Ep 3. Colt Comrades

Hopalong Cassidy season 5 episode 3, titled "Colt Comrades," follows Hopalong Cassidy, played by William Boyd, and his trusty sidekick Lucky, played by Russell Hayden, as they ride into a small town and find themselves in the middle of a feud between two rival ranchers, the Cartwrights and the Hollisters.

The Cartwrights are tough, no-nonsense ranchers who take pride in their cattle and the land they own. The Hollisters, on the other hand, are newcomers to the area and are not as respected as the Cartwrights. Despite their differences, the two ranchers managed to peacefully coexist until the Hollisters decided to start breeding horses.

The Colt Comrades is the name of the group of young boys who ride and care for the horses of the Hollisters. This group consisting of boys who love horses act as the messenger between the Hollisters and the cattle ranchers.

As tensions rise between the two groups, Hopalong and Lucky try to diffuse the situation by speaking with both parties. However, their efforts are in vain as the Cartwrights are convinced that the Hollisters are encroaching on their land and stealing their cattle. They are also suspicious of the Colt Comrades and their intentions.

Things go from bad to worse when a bunch of the Cartwright's cattle goes missing, and they immediately blame the Hollisters. They take matters into their own hands and start to burn down the Hollister's barn, where the Colt Comrades keep their horses.

Determined to bring peace to the town, Hopalong and Lucky decide to investigate the situation further. With the help of the Colt Comrades, they discover that the cattle wasn't stolen by the Hollisters at all, but by a group of outlaws who have been casing the town for weeks. They have been using the feud between the ranchers to cover up their tracks and steal from both sides.

With the truth out in the open, Hopalong and Lucky help the two ranchers work together to catch the outlaws and bring them to justice. In the end, the feud between the Cartwrights and the Hollisters is resolved, and peace returns to the small town.

"Colt Comrades" is a beautiful episode that showcases the importance of communication and working together to achieve common goals. It highlights the value of honesty and mutual respect in a small community. Hopalong Cassidy's calm and level-headed approach to problem-solving makes him an excellent role model for young viewers, and the episode's moral messaging is timeless.