the information on this page consists of THREE areas
Episode information in BLACK |
Bloopers in BLUE |
SEASON 5 (1963 –1964)
- NNDB has added thousands of bibliographies for people, organizations, schools, and general topics, listing more than 50,000 books and 120,000 other kinds of references.
- Directed by Joseph Sargent. With Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, Dan Blocker, Michael Landon. Angry with Adam Cartwright for constantly criticizing her decisions and refusing to take the next step in their romance, Laura Dayton becomes easy prey for a handsome grifter.
Bonanza was the highest rated television series for this season.
Watch Bonanza: My Son, My Son from Season 5 at TVGuide.com Join / Sign Up Keep track of your favorite shows and movies, across all your devices.
As of now, look for this to be Pernell’s last season on Bonanza. As to who’ll replace him – for awhile there was some thought given to Ben’s remarrying, too, and producing another son. But this alternative has been abandoned. Now it looks like Ben’s younger brother will turn up from some place or other to be the new male-in-residence on the all-male Ponderosa. TV Star Parade. Oct, 1963.
'Is this the Michael Landon we used to know?' viewers asked when the fifth year of Bonanza opened here in late September. Landon, whom viewers know as 'Little Joe,' baby of the Cartwright family had put on weight. He appeared plumper in the face, more relaxed and more mature than he was in earlier seasons. Gone too, fellow actors report was the tenseness he displayed on the set during filming. How did it happen? For the answer, Landon simply points to his new marriage. 'I love my wife very much. I'm happy now.' TV Times. January, 1964.
As usual this year, leads for the individual episodes rotate around the family foursome, except that Hoss tends to get more episodes than the others. 'For some reason, scriptwriters seem to have an affinity for Hoss,' the spokesman explained, “and we get more stories written with Hoss in mind for the lead than for the others. But it wouldn't amount to more than one or two a year.' TV Times. January, 1964.
(Lorne Greene) How does it feel to play the same character for six-years? 'Oh,' he said, 'it stays fresh. There's so much to work with in Ben, in the whole situation. You can keep developing, opening facets...not just in different script situations, but in Ben's relationship with his sons. A big reason for this show's popularity is the strength and warmth of the family. The father-son relationship is the strongest there is. It's been the basis of drama all the way back to the Bible. Notice, Abraham wasn't told to sacrifice a daughter...' He was called to the telephone. The NBC public-relations man at my elbow spoke up: 'Now there's a pro. A real gentleman. Look, 1964.
Episode 135. She Walks In Beauty - First aired on September 22, 1963. After she worked with Dan, guest star Gena Rowlands (Ragan Miller), said that she was amazed at the sensitivity, the enormous natural talent, and the ease with which it flowed out of Dan Blocker. |
| Episode 136. A Passion For Justice - First aired on September 29, 1963. |
| Episode 137. Rain From Heaven - First aired on October 6, 1963. |
| Episode 138. Twilight Town - First aired on October 13, 1963. |
| Episode 139. The Toy Soldier - First aired on October 20, 1963. |
Episode 140. A Question Of Strength – First aired on October 27, 1963. Ilka Windish plays Mother Veronica. |
| Episode 141. Calamity Over The Comstock - First aired on November 3, 1963. |
| Episode 142. Journey Remembered – First aired on November 10, 1963. In this episode when a little boy dies we don’t see Ben at the graveside and according to Kent McCray that is because of Lorne’s sensitivity to people seeing him without his toupee on, or even knowing that he wore one. Because it was a flash back and Ben had to look younger, Lorne’s hair was darkened. It took a couple of hours to do it so the make up man went to Lorne’s house and then they travelled out to the location where they were filming. Lorne had been complaining that he wasn’t getting enough close ups and one morning he and the make up man showed up about forty-five minutes to an hour early. Kent immediately knew something was wrong because Lorne wasn’t supposed to be there yet. Kent went over to the make up man and asked if everything was all right, if Lorne had a problem. According to Kent the make up man replied, ‘No, we went through all the scenes today and he never takes his hat off so we only did the sides (of his hair) and everything else is fine.’ The first scene that was due to be filmed was after the child had died and people were standing around the grave, doing the service. According to Kent this is what happened. “I went down about three trucks away in the background and I said, ‘All the men around the grave without their hats on.’ Well Lorne looks around and he’s trying to see where that’s coming from. Well, I step around, going back and forth. About three times I said, ‘All the men around the grave without their hats on.’ He stood up and he said, ‘That’s right. You know, only the immediate family should be in this scene. I shouldn’t be here at all. I’ll be on my wagon and when the service is over, then we’ll ride out.’ He got out of the scene but he kept looking at me. He wasn’t sure if it was me, but he finally found out it was me.” |
| Episode 143. The Quality Of Mercy - First aired on November 17, 1963. |
| Episode 144. The Waiting Game– First aired on December 8, 1963. This is the first of four episodes where Kathie Browne plays Laura Dayton. David Dortort originally planned to have Adam and Laura marry. The following is from an article in 1964. Only four episodes with Kathie (Browne) have been planned so far, no definite date for a wedding has been set, and David Dortort, the show’s producer is carefully assessing public reaction to the encounter before proceeding with many more scripts. Why are they tampering with it? 'It was Pernell Roberts constant agitation about wanting out of the show. We weren't sure what would happen, and had to protect ourselves.' By 'protecting,' Dortort means if Roberts had left the show, a marriage would have been a logical way to shuffle him off into the sunset. On the other hand, the new dimension in his role might make him happier about staying. 'Now,' Dortort says, 'the network has definitely said they will not let him out of his contract, so he'll be with us until '65.' Kathie's previous appearances on Bonanza impressed producer Dortort. 'Her serious attitude toward acting and her versatility were wonderful. She is intelligent and sensitive,' he says. Dortort has faith that Kathie's three or four appearances will stretch into a continuing performance, and that her presence may give Roberts a reason to stay. Does the Roberts reputation scare Kathie? 'I have found him a bit moody, but interesting to work with. The whole cast is wonderful. I love to work with them.' Also according to the article, the previous year, Pernell had written to NBC suggesting that the network cast the part of his bride as an Indian girl (to be played by a black actress). |
| Episode 145. The Legacy - First aired on December 15, 1963. |
