 With action and suspense out of the Old West comes the most famous hero of them all, Huffleong Cassidy, starring William Boyd. The ring of the silver spurs heralds the most amazing man ever to ride the prairies of the early West, Huffleong Cassidy, the same hoppy you hear in motion pictures, and the same California you've laughed at a million times. Raw courage and quick shooting have built a legend around this famous hero. Huffleong is a name to be feared, respected, and admired, for this great cowboy rides the trails of adventure and excitement. William Boyd as Huffleong Cassidy and then declined as California. Well, Hoppy, what about our story? This is kind of a special story that I call the Santa Claus Rustlers. It began shortly before Christmas as California and I were heading back to the bar 20 after a trail drive to Southern Arizona. We were hoping to be home for the holidays, but one morning near Phoenix, my horse toppled through a shoe, and this is what it led to. Well, of all the durned luck, this takes the cake. Ah, no, you're grumbling about it, California. Just hand me one of those spare shoes and some nails. That's what I mean. We ain't got no spare shoes. What? But I told you that... It ain't got no nails neither. California, what was the last thing I told you to do before we left Disney? Get some shoes and nails and a shut-up about the heat. Well... And Hoppy, remember the Christmas spirit? Besides, I didn't have no room and my saddlebags for hot shoes. No room? Of course you got room. Ah, now I'll have to walk top or clear the Phoenix to get a new shoe. Well, if it weren't for my room and just my bad feet, I'd let you ride my horse hop in. Ha, ha, ha, ha. I'm sorry, you know that. Sure. Well, look, here comes a kid. Maybe there's a ranch near here where you can get a shoe. Well, for your sake, I hope so. Hi, son. Howdy yourself. What's up in your horse? I'm running away. Honey, Billy's still well. What's yours? Is he in it hot? Want a piece of fudge? I got some here in my pocket. Hey, take a breath. Regular little magpie, India. I'm Apple on Cassidy, Billy. This is my partner, California Carlson. You running away too? Uh, no. Where are you headed? I don't know. Maybe China. Maybe Phoenix. Any place where I can make some money quick. You know of anyone needing a top hand? Top hand? Hoppy. This sprout-skip man-sized idea. I ain't as young as I look. Pop said my legs were beginning to bow already. I can do anything that's got four legs. I can rope better than you. Slow down, Billy. Let's talk about this for a minute. It's a little far to China, especially without money or food. I got a pocket full of fudge. Want a piece? No, thanks. Well, no, I might just say... No, no thanks. Billy, you wouldn't be running away because you disagreed with your folks about something, would you? Oh, no. I got the best pop and mom in the whole wide world. Even China. That's why I'm running away. I gotta get some money before Christmas so I can buy them some presents and a tree. A tree? You mean a Christmas tree? Uh-huh. They're awful sentimental, my folks. Every year they have a pine tree and presents. You know how mushy-grode folks are about things like that. Yeah. Yeah, we know, Billy. Pop ain't had no hard money from us tonight. Hey, there comes Johnny, no name. Pop just hired him last week. Wonder what he's doing coming from that away. Hiya, Johnny. Hi, you there. What's your business here? Our own, you snippy-younger. I'm sorry. Yeah, I got a bum leg pops. But save your pity and answer my question. My gun's in good shape. It's a public road, son. We're heading home. Why? Where's that? The bar quantity. Your names? I'm Hop along Cassidy. I'm California Carlson. Uh, what's yours? Johnny, no name, as the kid probably told you. Wouldn't wear out your brains getting curious about that, though. Curiosity makes my trigger finger itch. Now, let's have a look in those saddlebags of yours. What's your answer? You ain't openin' my saddlebags. Why not, California? You've nothing to hide? Maybe I'm just stubborn, but my saddlebags is private. All right. I'm taking you both to the ranch. You'll open those bags there or you won't be stubborn. You'll be dead. Hold it. You're acting like you think we're outlaws. There were ten cows wrestled from the east pasture of our ranch by someone. And for my money, you two are tagged as it. Now, back to Hop along Cassidy and our story, the Santa Claus wrestlers. On