WILLIAM BOYD?

WILLIAM BOYD (1895-1972) started in silent films, worked for Cecil B. DeMille, and later became television's first merchandising phenomenon. His career was almost ruined due to confusion with another William Boyd whose off-screen antics drew too much bad publicity. Boyd later said he was actually redeemed by taking on the role of Hopalong Cassidy, ending years of drinking.





Haven't you seen Hop-Along Cassidy (1935)? This was the first of 66 films featuring the character created by Clarence Mulford. Boyd made the part his own.


Watch this and then see these other four films.




The King of Kings (1927) Boyd is Simon of Cyrene in DeMille's biblical epic. This was the first silent movie I ever saw. It was shown annually for years around Easter when I was growing up.
The Volga Boatmen (1926) Boyd is a peasant during the Russian Revolution who wins the love of a princess. Cecil B. DeMille directed.
The Eagle's Brood (1935) Another Hopalong Cassidy title and regarded as one of the best "B" Westerns filmed. It has a strong story and Boyd's Cassidy wasn't as gentle as he later became.
The Painted Desert (1931) Boyd stars in this Western that was one of the earliest sound films to showcase the future King of Hollywood, Clark Gable. Both give good performances in this gritty drama.


*Contributed by: "Eric Jamborsky" Date: Date: Mon, Oct 3 2005 / 15:47:11 PST