Three Men from Texas

This Hoppalong Cassidy (William Boyd) film is well made and extremely typical of the genre. And, like most of the B-westerns I've enjoyed, it's not mired down with a lot of unnecessary and silly songs.

The film begins with authorities in California begging the Texas governor to send a crack Ranger to their state to help them restore law and order. Surprisingly, Hoppy isn't interested in the job but his young friend Lucky does the job instead. Soon, however, Hoppy is pulled into California. And, he brings along a new sidekick--aptly named California. Together with Lucky, the trio work on restoring justice. And, as if VERY typical of the genre. there's a baddie who has a large group of hired guns who's intent on stealing the land of all the little guys.

About the only unusual aspect of the film is that it's surprisingly violent for a B-western. As for the acting, Cassidy seems quite natural and the film is enjoyable throughout. Not a must-see but a decent little time-passer.

Three Men From Texas has so many positive elements that it must qualify for inclusion among the very 'best' b-westerns. Among those attributes are a stellar ensemble cast, superb photography, including panoramic running shots, an intriguing plot, compelling original music and beautiful location.

All those Hopalong Cassidy films! And the only ways anyone can ever see them in the UK is if they buy imported DVD's or download off the internet, because they're never on TV. This is mainly because these type of Hollywood b Westerns are considered derisory by the suits – I got news for them: it's current TV programming that is derisory, no one will watch any of it in 70 years time like HC still is.

Be warned: the IMDb plot summary gives out the entire story, but basically after receiving a call for help from California Texas Rangers Hoppy & Lucky are up against a tough gang of land grabbers. To the background sound of clinking spurs we're treated as usual to plenty of chases, wonderful scenery, gunfights, a brief romance for Lucky, a neck-tie party, comedy this time coming from Andy Clyde joining the team. William Boyd and Russell Haydon put in their usual good performances as the unflappable Cassidy and young sidekick Lucky. Favourite bit: California winging one of the baddies, then shooting him dead. Hoppy reproaches in jest "You ought to be ashamed of yourself shooting at a cripple" – "I was only trying to be humane" – swift justice indeed!

I think I've probably seen about a bar-20 of these films but it looks par for the course, a well made programmer with so-so acting and plot but mainly for the kids and people like me. Don't bother if you're a serious type.

The banker, Davison Clark wants something to be done about the lawlessness in town "Seth Pritchard was the 3rd Marshall to be buried in Boot Hill in the last 7 months." Texas Ranger Captain Andrews (Morgan Wallace) wants the best man for the job but Hopolong Cassidy (William Boyd) refuses. No fear, Lucky Jenkins (Russell Hayden) to the rescue. Hoppy runs into some problems of his own and hooks up with California Carlson (Andy Clyde). The Three Texans meet up at the Mexican border town of Santa Carmen. Morris Ankrum as Bruce Morgan is the head land grabber who's terrorizing California ranchers. He's got the best henchmen in the business with Glenn Strange and Dick Curtis. Lucky is lucky in finding beautiful senorita Paquita Serrano (Esther Estrella) and gives him extra motivation to help her father (Thornton Edwards). Three Men From Texas has a top notch cast, a great story and comic relief at the right time. This was the best of the Hopolong Cassidy movies and a must see for any true western fan.

This is the film that introduced the character of California Carlson to the team as the new comic sidekick, played by Scottish born Andy Clyde, and I must say, with all due respects to the great Gabby Hayes, Andy Clyde was my favourite of Hoppy's comedy cohorts, William Boyd must have liked him too because he remained for the rest of the feature film series! Boyd was a great actor, something he had over most of the other B western cowboys and he could often put a lot of feeling and emotion into some of his scenes, giving the Hopalong films a lot more credibility! This is a decent entry in the series with a couple of sad scenes as well as a couple that may shock? After a few more films the excellent Russell Hayden left to pursue his own career. Hopalong Cassidy was always good value for money!