Before William Boyd began playing Hopalong Cassidy in 66 films, he had a long career in both silents and early talkies--playing a wide variety of roles. But from 1935 through 1948, Boyd almost exclusively played Hoppy in films...so many that some people THOUGHT he was Cassidy and forgot he had a long career apart from these films. Of the 66 films, "Strange Gamble" is the final appearance of Hoppy in a movie...and I watched this one hoping it would be a nice exit from the franchise.
Fortunately for anyone wanting to see the Hopalong Cassidy films, YouTube has most of them and in pristine condition. While many of these films were trimmed down for television, the Boyd family kept original copies and they were completely restored and placed on YouTube....and you can't find better copies anywhere.
Like many of Hoppy's films, he primary sidekick is California (Andy Clyde). As for the second, well the Cassidy films almost all had a young, handsome but bland guy...but who he was varied considerably. In this case, Rand Brooks plays Lucky.
The film begins with Hoppy and his friends coming upon what looks like a runaway stage. It turns out the woman driving it is in a hurry, as she has a sick sister-in-law inside. Oddly, when Hoppy brings them into town looking for help, the owner of the local saloon is a real jerk and doesn't want to stop his poker game and tries to keep the sheriff playing. What an odd reaction to a lady who is ill and in need of help! Obviously something is afoot.
So why are Hoppy and his friends in this neck of the woods? Well, Hoppy is a federal agent who is investigating some counterfeit money. The only clues he has are a symbol of a comet, the name 'Mordigan' and the town. And, once they arrive strange things happen...such as the Silver Belle mine disappearing and Hoppy getting engaged!!
There isn't a lot new or unusual about this film and its plot. However, like nearly all the Hopalong Cassidy movies, it is entertaining and fun...which is all you really need.
