On June 24, 1949, “Hopalong Cassidy” began airing on NBC Television. It was the first network Western TV series, starring actor William Boyd, who had already played the clean-cut hero, Bill "Hopalong" Cassidy, in 66 highly popular films dating from 1935. The white-haired Boyd was clothed in black, including his hat, entirely against the western stereotype of the good guy in a white hat. His role was to battle crime, uphold justice and defend honest citizens with his quick-draw shooting, clear thinking, solid fists and his ethical character. Riding his white horse, Topper, he was accompanied by a comical, grizzled sidekick, Windy Halliday, who for a time was played by George “Gabby” Hayes. The early TV shows were actually re-edited versions of the theatrical films, the rights to which Boyd wisely owned. The series (and its vast merchandising) made Boyd wealthy. It was also a precursor to similar shows starring Roy Rogers and Gene Autry. Boyd was meticulous in presenting a positive role model for his legions of young viewers.
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