Strange Gamble (1948)

In the thrilling climax of the Clarence E. Mulford-inspired series, the charismatic hero, Hopalong Cassidy, along with his loyal companions, California Carlson and Lucky Jenkins, find themselves entangled in a high-stakes counterfeit money operation. Driven by their sense of duty to the government, our trio ventures into a town brimming with secrets and treachery. Upon arrival, they cross paths with Nora Murray and her brother Sid, newcomers seeking their fortune in the "Silver Belle" mine. Their hopes are brutally shattered when Sid falls victim to the ruthless gang led by the menacing Ora Mordigan. The town's underbelly reveals a labyrinth of deceit as Cassidy unearths a hidden mine, a grim prison where Nora's father, John Murray, is held captive. Forced to generate the counterfeit cash that fuels Mordigan's empire, John becomes a pivotal piece in this dangerous puzzle. In a daring twist, Cassidy and his crew realize the depth of Mordigan's involvement in the counterfeit scheme. They uncover his cunning methods of circulating the fake bills but remain in the dark about the source. When Mordigan's henchmen try to assassinate our heroes, Cassidy foils their plan, using the attempted murder as a chance to infiltrate Mordigan's inner circle. Posing as Mordigan's partner, Cassidy gambles on a daring strategy, hoping this risky move will lead him to the heart of the operation - the elusive printing source of the counterfeit bills. In "Strange Gamble," the stakes couldn't be higher as Cassidy and his companions navigate a web of deception, danger, and intrigue, their unwavering resolve fuelling their quest for justice. This final chapter of the Hopalong Cassidy series is a riveting journey into the grim underbelly of a seemingly quiet town, where the lines between friend and foe blur, and the promise of treasure reveals a deadly trap.

Strange Gamble is a western movie featuring Rand Brooks.

Strange Gamble is currently streaming on Starz Play Amazon Channel.