Moves To Sundays At 9 PM:
A New Decade Of Adventure

 67.) The Smiler
         September 24, 1961
         Written by: Lewis Reed
         Directed by: Thomas Carr

         A drunk is killed in a saloon brawl with Hoss, and though the man's brother insists there are no hard feelings, he is actually a silver-tongued devil bent on revenge.

         Guest Stars: Clarence Bolling...Herschel Bernardi,...Mrs. McClure...Catherine McLeod,...Roy Coffee...Ray Teal,...Gilbert...William Zuckert,...Fred...Robert Foulk,...Jud...Scatman Crothers,...Arthur Bolling...Hy Terman,...Bob Miles...(uncredited; extra as cowboy at bar),...Bill Clark...(uncredited; extra as townsman),...Cosmo Sardo...(uncredited; extra as bartender),...Betty Endicott...(uncredited; extra as brunette saloon girl & townsgirl),...Martha Manor...(uncredited; extra as blonde saloon girl & townsgirl).

         Music Trivia: The newly scored Chapter Title cue music that accompanies the watercolor credits, now with producer, writers and director in sequence, performed by David Rose and the studio sessionists, which would be seen through the end of "Bonanza's" eleventh season. David Rose based this new cue music on a theme he composed and scored, "The Ponderosa" in 1961.  The cue is more commonly known as "The Ballad Of Virginia City."

         Opening Scenes Trivia: The new opening credits made for the third season would be the ones that would be the most memorable, filmed at Bourne's Meadow at Lake Tahoe, Nevada in June of 1961.  All four of the actors on horseback would be filmed riding down the meadow, come to a mid-way halt over the course of several takes on film.

         The close-ups of all 4 cast members were filmed on the soundstage, with a large piece of black felt to the rear of them and they are filmed on horseback.  The filmed soundstage shots are optically printed onto the filmed footage of Bourne's Meadow, and the actor's names and also printed onto the filmed elements, a matte shot.  These opening credits were re-used through the end of the sixth season of the series.

         Location Scenes Filmed at: Bronson Canyon, Southern California.

         Film date: July 13-20, 1961

 68.) Springtime
         October 1, 1961
         Written by: John Furia, Jr.
         Directed by: Christian Nyby

         After they accidentally injure self-made tycoon Jedediah Milbank, the Cartwright boys must tend to a different business transaction while he recovers at the Ponderosa.

         Guest Stars: Jedediah Milbank...John Carradine,...Parley...John Qualen,...Ann...Jena Engstrom,...Paul...Claude Johnson,...Ted Hack...Denver Pyle,...Mama Hack...Lorna Thayer,...Livery Owner...Clegg Hoyt,...Doctor...Selmer Jackson,...Bill Clark...(uncredited; stunt double for Dan Blocker).

         Trivia: Lorne Greene's infrequent voiceovers are heard at the beginning of this episode, describing the hardships of winter and the joys of springtime.

         Trivia: Guest star John Carradine, as Jed, later appeared in season eleven's "Dead Wrong" as Dillard, who presented a senior's eulogy, when Hoss almost was buried alive.  Father of David and Keith Carradine, with a career spanning over 50 years.  Carradine played Aaron, in "The Ten Commandments".  Denver Pyle makes his first of many appearances on Bonanza.

         Trivia:  In act one stock footage of a flock of geese is cut in as the Cartwrights look up while working.

         Location Scenes Filmed at: Golden Oak Ranch, Southern California and newly filmed June 1961 stock footage at Mount Rose Summit opens up this episode at Mount Rose itself and then fades to a panorama of Lake Tahoe at the first scenic overlook.  Newly filmed June 1961 stock footage of the Cartwrights riding home through the wooded clearing at Incline Village, Lake Tahoe closes out this episode.

         Film date: August 8-15, 1961

 69.) The Honor Of Cochise
         October 8, 1961
         Written by: Elliott Arnold
         Directed by: Don McDougall

         The Cartwrights and a bigoted army captain are pinned down by Cochise and his braves, who claim the officer poisoned 30 of their people.  Exciting episode with DeForest Kelly and a pre-Clem Bing Russell.

         Guest Stars: Cochise...Jeff Morrow,...Captain Moss Johnson...DeForest Kelley,...Delgado...Al Ruscio,...Major Reynolds...Bing Russell,...Colonel Clinton Wilcox...Stacy Harris,...Apache...Hal-Jon Norman,...Lieutenant Culver...Robert Rothwell,...Doctor...Raymond Mayo.

         Trivia: In the original draft of this story, it was Joe who was injured, not Adam.

