The Golden Years
Moving Towards Family Relationships

101.) The First Born
         September 23, 1962
         Written by: Judith and George W. George
         Directed by: Don McDougall

         Clay Stafford signs on to work for the Cartwrights and shortly afterwards shoots and kills a man who accuses him of cheating at poker.  The miners warn Clay to leave town, but it appears he killed in self-defense.  Surprisingly, he tells Little Joe that he is his half-brother, and Marie was his mother.  Ben listens to his story and takes his word for it, but Adam and Hoss think he should wire the judge in New Orleans to confirm Clay's real identity.  Meanwhile, Clay and Joe develop a close relationship, but the vengeful miners still want Clay out of Virginia City and their first warning, is when Joe is beaten up by them.  Ultimately, Clay decides life on the ranch is not for him.  A very heartwrenching scene with Ben and Joe at the end of act four.

         Guest Stars: Clay Stafford...Barry Coe,...Harry...Eddy Waller,...Roy Coffee...Ray Teal,...Miner #1...Robert Karnes,...Miner #2...Michael Ragan,...Stan Perkins...Don Beddoe,...Cashier...Ben Erway,....Miner #4...Bob Miles...(uncredited; stunts & extra),...Miner #4...Bill Clark...(uncredited; stunts & extra),...Brunette Saloon Girl...Betty Endicott...(uncredited; extra),...Blonde Saloon Girl...Martha Manor...(uncredited; extra),...Bartender...Cosmo Sardo...(uncredited; extra).

         Trivia: Pernell Roberts was threatening to leave the series and Barry Coe was hired to replace him. The new character's name was Clay Stafford and he was Joe's half-brother from Marie's first marriage. But his stay on the Ponderosa was shot down by Michael Landon, who was jealous of Coe and also considered him to be competition and his screentime would be lost.

        When making the episode, they shut down filming for three hours. The cast and producers went into a closed meeting and Coe didn't know what it was about. They were talking and whispering and a few hours later, the fate of he and his character were decided. It was at the meeting where David Dortort and the producers had to abandon the character to appease Michael. Coe didn't know the cast, as this was the first time he worked with them. He recalled David was a very nice man and he would have loved to work the series. He thought it would be a good opportunity.

        To this day, Barry Coe has no idea that it was Michael who was the center of the issue, and even if he found out, he wouldn't take offense. He thought highly of Michael, his abilities and said he was so nice a man. Barry had his own series, "Follow the Sun", that aired in 1961. He was hired for roles he worked in TV classics such as "Mission: Impossible" and "General Hospital," to name a few.

        The last work Barry had were support roles in the films, "MacArthur" (1977) and "Jaws II" (1978). In recent years, Barry Coe moved to Idaho, where he still lives today. He has been working there as a stock broker and is a skier. His memories of working in the Hollywood business are still fond to him and of course, so is Michael Landon.

         Trivia: Robert Karnes makes his second appearance on the series, in this episode as one of the miners who wants Clay out of town, along with Michael Ragan making another appearance, in this episode, as the miner who is shot and killed by Clay in the saloon.  Bob Miles and Bill Clark play the two miners who beat up Joe in the alley, doing their stunt and extra work in this episode.

         Trivia: At the end of this episode, Lorne Greene asked viewers to be sure to tune in the following week to see the new Chevrolet models.

         Location Trivia: In act three's establishing shots, beautifully filmed June 1962 stock footage of Joe washing up at Gooseneck Reservoir, Truckee, California.  This was the first episode to feature the meadow and reservoir, filmed in June 1962 at Truckee, the same week the outdoor portions of "The Quest" were filmed south of there at Lake Tahoe.

         Location scenes filmed at:  June 1962 stock footage at Gooseneck Meadow and Gooseneck Reservoir, Truckee, California.

         Film date: Mid-July 1962

102.) The Quest
         September 30, 1962
         Written by: John Joseph, Thomas Thompson
         Directed by: Christian Nyby

         Determined to prove he can succeed at something without the help of his Pa, Hoss, and Adam, Joe sets out on his quest and wins a timber contract for Ponderosa timber, and later discovers that having a family to rely on can definitely be an asset.

         Guest Stars: Dave Donovan...Jim Beck,...Will Poavey...Grant Richards,...Jake Webber...Frank Gerstle,...Mr. Crawford...Dan Riss,...Drunk...Harry Lauter,...Mr. Hawkins...Charles Seel,...Mr. Simpson...Grandon Rhodes,...Bob Miles...(uncredited; stunt double for Michael Landon & extra as Bobby),...Troy Melton...(uncredited; stunt double for Jim Beck & extra as gunman),...Logger...Bill Clark...(uncredited; extra),...Bartender...Cosmo Sardo...(uncredited; extra),...Brunette Saloon Girl...Betty Endicott...(uncredited; extra),...Blonde Saloon Girl...Martha Manor...(uncredited; extra).