| Episode 146. Hoss And The Leprechauns– First aired on December 22, 1963. John Florea directed this episode. In the following two pieces he talks about Michael Landon. 'I would use Mike to get Pernell to cooperate, and Mike was a very good salesman. Pernell was kind of ornery, he didn't like the show. And there were always instances where you had to have a shot of the four guys together in the living room. And Pernell said, 'Well, I don't want to sit there; I'd rather sit over here.' And it added additional work. I would have to do the three-shot and then go over and do the single shot. And I'd try to convince Pernell: 'This is important to see the four of you together as much as we can. We don't see you together too much.' And he said, 'Well, seeing us at dinner is enough.' Things like that. And Mike would come over and say, 'Come aaahhhnn, you know you're only holding up the thing.' And Mike would finally convince him. He was a good ambassador, you might say.' John Florea, 1991. “He was very energetic, very helpful. He was game to just about do anything. I directed a show called 'Hoss and the Leprechauns', where these six little midgets were dressed up in green suits, running through the Ponderosa, looking for gold. They had escaped from the circus, and nobody would believe that Dan saw 'em, and finally Mike sees them and believes it and they can't convince Dad and Pernell that they've seen these things. And finally there's this big fight with the four Cartwrights and the six leprechauns, and the little leprechauns are tossing them all over the place. Mike insisted on doing his own stunts on that. I went down to the Olympic Boxing Stadium, and at that time they used to have midget wrestling matches. So I hired six midget wrestlers to double for the others. And Mike was just wonderful with these guys.' John Florea, 1991. The photo of Lorne, Michael and Pernell is said to have been taken during filming of this episode. Apparently, Michael fell over when they were filming the scene where Joe comes running into the house to tell Pa and Adam that they’ve caught one of the little men. |
| Episode 147. The Prime Of Life - First aired on December 29, 1963. |
| Episode 148. The Lila Conrad Story – First aired on January 5, 1964. In an earlier draft of the script, Hoss is with Adam and Joe. Also, the Judge talks about when Adam was a lawyer. Adam replies that, that was a long time ago. |
| Episode 149. Ponderosa Matador– First aired on January 12, 1964. In the photo, taken during a break in the filming of this episode, Pernell and Marianna Hill (Delores Tenino) are jokingly applying makeup to Dan Blocker. Blooper: When Joe is practicing his shooting by firing at bottles on posts, he hits and breaks all the bottles, he then knocks some glass off a post and puts a new bottle up. There is still some broken glass on the post. Hoss rides up, and Joe turns to greet him, then the bottle is no longer on the post nor is any of the broken glass there. |
| Episode 150. My Son, My Son - First aired on January 19, 1964. |
| Episode 151. Alias Joe Cartwright - First aired on January 26, 1964. |
Episode 152. The Gentleman From New Orleans – First aired on February 2, 1964. This was the sixth highest rating Bonanza episode. |
| Episode 153. The Cheating Game– First aired on February 9, 1964. This was the third highest rating Bonanza episode. Katie Sweet (Peggy Dayton) loved the time she spent on set with Pernell Roberts, she thought he was one of the nicest actors she worked with during the years of her career. Katie said that as well as playing catch with a ball, she and Pernell played frisbee with the round film containers. |
| Episode 154. Bullet For A Bride – First aired on February 16, 1964. This was the second highest rating Bonanza episode. |
| Episode 155. King Of The Mountain - First aired on February 23, 1964. |
| Episode 156. Love Me Not - First aired on March 1, 1964. |
| Episode 157. The Pure Truth – First aired on March 8, 1964. This was the highest rating Bonanza episode. Blooper: Ben, Adam and Joe walk past the blue chair to go upstairs, Hoss follows them and goes past the chair. In the next scene he walks into the chair and falls over it. |
| Episode 158. No Less A Man - First aired on March 15, 1964. |
| Episode 159. Return To Honor – First aired on March 22, 1964. According to an article, Will (Guy Williams) was originally going to be Ben Cartwright’s younger brother but because of his age, it made more sense to cast him as Ben’s nephew. Blooper: When Will finds out who Ben is, in the background behind Will you can see a car. |
| Episode 160. The Saga Of Muley Jones – First aired on March 29, 1964. According to an article in 1964, at one time, Bruce Yarnell (who plays cousin Muley in this episode and the same character in “Hound Dog') was being considered as a replacement for Pernell Roberts. The following piece is from the article. The new season is bringing a certain number of changes to the show, in spite of the show business adage that you shouldn't change a good thing. And Pernell is a little more talkitive. We questioned him about the rumor that he'll get married on the show this season and that Bruce Yarnell might replace him. 'That is what they promise,' he said. 'After my last four years of experience with this organization I'll believe it when I see it. They talk a lot. At the end of last season they asked me what I thought, but that was just to make me feel I belong. They do what they want to anyway. I told them I didn't have any feeling about a bride, one way or the other. I couldn't care less. I think they want to introduce a girl and then another male personality who will bunk at the Ponderosa. I really don't know what the reasons are. I can only say from a subjective point of view, because if the show goes more than two years they're going to be minus one fellow.' Did this mean he isn't happy with the show? 'No, not particularly. I have a contract and it runs out in two years, so if I go they'd like to have somebody else around the house. I guess that I am anti-establishment. It is a very good show but everybody has different needs in life, you know that. I want to be an actor. I don't feel that I'm acting in Bonanza. We are all just personalities, one-dimensional conceptions on the part of writers and producers and networks and so forth. My main beef is that Bonanza is 'bad literature' and in four seasons has not improved. When well-meaning friends and colleagues remind me that 'you can't argue with success' I reply: 'That, I say is a degenerate point of view.' I'm not going to leave the Bonanza show. I tried that a couple of times, right up to the courthouse door, and it won't work. They simply won't let me out of my contract. It is such a complicated subject. I can't treat it too glibly. I'm very grateful to the show in that it has served to make me a national name and that means a lot to me. I got sucked into Bonanza on the promise there would be some honest writing and that the people producing it had integrity. To my way of looking at it, the writing has been adolescent and the integrity is still on the shelf. We should sit down very quietly and intelligently for about an hour and discuss it. It's a very complex subject. That is why I can't treat it glibly. If we do, it'll lead to remarks like I'm over- sensitive, know what I mean?' |
| Episode 161. The Roper - First aired on April 5, 1964. |
| Episode 162. A Pink Cloud Comes From Old Cathy – First aired on April 12, 1964. Lorne, Pernell, Dan and Michael would sometimes do things just to see if they could get away with it. In this photo they are all giving “the finger'. When the view finder reel for this episode was released, this photo was included, it was only discovered later what the cast had done. After working with Dan, guest star Marlo Thomas (Tai Li) told David Dortort, 'I have never had an actor give me so much in a scene.' |
| Episode 163. The Companeros - First aired on April 19, 1964. |
| Episode 164. Enter Thomas Bowers – First aired on April 26, 1964. The lead actors in Bonanza were all very concerned about civil rights. In January 1964, Lorne, Dan and Michael were booked to appear at a rodeo in Jackson, Mississippi. When they found out the audience was to be segregated, with white people to get the best seating, they pulled out. The Governor of Mississippi called for Bonanza to be boycotted. Pernell Roberts joined a picket line to protest about a housing development that refused to sell property to black people. According to articles in 1964, it was Dan Blocker who thought of the story idea for this episode. He discussed it with his co-stars and together they put the idea to David Dortort. Mr Dortort did some research into the history of the Bonanza time frame and read about Thomas Bowers, who travelled and performed in the 1860’s and 1870’s. Mr Dortort then turned the story idea over to two writers. General Motors, the sponsor of Bonanza was worried about viewer reaction in the South to this episode and asked NBC not to show it. NBC ran the show. Ena Hartman (Caroline) was a model turned actress. Bonanza was her first dramatic role. David Dortort revised a scene in the script to give her a bigger part. |
| Episode 165. The Dark Past - First aired on May 3, 1964. Susan Seaforth plays Holly Burnside. |
