KNIGHTS OF THE RANGE! Free Western Movie! Russell Hayden, Victor Jory, Jean Parker! Action! WOW!

Western movie action explodes in the classic Zane Grey western movie KNIGHTS OF THE RANGE from 1940. It stars Hopalong Cassidy’s favorite sidekick, Russell Hayden. Like the Hoppy films, it is loaded with exceptional production values both in front of and behind the camera. Based on Grey’s novel, “Bad Men of Nevada,” KNIGHTS OF THE RANGE reunites Hayden with his friend and mentor, Hopalong Cassidy cinematographer Russell Harlan, for some stunning vistas and thrilling action. More Hoppy veterans include director Lesley Selander, composer Victor Young and the fabulous actor Victor Jory (GONE WITH THE WIND, THE SHADOW).

The story begins with Russell on the wrong side of the law, caught up with a gang of outlaws run by Morris Ankrum. Jory is a shady gambler trying to woo and marry headstrong Jean Parker. As expected from a Zane Grey story, there are lots of twists, turns and secrets that keep the film moving at a very brisk pace.

You all know Russell Hayden from his sidekick days as Hopalong Cassidy’s lovelorn sidekick. Those wonderful B+ westerns were produced by Harry “Pop” Sherman. When Hoppy’s first young sidekick, James Ellison left the series, Sherman plucked Hayden, who had been working as an assistant cameraman and sound recorder behind the cameras, to replace Ellison. Born Hayden Lucid, the novice actor took the name of his friend and mentor, cameraman Russell Harlan to become Russell Hayden. The tall good looking Hayden joined Hoppy on the 10th film in the series playing the role of “Lucky” for a total of 27 Hoppy films. He was so popular Sherman decided to give him the lead in several features of his own.

In 1950, Russell Hayden teamed with James Ellison to star in and produce a series of very low budget westerns for Lippert with Raymond Hatton and Betty Adams, who later changed her on screen name to Julie and became a very popular leading lady in both films and television. On TV, Hayden and former silent movie child actor, Jackie Coogan, starred in the syndicated series, COWBOY G-MEN. During the 1950s TV western boom, businessman Russell also partnered with actor, and frequent villain, Dick Curtis, to create and build the western movie location, Pioneertown.

As the most popular of William Boyd’s young sidekicks, it’s nice to see Russell Hayden as the lead in KNIGHTS OF THE RANGE. Please let us know how you liked this film. Remember, if you want to see our A WORD ON WESTERNS collection of hundreds of films, interviews and TV shows Ad Free, just make sure to join our Patreon Posse at the commercial free level.

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