With Lucky facing a hanging, Hoppy must race against time to prove his friend’s innocence. He orchestrates a daring plan to infiltrate Givens’ operation and find the proof that will expose the entire scheme.

In a thrilling climax, Hoppy confronts Givens and his gang in a showdown that will decide the fate of the Bar 20. With the evidence in hand and his guns blazing, Hoppy must outsmart the villain and save his friend. The final question remains: can Hoppy expose Givens’ conspiracy and restore peace to the valley before it’s too late?

Cast & Crew

Director: Lesley Selander
Stars: William Boyd, Russell Hayden, Nora Lane, Robert Fiske, Frank Darien

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

This colorized edition of Cassidy of Bar 20 breathes new life into a classic western, transforming the stark black and white images into a vibrant visual experience. The professional colorization reveals the rich, period-accurate hues of the cowboy costumes, from the deep browns of leather chaps to the bright reds and blues of the shirts. The dusty trails, the deep blue of the sky, and the golden tones of the western landscape are now vividly rendered, adding a new layer of depth to every scene. This restoration enhances the performances of William Boyd and the cast, making the action more immediate and the drama more engaging. The film has been carefully colourised to respect the original cinematography, ensuring that the new palette feels authentic and enhances the story rather than distracting from it. Bring this piece of western history to life in your home today for just €15.00 with an instant DRM-free MP4 download.

Historical Significance

Cassidy of Bar 20 is a significant entry in the long-running and hugely popular Hopalong Cassidy film series. By 1938, William Boyd had fully defined the character of the white-hatted, straight-shooting cowboy hero, and this film solidified the formula that would make the series a staple of American cinema for over a decade. Directed by Lesley Selander, a prolific and skilled director of B-westerns, the film exemplifies the quality and entertainment value that could be achieved within the genre’s tight budgets and schedules. It was a reliable and profitable production for Paramount Pictures, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the western to Depression-era audiences.

The film also represents a transition point in the series, moving from the more complex plots of the earlier entries to a more streamlined and action-oriented approach. Selander’s direction is crisp, and the film’s pacing is a masterclass in efficient storytelling. While not a major critical landmark, its importance lies in its role as a popular entertainment that helped shape the public’s perception of the American West. The film’s themes of land rights, corporate greed, and individual justice resonated with contemporary audiences and continue to be relevant today. By bringing this film to new audiences in color, we ensure that the legacy of Hopalong Cassidy and the classic western endures for generations to come.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4 / MKV digital download
• Resolution: HD 720p
• Colorized: Professionally colorized from original black and white
• Audio: English original mono
• Runtime: 56 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes — watch on any device
• Instant download: Available immediately after purchase
• Price: €15.00

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: Was Cassidy of Bar 20 originally filmed in color?
A: No, the film was originally shot in black and white in 1938. This page offers a later professional colorized restoration of the film, which has been carefully enhanced to add a new visual dimension to the classic western. It is not a studio-produced color version from the time of its release.

Q: Who plays the villain Mark Givens in this film?
A: The villainous land-grabber Mark Givens is played by Robert Fiske, a character actor who frequently appeared in westerns and serials during the 1930s and 1940s. His portrayal of the scheming businessman provides a strong contrast to William Boyd’s heroic Hopalong Cassidy.

Q: Is this a Hopalong Cassidy movie?
A: Yes, this is the 21st film in the Hopalong Cassidy series. William Boyd stars as Hopalong Cassidy, with Russell Hayden reprising his role as his sidekick Lucky Jenkins. The film is a classic example of the popular series that made Boyd a household name.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: The film is delivered as MP4 and MKV files that play on virtually any device.
Q: Is there DRM on the file?
A: No. The download is completely DRM-free so you can watch it on any device without restrictions.
Q: How quickly can I watch after purchase?
A: Your download link is available instantly after payment, so you can start watching within minutes.

Related Colorized Classics

• One Million B.C. (1940)
• The Plunderers (1960)
• Saigon (1947)
• Cry of the City (1948)
• Touch of Evil (1958)