their way home, Hoppy and California are stopped near Phoenix, Arizona, first by a young boy, Billy Stillwell, who's running away. Then a bitter young rider who calls himself Johnny, no name, and accuses Hoppy and California of being wrestlers. At gunpoint, he takes them to the Stillwell Ranch, along with young Billy. Darn you, Johnny. You didn't have to make me come home, too. Shut up. Go inside and call your folks. Billy. Oh, Billy. Billy, you scared me to death. Oh, now, Ma, don't take on so. I ain't hurted none. I just wanted to make some money so you could have a tree for Christmas. All right, kid, all right. Get your pop. Well, what is it, Johnny? Who are these men? Call themselves Cassidy and Carlson. But I'm tabbing them as a pair of wrestlers. We lost ten cows this morning. No. Oh, no. Billy, do like Johnny said. Sure, Ma. Uh, Mrs. Stillwell, I can prove who and what we are. Time for that when my husband, Amos, gets here. You may as well get down, Johnny. Can I give you a hand, fella? I don't need help to get off my horse. Get away from me or blow your head off. I ain't got your gun, Johnny. Now, you young po-cat-off. California, give it back to him. What? But Hoppy, you heard him. He'll blow my head off. Give it back? Sure, sure. But it's gonna make me feel like a ninja to be shoots me with it. Here, you drop this. Yeah, thanks. You're welcome, I'm sure. More so if you'll pint it in some other direction than my wishbone. I'm the nervous kind. Mr. Stillwell gives me the word. I'll see you have reason to be. Here's your papers, Mr. Cassidy. Looks like Johnny got ahead of himself. No harm done, Mr. Stillwell. And thanks for letting California shoe my horse while we've talked. I think an apology would be an order from you, Johnny. I don't make apologies to anyone. Well, then I'll apologize for him. He's got a bad streak. Guess he feels the world against him on account of that bum leg. Tries to hate everybody. That's a lot of hate. A man can get sick doing that. Well, I suppose I can't complain, though. Johnny's the only rider I've found who'll work for delayed wages. Maybe he has a reason. Does wrestling hit you hard? Hard enough. Not only me, but my partners. Partners? Yeah, I guess I'd better explain. It's an unusual setup. When I bought this ranch a few years ago, I only had enough left over to buy 50 head of stock. So, Ma and Betty, my daughter, they agreed to sacrifice something to help me get a herd. You got a fine family. Sure have. Ma sold her heirlooms, and Betty gave up going east to school. You see, I'd set aside a little money regularly for her to do that. But when the pinch came, Betty tossed it into the pot without even asking me. I see. And we like to consider the herd as belonging to each other in equal shares. Makes Ma and Betty feel like they have a part in things. And make the Billy might become a partner when he grows up. Well, if there's anything left. I'd like to get my hands on the rustless who'd steal from a family like yours just before Christmas. Yeah, I guess our holidays ain't going to be too bright. No trees, no presents. Nothing but a little good wishing. Marcus, too low to sell now. Sure, that's it. Cows are bringing a bear ten dollars ahead. If we can just hold out till spring, well, we can get double that. If it were just me, I'd sell a few. But I've got to think of the others. No, I reckon this Christmas will just be a poor one. Hoppy, during it all, if we keep fooling around trying to crack down these rustlers, we're going to miss Christmas at home. You can go ahead if you want to California. I've got a man on. Yeah, yeah, I know. Stealing from nice folks like them still wells. It's downright wrong. What pole cat would be mean enough to... Hoppy, I know a pole cat would be... So do I. Let's not go jumping at any conclusions yet. Uh-oh. What's the matter? Look, the tracks of the Russell cattle lead right into those other tracks. We've lost them. Hello there. What do you think you're doing? What? Oh, I guess you must be Betty still well. So you're a good guesser. Answer me. Well, give us a chance. We're trailing some cattle that were rustled from you. Anybody ask you to? Well, as a matter of fact, yes. Your father. My name's Cassidy. This is California Carlson. Oh. So you must think I'm pretty awful jumping on you like that. I reckon I'm edgy. You knew about the cattle? Well, Johnny wrote over to tell me about them this morning. I was banding some