         Trivia: Guest star DeForest Kelley also appeared in "The Decision", and the first two-part Bonanza saga, "Ride The Wind".  He is best remembered as Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy on Star Trek.  Michael Landon was a good friend of his.  Guest star Stacy Harris makes another appearance, this time as Colonel Clinton Wilcox.  He was previously seen in one's "A House Divided", five's "Twilight Town", six's "The Far,Far Better Thing", and in eleven's "Anatomy Of A Lynching".

         Stunt Trivia: After Adam (Pernell Roberts) is shot and wounded, Michael Landon runs over and so strongly picks him up and carries him across camera range, firing his gun, and then later a filmed cut on Stage 16 as Michael carries Adam in and sets him down at the camp, with Lorne, Dan, and guest star DeForest Kelley, a remarkable feat of strength.

         Script Trivia: Because of the dangers and uncertainties of the cast doing stuntwork or not wanting to be injured NBC issued orders only stuntmen would do the stuntwork for the actors.  Pernell declined and NBC would not let him pick up and carry Michael, so the script was reversed and Michael being the only actor who was a stuntman on the show was assigned the task of running over, lifting and carrying Roberts over a few cuts at the Iverson Ranch and a final cut on Stage 16 at Paramount.  Michael could easily lift, hold and pick up a man larger than himself with no problem.  He was a natural athlete and very strong.

         Bing Russell Trivia: Neil "Bing" Russell makes his first appearance on the series as Major Reynolds.  He would make his second appearance as Poindexter in this season's "The Long Night", and the fourth season was cast to play Deputy Clem Foster in "Half a Rogue".  Bing would make a total of 51 appearances as Clem and in between as Sheriff Walker in seven's "The Other Son", and with his two pre-Clem episodes in this season, a total of 54 appearances on the series from 1961 to 1972.

         Filmed on location at: Iverson Ranch in Southern California.

         Film date: June 26 to July 3, 1961

 70.) The Lonely House
         October 15, 1961
         Written by: Frank Chase
         Directed by: William Witney

         Little Joe pays a visit to the widow Lee Bolden, and brings her a bank draft for her husband's investments with Ben.  Actually, the investments were losing propositions.  Ben just wanted to help out his friend.  During his visit, a wounded man stumbles into the house, and Joe recognizes him as Trock, who had just robbed the local bank.  Lee Bolden was a nurse to her husband physician, and removes the bullet from Trock.  Joe soon learns that Lee is in love with Trock, and that is the only thing standing between him and an early grave.

         Guest Stars: Trock...Paul Richards,...Lee Bolden,...Faith Domergue,...Gavin...Jim Beck,...Pooch...Vito Scotti,...Banker...Ray Hemphill,...Brunette Townsgirl...Betty Endicott...(uncredited; extra),...Troy Melton...(uncredited; stunt double for Jim Beck).

         Trivia: The Ponderosa exterior on stage 16 is once again redressed, this time as the Widow Bolden's farm house.  Some of the Ponderosa interiors in stage 17, including Hop Sing's kitchen are redressed as well.

         Trivia: Guest star Jim Beck, as Gavin would later be seen as Donovan in season four's, "The Quest", season five's, "The Roper" as Dolph, and in season nine's, "Second Chance", as Lt. March, leader of the soldiers that call on Ben for help.  Guest star Faith Domergue, making her first appearance, would later be seen in season five's, "The Companeros", with Guy Williams.

         Trivia: Guest star Jim Beck is doubled by stuntman/actor, Troy Melton, in the barn fight, as Gavin versus Little Joe, in the long shots.  Guest star Paul Richards also appeared in "A Woman In The House" and in "Catch As Catch Can", in Bonanza's later seasons.

         Trivia: James Frances Beck, Jr. was a native of Lubbock, Texas. He was born on February 19, 1935. Jim attended Lubbock schools, and he graduated from Lubbock High in 1953. He was an accomplished athlete and played baseball through high school and later in the Army. After he was discharged, Jim moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting and film. He appeared in numerous movies and repeat appearances in television, which included 'Bonanza' and 'Wagon Train.'

        He passed away on January 6, 2009, at the age of 73 in Chatsworth, California. His parents, James and Evelyn Beck preceded him in death. Jim is survived by his children, Chris Beck and Christina Beck of Los Angeles and sisters, Gracie Hampton, Rosalee Sanders and Janette Beck, all of Lubbock. Credit is given to the Lubbock Avalanche Journel, published on Friday, January 9, 2009.

         Trivia note: This episode was originally written for the character of Adam Cartwright. However, as luck would have it, Pernell Roberts was under the weather and called in sick that week. The script was rewritten for Little Joe, with Michael Landon giving a superb performance, opposite actor Paul Richards.

         Location Scenes Filmed at: June 1961 stock footage of Joe at Solitude Canyon, Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

         Film date: July 5-12, 1961

 71.) The Burma Rarity
         October 22, 1961
         Written by: N. B. Stone, Jr.
         Directed by: William Witney

         In this comic episode involving a precious emerald and the sweet widow, Clemantine Hawkins who is attracted to Ben, turns the tables on a pair of land swindlers.

