Bonanza: The Lost Episodes:
Fourteen Episodes Included

The Saga Becomes A Solid Western
and Candy Comes On The Scene

287.) The Burning Sky
         January 28, 1968
         Written by: William H. Wright, Carol Saraceno
         Directed by: John Rich

         A pair of bigots make life rough for a new Ponderosa cowhand and his Indian wife, and starts a reign of terror that leads to a startling discovery with one of the bigots, Aaron Gore.

         Guest Stars: Moon...Dawn Wells,...Will Holt...Michael Murphy,...Bridger Gore...Bobby Riha,...Aaron Gore...Victor French,...Muley...Gregg Palmer,...Deputy...Robert Foulk,...Clem...Bing Russell,...Long Bear...Iron Eyes Cody,...Jonas...Bill Clark,...Bob Miles...(uncredited; horseback stunt for Iron Eyes Cody).

         Trivia: Dawn Wells as Moon, best remembered as "Mary Ann", on "Gilligan's Island", and she was also in four's, "The Way Station", as Marty.  Actor Michael Murphy as Will Holt, opposite Victor French as Aaron Gore, in another stellar performance, alongside him, second lead, Gregg Palmer, previously in five's, "The Roper", and nine's, "Sense Of Duty".  Iron Eyes Cody makes the first of two appearances, later in twelve's, "Terror At 2:00".  And Robert Foulk again, this time as Pete, the Deputy.

         Trivia: Dawn said of working on this episode: "I was tackled, choked, and shaken around", says Dawn.  "Victor was as gentle as he could be under the circumstances, especially since I didn't have a stunt double.  We worked out a lot of the action ourselves, rolling here and there in the dirt, and hitting each other.  By accident, I smacked Victor during rehearsal, and he had a great comeback...he said, 'You're a good actress, but you don't have to be that good'.  Bonanza was fun".

         Location Trivia: Stock footage dating back to June 1961, in act two of Ben riding Buck through the wooded clearing at Incline Village, Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

         Filming date: November 8 to November 15, 1967.

288.) The Price Of Salt
         February 4, 1968
         Written by: B. W. Sandefur
         Directed by: Leon Benson

         To his dismay, Ben finds that his friend's fiancee intends to exploit the ranchers' desperate needs of obtaining salt for their dying herds.

         Guest Stars: Ada Halle...Kim Hunter,...Vern Shaler...James Best,...Cash Talbot...John Doucette,...Williams...Myron Healey,...Padre...Robert Patten,...Ned...David Pritchard,...Jackson...Ken Drake,...Conrad...John Jay Douglas,...Hal Burton...(uncredited; stunts for David Pritchard).

         Trivia: Guest star James Best makes his third and final appearance, as Vern Shaler, the Sheriff and friend of Ben's.  Best was previously in two's, "The Fugitive", and in five's, "The Legacy".  Kim Hunter as the greedy opportunistic salt dealer, best known for her role in the "Planet Of The Apes" movies, in the late 60's and early 70's.  John Doucette makes the last appearance on Bonanza, as Mr. Talbott, he was previously in four's, "Knight Errant", as Mr. Prescott, and in seven's, "Devil On Her Shoulder", as Reverend Evan Morgan.  David Pritchard makes a later appearance, previously seen in seven's, "Ride The Wind".

         Stunt Trivia: Ned (actor David Pritchard) is doubled by Hal Burton in one bit part, in the scenes of the bar fight where Conrad (actor John Jay Douglas) is hitting him across the saloon.

         Location Scenes Filmed at: Griffith Park, Southern California.

         Filming date: December 5 to December 12, 1967.

289.) Blood Tie
         February 18, 1968
         Written by: Arthur Dales
         Directed by: Seymour Robbie

         Joe is tricked into hiring a charming thief who plans on taking part in robbing the Ponderosa.

         Guest Stars: Tracy Blaine...Robert Drivas,...Fargo Taylor...Leo Gordon,...Clay Taylor...Conlan Carter,...Roy Coffee...Ray Teal,...Bartender...Peter Leeds,...Bob Miles...(uncredited; stunt double for Conlan Carter),...Bill Clark...(uncredited; stunt double for Leo Gordon and horseback double for Dan Blocker),...Martha Manor...(uncredited; extra as blonde saloon girl),...Ed Jauregui...(uncredited; extra as Ponderosa hand),...Hal Burton...(uncredited; stunt double for Michael Landon).

         Trivia: Leo Gordon makes his last appearance, this time as bounty hunter, Fargo Taylor.  He was previously in one's, "Death On Sun Mountain", as Early Thorne, and as the vicious bandit, Forsythe, in four's, "The Deadly Ones".  Gordon also co-wrote four's, "The Boss", and six's, "The Flannel-Mouth Gun".