         Trivia: Jim Beck makes his second appearance on the series, in this episode as Dave Donovan.  He was previously in three's "The Lonely House" as Gavin.  He later appears in five's "The Roper" as Dolph and in nine's "Second Chance" as Lt. March.  Character actor Grant Richards plays the scheming Will Poavey, along with Dan Riss as his partner Crawford.

         Jake Webber is played by Frank Gerstle, who later appears as Strand in nine's "False Witness" and Harry Lauter plays the drunk, who is Donovan's drinking buddy, both fired by Joe in the story.  Other support actors seen are Charles Seel as Mr. Hawkins and Grandon Rhodes as Mr. Simpson, the banker.  He filled in for Roy Engel in one's "Dark Star" as Doc Martin and would play the Doc again from the fifth season through the ninth season of the series.

         Filming Trivia: The river shots at the end of this story were taken from Paramount's film library and edited in for the storyline and to save money.  A few clips were also cut in, when Joe's men are cutting down the trees earlier in the story, along with a few trees cut down and filmed on location at Solitude Canyon while making "The Quest".

         Stunt Trivia: Troy Melton doubles Donovan (Jim Beck) in the fight at Solitude Canyon and Michael does 95% of the fight himself.  Bob Miles doubles Joe in a bit part, when Troy picks up the axe and tries to get him and Bob hits him to the ground.  Then Michael fights Troy, with a few close-ups of him and Jim Beck on Stage 16 cut in, then back to Michael hitting Troy to the ground on location, out of camera range.  Then, Michael runs over and picks up Jim Beck, who is out of camera range, grabs him in frame, and throws the final punch in the fight, and throws water on him.  In the opening of this episode, Joe and Donovan are engaged in a fight, over at the saloon.  Michael does his complete fight, with Troy Melton doubling Donovan in all of it, with actor Jim Beck only doing a close-up of Donovan on the floor, at the end of the fight.

         Trivia: This episode ran without commercials in order for the sponsor, Chevrolet, to introduce its new models at the end of the show.

         Location Trivia: The flume was constructed by contractor Bill Anderson and his team for this show on location at what is now the Diamond Peak Ski region over at Solitude Canyon, above Incline Village, Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

         Location Scenes Filmed at: Solitude Canyon, Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

         Film date: June 14-22, 1962

103.) The Artist
         October 7, 1962
         Written by: Frank Chase
         Directed by: Don McDougall

         Ben helps Matthew Raine, a famous painter who has gone blind and now wallows in self-pity, discover a new purpose in life.  However, Raine's employee Gavin has other ideas.

         Guest Stars: Matthew Raine...Dan O' Herlihy,...Ann Loring...Virginia Grey,...Gavin...Arch Johnson,...Stevens...William Keene,...Buyer...S. John Launer,...Bartender...Ralph Montgomery,...Jim...Frank Chase,...Bob Miles...(uncredited; stunt double for Dan O' Herlihy),...Bill Clark...(uncredited; stunt double for Arch Johnson).

         Trivia: Character actor Dan O' Herlihy plays Matthew Raine, in a poignant and sensitive performance, with Virginia Grey as Ann Loring, the woman who loves him, which is revealed later in the story.  Arch Johnson makes his first appearance on the series, in this episode as Gavin.  He later appears in five's "Return to Honor" as Mr. Butler, and in nine's "Judgement at Olympus" as A. Z. Wheelock.

         Stunt Trivia: Bob Miles doubles actor Dan O' Herlihy in the saloon fight with Lorne Greene, and in act four Matthew versus Gavin (Dan O' Herlihy doubled by Bob Miles and Arch Johnson doubled by Bill Clark) in the long and medium shots of the fight.  Dan O' Herlihy and Arch Johnson only do their necessary close-ups for the fight scenes in this episode.

         Trivia: The Ponderosa exterior is once again redressed as the home of the blind artist, Matthew Raine.

         Location Trivia: Newly filmed June 1962 stock footage at Gooseneck Meadow, of Gavin driving the buckboard through the creek, alongside a small wooden bridge, with Ben and Matthew with him, and Buck is in tow behind them.  Bill Clark doubles Gavin, driving the horses, with Lorne Greene sitting in the rear seat, with Bob Miles next to him, doubling Matthew Raine.  This is common in filming stock footage at the start of the film season, with stuntmen and extras doubling actors in getting stock shots filmed for scripts that are filmed weeks after the main location shoot, saving money and time.  In other shots at the meadow with Ben and Matthew riding, their stunt doubles are doing it for them.

         Location Trivia: Newly filmed riding footage of Ben and Matthew Raine riding through sections of Gooseneck Meadow and while they converse on Stage 16, Matthew asks Ben about the different shades of the outdoor colors.  As Ben points out the scenery to him, newly filmed stock footage is seen including Washoe Lake from the Mount Rose Summit is seen in act two.