| Episode 166. The Pressure Game - First aired on May 10, 1964. Kathie Browne played Laura Dayton in four episodes during this season. The following pieces are from an interview with Kathie where she talked about what it was like to work with the Bonanza stars. (Pernell) “There’s been an awful lot written about how difficult and rebellious he’s supposed to be. Well, that’s ridiculous! Pernell is anything but hard to work with. When they signed me for the part, Pernell and I met with the producers of the show and he couldn’t have been more eager to cooperate. He was already in the office when I got there – and I’m never late. They explained what they had in mind for us and he listened very intently, nodding like he was making mental notes. When they finished, he was all business. ‘Well, now,’ he said briskly, ‘I think that Kathie and I should get together and discuss this first script.’ Which is exactly what we did. I discovered immediately that Pernell is extremely serious about his work; he’s a real perfectionist. We hashed over that script for hours, down to the smallest nuance….He feels very strongly about keeping his personal life private, which probably inspires much of the criticism about him. For instance, he wouldn’t be sitting here talking to you, as I am. He doesn’t discuss his home life with anybody. You just get the impression that he’s very happy at home and that’s all. Otherwise, he’s quite cooperative about publicity. He once spent a whole free afternoon riding me around the studio on the handlebars oh his bike so they could get some pictures. He volunteered to do it and he was in a marvellous mood, laughing and carrying on and doing everything they asked him to.” (Dan) “If you see a crowd and hear a lot of loud laughter, you immediately know that Dan’s at the center of it! This man is unbelievable. He has the most marvellous gift for telling stories and the wildest sense of humor since they invented it. I think that Dan could make a trip to a supermarket sound like a great adventure. From the way he carries on, you’d think Dan was just a big, overgrown kid out for a laugh. That’s what I thought at first. But he has a very serious side. Dan is an excellent actor. He works hard and he has a good business mind. I doubt if there are many people who could pull a shabby on him.” (Michael) “Mike is probably the sweetest, most gentle man I’ve ever met. He adores children. If there’s a kid on the set, you can count on Mike to make a special point of going over and making friends. The kids immediately dig him, and, of course, the mothers are completely captivated. It’s no politician’s bit, Mike’s for real. You can’t talk to him for five minutes without him fishing out the pictures of his own kids, Mark, Josh, Jason and baby Leslie.' (Lorne) “He’s the type of person whom I always visualize as sitting by a fireplace in a velvet smoking jacket, reading a book and puffing on a pipe, although I don’t know if he actually does. I could also see him sitting around the dinner table with a small group of politicians and writers and carrying on intellectual conversations. He’s a very warm, friendly person, but he’s hard to get to know.” |
| Episode 167. Triangle – First aired on May 17, 1964. The cast often joked around by pinching each other or squeezing a hand during filming while everyone tried to keep a straight face. Here is one example of it happening. This is from a 1964 article by John Poppy who was on the set during the making of this episode: A soundproof door leads from a glaringly sunlit alley into Stage 16, which contains the front yard of the Ponderosa ranch house. There, near the porch, Lorne Greene - Ben Cartwright - was doing a close-up, shaking hands with another actor. The camera was focused on Greene's face. 'Good-bye, Uncle Ben...and thanks for all you've done,' said the off-camera actor. Ben Cartwright nodded as though trying to swallow a lump in his throat, stared hotly into the lens and whispered, 'Remember what I said...this will always be your home.' The creamy bass voice throbbed like a church organ. He really meant it. Then, suddenly, he lurched and bellowed a laugh. 'Cut,' said the director. It dawned on me that Greene wasn't shaking hands; he was arm-wrestling. The scene started again, and the off-camera contest grew fierce. Arms pumped as if the two men were sawing wood. 'Remember what I said...this will always be your home.' The voice throbbed again, but the face in the close-up showed no sign of the arm's struggle. Later, Greene answered a question about his horseplay: 'We need that release from tension, to make the pressure bearable.” Also from the same article is this piece about Pernell:The next shot was to be a close-up of Adam Cartwright struggling to get out of a wheelchair. An assistant director called for Pernell Roberts. Without moving from his camp chair, Roberts asked, “Are you absolutely sure you’re ready for me?” “Yes, sir, any time you are.” “Well, let’s not wait that long,” Roberts said and got up. “OK, Pernell, look back at Ben” the director was talking him through the scene – “now down at your legs. Start struggling up…cut.” There was a problem. “You’re coming up too fast, Pernell…Hold it longer. Show more suffering as you push with your arms.” “Gentlemen,” Roberts said, “my legs are damaged, not my arms, I’m supposed to be a big strong man, and there is no reason for me to have trouble doing a little push-up like this. I’ll suffer when I’m on my feet, if you don’t mind.” “Come on, Pernell,” said the director. “We need the shot this way. We don’t get in close on you after you’re up. Try it, will you?” “Anything you say, gentleman.” He began to push with his arms, setting his face in an expression that made me whisper, “My God, what is it?” It was remarkable. Roberts radiated suffering, bravery, strain and a nearly tearful look of hurt – plus something else that might have been pain, or mockery. At length, he heaved himself upright and swayed out of camera range. I relaxed as his face went blank, but he startled me by clearing his throat loudly and loosing a great spit. Right on the porch of his Pa’s house. |
The following is from the last page of an earlier script – where Adam and Laura have just gotten married. BEN (to Laura, softly, sincerely) I'm glad it's you. Laura's expression reveals that she is really touched by the compliment. She turns and climbs up into the buggy and Adam goes around and gets in the other side. ANOTHER ANGLE ADAM Sorry we can't stay for the reception, but we've got a long way to go. Laura looks at Adam and he realizes that his words have significance beyond their original intent. ADAM (Continuing; to Laura) A long, long way to go. Adam flicks the horse into motion and the buggy starts out. Hop Sing and the others who have been holding their hands behind them, during all this, now start showering the bride and groom with handfuls of rice. WIDE ANGLE The buggy moves off with Laura and Adam waving and the wedding party ad libbing goodbyes. And then they are gone. CLOSE SHOT - BEN AND AUNT LIL BEN Aunt Lil, will you do me the honor of cutting the wedding cake? Lil daubs at her eyes with her handkerchief. LIL If you don't mind soggy wedding cake, I'd be proud to. The others laugh and all start drifting back into the house for the reception. FADE OUT THE END |
| Episode 168. Walter And The Outlaws - First aired on May 24, 1964. |
Moves To Sundays At 9 PM:
A New Decade Of Adventure
84.) The Ride
January 21, 1962
Written by: Ward Hawkins
Directed by: Don McDougall
Adam races against the clock to prove a man who was once his friend is guilty of robbery and murder and Adam is convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt he is guilty.
Guest Stars: Bill Enders...Jan Merlin,...Mary Enders...Grace Gaynor,...Toby Barker...Chubby Johnson,...Roy Coffee...Ray Teal,...Arch...Hal Baylor,...Sammy...Bob Harris,...Fat Cowboy...Bruno Ve Sota...(uncredited; bit part),...Bartender...Cosmo Sardo...(uncredited; extra),...Bob Miles...(uncredited; extra as bushwhacker & Jim Becker, horseback double for Jan Merlin),...Henry Wills...(uncredited; horseback double for Pernell Roberts),...Alex Sharp...(uncredited; stunt double for Hal Baylor),...Bill Clark...(uncredited; horseback double for Dan Blocker).