         Stunt Trivia: Bob Miles doubles Clay (actor Conlan Carter) in bit parts when both Joe and Tracy fight him in the saloon. Peter Leeds also throws him out the saloon doors on the boardwalk after the opening credits fade out into this shot.  In act four, when Ben fights Fargo Taylor (actor Leo Gordon), he is doubled by Bill Clark in a few bit parts, including where Fargo kicks Ben in the leg.  Leo Gordon's filmed bit parts include the scenes where he and Lorne Greene are rolling around on the floor in the fight and he also takes the fall when Joe storms in the front door and shoots him down.

         Trivia: The face and voice of "The Tonight Show's", Peter Leeds is seen in the opening act, where he is playing the bartender.

         Fight Trivia: Leo Gordon and Michael Landon did an excellent fight scene for this episode's climax, however, it did not make it to the final print, due to story changes.

         Trivia: In one scene in act four, as Joe rides Cochise in the front yard, it's actually a 1961-62 season stock shot slipped in, to save time and money of the production, a common practice in filmed television and motion pictures.  Stock footage from Paramount's film library is also used for the establishing shots of the trail town in act one of this episode.

         Location Scenes Filmed at: Griffith Park, Southern California.

         Filming date: November 27 to December 4, 1967.

290.) The Crime Of Johnny Mule
         February 25, 1968
         Written by: Joel Murcott
         Directed by: Leon Benson
         Original Story Title: "The Trial of Johnny Mule"
         Lost Episode

         Hoss is the only one who believes that simple-minded Johnny Mule when he swears he had nothing to do with killing a local rancher.

         Guest Stars: Johnny Mule...Noah Beery Jr.,...Mary...Colleen Gray,...Virgil Lowdon...Lee Patterson,...Cleve Lowdon,...Jack Ging,...Prosecutor...John Archer,...Sheriff...John Lodge,...Bartender...Bruno Ve Sota,...Hal Burton...(uncredited; extra as Deputy).

         Trivia: The wonderful Noah Beery, Jr. returns, this time as the simple-minded Johnny Mule.  Beery was previously seen in the charming season six episode, "Lothario Larkin", as Lothario.  He is best remembered in the 70's TV-series, "The Rockford Files", alongside James Garner.

         Trivia: John Archer makes another appearance in act one, as the prosecutor, previously seen in past seasons, as many other characters.  John Lodge as the Sheriff, first seen in this season's, "The Thirteenth Man", as a member of the Cattleman's Association, and later in this season's, "In Defense Of Honor", as the Deputy.

         Location Scenes Filmed at: Griffith Park, Southern California with June 1962 stock footage of Ben and Joe riding at the shore of Gooseneck Reservoir, September 1967 stock footage of Candy at Glenbrook Valley, June 1964 stock footage of the posse at Onyx, June 1961 stock footage at Solitude Canyon, Spooner Lake and June 1962 stock footage at Gooseneck Meadow, Truckee, California.

         Filming date: November 16-23, 1967.

291.) The Late Ben Cartwright
         March 3, 1968
         Written by: Walter Black
         Directed by: Leon Benson

         In order to ruin the plans of a corrupt politician, Ben allows everyone to think that an attempt on his life was successful. The music score is dominated by "The Ponderosa" theme, which David Rose later used as the title music in 'Little House on the Prairie.'

         Guest Stars: Samuel Endicott...Sidney Blackmer,...Broom...Bert Freed,...Wilburn White...William Campbell,...Judge John Farraday...Simon Scott,...Purdy...George Gaynes,...Porter...Tyler McVey,...Ed Jauregui...(uncredited; horseback double for Lorne Greene),...Bill Clark...(uncredited; horseback double for Dan Blocker),...Hal Burton...(uncredited; horseback double for Michael Landon),...Ray Mazy...(uncredited; horseback double for David Canary).

         Trivia: Sidney Blackmer makes his last appearance, as the corrupt politician, Samuel Endicott, previously seen in two's, "The Dream Riders", as the Army Colonel.  Bert Freed as his associate, Broom, also makes his last appearance, previously seen as Beltcher, the crude bandit and thief, in one's, "The Last Trophy".

         William Campbell as the hired hitman, best known as the Klingon, Captain Koloth, in Star Trek's, "The Trouble With Tribbles".  And Simon Scott making his last appearance, as Judge Farraday.  He was previously in one's, "Vendetta", as Pryor, and in seven's, "All Ye His Saints", as Mr. Thorpe.

         Music Trivia: Some of the effect music that was composed and scored by David Rose for this episode serves as leit motifs that underscore Ben Cartwright in the storyline.  Rose composed and conducted the music in different guises to avoid sounding too repetitive.  The teaser in nine's "The Gold Detector" had Rose employ this theme initially for the establishing shot which opens up that story on the street.

         The music serves as a leit motif in the final scene of this episode when the Cartwrights and Candy are riding down the trail going back to the ranch.  The method of using leit motifs was originally invented by Richard Wagner in the 19th century. Literally every film composer in Hollywood would use the themes, just as Wagner did to identify locations, objects and characters.