         Guest Stars: Clemantine Hawkins...Beatrice Kay,...Sam Pearson...James Griffith,...Mr. Jefferson...Charles Watts,...Blonde Girl...Joan Staley,...Hop Sing...Victor Sen Yung,...Henry Morgan...Wally Brown,...Phil Axe...Dave Willock,...Indian Chief...Nestor Paiva,...Roy Coffee...Ray Teal,...Mr. Nagel...William Keene,...Insurance Man...Howard Wright,...Bartender...Cosmo Sardo...(uncredited; extra),...Bob Miles...(uncredited; stunt double for Dave Willock & extra as cowboy in saloon),...Bill Clark...(uncredited; stunt double for Dan Blocker & extra as cowboy in saloon),...Brunette Saloon Girl...Betty Endicott...(uncredited; extra),...Blonde Saloon Girl...(uncredited; extra).

         Trivia: Beatrice Kay makes her only appearance on the series as Clemantine Hawkins.  Character actor James Griffith makes a second appearance, in this episode as Sam Pearson.  He was previously in two's "Silent Thunder" as the Preacher.  His partner Mr. Jefferson is played by Charles Watts, who was previously in two's "The Tax Collector" as Mr. Emery.  Wally Brown plays the land swindler Henry Morgan.  His partner Phil Axe is played by Dave Willock, who is seen later in five's "Alias Joe Cartwright" as the hotel clerk and in six's "A Man to Admire" as Deeter.

         Nestor Paiva makes his second appearance, in this episode as the Indian Chief.  He was previously in one's "The Avenger" as Thornton.  Mr. Nagel is played by William Keene, and the insurance man by Howard Wright.  The blonde girl who gets off the stage and buys the real emerald is played by Joan Staley, later seen in the saloon.

         Stunt Trivia: Bob Miles doubles Mr. Axe (Dave Willock) in the street fight, with Lorne Greene and Wally Brown doing their whole fight without stunt doubling.  In the scene where Joe and Hoss steal the emerald from the Widow and the insurance man, Bill Clark doubles Hoss jumping through the window and then running out with Joe.

         Filmed on location at: Golden Oak Ranch, Southern California.

         Film date: May 31 to June 7, 1961

 72.) Broken Ballad
         October 29, 1961
         Written by: John T. Kelly
         Directed by: Robert Butler

         Adam tries to help a reformed gunman who wants only to live peacefully near Virginia City.  Good story without a tidy ending.  Pernell's first chance to sing on the series.

         Guest Stars: Ed Payson...Robert Culp,...Billy Buckley...Ray Daley,...Sally Cass...Abigail Shelton,...Will Cass...Dabbs Greer,...Deputy Cahill...Robert Christopher,...Jamie...Richard Rosmini,...Cass' Attorney...John Graham,...Brunette Townsgirl...Betty Endicott...(uncredited; extra),...Blonde Townsgirl...Martha Manor...(uncredited; extra).

         Trivia: Guest star Robert Culp, making his only appearance on Bonanza, best remembered in the 60's hit series, "I, Spy".  Guest star Abigail Shelton makes her first appearance, later seen in season six's, "A Good Night's Rest".  Guest star Dabbs Greer, in his first appearance in Bonanza, as the distraught storekeeper, who refuses to believe that his son was no good, would appear in many more fine episodes, "Five Into The Wind", "A Christmas Story", "Judgement At Olympus", "The Lady and the Mountain Lion", "A Matter Of Faith", "What Are Pardners For?" and in "Terror At 2:00".  He is best remembered as the Reverend Alden, in "Little House On The Prairie".  Guest star Abigail Shelton would later appear in season six's "A Good Night's Rest".

         Abigail Shelton Trivia: Abigail was married to writer John T. Kelley in the 1960's, who wrote this teleplay for "Bonanza" in 1961.

         Film date: June 16-23, 1961

 73.) The Many Faces Of Gideon Flinch
         November 5, 1961
         Written by: Robert Vincent Wright
         Directed by: Robert Altman

         Hoss and Joe become involved when "Bullethead" Burke vows revenge on an old man he claims cheated him in an investment deal.  A hilarious comedy directed by Robert Altman, who uses Clem Bevans and Burt Mustin like a Greek chorus.

         Guest Stars: Jennifer Flinch...Sue Ane Langdon,...Jake the Weasel...Arnold Stang,...Gideon Flinch...Ian Wolfe,...Bullethead Burke...Harry Swoger,...Thug #1...Joseph Turkel,...Thug #2...Robert Jordan,...Roy Coffee...Ray Teal,...Clem...Robert Foulk,...Jeb...Clem Bevans,...Burt...Burt Mustin,...Little Boy...Ricky Kelman,...Drunk #1...Charles Horvath,...Drunk #2...George Dunn,...Hotel Clerk...Owen Bush,...Bill Clark...(uncredited; extra as Roy's prisoner),...Brunette Townsgirl...Betty Endicott...(uncredited; extra),...Blonde Townsgirl...Martha Manor...(uncredited; extra).

