A United Artists picture. USA release: 1 October 1943. Directed by Lesley Selander. CAST: William Boyd, Andy Clyde, George Reeves, Dustin Farnum, Victor Jory, Douglas Fowley, Betty Blythe, Bob Mitchum, Francis McDonald, Earle Hodgins. Running time : 54 minutes. (The DVD was formerly available from VintageFilmBuff). COMMENT: Alas, this entry is well below standard, not only in running time (a mere 54 minutes), but in excitement. Here is a picture that almost all patrons will find below standard. Not only is the plot dull, affording little in the way of action, but the acting is decidedly hammy, and the direction indifferent. Even Russell Harlan's photography, normally a high point in the series, seems flat and uninspired.

I didn't really know what to expect from this movie. I was literally only watching it because of my love for George Reeves in The Adventures of Superman. I was not disappointed, and ended up enjoying it on the whole. I've never watched an old western before (or many westerns at all, really), but it was an entertaining watch, with appealing protagonists, a pretty interesting plot line with schemes, people getting framed, action, etc., and even some great humor. It's sure to entertain for anyone who likes this sort of thing. Despite all the shootings and whatnot, the entire thing has a warm, kid-friendly feel that I assume was more typical of movies from a simpler time. And of course, I enjoyed George as much as ever. He was cute and young and got a decent amount of screen time, and was the same great guy I knew from Superman.This movie is just under an hour long, so it's not a great time investment. If you're a fan of any actors or of this genre, I recommend this film.

Robert Mitchum who got his start in movies in the Hopalong Cassidy series usually played outlaws in his appearances. But in Bar 20 Mitchum plays an earnest but rather thickheaded and proud young bridegroom who just cannot believe the obvious. The obvious being that his best friend and best man Victory Jory is trying to rob and swindle him.Bar 20 finds Hoppy and his sidekicks George Reeves and Andy Clyde on a trip to Betty Blythe's ranch to buy some cattle and Hoppy's carrying a wad of cash. Our heroes as it happens rescue Blythe and her daughter Dustine Farnum from a stagecoach holdup though the outlaws get away with her expensive engagement ring.Later on Hoppy and the sidekicks are robbed of the cash. It's a rather complex series of events that convinces Hoppy that Jory is the one behind it. But no one can convince Mitchum that Hoppy and his sidekicks aren't the bad guys. Apparently the reputation that Hopalong Cassidy has in the west counts for nothing. I'm sure the kids in 1943 who saw this on Saturday afternoon thought Mitchum was the stupidest guy alive.George Reeves did many Cassidy features himself, but this was his one and only shot at being a regular sidekick. I wonder why Harry Sherman didn't use him further in that role.A bit more plot than usual distinguishes Bar 20 from the usual Cassidy films. But I'm sure the kids liked it as will you.

Excellent chapter in the Hopalong Cassidy Series. With a cast of William Boyd, George "Superman" Reeves and Robert Mitchum and first class story you will enjoy the 54 minutes of suspense and action this film delivers. Victor Jory who in real life is the US Coast Guard wrestling and boxing champion plays the stereo-typical bad guy. This film has Robberies, Dry Gulching and shoot outs...everything a good family hour program should have :-)