calves on the North Range. You were sure of what? But you were a girl. Oh, I'll bet you I can beat you at calf roping. Grizzle push? Uh, grizzle push? Grizzle push. Well, I didn't do it all. I shaved only last week. And there ain't no gal who can beat me calf roping. The day a gal does that, I'll shave clear down to the skin. Oh, no. Hoppy, do I have to? That was the bargain, grizzle push. And she beat you by 10 seconds. Oh, no. But Hoppy, uh, how did I know she was a radio champion? Shave. Yeah. But I'll feel naked. Do I tell them back at the bar 20th that a girl beat you at, uh... See you at dinner. Ouch. Ain't no reason for a man to have to do this know-how. It's plum brutal. Dog gone me if I cut myself once more and my face is going to fall apart. Why don't you try solving them whispers with Applejack? Heard about your match with Betty. You catch them rustlers? She beat you by 10 seconds, huh? Look out, you're cutting yourself. Ouch. Thanks for telling me. Yeah, Betty beat me by 10 seconds. No, we didn't catch no rustlers. And why don't you go kiss a rattlesnake? Say, you're a gabby one, ain't you? Pass the soap. Ma, I'm sorry about making you worry today. Pass the fitters. I just wanted to get some presents and a tree. How about you, Johnny? You getting presents? Presents, presents. That's all any of you think about. Look, do me a big favor. Skip me on this malaki. I'm past believing in Santa Claus. Well, gee, if we had a tree and presents and a party like we usually do, you'd see Johnny and only Santa Claus. Besides, I'm going to give you a present. You what? What for? Because I like you, I guess. Don't you like me? All right. Yeah, all this drivel makes me sad. Well, gee. Uh, Mrs. Dill, well, maybe there's something we can do. After all, a tree isn't much. Oh, Jake Hammer freights them in from the mountains at $10 apiece. We don't have 10 cents and we don't hold with borrowing a charity. Thanks. Just the same, Mr. Cassidy. I wish we had the cows back that were rustled. They'd pay for a tree and plenty of presents. Mr. Dill, well, about that rustling, do you suspect any of your neighbors? Well, no. They're nice folks, most of them. But not all. I have an idea whoever's behind this rustling will strike again if we don't stop him. Man, it makes it tough. We've only got a small herd, but it's scattered all over a lot of range. As you could tell, it takes plenty of this scrubby land to feed one cow. And with only Ma and me and Betty and Johnny, well, we just can't protect them. You mean Mrs. Stillwell rides herd? Sure I do. In betwixt getting food ready, that is. We make out all right, at least we didn't till them cow fees began. And that's why we appreciate your help, Mr. Cassidy. But of course, you have your own business to attend to, so I guess you'll be... We'll stick for a while and forget the wages. We can make your holidays better by recovering your cattle. We'll be paying off. You have more to recover than you think. Hey, Betty girl, where have you been? You're sufferin' in a cold. I took a turn to go for basin, Pa. That bunch of cows there was left alone too long. The rustlers have hit us again. Now back to Hopalong Cassidy and our story, the Santa Claus rustlers. When the track down the rustlers preying on the Stillwell family, Hopi and California lost the trail of the rustled herd. But that same evening, Betty Stillwell came in with the news that the rustlers had struck again. The family, despondent at the prospect of a Christmas without a tree or present, react in grim determination. Billy, put down that rifle. Oh, but Pa, I'm a goin' with ya. You're a goin' to stay here and take care of the ranch. Yes, ma. Ma, you and Betty ought to stay here too. Now, there's likely to be a pastler shootin'. We catch up with them rustlers. I should be... you'd a fight engine. They must Stillwell. I reckon the same applies to low-down cowpeas. Where's Johnny? No name. He claimed to be good with a gun. I saw him takin' off for town. He said he was gonna pickle Santa Claus. If that ain't like the darned barnman, got plenty of meanness set when we need a little. Never mind, California. Let's go, Mr. Stillwell. Yep. Hopi, this trail in my moonlight just don't get it. We've lost the tracks eight times already. Aw, let's go back. I know. I'm worried about havin' the women folk with us too. When we hit those rocks ahead of us, we're not only gonna lose the trail for good, we're gonna be in