Bonanza

This long-running NBC western aired from 1959 until 1973 and followed the lives of the Cartwright family on their 1,000-acre Ponderosa ranch in 1860’s Nevada territory. One of the first series to be filmed in color, the one-hour program introduced star Michael Landon as Joe Cartwright, son of the Ponderosa’s wealthy owner, the wise and paternal Ben Cartwright (played by Lorne Greene). Ben had a son by each of his three deceased wives- the fiery and mischievous “Little” Joe, the big-hearted (and bodied) yet simple Hoss (Dan Blocker), and the serious and poetic Adam (Pernell Roberts). The show followed the adventures of Ben and his sons as they strove to make their way in the rough-and-tumble environment of the American West. Set against the backdrop of the Comstock Lode silver mining discover, they ran the Ponderosa, raising cattle, gathering timber, and defending their land against intruders. The appealing stars won over fans each week as they instilled the virtues of fairness, tolerance, and lawfulness. Although a largely dramatic show, Bonanza was sprinkled with comedic moments that helped make the show that much more charming. Also featured in the series were David Canary (a.k.a. All My Children’s Adam Chandler ) as Candy Canaday, Victor Sen Yung as Cartwright household helper, Hop Sing, and Ray Teal as Virginia City’s sheriff Roy Coffee. Guest stars included James Coburn, David Cassidy, Stella Stevens, Dennis Hopper, Wayne Newton, Telly Savalas, Tina Louise, Charles Bronson, Burgess Meredith, Leonard Nimoy, Bruce Dern, Dawn Wells, Marlo Thomas, Cesar Romero, Gary Busey, Jodi Foster, Adam West, Beau Bridges, and Gena Rowlands. The show floundered after the unexpected early death of Blocker in 1972 and was cancelled the following year.

Rate:

0 votes