Fool's Gold

Hoppy goes under-cover to rescue friend's son from clutches of outlaw gang.

Cluttered screenplay short on both action and focus. Best thing is clever idea of "bug- ologist" professor who collects poisonous spiders. Naturally, he heads up the gang. Unfortunately, he's not around for the climax, plus the script doesn't really know what to do with him. Notable too that the cast includes that fine B-movie actress Jane Randolph as the tough-talking saloon girl. Too bad her role sort of fades away. Anyway, I agree with others that this is not Hoppy at its best.

It may be worth noting that Bill Boyd was the uncredited executive producer here, which means he had taken over production from Harry Sherman. That may account for lesser amount of action since Boyd could now make executive decisions, and he was pushing 50, a time maybe to slow down. Note, for example, how he lassos the buckboard guy instead of jumping and wrestling him off the speeding wagon. Fortunately, the actor could fall back on one of the most likable personalities on the cowboy screen, plus here he really looks good in that big hat and long waistcoat. Then too, next to Gene Autry, Boyd was probably the shrewdest businessman riding the matinée range. So, let the younger guys take the falls, which, I think, is what he was in the process of learning here.