         Location scenes filmed at: June 1962 stock footage at Gooseneck Meadow, Truckee, California, with June 1962 stock footage at Mount Rose Summit, looking down at Washoe Lake in Nevada, and a few stock clips from Paramount's film library.

         Film date: Early June 1962

104.) A Hot Day For A Hanging
         October 14, 1962
         Written by: Preston Wood, Elliott Arnold
         Directed by: William F. Claxton

         Hoss is jailed for robbing the bank in Dutchman Flats, a town on the brink of economic collapse, even the sheriff knows he is innocent, but a lynch mob gathers and Hoss' fate is not good.

         Guest Stars: Sheriff Tom Steadman...Denver Pyle,...Mary Ann...Olive Sturgess,...Milton Fillmore...Roy Roberts,...Shukie...Terry Becker,...Ned Larson...Kelly Thordsen,...Barber...John Harmon,...Jesse...Gene Roth,...Little Cowboy...Rayford Barnes,...Big Cowboy...Lane Bradford,...Bartender...John Mitchum,...Elmer Hormer...Robert Carson,...Girl on Wagon...Betty Endicott...(uncredited; extra).

         Trivia: Denver Pyle makes his second apearance, in this episode as Sheriff Tom Steadman.  He was previously in three's "Springtime" as Ted Hack.  Milton Fillmore is played by veteran support actor Roy Roberts, in his first appearance on the series as the banker who winds up saving Hoss from the lynch mob, only to be accidentally shot by his own daughter Mary Ann, played by actress Olive Sturgess.  She later appears in six's "Lothario Larkin" as Nancy Gillis and Roy Roberts later appears in eight's "Justice" as Mr. Bristol, the banker.  Shukie, the little town runt is played by Terry Becker.

         Kelly Thordsen makes his first appearance on the series, in this episode as Ned Larson, who heads up the town to lynch Hoss, along with John Harmon making another appearance, in this episode as the barber.  Kelly Thordsen would later appear in this season's "Five into the Wind" as fur trader Howard Benson, in five's "Enter Thomas Bowers" as Sam Kiley, in six's "The Search" as Sheriff Connors, in seven's "The Dilemma" as Drugan, and in nine's "The Gold Detector" as Vern Higgins.  He played the character of Baker Makay in "Little House on the Prairie" during the 1974-76 seasons.  Before he became an actor, Kelly was a New York police officer, who rode a motorcycle.  He retired from the police force and became an actor in Hollywood until his passing in 1983.

         Rayford Barnes makes his first appearance on the series, as the little cowboy seen next to the big cowboy, played by serial star Lane Bradford, making another appearance on the series.  Barnes is later seen in fourteen's "The Marriage of Theodora Duffy" as Shaw.  The bartender is played by John Mitchum, making another appearance on the series.  He winds up getting into a big fight with Lane Bradford and they both do their whole fight on Stage 17, with no stunt doubles.  Mitchum was a fighter when he was younger and didn't need a stunt double, and Lane Bradford could do all his stunts for an actor.  Finally, Robert Carson makes his second appearance on the series, in this episode as Elmer Hormer.  He was previously in one's "Enter Mark Twain" as the Sheriff and later in seven's "The Dublin Lad" as the jury foreman.

         Trivia note: John Mitchum's second favorite episode.

         Film date: Early June 1962

105.) The Deserter
         October 21, 1962
         Written by: Norman Lessing
         Directed by: William Witney

         An Indian-hating officer, Colonel Edward J. Dunwoody, comes to the Ponderosa looking for army deserter Bill Winters, who is a good friend of the Cartwrights.  Bill happens to be his son and is married to an Indian.  It seemed Bill deserted when he was ordered to massacre the Shoshone, by poisoning their food and water, genocide.  The Shoshone find out and abduct Bill's father.

         Guest Stars: Colonel Edward J. Dunwoody...Claude Akins,...Bill Winters...Robert Sampson,...Maria Winters...Gale Garnett,...Medicine Man...Hal Jon Norman,...Chief Keokuk...Anthony Caruso,...Little Maria...Andrea Darvi,...Myoka...Robert Carricart,...Little Edward...Ricky Branson,...Running Wolf...George Keymas,...Shoshone Indian...Bill Clark...(uncredited; extra),...Bob Miles...(uncredited; stunt double for Robert Sampson & extra as Shoshone Indian).

         Trivia: Claude Akins makes his fourth and final appearance on the series, in this episode as Colonel Edward J. Dunwoody.  Robert Sampson makes his second and final appearance, in this episode as Bill Winters. He was previously in three's "The Gamble" as Arte.  Playing his wife Maria is Gale Garnett, the daughter of veteran director Tay Garnett.  The medicine chief is played by Hal Jon Norman, who previously appeared in two's "The Savage" as Chato.