         The music would continue to evolve and Rose would use it mainly as a leit motif for riding shots through the final season of Bonanza.  It would also be composed in other guises for identifying objects in the Wagnerian method.  The cue in the above scene which closes out "The Late Ben Cartwright", was later composed and scored as the "end title" music for 'Little House on the Prairie'.

         It's simply a theme which is composed in different guises as Rose would write it for seasons twelve and thirteen of 'Bonanza's' title music and other theme cues that were juxtaposed in the music score.  Of course, it would serve as the main title for "Little House on the Prairie".

         Music Trivia: The theme cue that was initially heard inside the casino in "Marie, My Love" was tracked and edited into this film score.  It's heard in the teaser that opens up this episode at Mrs. Wright's social gathering in San Francisco.

         Location Scenes Filmed at: September 1967 stock footage of the Cartwrights and Candy at Gooseneck Meadow, Truckee, California.

         Filming date: January 2 to January 9, 1968.

292.) Star Crossed
         March 10, 1968
         Written by: Thomas Thompson
         Directed by: William F. Claxton
         Lost Episode

         Candy falls in love with a woman being blackmailed by a Marshal from another town.  David Canary's fourteenth episode, and the first in which he is given the spotlight.

         Guest Stars: Laura Jean Pollard...Tisha Sterling,...Marshal Passmore...William Windom,...Mrs. O' Brien...Jean Willes,...Bartender...Bruno Ve Sota,...Saloon Girl...Martha Manor,...Bob Miles...(uncredited; stunts for David Canary),...Ed Jauregui...(uncredited; horseback double for Lorne Greene),...Bill Clark...(uncredited; horseback double for Dan Blocker),...Hal Burton...(uncredited; horseback double for Michael Landon),...Ray Mazy...(uncredited; horseback double for David Canary).

         Trivia: William Windom, an extroadinary actor, as the scheming Marshal, a veteran of film and television.  He is still fondly remembered as Commodore Decker, from Star Trek's, "The Doomsday Machine", and also a Reverend, in Highway To Heaven's, "A Child Of God".  Jean Willes makes her last appearance, this time as the charming, Mrs. O' Brien.

         Trivia: Bob Miles first doubles for Candy, in the fight scene with Little Joe, in the front yard.  Bob would do all the stuntwork too dangerous for actor David Canary, who during this season, pinched a nerve in a fight scene.

         Location Scenes Filmed at: Franklin Lake, Southern California.

         Filming date: January 10 to January 17, 1968.

293.) Trouble Town
         March 17, 1968
         Written by: David Lang
         Directed by: Leon Benson
         Lost Episode

         The Ponderosa ranch hands are at Riverbend during a cattle drive.  While there, Candy meets an old friend, Lilah Holden, working in a saloon.  When the cattle drive is ready to move on, Candy resigns to stay and help Lilah.  It is not long before Ben, Hoss, and Joe are involved.

         Guest Stars: Sheriff Claude Booker...Robert J. Wilke...Lila Holden...Elizabeth MacRae,...Deputy Horn...Steve Brodie,...Lupe...Joseph Turkel,...Shorty...James Daris,...Almont...Tol Avery,...Slatter...William Bakewell,...Stableman...Doodles Weaver,...Bartender...A. G. Vitanza,...Bob Miles...(uncredited; stunts for David Canary).

         Trivia: Robert J. Wilke as Sheriff Claude T. Booker, in a very menacing role again on Bonanza.  Wilke's fine acting seen in earlier episodes, such as two's, "The Trail Gang", and in six's, "The Flannel-Mouth Gun".  Steve Brodie makes his third and last appearance, this time as, Deputy Horn.  He was in four's "Any Friend Of Walter's", and in five's, "Walter and the Outlaws", as Macy.

         Trivia: In the fight scene in the saloon, after Candy discovers the wheel is rigged, Bob Miles doubles for David Canary, in most of the shots, long ones and rear close-ups, with the saloon employee and then with Sheriff Booker, played by Robert J. Wilke, who manages to do all his stunts himself.

         Filming date: January 18 to January 25, 1968.

294.) Commitment At Angelus
         April 7, 1968
         Written by: Peter Germano
         Directed by: Leon Benson

         When a horse steps on Candy's hand out on the trail, he and Joe go to Angelus to find a doctor.  When they arrive, Joe sees his friend, Steve Regan, an Angelus miner.  Steve tells Joe that the miners have gone on strike at his suggestion; the timber supports in the tunnels are rotting away.  Joe offers him a day's wages to help him drive the wild horses, since Candy's hand is injured.

         Steve's out of practice on horseback, and he's killed when the horse throws him.  Joe blames himself for the accident, and feels responsible for Steve's widow, Stephanie.  Stephanie tells Joe that Steve would have wanted him to help the miners, although she is very hurt and frightened by her husband's sudden death.