         Trivia: Sue Ane Langdon makes the first of two appearances on the series.  She plays Jennifer Flinch in this episode.  She later appears as Tracey Ledbetter in six's "Hound Dog".  Arnold Stang makes his only appearance as the pick-pocket who goes by the name of Jake the Weasel.  Ian Wolfe makes his third appearance, this time as Gideon Flinch, with Harry Swoger making his third appearance, in this episode as Bullethead Burke.  His thugs are played by Joseph Turkel, who gets out to the left of him as they exit the stage, and Robert Jordan plays the second thug who exits to Burke's right.  Joe Turkel would later appear in five's "Alias Joe Cartwright" as Peters and later in nine's "Trouble Town" as a rowdy Ponderosa hand.

         The two old timers on the street are played by Clem Bevans as Jeb, who is sitting on the left and Burt Mustin who is sitting to the right of him.  Ricky Kelman plays the little boy who helps Joe to get Hoss away from Jennifer in the hotel.  He previously appears in two's "The Infernal Machine" as one of the two little boys at the barn.  The two town drunks who bother Jennifer are played by Charles Horvath, with the dark hair, and his partner is played by George Dunn, who wind up in the horse trough on the street.  Charles Horvath was previously in two's "The Thunderhead Swindle" as Howell, and George Dunn is later seen in twelve's "The Desperado" as Andy.  Owen Bush makes his second appearance on the series, in this episode as the hotel clerk.  His first appearance was in two's "Bank Run" as J. R. Huggins.

         Film date: May 22-29, 1961

 74.) The Friendship
         November 12, 1961
         Written by: Frank Chase
         Directed by: Don McDougall

         Danny Kidd, a chain-gang prisoner, saves Little Joe's life after his horse is spooked.  Joe decides to repay him by getting him the thing he wants the most: his freedom.  Ben uses his influence to have Danny paroled, but gives Joe sole responsibility for him.  Danny makes things difficult for Joe when he has a tough time adjusting to life outside of prison, but Joe feels an obligation toward him and promises to stay with him, no matter how much he objects.

         Guest Stars: Danny Kidd...Dean Jones,...Teller...Norman Alden,...Warden...Rusty Lane,...Carter...Stafford Repp,...Travis...Roy Wright,...Ann Carter...Janet Lake,...Bob Stevens...Edward Faulkner,...Bob Miles...(uncredited; horseback double for Michael Landon and stunts; uncredited for Dean Jones), Betty Endicott...(uncredited; party guest with dark hair),...Martha Manor...(uncredited; party guest with blonde hair).

         Trivia: Guest star Dean Jones, best remembered in the "Herbie" movies made by Walt Disney, in the 1960's.  Guest star Ed Faulkner as the unruly party guest that Danny (Dean Jones) gets into a fight with in the front yard, almost kills him, just as Little Joe fends off his opponent, preventing Danny from going back to prison.  Guest star Ed Faulkner would later be seen in season five's, "No Less A Man", and as the troublemaker, Casey, in season eight's, "Credit For A Kill".

         Trivia: In the beginning of this episode, as Joe's horse spooks, from the rifle shots the prison guard shoots at Danny, the black horse dumps Joe, dragging him, very quickly, and out-of-control.  Bobby Miles does the doubling as Little Joe, in the whole shots of this scene, with just one close-up of Michael.  In act four, during the fight between Little Joe and Danny, Bobby Miles is doubling for actor Dean Jones, in the long shots of the long fight.

         Trivia: Ed Faulkner remarked about his appearances on Bonanza; after Ed filmed an episode of "The Monroes", in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, he and his family went vacationing at Yellowstone National Park.  Faulkner's car was stopped by the park ranger who asked, "Are you Ed Faulkner?"  "Yes", said the actor, to which the ranger replied, "Quick! Call your agent".  Strange as the situation was, Faulkner made that call and was told to report to Paramount Studios immediately upon his return.  "You're starting Bonanza on Monday", his agent said.

         Playing a Ponderosa hand who instigates a fight with Dean Jones, after failing to get the attentions a of a pretty miss at the party, and Jones and Landon whip Faulkner and his sidekick in the front yard.  Faulkner recalls of the fight scene where Dean Jones gains ground leading Faulkner to a nearby water trough.  "I remember Dean holding me under the water", remembers Faulkner, "and the director didn't say 'Cut'.  I was almost gagging.  The directors were always trying to pull ridiculous things like that".  It was the closest call Faulkner had on-sceen.  "Working with Landon was a lot of fun", Faulkner added.