Trivia: Jan Merlin makes his only appearance on the series as Bill Enders. He's a very diverse and fine character actor, seen in television and motion pictures for decades. Hal Baylor makes his third appearance, this time as Arch, along with stuntman/actor Bob Harris making his first appearance as Sammy. He was Dan Blocker's race car driver and good friend, and was in a few episodes down the stretch, such as this season's 'The Jackknife' as Chad.
Chubby Johnson makes his first appearance on the series, in this episode as Toby Barker. He would be seen as other characters throughout the main run of the series, and Mary Enders is played by support actress Grace Gaynor in this fine episode.
Stunt Trivia: As the ride begins at Goat Springs on Stage 16, Pernell mounts up on a stunthorse because his stuntman Henry Wills doubles him in all the long shots of the ride at the Iverson Ranch. Pernell only does his close-up's on the stunthorse at the Iverson Ranch.
Location Scenes Filmed at:Iverson Ranch, Southern California.
Film date: November 3-10, 1961
85.) The Storm
January 28, 1962
Written by: Denne Petitclerc
Directed by: Lewis Allen
Joe plans to marry Laura White, daughter of a man Ben once sailed with, but she is fatally ill. Ben consoles him with words spoken years before, by the father of Adam's mother.
Guest Stars: Captain Matthew White...Frank Overton,...Laura White...Brooke Hayward.
Location Trivia: This episode contains a montage of outdoor stock footage used. First, a June 1961 stock shot of Joe, Hoss, and Adam riding through the wooded clearing is seen in act one. During the buggy ride with Joe and Laura, the scenery along Tunnel Creek Road, Incline Village is rear-projected behind them during the buggy ride. The local buggy shot was filmed at Janss Conejo Ranch. Towards the episodes' end, a July 1959 stock shot of Tahoe Meadows is edited in and the last stock footage used is a June 1961 shot of Joe at Sand Harbor grieving of the demise of Laura.
Trivia: Guest star Frank Overton would later appear in season eight's, 'The Wormwood Cup' as Amos Crenshaw and was in the classic Star Trek episode, 'This Side Of Paradise' as Elias Sandoval.
Filmed on location at:Janss Conejo Ranch, California, and June 1961 stock footage of Sand Harbor, Tunnel Creek Road, Incline Village and the wooded clearing at Incline Village, Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Note: a July 1959 stock shot of Tahoe Meadows is edited in act four, since while filming there in 1961, the meadows were snow-covered and this older shot was edited in.
Film date: October 26 to November 2, 1961
86.) The Auld Sod
February 4, 1962
Written by: Charles Lang
Directed by: William Witney
The Cartwrights pretend the Ponderosa belongs to the town lush, when his aging mother from Ireland arrives.
Guest Stars: Danny Lynch...James Dunn,...Nellie Lynch...Cheerio Meredith,...Higgins...Jeff De Benning,...Howie...Howard Wright,...Roy Coffee...Ray Teal,...Mr. Riley...Keith Richards,...Telegrapher...Norman Leavitt,...Card Player...Jack Carr,...Card Player...Pete Robinson,...Bartender...Cosmo Sardo...(uncredited; extra),...Bill Clark...(uncredited; extra as cowboy in saloon).
Location Scenes Filmed at:Iverson Ranch in Southern California and newly filmed June 1961 stock footage of Hoss riding Chubby around the dirt road at Solitude Canyon, Lake Tahoe, Nevada.
Film date: October 16-25, 1961
87.) Gift Of Water
Feburary 11, 1962
Written by: Borden Chase
Directed by: Jesse Hibbs
The Cartwrights dig a well, build a rig and a windmill for a drought-stricken farm family.
Guest Stars: Jason Ganther...Royal Dano,...Mrs. Ganther...Majel Barrett,...Lindy Ganther...Pam Smith,...Bill Collins...James Doohan,...Mrs. Collins...Kay Stewart,...Roy Coffee...Ray Teal,...Luther Kent...Paul Birch,...Collin's Daughter...Betty Endicott...(uncredited; extra).
Trivia: Guest stars James Doohan (Scotty) and Majel Barrett (Nurse Chapel), of Star Trek, are both in this fine episode. Guest star Royal Dano appeared in later Bonanza episodes, 'The Reluctant Rebel' and 'A Man Without Land'.
Location Scenes Filmed at:Janss Conejo Ranch, Southern California, with June 1961 stock footage at Solitude Canyon, Lake Tahoe, Nevada.
Film date: November 13-20, 1961
88.) The Jackknife
February 18, 1962
Written by: Frank Chase
Directed by: William Witney
Adam gives a second chance to a family man he suspects is one of the rustlers who has been hitting the Ponderosa herds.
Guest Stars: Ann Grant...Bethel Leslie,...Matthew Grant...John Archer,...Jody Grant...Donald Losby,...Rustler...Robert Karnes,...Chad...Bob Harris,...Bob Miles...(uncredited; stunt double & horseback double for John Archer),...Henry Wills...(uncredited; stunt double & horseback double for Pernell Roberts).
Trivia: Guest star John Archer, later appeared in 'The Last Haircut', 'The Dilemma', 'Ballad Of The Ponderosa', 'The Crime Of Johnny Mule', and in 'A World Full Of Cannibals' He was married to actress Marjorie Lord.
Stunt Trivia: Bob Miles doubles for actor John Archer and Henry Wills for Pernell Roberts in all the long shots of the fight on Stage 16, while the actors only do their necessary close-ups for the fight.
Location Scenes Filmed at:Janss Conejo Ranch, Southern California with June 1961 stock footage of Adam riding Sport at Solitude Canyon, Lake Tahoe, Nevada.
Film date: November 21-28, 1961
89.) The Guilty
February 25, 1962
Written by: Clifford Irving
Directed by: Lewis Allen
When Ben fails to prevent the death of a friend's son, Adam and Joe, concerned by their father's depression, attempt to prove there was nothing he could have done.
Guest Stars: Lem Partridge...Lyle Bettger,...Jack Groat...Charles Maxwell,...Caroline Partridge...Anne Benton,...Roy Coffee...Ray Teal,...Wade...Edward Platt,...Jimmy Partridge...Jack Easton Jr.,...Bob Miles...(uncredited; horseback double for Charles Maxwell),...Townsgirl...Betty Endicott...(uncredited; extra).
Trivia: Guest star Lyle Bettger, in the first of two appearances, later to be seen in season eight's 'Something Hurt, Something Wild', as Laurie's father. Serial star Charles Maxwell appears again as Jack Groat, opposite Bettger and Lorne Greene.
Trivia: The Ponderosa is redressed as the Partridge home, this time around.
Stunt Trivia: Bob Miles doubles actor Charles Maxwell when Ben shoots his character off the horse on the Western Street.
Film date: December 7-14, 1961
90.) The Wooing Of Abigail Jones
March 4, 1962
Written by: Norman Lessing
Directed by: Christian Nyby
Bonanza The Cheating Game Cast Members
Classic comedy in which the Cartwright boys help an unhappy ranch hand with the affection of the woman with who he is smitten with, Abigail Jones. This is Pernell Robert's favorite episode along with 'The Crucible'.
