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Hopalong Cassidy

Created by novelist Clarence E. Mulford, the character of Hopalong Cassidy was first brought to the screen in 1935, with former silent film star William Boyd playing the role. His distinctive costume of dark hat, shirt and pants contrasted strikingly with his light complexion and white hair and made him stand out from the other movie cowboys of the day. Boyd played Hoppy like a friendly uncle, firm but gentle, appealing to kids and adults alike. The films proved popular, with Boyd cranking out 66 Hopalong Cassidy features between 1935 and 1948.

Along the way, he acquired the rights to the character and made a fortune when the movies were shown on television in the late 1940s. Boyd also owned and starred in 52 episodes of the half-hour "Hopalong Cassidy" TV series.

At the height of his popularity during the 1950s, Hoppy's image appeared on all Cass-Clay cartons, and kids collected bottlecaps with his picture to exchange for prizes.