         Stunt Horse Trivia: Beauty makes his second appearance on the series.  He plays the black horse Little Joe is riding in the scenes that open up the episode.

         Location Scenes Filmed at: Janss Conejo Ranch, Southern California.

         Film date: July 31 to August 7, 1961

 75.) The Countess
         November 19, 1961
         Written by: William Cox, William Powell
         Directed by: Robert Sparr

         A woman Ben once loved, Lady Chadwick, returns and attempts to trick him into marrying her by ruining his business.  Ben says almost losing the Ponderosa will make him and his sons appreciate it more.

         Guest Stars: Linda Chadwick...Margaret Hayes,...Montague...John Alderson,...Kelly...Dan Sheridan,...Banker...Dick Wittinghill,...Sam...Orville Sherman,...Telegrapher...Norman Leavitt,...Runyon...Michael Ross,...Surveyor...Robert Ridgely,...Hop Sing...Victor Sen Yung,...Bob Miles...(uncredited; stunt double for John Alderson and extra as Ponderosa hand),...Bill Clark...(uncredited; stunt double for Lorne Greene),...Fred Carson...(uncredited; stunt double for Michael Ross).

         Trivia: Margaret Hayes makes her only appearance on the series as Countess Linda Chadwick, more commonly called Lady Chadwick in the story.  John Alderson makes his first of two appearances on the series, in this episode as the Lady's servent, Montague.  He later appears in seven's "Five Sundowns to Sunup" as Gwylnedd.  The hired troublemaker named Runyon is played by Michael Ross, who previously appears as a thug in one's "San Francisco".

         Character actor Robert Ridgely makes his second appearance on the series, in this episode, as the surveyor on the Ponderosa who Ben speaks to.  His first appearance was in two's "Sam Hill" as Billy Joe and he later appers in this season's "The Tall Stranger" as the expecting father who speaks to Hoss at the hospital, where Margie Owens is at in San Francisco.  He would appear as other characters in episodes down the stretch, through the thirteenth year in 1971-72.

         Stunt Trivia: In the fight with Hoss and Runyon at the logging camp, stuntman Fred Carson doubles actor Michael Ross in a bit part as Hoss sends Runyon on the ground, knocking him out cold.  Later in the barn fight, Bill Clark doubles Ben (Lorne Greene) and Bob Miles doubles Montague (John Alderson), in the long shots.  Lorne and John only do their filmed close-ups in the fight.  Bob also has a small speaking part, as the logger in the dark clothes who speaks to Hoss, earlier on in the story, after he fights Runyon.

         Photography Trivia: In the scenes of Ben and Lady Chadwick in the buggy, they are on Stage 16, with a dirt road surrounded by trees, that is a moving rear-projection behind them, with Lake Tahoe stock shots edited in, as he points the scenery out to her.  The scenes where they are conversing on the Ponderosa, the actors are filming their shots on Stage 16, with black felt placed to the rear of them, and the Sand Harbor stock footage is optically printed onto the soundstage shots, called a matte shot.

         Location Trivia: Newly filmed footage from June 1961 of the Incline Village shoreline is seen in one scene where Ben is looking out Lady Chadwick's guest bedroom window and sees a fire.  Newly filmed June 1961 stock footage of Adam riding Sport through the wooded clearing at Incline Village, Lake Tahoe, Nevada is seen in one act of the story.  Stock footage of Lake Tahoe from the Mount Rose Summit along with a roadside meadow with a herd of cows is seen in act one, cut in with the close-ups of Ben and Lady Chadwick in the buggy on Stage 16, with a dirt road that is rear-projected behind them, while he is taking her to the Ponderosa.

         Location Scenes Filmed at: Janss Conejo Ranch in Southern California and June 1961 stock footage at Incline Village, Mount Rose Summit, Sand Harbor vicinity and a roadside meadow at Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

         Film date: July 21-28, 1961

 76.) The Horse Breaker
         November 26, 1961
         Written by: Frank Chase
         Directed by: Don McDougall

         A professional wrangler working for the Cartwrights is paralyzed when thrown by a particularly mean bronco.  The woman nursing him was once engaged to the late son of a neighboring rancher out to get Ben.

         Guest Stars: Johnny Lightly...Ben Cooper,...Ann Davis...Sue Randall,...Nathan Clay...R. G. Armstrong,...Gordie...Don Burnett,...Dr. Kay...Addison Richards,...Gunnar...John Cole.

         Trivia: Guest star Sue Randall would go on to play the wife of Reverend Paul Watson's wife, in "Mighty Is The Word" and in "Patchwork Man" as the store keeper.  Guest star R. G. Armstrong, making his second appearance, this time, as a neighboring rancher with a grudge against Ben.  Retuning actor Ben Cooper, previously seen in "Showdown".