danger of an ambush. Cassidy, you thinkin' what I'm thinkin'? I'm afraid so. What are you afraid of? Oh! Now, take cover. I'll hand those rocks. Get that ship. Hey, Ma, you and Betty sneak back as soon as that cloud crosses the moon. Now, this time, I'm ordering... Ma, please go back. For me, honey. Betty, you got any spare shells? Sure, Ma, here. That was Johnny with here. He'd save us. I ain't so sure that he ain't here. Stillwell, you know that's where those shots went. I was too busy ducking. Why? Either that rifleman is the world's worst shot or we're only being warned not to go on. He missed us by 50 yards. Yeah, well, he'll wish he'd hit us before I get through with him. If Ma wasn't with us, we could... I reckon they've got us outnumbered. Hey, Cassidy, we'd best go back. Go back? Why, Hopi, we could... Hey, you poked me, won't you? Yeah, you're right. We have to go back. You and Betty go on inside. Cassidy, you're not dismounting, are you? What are you planning? That rifleman is long gone by now. We're just taking a little joint into town. Oh, I think I have a worse fighting you. Only I hope you're wrong somehow. Perhaps I am. The only way is to find out for sure. Adios. Hopi, now will you kindly tell me what fur we let that low-down ambusher get away without a fight? Didn't you see the look of Mrs. Steelwell's eyes? If we hadn't gotten her away fast, she'd have charged that rifleman single-handedly. Joe Garmier, I bet you're right. I'll bet she made some engine fighter. I have a feeling we'll find our bushwhacker in town anyway. We'll make a stop at the liver stable first. Then Johnny, no name is going to do a little talking. Hopi, now we know that Johnny no name was riding hard and late, and his gun's been shot recently. It looks plenty bad for him, but we'll see. Here's the hotel. The man at the liver stable said he was in the room too. Shouldn't we get the sheriff, Hopi? Not yet. I want some answers first. Yeah, here it is. Yeah, what? Cassidy. Now, leave me alone. Back up, Johnny. It's time to break down and tell me all your little secrets. You can't threaten me. I want to bet we've been doing some shopping, huh? Hopi, he's bought new boots and a locket, a rifle, and a gold watch. He sure didn't wait long to spend the money. Let me see those boots. Get away from them. They're mine. I paid for them. Nice leather. You've been spending a lot of money for a rider who's working for delayed wages. What business is it yours what I spend? None, but those slugs you threw around this evening are. You can't prove a thing. Can't I? I think this little visitor's told me nearly all I want to know. Come on, California. See you back at the ranch, Johnny. You keep quiet about this, Cassidy, or... No matter, California. Hopi, sometimes you make me so mad I could bite through a cinch ring. We go in there to brace that honorary coyote for being a low-down bushwhacker. Oh, he's the one who took those shots at us all right. Then you say as nice as you please, see you back at the... He is. Oh, now, Hopi, will you make up your mind? I'm gonna go back there. Oh, no, you won't, California. I think I know what's going on and who's behind it. But I don't have any real proof. So we're gonna wait and let it come to us. But Johnny knows we're on to him now. I suppose you think there's gonna be another rustling. Exactly. Another rustling, and so what do we do? We stick ears stringing popcorn. And eating it. Besides, we tracked the rustler, didn't we? That's what's driving me local. Sure, we tracked him right back to the ranch here. If he was smart about it, in fact, he's about the stupidest rustler I ever saw. Maybe. Finish that string. What are we waiting for? We can hang Johnny today. I guess maybe we could at that. Well, then, what in foundation are we doing here? Stringing popcorn. Ready to start another string? I'm ready to start another civil war. Stick to the popcorn. These strings have to be ready in time for the party tonight. Yeah, yeah. And speaking about the party, that mesquite bush is still well fixed up. Sure don't look like no Christmas tree. Couldn't we sneak off and get a pine tree from Jake Hammer? I talked to him yesterday while we were in town, buying our gifts. He doesn't have any good ones left. Gosh, no presents. Set now. No Christmas tree. Nothing but rustling and more rustling. Well, I know one way I can brighten up the still well's Christmas party. I'll sing for him. You what? Sing