         Anthony Caruso makes his third appearance, in this episode as Chief Keokuk, and would later appear in six's "The Saga of Squaw Charlie" in the title role.  Bill's little boy, Edward is played by Ricky Branson and little Maria by Andrea Darvi.  Character actor Robert Carricart makes his first appearance, in this episode playing Myoka.  He returns later this season, playing Don Escobar in "A Stranger Passed This Way".  Finally, stuntman Bob Miles doubles Bill in the front yard at Stage 16, and the living room set at Stage 17, jumping off the buckboard and tackling a Shoshone at the window, in a few bit parts, all edited together for the final cut.

         Location Trivia: In the very last scene in this episode, the stuntman are doubling Claude Akins and Robert Sampson as they ride down into Gooseneck Meadow and fade out, as are the earlier shots at the meadow, cut in with Stage 16 shots in this story.

         Location scenes filmed at: June 1962 stock footage at Gooseneck Meadow, Truckee, California.

         Film date: Late June 1962

106.) The Way Station
         October 29, 1962
         Written by: Frank Cleaver
         Directed by: Don McDougall

         With a storm brewing, Adam takes refuge at a way station, run by cantankerous Jesse and his young grandaughter Marty, who yearns to see what exists away from the way station.  The station is also visited by Luke Martin, a killer who is running from a posse.  He makes Marty an empty promise to take her with him and see the world together, but Adam steps in and suggests Luke let her alone.  Everybody but Marty is relieved to see him go, but he quickly returns and holds everyone hostage to protect himself from the posse.

         Guest Stars: Luke Martin...Robert Vaughn,...Marty...Dawn Wells,...Jesse...Trevor Bardette,...Lucy Fisher...Dorothy Green,...Tim Fisher...Walter Reed,...Stage Driver...Raymond Guth,...Sheriff Roth...Keith Richards,...Bob Miles...(uncredited; stunt double for Robert Vaughn).

         Trivia: Robert Vaughn makes his only appearance on the series as Luke Martin.  Veteran of television and motion pictures for over 40 years.  Best remembered in the 60's TV series "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." Dawn Wells makes her first of two appearances on the series, in this episode as Marty.  She later appears in nine's "The Burning Sky" as Moon.  She's best remembered as Mary Ann in the 60's TV series "Gilligan's Island".

         Support actor Trevor Bardette plays her grandfather, Jesse.  He's seen through the middle years of the series, mainly as a hotel clerk and bartender.  Dorothy Green makes her second appearance, in this episode as Lucy Fisher.  She was previously in one's "Enter Mark Twain" as Minaie and later in six's "Lothario Larkin" as Laura.  Support actor Walter Reed plays her husband Tim Fisher, with Raymond Guth playing the stage driver and Keith Richards as Sheriff Roth.

         Trivia: Dawn Wells recalls, "I liked Robert, I thought he was a good, professional actor".  Remembering the show's fine cast, she remarked, "Lorne Greene and Michael Landon were warm and friendly, smiling and laughing most of the time.  I was fairly new in the business at the time, but they were helpful to me.  I think Pernell Roberts was unhappy with himself at the time.  He mostly kept to himself, played his guitar and didn't say much when he wasn't in a scene.  Dan Blocker had a good sense of humor.  He was always a jolly guy, like a big, warm teddy bear."

         Trivia: Bob Miles, doubling again, for actor Robert Vaughn, in the fight scene with Adam, as he throws him head first over a table.

         Location Scenes Filmed at: September 1962 stock footage at Lovejoy Buttes, Antelope Valley, California, with 1960 stock footage at Iverson Ranch, Southern California.

         Film date: August 27 to September 4, 1962

107.) The War Comes To Washoe
         November 4, 1962
         Written by: Alvin Sapinsley
         Directed by: Don McDougall

         The Civil War once again divides the citizens of Nevada, as well as Adam and Joe Cartwright.  One of season four's highlights, the plot involving British spy Bill Stewart, based on historical fact. First episode filmed for the fourth season.

         Guest Stars: Judge David Terry...Harry Townes,...Morvath Terry,...Joyce Taylor,...Bill Stewart...Barry Kelley,...Walter Craigsmuir...Alan Caillou,...Peter...David M. Whorf,...Judge...Wallace Rooney,...Charlie...Harry Swoger,...Man...Marshall Reed,...Townsman...Bob Miles...(uncredited; stunts & extra),...Bill Clark...(uncredited; stunts & extra as townsman & horseback double for Dan Blocker),...Henry Wills...(uncredited; stunts & extra as townsman & horseback double for Pernell Roberts),...Brunette Party Guest...Betty Endicott...(uncredited; extra),...Blonde Party Guest...Martha Manor...(uncredited; extra).