         The task of helping the miners is complicated; fifteen cases of dynamite are missing, and the miners have been threatening to blow it up.  The mining company's head executive, Emmet Hudson, and Angelus' deputy sheriff are in cahoots to blame the miners, and to make matters worse, the Cartwrights are major stockholders.

         Guest Stars: Stephanie Regan...Marj Dusay,...Emmet Hudson...Peter Whitney,...Thad...Ivan Triesault,...Deputy Garrett...Ken Lynch,...Kabe...Greg Mullavey,...Steve Regan...Hal Lynch,...Polk...Alan Reynolds,...Bob Miles...(uncredited; horseback double for Hal Lynch, fight double for Ken Lynch, and fight double for Greg Mullavey),...Deputy Larson...Bud Walls...(uncredited; extra),...Martha Manor...(uncredited; townswoman with blonde hair).

         Trivia: Beautiful Marj Dusay, a former rodeo queen of Kansas makes her first appearance on the series as Stephanie Regan.  She is seen in the next season as April Horn in "A Ride In The Sun".  The massive and hulking giant actor Peter Whitney makes another appearance, this time as Emmet Hudson, along with Ken Lynch as Deputy Garrett.  Greg Mullavey makes his first of two appearances on the series.  He plays Kabe in this episode, and makes his second appearance as Bradley Meredith's accomplice Jordan, later in thirteen's "One Ace Too Many".

         Marj Dusay Trivia: Marj is the mother-in-law of producer David Blocker (son of Dan Blocker).  David is married to her daughter and they have one child.

         Stunt Trivia: Bob Miles doubles three actors in this episode.  First, he doubles actor Hal Lynch when Steve is thrown from the horse.  Second, he doubles actor Ken Lynch in a few bit parts in the fight with David Canary (Candy), with the beer thrown in his face by Candy, who sends him reeling over the table and then assaults Candy and beats him up.  Third, as Kabe, when he attacks Joe, who beats him up in the mine set on Stage 17.  With the exception of David Canary, the above actors only do their close-up shots, which are cut in with Bob's expert stuntwork on film.

         Location Scenes Filmed at:  Bronson Canyon and Griffith Park, Southern California, with June 1962 stock footage of Joe at Gooseneck Meadow, Truckee and September 1967 stock footage of Candy at Glenbrook Valley, Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

         Filming date: February 5 to February 12, 1968.

295.) A Dream To Dream
         April 14, 1968
         Written by: Michael Landon
         Directed by: William F. Claxton
         Lost Episode

         Hoss brings happiness to the family of a bitter alcoholic rancher.  A return to the "heart" of the series, written by Michael Landon, who later recycled the story as "Someone Please Love Me", for "Little House" in 1979.  First complete script Michael wrote for the series that NBC approved for filming.

         Guest Stars: Sarah Carter...Julie Harris,...Josh Carter...Steve Ihnat,...Timmy Carter...Johnny Whitaker,...Sally Carter...Michelle Tobin,...Bartender...William Tannen,...Bob Miles...(uncredited; stunt double for Steve Ihnat),...Bill Clark...(uncredited; stunt double for Dan Blocker).

         Trivia: The late and great Steve Ihnat plays Josh Carter in this fine episode. He was previously in six's "Dead and Gone" as Johann and in twelve's "Terror at 2:00" as Mr. Ganz. Ihnat was an extremely gifted actor who was born in Czechoslovakia on August 7, 1934. His parents migrated to Canada some years later, where he loved to recite Shakespeare when he worked the fields. In 1958, he migrated from Canada to California to work in television and film during the late 1950's.

         Steve became a good friend of Gene Roddenberry and was hired to play Lord Garth in the 'Star Trek' episode, "Whom Gods Destroy" in 1968. He married Playboy Playmate and actress Sally Carter in the 60's. She was featured in the May 1962 issue of the publication. She was the tallest female guest star on the "The Jackie Gleason Show" at 5' 8". Her birth name is Zella Maria Grajeda. They had two children in the early 70's, which they named Gabby and Stefan.

         Steve Ihnat died unexpectedly on May 12, 1972 of a fatal heart attack in his hotel room in Cannes, France. He was attending the annual film festival at the time. He was 37 years-old. His friend and fellow actor, Ed Asner, gave him an honorable mentioning at the Emmy Award that May. Sally later married game show host Peter Marshall in 1977. A divorce followed over a decade later in 1988, with the two going their separate ways.

         Steve became a good friend of Michael Landon and Dan Blocker when he worked this episode in December of 1968. They thought highly of his acting and he was very nice to everyone on the set. In fact, Mike and Dan would invite Steve and Sally to their homes to have dinner and drinks on numerous occasions during "Bonanza's" later years.

         Trivia: The character of Sarah Carter was played by wonderful actress, Julie Harris, in this episode.  Johnny Whitaker, as Jody, of TV's, "Family Affair", and child actress, Michelle Tobin, later in eleven's, "It's A Small World".