Guest Stars: Hank Meyers...Vaughn Monroe,...Abigail Jones...Eileen Ryan,...Ma Nutley...Norma Varden,...Margie...Diana Darrin,...Proprietor...Robert J. Stevenson,...Ponderosa Hand...Bob Miles...(uncredited; stunts),...Brunette Saloon Girl...Betty Endicott...(uncredited; extra),...Blonde Saloon Girl...Martha Manor...(uncredited; extra).
Trivia: Vaughn Monroe was a famous band crooner and singer, as in 'Racing With The Moon', one of his hits in the Golden Age.
Location Scenes Filmed at: June 1961 stock footage of Joe and Hoss riding through the wooded clearing at Incline Village, Lake, Tahoe, Nevada, opens up the first act of this episode.
Film date: November 29 to December 6, 1961
91.) The Lawmaker
March 11, 1962
Written by: John A. Johns, Dick Nelson
Directed by: Christian Nyby
Ben supports the appointment of Asa Moran as Virginia City's temporary sheriff, but Moran goes overboard with his authority, jailing Adam in the process and pistol-whipping a Ponderosa hand.
Guest Stars: Asa Moran...Arthur Franz,...Charlie Finch...Charles Briggs,...Judge Jackson...Les Tremayne,...Roy Coffee...Ray Teal,...Vicki...Rosalind Roberts,...Dr. Martin...Roy Engel,...Lou Palmer...John Mitchum,...Bob Miles...(credited; stunt double for Arthur Franz),...Bank Robber...Bill Catching,...Bill Clark...(uncredited; stunt double for Charles Briggs),...Cosmo Sardo...(uncredited; extra as bartender),...Brunette Saloon Girl...Betty Endicott...(uncredited; extra),...Blonde Saloon Girl...Martha Manor...(uncredited; extra).
Trivia: Arthur Franz and John Mitchum were former roomates in their 'starving actor' days. Bob Miles doubles for guest star Arthur Franz, in the scene where John Mitchum sends him reeling across the saloon, after an argument.
Stunt Trivia: After Ben tries to get Adam out of jail, Moran and his Deputy work him over. Hoss and Joe bust in and a fight ensues. Bob Miles can be seen doubling for Arthur Franz and Bill Clark for Charles Briggs in the fight in the jail.
Trivia note: John Mitchum's favorite episode.
Location Scenes Filmed at: Newly filmed June 1961 stock footage of the Cartwrights riding home through the wooded clearing at Incline Village, Lake Tahoe, Nevada.
Film date: January 4-11, 1962
92.) Look To The Stars
March 18, 1962
Written by: Robert Fresco, Paul Rink
Directed by: Don McDougall
The Cartwrights step in when a brilliant student is expelled by a bigoted teacher. Based in part of the life of Nobel Prize Winner Albert Michelson.
Guest Stars: Albert Michelson...Douglas Lambert,...George Norton...William Schallert,...Samuel Michelson...Joe De Santis,...Mrs. Michelson...Penny Santon,...Henry P. Quince...Booth Colman,...Antonio Garcia...Salvador Baguez,...Boardman....Wallace Rooney,...Miguel Garcia...Richard Vera,...Bob Miles...(uncredited; horseback double for William Schallert),...Bill Clark...(uncredited; buckboard double for Lorne Greene & extra as townsman),...Brunette Townsgirl...Betty Endicott...(uncredited; extra),...Blonde Townsgirl...Martha Manor...(uncredited; extra).
Trivia: Guest star Joe De Santis, in his second appearance, as the father of Albert, who was previously seen in season two's, 'The Rival', and later in, 'Second Chance' and in 'Decision At Los Robles'. Guest star William Schallert also appeared in the classic Star Trek episode, 'The Trouble With Tribbles', as the irritating Nilz Barris. Booth Colman makes his first appearance, as Henry P. Quince, the Territorial Representative, later seen in six's, 'A Man To Admire', as Flint Durfee, and as the fanatical, Reverend Parley, in eight's, 'The Pursued'.
Ending Scenes Trivia: Lorne Greene's infrequent voice-overs are heard at the final act of this episode, with him telling how Albert won the Nobel Prize years later.
Location Scenes Filmed at:Iverson Ranch, Southern California.
Film date: January 11-18, 1962
93.) The Gamble
April 1, 1962
Written by: Frank Cleaver and Michael Landon
Directed by: William Witney
In the town of Alkali, the Cartwrights are jailed on false charges of robbery and murder, but Joe escapes and returns with an army of Ponderosa hands.
Guest Stars: Sheriff Gains...Charles McGraw,...Stan Mace...Ben Johnson,...Arte...Robert Sampson,...Joyce...Jan Harrison,...Billy Tyler...Joey Walsh,...Judge Jackson...Raymond Greenleaf,...Harry...I. Stanford Jolley,...Deputy Clem...Robert Foulk,...Mr. Mason...Morris Ankrum,...Bob Miles...(uncredited; horseback double & stunt double for Michael Landon, stunt double for Ben Johnson, cowboy Joe throws off horse & extra as Bob),...Bill Clark...(uncredited; extra as Deputy & Ponderosa hand),...Clint Sharp...(uncredited; extra as Ponderosa hand),...Brunette Townsgirl...Betty Endicott...(uncredited; extra),...Blonde Townsgirl...Martha Manor...(uncredited; extra).
Trivia: This was the first script Michael Landon co-wrote on the series.
Trivia: Guest star Charles McGraw in his first appearance as the Sheriff, later seen in 'The Unwanted', along with Ben Johnson, later seen in 'The Deserter' (season ten), and in season twelve's, 'Top Hand'. Robert Sampson, as Arte, his first appearance, later seen in 'The Deserter' (season four), playing Bill Winters, alongside of Claude Akins.
Trivia: A very funny moment in this episode occurs after Little Joe conducts his own 'trial', when the Sheriff shoots Arte the corrupt stableowner: Arte's hate for taking care of horses is rewarded when after the Sheriff shoots him down, a horse lowers his head to a wounded Arte, licking him in the face, and Arte yells out, 'stupid horses!'. This scene is criminally cut on PAX-TV's syndicated version of 'The Gamble'.
Trivia: Bob Miles, doubling as Little Joe, in the scene where Joe is holding the Sheriff's deputy hostage, on the barn loft. After he confesses, Arte shoots him down, then the Sheriff shoots Arte down. Bob Miles, doubling for Michael, jumps off the barn loft, onto the metal roof, to the ground, then cut-a-way to Ben, Hoss, and Adam, finally a close-up of Michael, as the scene was shot.
Trivia: Bob Miles doubles as Little Joe, as the Sheriff's posse is chasing him, Bob side-riding as Little Joe, on the horse, at the Iverson Ranch.
Trivia: Bob Miles takes the actual fall from the barn loft, (doubling for actor Ben Johnson/Sam the Deputy), after Sam confesses, exposing Arte as the one who killed the teller.
Bob Miles Trivia: Bob Miles like all stuntmen, gets to do many bit parts. He doubles for Michael, Ben Johnson, plays a Ponderosa hand at the barn scene at the Janss Conejo Ranch, and a cowboy who Joe throws off his horse to escape from Alkali.
