Cassidy of Bar 20

In the 1938 movie Cassidy of Bar 20, directed by Lesley Selander, we are introduced to Hopalong Cassidy (played by William Boyd), an experienced cowboy who owns the Bar 20 ranch. The story follows Cassidy as he attempts to stop a group of bandits led by Slippery Kerner (played by Frank Darien) from stealing a shipment of gold that is headed towards the Bar 20.

To help him in his mission, Cassidy enlists the help of his longtime partner Lucky Jenkins (played by Russell Hayden), who is also an experienced cowboy and skilled marksman. Together, the two of them set out to stop Slippery Kerner and his band of thieves from taking the gold.

As the story progresses, we see Cassidy and Lucky engage in several exciting shootouts with the bandits, with the good guys ultimately emerging victorious. However, along the way, they are also helped by a mysterious woman named Julie (played by Nora Lane), who seems to have her own agenda when it comes to the gold shipment.

Throughout the film, the audience is treated to stunning vistas of the American West, from vast prairies to rocky desert outcroppings. The cinematography is impressive for its time, with many scenes shot against a gorgeous sunset or sunrise, providing an almost ethereal quality to the shots.

Aside from the stunning landscapes, the film also features impressive stunt work, with the cowboys frequently riding at breakneck speeds and executing daring jumps on their horses. Although the stunts may seem dated by modern standards, they still manage to pack a punch and add a level of excitement to the action scenes.

One of the film's biggest strengths is its cast, with William Boyd and Russell Hayden delivering standout performances as the heroic cowboys. Boyd in particular manages to imbue Cassidy with a sense of quiet strength and determination, making him a compelling character to root for.

Frank Darien also deserves praise for his performance as the villainous Slippery Kerner, with his sly grin and menacing demeanor making him a formidable opponent for Cassidy and Lucky.

However, the film is not without its flaws. Some of the dialogue can come across as wooden, and the pacing can be slow at times. Additionally, the female characters in the film are underdeveloped, with Nora Lane's Julie being the only female character with any real agency.

Overall, Cassidy of Bar 20 is an enjoyable western that delivers on action and spectacle. While it may not be as polished as some of the genre's modern offerings, it still manages to capture the spirit of the Old West and provide an entertaining viewing experience.