         Stunt Trivia: In the climax, Bill Clark doubles Hoss in a bit part, when Josh (doubled by Bob Miles), hits him hard. Dan Blocker does most of the fight himself and Bob Miles doubled Ihnat in bit parts in the fight that showcases the physical strength of Hoss and Josh.

         Location Scenes Filmed at:  Franklin Lake, Southern California with June 1961 stock footage of Hoss riding at Solitude Canyon and September 1967 stock footage at Glenbrook Valley, Lake Tahoe, of Mr. Carter's horses that were culled from nine's "Check Rein" and then May 1962 stock footage of the horses that were culled from four's "The Beginning" at Iverson Ranch and Hoss riding through the wooded clearing at Incline Village and finally, July 1966 Lone Pine, stock shots of Clauson's horses that were taken from eight's "The Pursued."

         Filming date: December 13 to December 20, 1967.

296.) In Defense Of Honor
         April 28, 1968
         Written by: William Douglas Lansford, Richard Wendley
         Directed by: Marc Daniels

         Davey was abandoned by a Ute tribe during a battle in which his father and mother were killed at, the battle of Red Fork.  Davey was found by Ben who has taken care of him since.  Davey has become a hand on the Ponderosa.  Ben is arranging a treaty between the Utes and the white men.  While in town with Ben, Davey falls in love with Bright Moon, the daughter of Chief Lonespear, and this leads to situations that threaten the treaty and Bright Moon's husband to be, and two town bigots complicate matters even worse.

         Guest Stars: Davey...Lou Antonio,...Chief Lonespear...Arnold Moss,...Bright Moon...Cherie Latimer,...White Wolf...Ned Romero,...Skinner...Troy Melton,...Jud...Lane Bradford,...Deputy...John Lodge,...Judge...Arthur Peterson,...Bob Miles...(uncredited; stunt double for Lou Antonio),...Bill Clark (uncredited; stunt double for Ned Romero & uncredited; horseback double for Dan Blocker).

         Trivia: Davey is played by highly skilled character actor Lou Antonio, a native of Oklahoma, born January 23, 1934.  He's appeared in television and motion pictures since 1963.  Lou is also a very accomplished director, since 1967 through the 21st century with "Boston Legal" in 2007.  He appeared in the 1974 TV-series "The Snoop Sisters" as Barney and in the crime drama "Dog and Cat" in 1977, with Kim Basinger.  He is still remembered for his powerful performance as the half-breed alien Lokai in the Star Trek episode "Let That Be Your Last Battlefield", opposite Frank Gorshin in 1968.

         Veteran stage actor Arnold Moss portrays Chief Lonespear, whose long career in stage, motion pictures and television makes him an unforgettable character of face and voice.  Moss is still remembered for his excellent performance as Kodos the Executioner/Anton Karidian in the 1966 Star Trek episode "The Conscience of the King". Serial star Lane Bradford makes another appearance, this time as Jud and at his side Troy Melton, as Skinner.  Native Indian actor Ned Romero makes his only appearance as White Wolf, along with Cherie Latimer as Bright Moon, with John Lodge as the Deputy, and Arthur Peterson as the Judge.

         Stunt Trivia: In the three fights with White Wolf (actor Ned Romero), Bill Clark doubles him in the over-the-shoulder and long shots. Bob Miles doubles Lou Antonio in these fights from the same camera angles and also in the street fight with Jud (Lane Bradford) and Skinner (Troy Melton). Both Lane Bradford and Troy Melton do their own fights, since they are very capable, without getting hurt. In the fight at Bronson Canyon at the climax, Bob Miles once again doubles Davey (Lou Antonio) in all the long shots, and Lou just does his close-ups in the fight. Stuntman Troy Melton needs no double, since it was his job to play extra characters with lead-ins to fights on the show.

         Trivia: This episode was originally slotted to air on March 31, 1968.  Due to the coverage of President Johnson's decision not to run for another term, the network moved the airing to a month later on April 28, 1968.

         Music Trivia: Theme cues from "Desperate Passage" and "Credit For a Kill" are tracked and juxtaposed in this episode's music score.  They are heard in the climax at Bronson Canyon before the knife fight begins.  The tension cue initially heard in "The Price of Salt" was also tracked for the climax, when Hoss shoots Jud after Davey defeats Skinner in combat.

         Location Trivia: Spooner Lake stock footage from this season's location filming is edited in this episode as Chief Lonespear's camp.

         Location Scenes Filmed at: Bronson Canyon, Southern California and September 1967 stock footage of Spooner Lake and June 1961 stock footage of Hoss riding Chubby through the wooded clearing at Incline Village, Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

         Filming date: January 26 to February 2, 1968.

297.) To Die In Darkness
         May 5, 1968
         Written by: Michael Landon
         Directed by: Michael Landon
         Lost Episode

         After Ben and Candy have been missing for over a month, everyone assumes they must be dead.  In reality, they are being held prisoner in a mine shaft by an ex-convict wrongly convicted on Ben's testimony.