Michael Landon Trivia: He goes on record about his first co-written script: 'The Gamble'. 'The prices of TV scripts vary', said Michael Landon, his green eyes glinting. 'When I recently wrote the script called 'The Gamble', for our Bonanza series, I was paid the full fee-2200 dollars. That's because the story idea is mine and I also wrote the teleplay. A lot of TV stars who are writing television scripts have collaberators. In other words, they might get a sensational idea and hand it over to a writer. Me, I like to collect the full amount. It took me almost three months to turn one script in. I can't really make very much at that rate.'
In the case of Landon, he not only wrote the script for money; the show had run out of script ideas and was on the verge of shutting down production for three weeks until new scripts were written. Michael haggled with NBC for three months to get his writing career established and it only took him two days to write 'The Gamble' and filming was ready the next day on Monday. He envisioned the story while driving home from the studios and wrote it over the weekend at home and 'The Gamble' was born.
The other reason was he was 'threatening' his co-stars, Lorne Greene, Dan Blocker, and Pernell Roberts, that he would do it. 'They kept saying: 'Ah, you can't write, little brother, so stop dreaming',' he grinned. 'But their attitudes changed when I strolled on to the sound stage and flashed that cheque under their noses'. 'The Gamble' earned rave reviews and Hollywood received it's first clue of what Michael would be doing again some five years later in 1966-67, writing four more teleplays, turning them in, after only one night of writing them, leading to fully writing them, by December 1967 through October 1972.
Location Scenes Filmed at:Iverson Ranch and Janss Conejo Ranch, Southern California.
Film date: January 19-26, 1962
94.) The Crucible
April 8, 1962
Written by: John T. Dugan
Directed by: Paul Nickell
Adam is left to die in the desert after two thieves take $5,000 and his horse from him. Near death, he stumbles into an old prospector named Kane who offers to lend him a mule and supplies in exchange for three day's work at his mine. Kane, however, turns out to be a demented madman. He holds Adam prisoner and tortures him to prove his theory that anyone could be driven to kill, even a man as rational as Adam. This is Pernell Robert's favorite episode along with 'The Wooing Of Abigail Jones'.
Guest Stars: Peter Kane...Lee Marvin,...Frank Preston...Howard Ledig...Jim Gann...Barry Cahill,...Blacksmith...William Edmonson,...Sheriff...Roy Barcroft,...Bartender...Paul Barselou,...Brunette Townsgirl...Betty Endicott...(uncredited; extra).
Trivia: The late and great Lee Marvin makes his only appearance on the series as Peter Kane. Support player Howard Ledig plays Frank Preston, in the saloon who overhears Adam and Joe talking about the high sum of money, and his partner outside is Jim Gann, played by Barry Cahill.
The blacksmith who has Sport at his stable is played by William Edmonson in the scenes with he and Joe. Roy Barcroft plays the Sheriff and later appears in five's 'The Cheating Game' as Dave Wilkins and in seven's 'The Lonely Runner' as Frank, the Deputy. Rounding out the support cast is actor Paul Barselou, who plays the bartender in this episode. Sometimes credited as Paul Barselow.
The Birth of The Crucible: Pernell had been pressing David Dortort for an episode where his talents would be showcased in. David finally agreed and ordered for a script called 'The Crucible'.
Pernell remarked that Dortort would probably hire a 'lame actor' for the role of Peter Kane, opposite him and that irritated Dortort. Dortort called his old friend Lee Marvin, who was a top box office draw at the time, and 'called in his favor'.
Marvin agreed to do the part and Pernell Roberts was very surprised. Dortort said Pernell had to work hard to keep up with Lee Marvin, and not let him dominate the scene. 'The Crucible' ended up being the finest episode Pernell ever did. Dortort called Pernell: 'a very fine actor, and when he wanted to, could improve any scene he was in'.
Horse Trivia: Little Joe lets Cochise drink his coffee while looking for Adam, and later when he pulls up lame, he stumbles onto finding Sport almost being sold at a stable and rides him and later joins Pa and Hoss to search for a missing Adam.
Filmed on location at:Iverson Ranch in Southern California.
Film date: January 29 to February 6, 1962
95.) Inger, My Love
April 15, 1962
Written by: David Dortort, Frank Cleaver, Anthony Lawrence
Directed by: Lewis Allen
Ben recalls meeting Hoss' mother, Inger Borgstrom, in Illinois as he and Adam were making their way West. Dan Blocker's arm is in a sling because of a real-life riding accident. First of two episodes concerning Inger. Co-written by David Dortort.
Guest Stars: Inger Borgstrom...Inga Swenson,...Gunnar Borgstrom...Jeremy Slate,...McWhorter...James Philbrook,...Little Adam...Johnny Stephens,...Gunnar's Friend...Taggart Casey,...Constable...Harlan Warde,...Bartender...Charles E. Fredericks,...Mrs. Miller...Helen Brown,...Doctor...Nolan Leary,...Man in Cafe...Troy Melton...(uncredited; extra),...Bill Clark...(uncredited; stunt double for Lorne Greene),...Alex Sharp...(uncredited; stunt double for James Philbrook).
Trivia: Inga Swenson makes the first of two appearances on the series, as Inger Borgstrom, later becoming Ben's wife. Jeremy Slate makes his first appearance on the series, as Inger's brother Gunnar Borgstrom. He later appears in eight's 'A Man Without Land' as Ed Phillips and in ten's 'The Passing of a King' as Jeremy Roman. Character actor James Philbrook plays the powerful McWhorter, along with a young Johnny Stephens as Little Adam Cartwright, later seen in five's 'Journey Remembered', with Inga Swenson.
Support actor Taggert Casey plays Gunnar's friend at the Inn, and Harlan Warde makes his first appearance on the series, playing the Constable who wants to arrest Ben for allegedly beating up Gunnar. He later appears as other characters throughout the main run of the series. Helen Brown plays Mrs. Miller at the Inn, with Nolan Leary as the attending doctor.
Photography Trivia: The flashbacks were again created by Paramount's talented Farciot Edouart, whose fine work also shines in films such as; 'Whispering Smith', 'For Whom The Bell Tolls', 'Samson And Delilah', 'Dark City', 'Shane', 'Pony Express', 'The Naked Jungle', 'The Ten Commandments', 'Three Violent People', and 'The Buccaneer', a handful of over the 204 films his special visual effects can be seen in on the silver screen.
Photography Trivia: In the scenes with Ben, Inger, a young Adam, and Gunnar, the actors do their filmed scenes with black felt placed to the rear of them, and the local San Fernando Valley stock footage is optically printed onto the filmed soundstage shots, called a matte shot.
Script Trivia: This installment was originally to have ended with Inger's death, but was extended into a second part for season five's 'Journey Remembered' which is the conclusion of 'Inger, My Love'.
Stunt Trivia: In the fight in the mercantile store Ben against McWhorter, Bill Clark is doubling for Lorne Greene and Alex Sharp for James Philbrook in the long shots of the fight. The actors do only the close-ups in the fight.
Location Scenes Filmed at:Franklin Lake, Southern California.