for him. You know, Christmas songs and all kinds of... California. You ruin their party with that noise you call singing, and I'll see that you wash every dish afterwards by yourself. What do you think of that? Pass the popcorn. Amos, it's dark. Instead of just sitting on the porch, don't you think you ought to take a walk before the party? Just the thing, ma'am. I guess I'd better go tell Johnny to hurry up. Yeah, maybe I'd better take a check on the horses. Have some more popcorn, Mr. Carlson? Well, yeah, thanks. Don't mind if I do. California, you're going to turn into a popcorn bowl if you don't stop. Now it's Christmas time. Let him eat all he wants. Well, I think I'll go look in on the hens. Yeah, well, California and I are going to slick up a bit, aren't we? You go ahead, Hoppy. I already... Why, yeah, sure, sure. Mr. Stillwell. Take a handful of popcorn with you. No, if you insist. That's a good idea. Let's go, Hoppy, huh? After all the popcorn you ate this afternoon, how can you eat more? Of course I like it. See, ain't this slick. Everybody getting out of the house at once. Now we can put our gifts under the tree and surprise them. This party may be a surprise in lots of ways. We're setting a trap in the Stillwell house. What? A trap? Yeah, we'll sneak back into the house as soon as we can. If I'm right, we'll catch those wrestlers red-handed tonight. Well, I'm ready for them. Of course, it's dark in the party here. Keep that lamp ready to light when I say to. Sure. See, Hoppy. Can I even sing one little song at the party? No. I'm quiet. Someone's coming in. In California, we caught our wrestlers. Two, hop along, Cassidy. Hoppy, it's a forest. Three rustlings, three trees, plus the one Billy brought. The camera's going to work out the price of this one. I didn't also know... Oh, my gosh, in the morning. You mean it. That's right, Billy. You're folks and your sister are the Santa Claus wrestlers. Each one took from his own share of the herd. Well, I'd have told her about it after the surprise. Sure, so would your partners, Betty. Well, I didn't want more on you to suffer the penalty of the low cattle market, Betty. You all thought alike, Mr. Stillwell, the fact that each rustling was the same size gave me a hunch, and Jake Hammer confirmed it when he told me how each of you bought a tree. Then I checked the stores. For people with no money, you spent plenty. Well, what about that Johnny no name? His shooting was only to warn us back. He was afraid we'd discover what he knew. That Betty took that gopher basin herd. But those things she bought in town. They look like gifts to me. But let's ask him. I heard. Thanks for backing me, Mr. Cassidy. Come in, Johnny, but better leave the tree. It's kind of crowded. I knew you had to change your heart when I saw those boots you bought. They were way too small for you. They're for me. I'll bet they're for me. Ain't they, Johnny? Yeah, kid, they're for you. But before I give any presents, you all should know I'm Johnny Bent, son of an outlaw. Was it outlaw money you spent on those presents? No, sir. It was honest. Every penny of them. Well, then get Billy his boots before he busts the valve. And if you got any more money, maybe we'll talk about letting you into our partnership. This ranch is kind of short on cows right now. Gosh, Hoppy, this is going to be some swell Christmas party. I, um, oh, I sure wish you'd let me sing for everybody. California, I warned you. That sounds wonderful. Go ahead, Mr. Carl. Yes, go ahead, California. Come on, now. Oh, all right. Hand me the popcorn bowl and go ahead. Here we go. Me, me, me, me, me. Uh... Si, si... Si... California, what's the matter? That popcorn. My boy, she's ruined. Ha, ha, ha. And there's only one thing left to say. Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas, everybody. Merry Christmas. Well, that sure was an extra special Christmas story about real nice people with a lot of real Christmas spirit. And just as Hoppy said, there's only one thing left to say. Merry Christmas, everybody. Merry Christmas. Don't miss the next thrilling adventure with Hoppillong Cassidy. Hoppillong Cassidy, starring William Boyd, is transcribed and produced in the west by Walter White Jr. The Santa Claus Russellers was written by Herb Purdom with the original music under the personal direction of Albert Glasser. All stories are based upon the characters created by Clarence E. Mulford. Production.