         Trivia: Harry Townes makes his second appearance on the series, in this episode as Judge David Terry.  He was previously in two's "The Mill" as Tom Edwards and in eleven's "The Medal" as Seth Nagel.  Joe's girlfriend, Morvath Terry is played by actress Joyce Taylor, with Bill Stewart played by Barry Kelley, making his second appearance on the series.  He was previously in the pilot episode "A Rose for Lotta" as Aaron Hooper, and later in six's "Right is the Fourth R" as Chaffee.

         The actor at the party is Walter Craigsmuir, played by Alan Caillou, in his first appearance on the series.  He later appears as Hare in eleven's "The Big Jackpot".  Young actor David M. Whorf plays his apprentice Peter, who winds up getting killed on the Ponderosa, and is discovered by Adam and Hoss.  The Judge is played by Wallace Rooney, in his second appearance on the series.  He was previously in three's "Look to the Stars" as the school boardman.  Harry Swoger makes another appearance, in this episode as Charlie, the drunk who is singing and tapping his foot on the staircase, deliberately triggering a fight with a man at the party, who is played by actor Marshall Reed.

         Stunt Trivia: In filmed footage at Iverson Ranch, taken from three's "The Dowry" is of Henry Wills horseback doubling Adam and Bill Clark as Hoss, edited in to save time and money for the story.  They also horseback double the actors when they ride into town real fast on their horses and run inside the fake building exterior, for Pernell and Dan.  In the street fight with Bill Stewart versus Terry's men, Bob Miles, Henry Wills, and Bill Clark do their stunts and play extras on the show.

         Location Scenes Filmed at:  February 1962 stock footage of Henry Wills and Bill Clark horseback doubling Adam and Hoss at Iverson Ranch, Southern California, with June 1961 stock footage of the Cartwrights riding across the wooded clearing at Incline Village, Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

         Film date: May 14-21, 1962

108.) Knight Errant
         November 18, 1962
         Written by: Joseph Hoffman
         Directed by: William F. Claxton

         Hoss volunteers to pickup an injured neighbor's mail-order bride, but by the time they return, she has fallen in love with Hoss and a price is put on Hoss' head.

         Guest Stars: Lottie Hawkins...Judi Meredith,...Walter Prescott...John Doucette,...Dick Thompson...Phil Chambers,...Roy Coffee...Ray Teal,..Townsman...Tyler McVey,...Dr. Martin...Roy Engel,...Frank...George Robotham,...Whitey...Gil Perkins,...Francesca...Tina Menard...(uncredited; bit part),...Bartender...Cosmo Sardo...(uncredited; extra),...Henry...Bob Miles...(uncredited; extra),...Brunette Townsgirl...Betty Endicott...(uncredited; extra),...Blonde Townsgirl...Martha Manor...(uncredited; extra),...Bill Clark...(uncredited; stunt double for Dan Blocker),...Betty Endicott...(uncredited; party guest),...Martha Manor...(uncredited; party guest),...Bill Clark...(uncredited; horseback double for Dan Blocker).

         Trivia: The beautiful Judi Meredith makes her first appearance on the series as Lottie Hawkins.  She projects innocence, sweetness of heart and sensitivity in the role of Lottie.  Judi later appears in eight's "The Wormwood Cup" as Linda Roberts.  John Doucette makes his first appearance on the series, in this episode as Walter Prescott, whose bride turns out to fall in love with Hoss, a fine character actor in film and television.  He later appears as Reverend Evan Morgan in seven's "Devil on Her Shoulder" and than as Cash Talbot in nine's "The Price of Salt". And Roy Engel makes another appearance as Dr. Martin, with Bob Miles as Henry.

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

         Film date: Mid-August 1962

109.) The Beginning
         November 25, 1962
         Written by: Preston Wood
         Directed by: Christian Nyby
         Original Story Title: "The First Step"

         The Cartwrights help a young white man, raised as an Indian, adjust to "civilized" society. Second episode filmed for the fourth season.

         Guest Stars: Billy Horn...Carl Reindel,...Mr. Lewis...Robert Burton,...Roy Coffee...Ray Teal,...Milton Tanner...Ken Lynch,...Judge...Raymond Bailey,...Prosecutor...Francis De Sales,...Hank...Lon Dean,...Bob Miles...(uncredited; stunt double & horseback double for Michael Landon),...Buddy Van Horn...(uncredited; stunt double & horseback double for Carl Reindel),...Bill Clark...(uncredited; horseback double for Lorne Greene & extra as Ponderosa hand),...Brunette Saloon Girl...Betty Endicott...(uncredited; extra).

         Trivia: Trivia: Carl Reindel makes his first appearance on the series as Billy Horn. He later returned to portray Andy Buchanan in nine's "Justice Deferred" and Frank Wells in twelve's "Thornton's Account.

         Carl Warren Reindel was born on January 20, 1935 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and later moved to Los Angeles to start his career in acting. He is best known for his portrayal of Lt. Kenneth M. Taylor in "Tora! Tora! Tora!" He also played Stanton in Steve McQueen's hit film "Bullitt" and Lt. Comroe in the science fiction film, "The Andromeda Strain.