Film date: February 26 to March 5, 1962
96.) Blessed Are They
April 22, 1962
Written by: Borden Chase, Frank Cleaver
Directed by: Don McDougall
When two feuding families argue over the custody of two orphaned children, a reluctant Ben is called upon to straighten out the situation before real trouble erupts.
Guest Stars: Reverend...Robert Brown,...John Clarke...Ford Rainey,...Winifred Mahan...Irene Tedrow,...Tom Mahan...Walter Sande,...Mary Clarke...Amzie Strickland,...Peggy Clarke...Leslie Wales,...Judge...Robert Brubaker,...Deputy Clem...Robert Foulk,...Kenny...Rory O' Brien,...Susan...Tracy Stratford,...Reverend Jordan...Arthur Peterson,...Bob Miles...(uncredited; stunts & extra as townsman),...Bob Hoy...(uncredited; stunts & extra as townsman),...Henry Wills...(uncredited; stunts & extra as townsman),...Bill Clark...(uncredited; stunts & extra as townsman),...Betty Endicott...(uncredited; extra as Clarke girl),...Martha Manor...(uncredited; extra as Clarke girl).
Trivia: Robert Brown makes his only appearance as the Reverend in this episode. Fine character actor seen in many TV series, and notably in the 1967 Star Trek episode 'The Alternative Factor' as Lazarus. Ford Rainey makes another appearance, this time as John Clarke, with Irene Tedrow making another, this time as Winifred Mahan.
Walter Sande makes his first of a handful of appearances, in this episode as Tom Mahan. Amzie Strickland plays Mary Clarke, along with Robert Brubaker making another appearance, in this episode as the Judge. Robert Foulk makes another appearance, this time as Deputy Clem, and Arthur Peterson makes his first appearance as Reverend Jordan. He appears throughout the main run of the series as other characters. Rory O' Brien plays the little boy Kenny and Tracy Stratford as his little sister Susan.
Church Trivia: The church exterior in this episode was at one end of the Western Street, filmed from the outside and the real interior was located on Stage 17 at Paramount Studios.
Location Scenes Filmed at: June 1961 stock footage of Ben and Joe riding through the wooded clearing at Incline Village, Lake Tahoe, Nevada, is seen in act one of this episode.
Film date: February 7-14, 1962
97.) The Dowry
April 29, 1962
Written by: Robert Vincent Wright
Directed by: Christian Nyby
Cast Of Bonanza Episodes
The Cartwrights get mixed up in the romance of a phony heiress and an equally phony land baron.
Guest Stars: Michele Dubois...Luciana Paluzzi,...Don Ricardo Fernandez...Lee Bergere,...Alexander Dubois...Steven Geray,...Crusty...Ken Mayer,...Dr. Martin...Roy Engel...(uncredited; bit part),...Bartender...Cosmo Sardo...(uncredited; extra),...Bob Miles...(uncredited; stunt double for Michael Landon and stunts & horseback as bandit #1),...Henry Wills...(uncredited; stunts & horseback as bandit #2, horseback double for Pernell Roberts),...Bill Clark...(uncredited; stunts & horseback as bandit #3, horseback double for Dan Blocker),...Alex Sharp...(uncredited; stunt double for Lee Bergere).
Trivia: Italian-born actress Luciana Paluzzi makes her only appearance as the reddish-haired and twisty-curved Michele Dubois. Character actor Lee Bergere makes his only appearance as Don Ricardo Fernandez in this episode. His similarity to President Lincoln had him playing the role in the 1968 Star Trek episode 'The Savage Curtain'. A veteran character actor of television and film, Mr. Bergere. Russian-born actor Steven Geray plays Michele's father, Alexander Dubois. Ken Mayer returns for another support role, this time as Crusty, the stage driver. Roy Engel makes another appearance as Dr. Martin, and he goes uncredited in this episode. Cosmo Sardo makes another uncredited extra part, once again as the bartender in the saloon.
Stunt Trivia: In the long and hilarious fight in the front yard, Joe versus Ricardo, stuntman Bob Miles does all the long shots as Little Joe along with stuntman Alex Sharp as Ricardo. Michael Landon and Lee Bergere manage to do all the close-ups and Alex Sharp does one close-up with Michael, tackling him through the corral fence.
Location Trivia: While in the middle of filming this episode, the cast and crew were doing the outdoor riding shots at the Iverson Ranch on February 22, 1962 marking Washington's Birthday. Mike and Lorne had done all the riding shots and then Dan and Pernell had to do theirs chasing after the money box. They had already filmed some shots with the money box, and then the accident occured. The ground was wet and muddy from the winter rains and their horses got stuck in the mud and fell into each other.
Pernell managed to only sprain his neck and come back to work, but Dan had a broken collarbone and shoulder and would return wearing a sling for the rest of the season and take time off to recover. NBC was very upset and concerned about the accident and issued executive orders that the actors would be doubled by their stuntmen for all wild and dangerous stunts. Michael and Dan took riding lessons during the fourth season hiatus for extra safety measures.
Towards the end of 'The Dowry' the writers scripted Hoss to be 'asleep' since he was injured and written out. The horses were alright, but Pernell's mount began misbehaving and at the start of the fourth season was replaced with another Chestnut who bore a close resemblance to the first horse and had 4 leg socks.
Filmed on location at:Iverson Ranch in Southern California.
Film date: February 15-23, 1962
Bonanza Cast List
98.) The Long Night
May 6, 1962
Written by: George Stackalee, E. M. Parsons
Directed by: William Witney
Ben, Joe and Adam travel to Bowleg to pay the yearly taxes on the Ponderosa. After the transaction is completed, Ben and Joe ride over the summit to join the cattle drive. Adam is on his way to Genoa and is carrying a $10,000 bank draft his father has given him. A prison guard rides into town and announces two hombres have broke out and escaped who are holdup men and killers. Elmer Trace and his partner Poindexter were assisted by a guard in escaping prison and they betray him on the trail. Trace takes his clothes, horse and firearms, leaving Poindexter with only a rifle and rides off. Meanwhile, the Sheriff of Bowleg organizes a posse immediately.
Poindexter intercepts Adam en route to Genoa and forces him to exchange clothes with him. He steals Adam's horse as well and rides off, with Adam in his prison clothes, who seeks out to find a horse and gun to catch him and get the bank draft back. Adam finds his way to an old prospector's home and learns Poindexter made him remove his leg irons and borrows one of the horses to see if he can still catch him. Trace has lost his horse and stumbles onto the prospector as well, and after spying on Adam and the old man, he kills him in cold blood, and removes his leg irons.
Adam catches up with Poindexter and they have a shootout, with Poindexter getting shot and falls to his death. The posse comes upon this, but Trace is lucky enough to find Adam before they do. Trace is now disguised as a prison guard, and discredits Adam's true identity and declares him as being Elmer Trace. The weary possemen form a lynch party to hang Adam and the Sheriff stops them in time. Adam suggests to the posse, they ride to the old prospector's home to prove his true identity, but Trace has already killed him, to prevent him from talking.