         Filmed on location at: Janss Conejo Ranch in Southern California.

         Film date: August 16-23, 1961

 77.) Day Of The Dragon
         December 3, 1961
         Written by: John T. Dugan
         Directed by: Don McDougall

         In a card game, Joe unwittingly wins a servant girl belonging to a Chinese warlord.  Alternately amusing and exciting episode.

         Guest Stars:  Su Ling...Lisa Lu,...General Wu Chung...Richard Loo,...Kam Lee...Philip Ahn,...Gordon...Mort Mills,...Gordon's Partner...Harry Lauter,...Hop Sing...Victor Sen Yung,...Bartender...Cosmo Sardo...(uncredited; extra),...Bob Miles...(uncredited; stunt double for Richard Loo & horseback & stunts as gang member),...Henry Wills...(uncredited; stunts & horseback as gang member),...Bill Clark...(uncredited; stunts and horseback as gang member).

         Trivia: Lisu Lu makes her only appearance as Su Ling, along with Philip Ahn making his second appearance, in this episode as Kam Lee.  He was previously in one's "The Fear Merchants" as Mr. Chang.  Richard Loo plays General Wu Chung and character actor Mort Mills makes his second appearance, in this episode as Gordon.  He was previously in one's "Vendetta" as Carl Morgan.

         Filmed on location at: Iverson Ranch in Southern California.

         Film date: September 6-13, 1961

 78.) The Frenchman
         December 10, 1961
         Written by: Norman Lessing
         Directed by: Christian Nyby

         An irritating man who boasts of being the reincarnation of French poet Francois Villion shows up causing trouble for the Cartwrights.  At one point the date is said to be October 1860, though in the previous season's "The Courtship", the year is 1861.

         Guest Stars: Francois Villon...Andre Philippe,...Eloise...Erika Peters,...Hop Sing...Victor Sen Yung,...Roy Coffee...Ray Teal,...Jim...Robert J. Stevenson,...Roy Coffee...Ray Teal,...Hank...Bill Clark...(uncredited; extra),...Brunette Townsgirl...Betty Endicott...(uncredited; extra).

         Photography Trivia: In the scenes with Joe and Andre's sister, the actors do their filmed shots on Stage 16, with black felt placed to the rear of them, and the Sand Harbor stock footage is optically printed onto the soundstage shots, called a matte shot.

         Location Scenes Filmed at: Iverson Ranch, Southern California and July 1959 stock footage at Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

         Film date: September 14-21, 1961

 79.) The Tin Badge
         December 17, 1961
         Written by: Don Ingalls
         Directed by: Lewis Allen

         Joe accepts the job of temporary sheriff in the town of Rubicon, unaware he is being used to facilitate a scheme involving murder.

         Guest Stars: Ab Brock...Vic Morrow,...Sylvia Ann...Karen Steele,...Mayor...John Litel,...Higgins...Robert Fortier,...Undertaker #1...David Manley,...Undertaker #2...Bill Catching,...Mr. Jennings...Steven Chase,...Stableman...Bob Miles...(uncredited; extra),...Stage Passengers...Brunette...Betty Endicott...(uncredited; extra),...Blonde...Martha Manor...(uncredited; extra).

         Trivia: Vic Morrow makes his second and final appearance on the series, in this episode as Ab Brock.  It is revealed at the conclusion of the story, he is really John Winslow, by Mr. Jennings on the stage.  Vic was previously in one's "The Avenger" as Lassiter.  Karen Steele makes her only appearance on the series as Sylvia Ann.  She even rides Cochise in a few scenes.

         Born in March 1931, Karen Steele was raised in Hawaii and later came to the States to do modeling and became a Cover Girl, and later became an actress.  One of the most strikingly beautiful and exotic females to ever grace television and motion pictures.  She's best remembered as Eve in the Star Trek episode "Mudd's Women" in 1966.  Despite attempts to locate her, fans and researchers have come up with no clues as to her whereabouts.  Perhaps she went back to Hawaii and married, after she retired from acting in the early 70's?

         The town bully Higgler is played by actor Robert Fortier, famous for playing heavies in television.  George, the Mayor is played by character actor John Litel.  He was previously in one's "Enter Mark Twain" as Judge Billington.  The men in black, hired by Brock are known as the undertakers, and a memorable sight in this episode.

         Undertaker #1 is actor David Manley, who Joe winds up shooting during the stage robbery and Brock is caught in the crossfire.  Undertaker #2 is stuntman Bill Catching, who Joe shoots off the roof, and has some screentime earlier on with Brock and Higgler.  Catching was previously in one's "The Avenger" as Hoag, and later in this season's "The Lawmaker" as the bank robber in the alley on horseback, and as Pitts in six's "The Scapegoat".