         Guest Stars: John Postley...James Whitmore,...Warden...Noah Keen,...Bob Miles...( uncredited; stunt double for David Canary ),...Bill Clark...( uncredited; buckboard double for Dan Blocker ),...Hal Burton...( uncredited; buckboard double for Michael Landon ),...Gene LeBell...( uncredited; buckboard double for James Whitmore ).

         Trivia: This was Michael Landon's second complete script and his directorial debut after "A Dream To Dream" was made prior to it.  This is David Canary's favorite episode, in which his talents are showcased in.  James Whitmore, Sr., as John Postley, making his only Bonanza appearance, father of actor James Whitmore, Jr.

         Stunt Trivia: Bob Miles doubles Candy when Postley cuts the rope and he falls back into the mine pit.  In the climax, Bill Clark doubles Hoss driving the buckboard, along with Hal Burton doubling Joe and Gene LeBell doubling Postley on location.  Bill stops the buckboard and he and Hal run inside the cave entrance at Bronson Canyon.

         Trivia: Casting director William Maybery chose James Whitmore to portray John Postley in this story.  It was then approved by Michael Landon.  When he reported to the set and discovered that Michael was assigned to direct it, he asked him, "Are you the directing the show?" Michael replied, "Yes."

         The two quickly started discussing the story and Whitmore discovered how smart Mike was and had respect for him.  It turned out to be an excellent show in all respects.  Whitmore's stunt double, Gene LeBell came with him for the climax of the episode.  Gene had a judo school just around the corner where the actors and stuntmen would go to work out.

         Location Scenes Filmed at:  Bronson Canyon, Southern California, with June 1961 stock footage of Hoss and Joe riding through the wooded clearing at Incline Village, Lake Tahoe, Nevada.  In act three, a June 1961 stock shot of Hoss riding Chubby is seen at Solitude Canyon, Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

         The establishing shot of Nevada State Prison that opens the episode was culled from Paramount's film library, along with other stock clips seen in the story.  Finally, the cattle drive sequences in the teaser were culled from eight's "A Woman in the House", at Janss Conejo Ranch.

         Filming date: February 13 to February 20, 1968.

298.) The Bottle Fighter
         May 12, 1968
         Written by: John Hawkins, Colin Mackenzie, S. H. Barnett
         Directed by: Leon Benson
         Lost Episode

         Hoss is accused of stabbing a man to death, and his only hope of acquittal is a once great trial lawyer who is now a hopeless drunk.

         Guest Stars: Barney Sturgess...Albert Dekker,...Sheriff...Douglas Kennedy,...Ogleby...Harlan Warde,...Becker...Alan Baxter,...Furguson...Robert Sorrells,...Judge...Charles Irving,...Winter...Jon Lormer,... Defense Attorney...Bill Clark...(uncredited; bit part).

         Trivia: Albert Dekker, fine actor, whose career never really took off, seen in this episode, as Hoss' attorney.  Dekker passed away shortly after this Bonanza episode was made, in 1968.  Douglas Kennedy making his last appearance, this time, as the Sheriff.  Robert Sorrells makes another appearance, this time, as the hotel clerk, he was in previous episodes, later seen in eleven's, "Dead Wrong", as Sid.  Harlan Warde makes his third appearance, this time as Hoss' prosecuting attorney.

         Trivia: In one scene, when Ben and Joe arrive, Joe refers to, "we had to switch horses, and we weren't riding for the Pony Express", when they first arrive in the strange town, and see Hoss in jail.  Somewhat touching and funny.

         Filming date: February 21 to February 28, 1968.

299.) The Arrival Of Eddie
         May 19, 1968
         Written by: Ward Hawkins, John M. Chester
         Directed by: Marc Daniels
         Lost Episode

         A young man rejects an offer to work at the Ponderosa because Hoss shot his father, but a rancher intent on making trouble for the Cartwrights blackmails him into taking the job.

         Guest Stars: Eddie Makay...Jan-Michael Vincent,...Sam Butler,...Jim Davis,...Clem Foster...Bing Russell,...Amos...Lincoln Demyan,...Major...Francis De Sales,...Hal Burton...(uncredited; horseback double for Michael Landon and Jan-Michael Vincent and extra as cowboy in saloon),..Alex Sharp...(uncredited; stunts for Jim Davis).

         Trivia: Jan Michael-Vincent makes the first of two appearances on the series.  He plays Eddie Makay in this episode and would later return as Rick Miller in ten's "The Unwanted".  Jim Davis makes his last appearance, as Sam Butler, interesting, when he made his first Bonanza appearance, in two's, "The Gift", as Sam Wolfe, no one thought we would see him using the name "Sam" twice on the series!