They form a lynch mob once again, but one of the men sides with Adam and the Sheriff. Trace is desperate and instructs the men to ram the wagon through the door, as a decoy, as he enters through a side window to sneak up from behind them. Henry Neighbors has passed out from a bullet wound, and Trace thinks he's dead, while taking Adam and the Sheriff outside the shack, to the possemen. Trace forces Billy McCord to side with him, and the youth fruitlessly tries to foil Trace, who threatens he'll kill him unless Adam hands over the bank draft. Henry Neighbors makes it to the door, fires his gun off, distracting Trace, and Adam knocks him to defeat. The posseman all regret what has occured and Trace is taken prisoner by them. Adam and Sheriff Hill part on good terms, as he takes Trace back to town and Adam rides back home to the Ponderosa.
Guest Stars: Elmer Trace...James Coburn,...Billy McCord...Jack Chaplain,...Sheriff Hill...Frank Ferguson,...Townsend...William Bramley,...Henry Neighbors...Whit Bissell,...Skidmore...Paul Dubov,...Poindexter...Bing Russell,...Martha Neighbors...Dorothy Adams,...Prospector...E. J. Andre,...Johnny...Al Avalon,...Brubaker...Eric Barnes,...Jeb...Bob Hoy...(uncredited; extra/stunt & horseback double for Jack Chaplain),...Bob Miles...(uncredited; stunt double & horseback double for James Coburn),...Henry Wills...(uncredited; stunt double & horseback double for Pernell Roberts & Bing Russell).
Trivia: James Coburn makes his second and final appearance on the series. He plays Elmer Trace, the escaped convict and killer in this episode. He was previously in two's 'The Dark Gate' as Ross Marquette. Teen actor Jack Chaplain plays the irritating and unruly Billy McCord, and appears later as Harry Lassiter in seven's 'Five Sundowns to Sunup'. Frank Ferguson gives a solid performace as Sheriff Hill. He was previously in one's 'The Fear Merchants' as Mr. Ridley. He later appears in five 'Ponderosa Matador' as Jigger Therman and in six's 'Lothario Larkin' as Abner.
Support actor William Bramley plays Townsend, and later appears as Gifford in twelve's 'For a Young Lady' and as Dan Fowler in thirteen's 'One Ace Too Many'. Whit Bissell makes his only appearance on the series as Henry Neighbors, along with Paul Dubov making his last appearance, in this episode as Skidmore, the proprietor of the gambling saloon. He was previously in two's 'The Courtship' as Frank, the dealer.
Neil 'Bing' Russell makes his second appearance on the series, this time as the escaped convict Poindexter. He made his first as Major Reynolds, earlier in this season's 'The Honor of Cochise'. Bing would return later the fourth season, by David Dortort's decision to have him play Deputy Clem Foster (replacing Robert Foulk who played Clem in season three) through the end of the series' run in 1972.
Martha Neighbors is played by support actress Dorothy Adams, and E. J. Andre plays the prospector who is killed by Trace. He later appears in twelve's 'The Trouble with Trouble' as the Judge and in thirteen's 'Shanklin' as Yost, the old man playing poker with Joe. Stuntman Bob Hoy plays Jeb, the prison guard who rides into town like a speeding bullet, telling Johnny, the telegrapher, (Al Avalon) of the prison break by Trace and Poindexter. Finally, Brubaker, the traitorous prison guard is played by Eric Barnes.
Stunt Trivia: Bob Miles horseback doubles Elmer Trace (James Coburn) in a bit part, when Trace's horse falls down at Iverson. In the fight on Stage 16, at the shack, Henry Wills doubles Adam (Pernell Roberts) knocking Elmer Trace (Bob Miles) to his defeat. Henry also horseback doubles Pernell and Bing Russell in 95% of the outdoor scenes, riding the chestnut horse at Iverson Ranch, including scenes where Adam jumps off the chestnut and goes for cover and for Bing Russell, when Adam shoots Poindexter off the giant boulder.
In addition to playing the guard who announces the prison break, Bob Hoy horseback doubles Billy (Jack Chaplain), in the first act, on the street when he quickly rides in, dismounts, and then cut to Jack Chaplain on the boardwalk with Sheriff Hill.
Horse Trivia: This marks the last appearance of Pernell's main horse, since he was misbehaving after the riding accident some weeks before. At the start of the fourth season he was replaced with another horse who bore a close resemblance to the previous one.
Location Scenes Filmed at:Iverson Ranch, Southern California with stock footage in act one from Paramount's film library, and in act four, June 1961 stock footage of Adam riding Sport through the wooded clearing at Incline Village, Lake Tahoe, Nevada.
Film date: March 14-21, 1962
99.) The Mountain Girl
May 13, 1962
Written by: John Furia, Jr.
Directed by: Don McDougall
Joe promises a dying sheepman he will make sure the old man's granddaughter gets her rightful inheritance from a wealthy San Francisco family. This episode was filmed immediately after 'Inger, My Love', which explains why Blocker's arm is still in a sling.
Guest Stars: Trudy Harker...Nina Shipman,...Paul...Warren Oates,...Josiah Harker...Carl Benton Reid,...Stephanie...Nancy Hadley,...Seth...Will Wright,...Annie...Mary Treen.
Location Scenes Filmed at: June 1961 stock footage at Mount Rose Summit, fading to June 1961 stock footage of Joe riding Cochise at Solitude Canyon, Lake Tahoe, Nevada.
Film date: March 6-13, 1962
100.) The Miracle Maker
May 20, 1962
Written by: Frank Cleaver, Preston Wood
Directed by: Don McDougall
Hoss blames himself when a young woman is crippled in a wagon accident, and hopes a faith healer can help her walk again.
Guest Stars: Garth...Ed Nelson,...Susan Blanchard...Patricia Breslin,...Thorn...Mort Mills,...Miss Celia...Jean Inness,...Dr. Moore...Tol Avery,...Mr. Blanchard...Raymond Bailey,...Dr. Gross...Bill Quinn,...Jeb...Robert Adler,...Bob Miles...(uncredited; buckboard double for Raymond Bailey),...Bill Clark...(uncredited; buckboard double for Dan Blocker),...Brunette Townsgirl...Betty Endicott...(uncredited; extra),...Blonde Townsgirl...Martha Manor...(uncredited; extra).
Trivia: Veteran character actor Ed Nelson makes a memorable and poignant performance as Garth, the faith healer. A familiar face in television and motion pictures, Nelson was one of the best in the business, and his fine acting is more than evident in this episode. Support player Patricia Breslin plays Susan, and with a great amount of competency in her role after she becomes crippled. Her and Nelson are wonderful together in their acting.
Mort Mills makes his third appearance on the series, this time as Thorn, who is secretly working with Garth and is really not cripped, as he craftily demonstrated on the street to the innocent townsfolk. Tol Avery appears as Dr. Moore, with Bill Quinn as Dr. Gross, in minor support roles in this episode. Dan Blocker's arm is still in a sling from the February riding accident at Iverson Ranch. Last episode made and aired for the third season of the series.
Stunt Trivia: Ed Nelson and Mort Mills do their own fight in the yard, with no stunt doubling in act four, after Mill's character threatens to blackmail him. In act one, when the the buckboard takes off on the street with Susan driving, Dan Blocker is doubled by Bill Clark and Raymond Bailey is doubled by Bob Miles. Also, the Ponderosa exterior on Stage 16 is redressed to depict the Blanchard home in this episode.
Film date: March 22-29, 1962