         Mr. Jennings is played by actor Alden 'Stephen' Chase, who reveals Brock's real identity at the conclusion of this episode.  He's also credited as Steven Chase, as in the screen credits at the end of this episode.  And in the stable, taking care of Cochise, is Michael's good friend and stuntman, Bob Miles, making sure the horse is rubbed down and fed for the night on Stage 17.

         Location scenes filmed at: Newly filmed June 1961 stock footage of Joe riding Cochise through the wooded clearing at Incline Village, Lake Tahoe, Nevada is seen and later, a newly filmed June 1961 stock shot of the stagecoach driving down the dirt road at Spooner Lake, Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

         Film date: September 22-29, 1961

 80.) Gabrielle
         December 24, 1961
         Written by: Anthony Lawrence
         Directed by: Lewis Allen

         In this Christmas story, inspired by Johanna Spyri's "Heidi", Hoss and Joe come across a blind girl whose family has been killed in a wagon wreck, learning later that her grandfather is a bitter hermit who spent 21 years in prison for a murder he did not commit.  First of two Christmas episodes produced for the series.

         Guest Stars: Gabrielle Wickham...Diane Mountford,...Zachariah Wickham...John Abbott,...Everett Pastor...Kevin Hagen,...Mrs. Pastor...Evelyn Scott,...Jeremy Pastor...Mike McGreevey,...Hop Sing...Victor Sen Yung,...Doctor...Selmer Jackson.

         Trivia: Guest star John Abbott also appeared in the classic Star Trek episode as Ayleborne, the council leader, in "Errand Of Mercy".  Guest star Kevin Hagen, his first appearance in Bonanza, later seen in "Journey Remembered", "Journey To Terror", "Elegy For A Hangman" and in "Showdown At Tahoe".  He is best remembered as Doctor Baker in "Little House On The Prairie".

         Music Trivia: The Cartwrights sing "Joy To The World" and "O' Come All Ye Faithful" at the Christmas party.

         Stunt Horse Trivia: The handsome and smart Beauty makes his third appearance on the series, in this episode as Blackie, the stallion who gets out of his stall, and Gabrielle almost gets injured by him in the front yard.  Beauty was also called Gypsy and before that as Fury in the 1955-60 television series on NBC, starring Peter Graves, Bobby Diamond, and William Fawcett.  Note: His registration papers have him named as Highland Dale in 1943, the year of his birth in Missouri.

         Location Scenes Filmed at: Tahoe Meadows and the Mount Rose Summit above Incline Village, Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

         Film date: August 24-31, 1961

 81.) Land Grab
         December 31, 1961
         Written by: Ward Hawkins
         Directed by: David Orrick McDearmon

         The Ponderosa is overrun with settlers bearing phony property deeds, and one of Ben's oldest friends is responsible.

         Guest Stars: Colonel Bragg...John McGiver,...Mike Sullivan...George Mitchell,...Lisette Belrose...Lisette Loze,...Hop Sing...Victor Sen Yung,...Roy Coffee...Ray Teal,...Bobby Jacks...Don Wilbanks,...Eddie Wheeler...Don Oreck,...Mr. Belrose...Dennis Whitcomb,...Jean Wheeler...Jason Johnson,...Amanda Gates...Eileen Ryan,...Victoria Gates...Fay McKenzie,...Hotel Clerk...Fred Sherman,...Kip Taylor...Bob Miles...(uncredited; buckboard double for Dennis Whitcomb & stunt double for Don Wilbanks).

         Trivia: John McGiver makes his only appearance on the series as Colonel Bragg, who is going by the alias of John Polk, taking in settlers and causing trouble of the Ponderosa.  George Mitchell makes his second appearance on the series, in this episode as Mike Sullivan.  He was previously in one's "The Gunmen" as Jubal and later in ten's "Little Girl Lost" as Calvin Dorcas.  The settlers are played by a variety of support actors in this episode.  Mr. Belrose and his wife, Lisette are played by support players Dennis Whitcomb and Lisette Lote, with their friend Jean, who is played by Jason Johnson, seen as Matthew in two's "The Hopefuls" and as the telegrapher in six's "A Man to Admire".  Sadly, Mr. Belrose is killed by the Colonel at the Ponderosa, when he recognizes that he is John Polk, the land swindler who took him in.

         Bobby Jacks is portrayed by support player Don Wilbanks and his friend Eddie Wheeler is played by Don Oreck.  Bobby Jacks is the man who shoots Ponderosa cowhand Kip Taylor, played by lead stunt co-ordinator Bob Miles in a bit part on Stage 16.  Bob later comes back to life doubling Mr. Belrose, when the Colonel shoots him and he falls out of the seat onto the bed of the buckboard in the front yard.  Bob also doubles Bobby Jacks when the Cartwrights shoot him off the rocks on location at Lake Tahoe.