         Stunt Trivia: In the savage and ferocious fight between Sam (Jim Davis), Eddie (Jan-Michael Vincent), and Hoss (Dan Blocker), stuntman Alex Sharp doubles actor Jim Davis doing the over-the-shoulder and long shots in the bar fight and Jim Davis only does his close-ups, with Jan-Michael Vincent, who does his own stunts in the fight as well as Dan Blocker.

         Stunt Horseback Stunt Trivia: Hal Burton doubles Little Joe (Michael Landon) and Eddie (Jan-Michael Vincent), on horseback in the corral scenes filmed at Franklin Lake.

         Location Scenes Filmed at: Franklin Lake, Southern California.

         Filming date: March 1-7, 1968.

300.) The Stronghold
         May 26, 1968
         Written by: John Hawkins, W. R. Burnett
         Directed by: Leon Benson
         Lost Episode

         Joe and Candy sell a herd to the Farrell Brothers in Arizona, but are paid a worthless bank draft.  The widow of the man one of the brothers killed helps them get their money back, and the brothers' hatred for each other is their undoing.

         Guest Stars: Mike Farrell...Paul Mantee,...Josh Farrell,...Michael Witney,...Lisa Jackson...Lynda Day,...Dude O' Brien...James Davidson,...Abner Jackson...William Bryant,...Kelty...Hal Baylor,..Moore...Martin Blaine,...Sheriff...Robert Brubaker,...Perdo...Ref Sanchez,...Bob Miles...(uncredited; stunt double for David Canary and Paul Mantee),...Deputy...Bill Clark...(uncredited; extra & stunt double for Hal Baylor).

         Trivia: Michael Witney returns, this time as Josh Farrell, and is later seen in thirteen's, "The Prisoners".  Fine actor Paul Mantee as Mike Farrell, Josh's older and corrupt brother.  Mantee, a fine actor, who was overlooked in the business.  Lynda Day, making her only appearance, later married to actor Christopher George, and became Lynda Day George, seen in the 60's, "Mission: Impossible", and in many TV series, still active today.  Hal Baylor makes his eighth appearance this time as Kelty, one of the Farrell Brother's henchmen, and is last seen in season twelve's "An Earthquake Called Callahan".

         James Davidson as Joe's friend, Dude, previously seen in eight's, "Black Friday", and in seven's, "Five Sundowns To Sunup", making his last appearance.  William Bryant, as the bank teller who is in cahoots with the Farrell Brothers, later in "Company Of Forgotten Men", eleven's, "Return Engagement", and in fourteen's, "Riot".  Robert Brubaker makes his last appearance, this time as the Sheriff of Dry Wells, previously in this season's, "Judgement At Olympus".

         Stunt Trivia: In act two, Candy (David Canary) is doubled by Bob Miles and Kelty (Hal Baylor) by Bill Clark in the yard fight. Canary and Baylor only perform the shots they're able to do safely.

         In act four, Canary and Baylor do their shots and are doubled again by Bob Miles and Bill Clark. Mike Farrell (Paul Mantee) is doubled by Bob Miles in some bit parts during the fight with Joe. Michael Landon, as usual, was able to do his complete fight with no stunt double.

         Location Scenes Filmed at: Griffith Park, Southern California and September 1967 stock footage of Candy at Solitude Canyon, Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

         Filming date: March 8 to March 15, 1968.

301.) Pride Of A Man
         June 2, 1968
         Written by: Ward Hawkins, Helen B. Hicks
         Directed by: William F. Claxton
         Lost Episode

         Joe reluctantly takes a job as a substitute teacher and must contend with two older students who have no use for an education.

         Guest Stars: Willie McNab...Kevin Coughlin,...Abby Pettigrew...Anne Helm,...Will McNab...Morgan Woodward,...Billy McNab...Steve Cory,...Mary...Barbara Hunter,...Tommy...Billy Corcoran,...Kathy...Heidi Musselman,...Bob Miles...( uncredited; stunt double for David Canary & Kevin Coughlin ),...Alex Sharp...( uncredited; stunt double for Morgan Woodward ).

         Trivia: Morgan Woodward makes another appearance, this time as, Mr. McNabb, later seen in thirteen's, "The Prisoners", and Anne Helm makes her second and last appearance, this time as the schoolteacher, Ms. Pettigrew.  She was first seen in seven's, "The Meredith Smith".

         Stunt Trivia: Bob Miles doubles Candy when Joe throws him out the schoolhouse at Franklin Lake.  Bob also doubles Kevin Coughlin in bit parts when they have the fight inside the schoolhouse.  In the last few shots, Bob is on the floor and looks up at Michael as he's standing in for the actor!

         In the climax, Alex Sharp doubles Morgan Woodward in the long shots and over-the-shoulder camera angles.  Woodward only does the shots he is capable of safely doing in the fight.  Of course, Michael does the complete fight scenes with no stunt double.

         Location Scenes Filmed at: Franklin Lake in California and June 1962 stock footage closing out act four with Joe riding Cochise along the shore of Gooseneck Reservoir at Truckee, California.