         He also worked in many television series such as "Gunsmoke," "Bonanza," "Perry Mason," "The Virginian," "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century," "Quincy M.E." and others. Reindel left the business in the early 80's. He died at the age of 74 on September 4, 2009 in Valley Village, California.

         Ken Lynch makes another appearance, in this episode as the scheming Milton Tanner, who stakes a claim on the Ponderosa, and is killed by Billy in self-defense, after he sicks his dog Brutus on him and tries to shoot him, at his home.  Mr. Lewis, the defense attorney is played by actor Robert Burton with the prosecutor played by Francis De Sales.  He later appears in nine's "The Arrival of Eddie" as the Major.

         The Judge is played by Raymond Bailey, who made some previous appearances in the first few seasons, with Ray Teal making another appearance as Roy Coffee.  The Ponderosa hand, Hank is played by Lon Dean.  The saloon girl on the boardwalk who Joe and Billy walk up to is extra Betty Endicott, who was Pernell's lighting stand-in on the series, who came on the series in its second year.

         Horse Trivia: In the opening horseback shots at Iverson Ranch, Joe's riding horse Cochise is briefly being doubled by stunt Paint #3 with Bob Miles riding him, who was used the same year for the rugged outdoor shots at Truckee.

         Stunt Trivia: In the opening of this story at Iverson Ranch, the Cartwrights and Roy Coffee are chasing Billy, who is stealing away their string of horses.  Bob Miles horseback doubles Joe, with Bill Clark doubling Ben, in all the long distance filmed cuts.  Lorne Greene and Michael Landon only film their close-ups on location.  Billy Horn is horseback doubled by Buddy Van Horn.

         Later in the story, when Billy runs away and Joe goes after him, Bob Miles horseback doubles Joe in the long shots and even some medium shots at Iverson, with Buddy Van Horn doing the same chase shots on his horse.  Michael and Carl Reindel only film their close-ups on horseback.  The horse chase culminates in a fight of Joe versus Billy.  Once again, Bob Miles stunt doubles Joe in the fight, with Buddy Van Horn stunt doubling Billy, in the whole fight.  Michael and Carl Reindel only perform film their filmed close-ups on location and on Stage 16.  Earlier in the story, when Tanner sicks his dog Brutus at Billy, it's stuntman Buddy Van Horn doubling him in the whole fight with the trained dog on Stage 17.  Carl Reindel only does one filmed cut behind the couch and then kills Tanner in self-defense.  The original working title of this story was "The First Step".

         Location Scenes Filmed at: Iverson Ranch, Southern Calfornia, with June 1962 stock footage at Truckee, California and Solitude Canyon, Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

         Film date: Late May 1962

110.) The Deadly Ones
         December 2, 1962
         Written by: Denne Petitclerc, N. B. Stone, Jr.
         Directed by: William Witney

         The Ponderosa becomes a war zone when it is invaded by a detachment of Mexican mercenaries under General Diaz.  The general is furious when one of his men, Forsythe, disobeys his orders to get a hostage peacefully, and instead shoots Little Joe in the back.  Diaz forces Ben to lead his men over the back roads of the Ponderosa, so they can ambush a gold train led by Emperor Maximilian's men.

         Diaz is working for Juarez in his struggle for control of Mexico.  The ambush comes off as planned and Diaz captures the gold.  But the general is deliberately wounded by Forsythe, who wants the gold for himself.  Forsythe takes advantage of the general's condition and steals the gold.  Caught in the middle of the conflict are Ben, Joe, one of the general's mercenaries, and a young woman named Molly Reed who was a passenger on the captured gold train.

         Guest Stars: General Diaz...Will Kuluva,...Forsythe...Leo Gordon,...Johnny Simms...Lee Farr,...Molly Reed...Jena Engstrom,...Pablo...Paul Fierro,...Miguel...Rico Alaniz,...Bob Miles...(uncredited; horseback double for Will Kuluva, stunt double for Lee Farr, stunts/extra as wagon driver),...Bill Clark...(uncredited; stunts/extra as horseman).

         Trivia: Will Kuluva plays General Diaz to perfection, in his only appearance on the series.  With a small stature at 5' 6", Kuluva had the expertise training, well above his height and size for any role he played.  The late and great Leo Gordon plays the violent and lustful Forsythe, in his second appearance on the series.  He was previously in one's "Death on Sun Mountain" as Early Thorne and later in nine's "Blood Tie" as bounty hunter Fargo Taylor.

         Character actor Lee Farr makes his first appearance on the series. He plays Johnny Simms in the episode. His first wife was actress Felicia Farr, who played Ben's third wife in four's "Marie, My Love". They got married in 1949 and divorced in 1955. She later married actor Jack Lemmon. Her and Lee had a daughter, Denise Farr Gordon. She is the wife of actor Don Gordon.