         Eileen Ryan makes her first of three appearances on the series, in this episode as Amanda Gates.  She also appears in this season's "The Wooing of Abigail Jones" as Abigail herself, and later in fourteen's "First Love" as Emily.  Wife of the late Leo Penn and mother of actor Sean Penn.  Amanda's sister, Victoria is played by support player Fay McKenzie in this episode.

         Trivia: Eileen Ryan was the wife of the late director Leo Penn, who directed many episodes during Bonanza's last three seasons, twelve, thirteen, and fourteen.  The mother of Sean and Chris Penn, she appeared in the film, "At Close Range" (1986), and portayed their grandmother!  Michael Penn, her other son works as a musician in the music industry.  Eileen is still active in television and feature films.

         Filmed on location at:  Spooner Lake and Spooner Meadow, Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

         Film date: June 8-15, 1961

 82.) The Tall Stranger
         January 7, 1962
         Written by: Ward Hawkins
         Directed by: Don McDougall

         Hoss loses Margie Owens to smooth-talking adventurer Marc Connors, but comes to her rescue when Connors leaves her broke and pregnant.  A sad and memorable episode.

         Guest Stars: Margie Owens...Kathie Browne,...Marc Connors...Sean McClory,...Kathy...Jacqueline Scott,...George Owens...Russell Thorson,...Minister...Ed Prentiss,...Woman...Dorothy Neumann,...Father...Robert Ridgely,...John...Forrest Taylor,...Doctor...Bart Conlon,...Gilbert...Henry Wills,...Brunette Party Guest...Betty Endicott...(uncredited; extra),...Party Guest...Bill Clark...(uncredited; extra).

         Trivia: Guest star Kathie Browne, in her second Bonanza appearance, went on to play Laura Dayton, in season five, Adam's last love interest.  Also married to Darren McGavin, and was in the 1967 Western series "Hondo".  She is still remembered as Deela, in the classic Star Trek episode, "Wink Of An Eye".

         Trivia: Guest star Sean McClory would later appear as Professor McCarthy in "Hoss and the Leprechauns".  Stuntman Henry Wills plays a guest at Margie's party who gets into the fight with Marc Connors in the front yard.  Guest star Kathie Browne in her second appearance, this time as Margie, and Jacqueline Scott makes her first appearance in the series as Connors' mistress.  She was later in "The Hostage" from season six and season seven's, "The Natural Wizard", as Skeeter's mother.  Robert Ridgely makes his third appearance on the series, one of several over the next 10 years on Bonanza.

         Music Trivia: A classic piano symphony by Brahms is paraphrased by David Rose as the love theme that accompanies Hoss and Margie Owens.

         Location Trivia: In act one where Hoss and Margie ride up to her house on Stage 16, they stop to admire the lake with a beautiful evening June 1961 stock shot of Sand Harbor with the moon lighting up the beach, looking at Crystal Bay and Stateline Point is seen briefly.

         Location Scenes Filmed at: Janss Conejo Ranch, with June 1961 evening stock shot at Sand Harbor looking at Crystal Bay and Stateline Point and a montage of footage, old and new is seen after the wedding of Margie and her departure with Connors; Ben and the boys are working on the fences that was culled from the end of "The Newcomers", followed by a stock shot of Hoss cutting down a tree that was culled from "The Truckee Strip", with new shots of Adam and Joe cutting down a tree at Solitude Canyon, which was filmed in June 1961, as were the snow shots of Hoss and Joe at Tahoe Meadows, followed by July 1959 cattle shot at Spooner Meadow of the quartet working with the cattle and the final shot is of Adam, Joe and Hoss at the campfire, getting ready to brand the cattle at Janss Conejo Ranch.

         Film date: October 10-17, 1961

 83.) The Lady From Baltimore
         January 14, 1962
         Written by: Elliott Arnold
         Directed by: John Peyser

         An overbearing friend of the family tries to force her daughter into marrying Joe, though she does not love him.  The situation grows more complex when Adam stumbles onto the scheme.

         Guest Stars: Deborah Banning...Mercedes McCambridge,...Melinda Banning...Audry Dalton,...Horace Banning...Hayden Rorke,...Hop Sing...Victor Sen Yung,...Coachman...Robert Adler,...Bob Miles...(uncredited; horseback double for Michael Landon),...Henry Wills...(uncredited: horseback double for Pernell Roberts),...Shotgun Driver...Bill Clark...(uncredited; extra).

         Trivia: Guest star Mercedes McCambridge would later appear in season eleven's, "The Law and Billy Burgess".

         Location Scenes Filmed at: Janss Conejo Ranch, Southern California.

         Film date: October 2-9, 1961

Season Three Episodes 84 - 100 continued...