Young Bill Hickok (1940) Director: Joseph Kane Producer: Sol C. Siegel Studio: Republic Pictures Starring: Roy Rogers, George "Gabby" Hayes, Julie Bishop (as Jacqueline Wells), John Miljan Release Date: May 13, 1940 Runtime: 59 minutes Format: Black & White | Mono | Sound | Western Country: United States Language: English Genres: Western | Action | Historical Fiction --- 📽️ Summary: Young Bill Hickok stars Roy Rogers as the legendary frontier hero in a fictionalized origin story. Set during the Civil War era, the film follows Bill Hickok as he is recruited by the Union to prevent Confederate sympathizers from inciting a Native American uprising. With the help of his loyal sidekick, Gabby Whitaker (played by George Hayes), and the courageous Mary, Hickok must stop a secret agent who is stirring up war to distract Union forces. This patriotic Western blends action, intrigue, and light musical elements, showcasing Roy Rogers in an early heroic role before fully embracing his “King of the Cowboys” persona. --- 🔎 Notable Features & Facts: One of Roy Rogers’ early starring roles after being promoted by Republic Pictures. Features musical performances typical of early Rogers films, blending song with saddle action. George "Gabby" Hayes adds comic relief as the iconic sidekick figure. The film takes liberties with history, creating a dramatized adventure rather than a biography. Directed by Joseph Kane, a frequent collaborator with Roy Rogers. --- 🎵 Music Numbers: While not a full musical, the film includes brief musical interludes by Roy Rogers, reflecting Republic's strategy of combining Western action with country/western appeal. --- 🐎 Legacy: Young Bill Hickok is a classic example of the singing cowboy genre popularized by Roy Rogers. Though historically inaccurate, it contributed to the mythos surrounding frontier legends like Wild Bill Hickok and helped solidify Rogers' image as a Western icon. --- 🔖 Hashtags: #YoungBillHickok #RoyRogers #WesternClassic #1940sCinema #RepublicPictures #GabbyHayes #SingingCowboy #ClassicWestern #AmericanFrontier #OldHollywood