         Rico Alaniz plays Miguel, who is later killed by Forsythe in the story. He also appeared in five's "The Companeros", six's "A Night to Remember" and eleven's "Decision at Los Robles." The girl on the gold wagon that Diaz's soldiers capture is Molly Reed. She was portrayed by character actress Jena Engstrom and was previously in three's "Springtime" as Ann. Born in 1941, Jena is the daughter of actress Jean Engstrom.

         Stunt Trivia: Leo Gordon does his complete fight on Stage 16 at the gold wagon with Lee Farr, over the girl hiding the wagon.  They go back behind the wagon cover and out comes stuntman Bob Miles, doubling Sims and Leo pulls out his giant knife and the two go at it, and than back behind the wagon again, out of camera range.  Lee Farr as Sims comes back out and completes his fight, with Leo knocking him to the ground, just as the others ride up and see what's happening in "The Deadly Ones".  Bob Miles also horseback doubles General Diaz, when he joins the action and is blasted off Sheik, by Forsythe, at the Iverson Ranch.

         Horse Trivia: Sheik makes his third appearance as General Diaz's white stallion.  He is previously seen in two's "The Gift" and "Sam Hill".

         Filmed on location at: Iverson Ranch in Southern California.

         Film date: Early August 1962

111.) Gallagher's Sons
         December 9, 1962
         Written by: Dick Nelson
         Directed by: Christian Nyby

         Hoss has his hands more than full with two orphaned girls and the four outlaws who are after them.

         Guest Stars:  Blake...Robert Strauss,...Charlie Gallagher...Larrian Gillespie,...Charlie Gallagher...Eileen Chesis,...Tully...Craig Curtis,...Sam...Chubby Johnson,...Conn...Victor French,...Stage Driver...Ken Mayer,...Lou...Bill Henry,...Sheriff...Tom Greenway,...Bob Miles...(uncredited; stunt double for Robert Strauss),...Bill Clark...(uncredited; stunt double for Dan Blocker & extra as relay station employee).

         Trivia: Veteran character actor Robert Strauss makes his only appearance on the series, as the sinister Blake.  Larrian Gillespie plays Charlie and Eileen Chesis plays Will, the daughters Gallagher has left behind and Hoss has his hands full with them.  Blake's men consist of Tully, played by Craig Curtis, along with Bill Henry as Lou, and in his first support role, Victor French as Conn.  He would later appear as Aaron Gore in nine's "The Burning Sky", then as Jesse Potts in eleven's "Meena" and "The Horse Traders", and as Tom Callahan in twelve's "An Earthquake Called Callahan".

         Michael Landon remembered him from the series' later years, and hired him to play Mr. Edwards in "Little House on the Prairie" and as Mark Gordon in "Highway to Heaven".  Other support players are Chubby Johnson as Sam, the way station owner, making his second appearance on the series.  He was previously in three's "The Ride" as Toby Barker.  The stage driver is played by Ken Mayer, in another entertaining performance, one of many he made on the series, and Tom Greenway plays the Sheriff, who was seen playing one in the first season, in a few shows.

         Stunt Trivia: Bill Clark doubles Hoss in the night scene on Stage 16, at the way station set, where Hoss hits Lou to the ground, since Lou tries to ambush him at the well.  In the climax, Dan Blocker and Robert Strauss do 95% of their fight, with Bill doubling Hoss in a few bit parts, and lead stunt coordinator Bob Miles doubling Robert Strauss in a few bit parts at Lovejoy Buttes.

         Location Scenes Filmed at: Lovejoy Buttes, Antelope Valley and Iverson Ranch, Southern California.

         Film date: September 5-12, 1962

112.) The Decision
         December 16, 1962
         Written by: Frank Chase, Norman Jacobs
         Directed by: William F. Claxton

         On a cattle drive Hoss is seriously injured when his horse stumbles.  The only doctor Ben can find is sentenced to hang at sundown.

         Guest Stars: Dr. Michael Johns...DeForest Kelley,...Judge Franklin Grant...John Hoyt,...Karen Johns...Lisabeth Hush,...Sheriff...Walter Sande,...Culp...Eddie Quillan,...Deputy...Will J. White,...Stevens...Bill Clark...(uncredited; stunts and extra),...Bob Miles...(uncredited; stunt double for DeForest Kelley).

         Trivia: Guest star DeForest Kelly, who played the doctor in this episode, best remembered as Dr. Leonard McCoy, on "Star Trek".  Guest star Jonathan Hoyt, making his first appearance, would later be seen in season seven's, "Five Sundowns To Sunup".  He is best remembered as the first doctor in the Star Trek pilot, "The Cage", later remade into "The Menagerie".