         Filming date: March 18 to March 25, 1968.

302.) A Severe Case Of Matrimony
         July 7, 1968
         Written by: Michael Fessier
         Directed by: Lewis Allen
         Lost Episode

         An untalented gypsy girl tries to get the Cartwrights to finance her career as an opera singer.

         Guest Stars: Rosalita...Susan Strasberg,...Encermo...J. Carrol Naish,...Paco...Andre Philippe,...Dolores...Lili Valenty,...Hop Sing...Victor Sen Yung,...Bill Clark...(uncredited; horseback double for Dan Blocker),...Ed Jauregui...(uncredited; stunt double for Lorne Greene).

         Script Trivia: First episode filmed for the ninth season in March 1967, however it was not broadcast until July 7, 1968 because of working Candy (David Canary), into the show.  The original working title was "A Slight Case Of Matrimony".

         Trivia: The late Susan Strasberg, as the untalented gypsy girl, daughter of the famous actor and acting teacher, Lee Strasberg, in her only Bonanza appearance.

         Stunt Trivia: Bill Clark horseback doubles Hoss at Franklin Lake on the dirt road in act one of the episode.

         Location Scenes Filmed at: Franklin Lake, Southern California.

         Filming date: March 14-21, 1967.

303.) Stage Door Johnnies
         July 28, 1968
         Written by: Alex Sharp
         Directed by: William F. Claxton
         Lost Episode

         Hoss and Joe rival for the affections of visiting entertainer Mademoiselle Denise, though she is more concerned for her little dog, Andre, than anything else.

         Guest Stars: Miss Denise...Kathleen Crowley,...Mr. Fillmore...Walter Brooke,...Big Man...Mike Mazurki,...Stage Driver...Shug Fisher,...Roy Coffee...Ray Teal,...Bartender...Bruno Ve Sota,...Waiter...Ted Ryan,...Man...King Moody,...Hop Sing...Victor Sen Yung,...Bill Clark...(uncredited; stunts for Dan Blocker).

         Trivia: Kathleen Crowley makes her last appearance, this time as Madamoiselle Denise, and ex-wrestler, Mike Mazurki makes his first, later seen in eleven's, "Dead Wrong", as Big Jack.  Walter Brooke, as Denise's manager, previously seen in six's, "A Dime's Worth Of Glory", season eleven's, "The Big Jackpot", and in twelve's, "The Luck Of Pepper Shannon".  Shug Fisher makes another appearance, previously seen in two, "The Infernal Machine", and in twelve's, "El Jefe".

         Trivia: Alex sharp wrote this story in March of 1967 and it was filmed later that month. NBC was more concerned to produce stronger dramatic episodes for the ninth season, so this episode and "A Severe Case of Matrimony" were aired at the end of the season in 1968.

         Trivia: This episode contains many fights; the first bar fight, with the Big Man (Mike Mazurki), versus Hoss (doubled by Bill Clark), another with Hoss in an alley, then with Little Joe, and finally, with Hop Sing!  Blocker's sense of humor is well beyond acting, in the saloon fight, along with Lorne Greene's!

         Music Trivia: The love theme from "Marie, My Love" was rescored in a different guise by David Rose.  The music cue underscores Denise in this episode.  The theme music from "Any Friend of Walter's" was also rescored in a different guise for a few scenes with her dog, Andre.

         Location Scenes Filmed at: June 1962 stock footage of Hoss and Joe riding their horses at Gooseneck Meadow, Truckee, California.

         Filming Date: March 22-28, 1967.

Production Cost Per Episode: $181,600

Crew Credits

Executive Producer: David Dortort

Producer: Robert Blees

Associate Producer: James W. Lane

Music by: David Rose

Director of Photography:
William F. Whitley, A.S.C., Harkness C. Smith, A.S.C., Haskell Boggs, A.S.C.

Story Consultants: John Hawkins, William Douglas Lansford

Unit Production Manager: Dick Mang-Shiu Look

Color Consultant: Edward P. Ancona, Jr.

Art Direction: Earl Hedrick

Edited by: Marvin Coil, A.C.E., Jack Harnish, A.C.E., Everett Douglas, A.C.E., Ellsworth Hoagland, A.C.E.

Theme "Bonanza" by: Jay Livingston and Ray Evans

Casting Supervisor: William Maybery

Assistant Directors: Bill D'Arcy, John Barnwell, Miles S. Middough, Clancy Herne

Set Decoration: Grace Gregory

Sound Recording: Lyle Figland and Joel Moss

Makeup Artists: Wally Westmore

Hair Styles by: Nellie Manley, C.H.S, Jeanette Marvin, C.H.S.

Costumer: Dario Piazza

Processed by:
Consolidated Film Industries

An NBC Production

Filmed at Paramount Studios
Hollywood, California

Back to Season Nine Episodes 270 - 286