I’ve been trying to figure this out for myself, but I should’ve turned to y’all in the first place.
Looking for the best book(s) on the Hopalong Cassidy film. series. There are quite a few out there, from memorabilia price guides to stuff like Hopalong Cassidy: On The Page, On The Screen. The latter is from Riverwood Press, which is usually a good sign. (I miss Packy Smith!)
Drop your recommendations in the comments. Thanks a bunch.
UPDATE: Y’all have spoken and it’s pretty unanimous — Hopalong Cassidy: On The Page, On The Screen by Francis M. Nevins from Riverwood Press is the best book out there on Hopalong Cassidy. Thanks to all of you who commented, emailed or texted — and thanks to Steve Bowen for the photo of his long out-of-print hardback copy. The paperback is still available.
50 Westerns From The 50s. 
Well, Toby for me the book to have is “THE FILMS OF HOPALONG CASSIDY” by Francis M. Nevins published in 1988. Chock full of interesting information and detail.
I’m sure there must be sources out there to still pick it up.
I am now wondering if “ON THE PAGE: ON THE SCREEN” is the same book, re-titled at some point. Both by Nevins.
I was wondering the same thing. If the older edition is good, I might go for the more recent one.
Thanks so much, Jerry!
ABE Books have a copy on sale for under $13 inc. postage.
Just wanted to chime in and say I miss Packy Smith too. He was a living encyclopedia of b-western info and anecdotes. The way to really get his eyes to light up would be to go up to him and ask him if he’d seen any movies lately with cowboy stars like Fred Gilman, Pete Morrison, Roy Stewart, Newton House, and the like.
Yep! Over the life of this blog, and especially as I toil away on my never-ending book project, I’ve wished Packy was around to check on something. He would’ve been my perfect fact-checker!
Toby, as far as I know your best bet is the HOPALONG CASSIDY: ON THE PAGE, ON THE SCREEN(2016) written by Francis M. Nevins along with Packy Smith as editor. This would be the updated edition of Nevins’ 1988 edition.
Also, Grace Bradley Boyd’s memoir HOPALONG CASSIDY: AN AMERICAN LEGEND(2008) written with Michael Cochran. This one is pricey, but is probably a good read.
Toby, your always welcome for what little help I can provide.
Is it true that we will see SOUTHWEST PASSAGE(filmed 1953, released 1954) released in 3-D on Blu-ray by way of 3-D Film Archive. I got this information from Laura G. over at her https://laurasmiscmusings.blogspot.com/
Yep, Southwest Passage is on its way. Have a post about it set up to post tomorrow.
I’m late to the party but want to endorse the Nevins book — it’s very detailed and has been a great resource for me as someone who has come to love the Hoppy films relatively late in life!
I also tried to comment a few days ago expressing appreciation for your Packy Smith post — he is greatly missed in Lone Pine. I think once in a while I must hit an incorrect WordPress button or something!
Best wishes,
Laura