         Film date: September 13-20, 1962

113.) The Good Samaritan
         December 23, 1962
         Written by: Robert Bloomfield
         Directed by: Don McDougall

         Wade Tyree, a settler from Illinois, is drowning his sorrows at the saloon after his girl left him.  Abigail Hinton is a widow with a young daughter who was stranded in Virginia City, when her gambler boyfriend dumped her.  Hoss figures the two poor souls need each other, so he decides to play matchmaker.

         Since both of them are so lonely, they enter into a marriage of convenience.  Much to Ben's dismay, Hoss neglects all of his work on the Ponderosa, and instead, spends all his time at the couple's place, helping Wade with chores, or rather, doing Wade's chores for him.  The more Hoss helps, the more withdrawn Wade becomes, until his marriage is on the verge of ending.

         Guest Stars: Abigail Hinton...Jeanne Cooper,...Wade Tyree...Don Collier,...Bonnie Hinton...Noreen DeVita,...Dr. Martin...Roy Engel,...Bartender...Bob Miles...(uncredited; extra).

         Trivia: Guest star Don Collier, in his second appearance, his first was in season two's "The Mission", then in "Credit For A Kill", "The Saddle Stiff", and did voiceovers in season fourteen's, "The Hunter".  Collier also starred in Dortort's, "The High Chaparral".  Guest star Jeanne Cooper was also in "She Walks In Beauty".

         Location Trivia: June 1962 stock footage of Hoss driving the buckboard down the dirt road at Gooseneck Meadow, Truckee, California.

         Location scenes filmed at:  June 1962 stock footage at Gooseneck Meadow, Truckee, California.

         Film date: August 17-24, 1962

114.) The Jury
         December 30, 1962
         Written by: Robert Vincent Wright
         Directed by: Christian Nyby

         When Hoss is responsible for causing a hung jury, Ben tells him, "a man is never wrong doing what he thinks is right", and Adam attempts to validate his brother's reasonable doubt.

         Guest Stars: Jamie Wren...Jack Betts,...Bud Murdock...Don Haggerty,...Mr. Olson...James Bell,...Roy Coffee...Ray Teal,...Junior...Bobs Watson,...Judge...Arthur Space,...Breese,...Tol Avery,...Taylor...Byron Foulger,...Townswoman...Sara Haden,...Deputy...Bob Harris,...Williams...Michael Hinn,...Townsman...Bruno Ve Sota...(uncredited; bit part),...Townsman...Bill Clark...(uncredited; extra),...Bartender...Cosmo Sardo...(uncredited; extra),...Brunette Saloon Girl...Betty Endicott...(uncredited; extra),...Blonde Saloon Girl...Martha Manor...(uncredited; extra).

         Trivia: Jack Betts makes his only appearance on the series as Jamie Wren, along with Bobs Watson who plays Junior.  Veteran character actor Don Haggerty makes his first appearance on the series, in this episode as Bud Murdock.  He later appears in five's "The Lila Conrad Story" as Dolph Rimbeau, in eight's "To Bloom for Thee" as Demers, in nine's "Six Black Horses" as Patrick O' Neill, in ten's "The Last Vote" as Pete, in twelve's "An Earthquake Called Callahan" as the Sheriff, and in fourteen's "Forever" as the bartender.  James Bell plays Mr. Olson, along with Arthur Space making his second appearance, this time playing the judge.  He was previously in one's "The Fear Merchants" as Cyrus Hammond.

         Tol Avery makes another appearance, in this episode as Mr. Breese.  He was previously in three's "The Miracle Maker" as Dr. Moore.  Character actor Byron Foulger makes his second appearance, in this episode as Mr. Taylor.  He was previously in one's "The Newcomers" as Justin Flannery, and later appears in five's "King of the Mountain" as Parson.  Sara Haden plays the townswoman who scorns Hoss after he leaves the courthouse in one scene, and Bob Harris makes another appearance, in this episode as the Deputy, helping Sheriff Coffee.  He was previously in three's "The Jackknife" as Chad and "The Ride" as Sammy.  Finally, Michael Hinn plays Mr. Williamson in this episode.  He later appears in twelve's "A Matter of Faith" as Mr. Garrison.

         Film date: Late July 1962

115.) The Colonel
         January 6, 1963
         Written by: Preston Wood
         Directed by: Lewis Allen

         Frank Medford, a figure from Ben's "wild, misspent youth", shows up in Virginia City, and though down on his luck, creates troubles for the Cartwrights by claiming to be a successful businessman.

         Guest Stars: Colonel Frank Medford...John Larkin,...Emily Colfax,...Helen Westcott,...Will Flanders...Edward Platt,...Asa Flanders...Warren Kemmerling,...Martha...Mary Wickes,...Telegrapher...Lindsay Workman,...Mr. Austin...Phil Chambers,...Wedding Guest...Betty Endicott...(uncredited; extra),...Wedding Guest...Martha Manor...(uncredited; extra).

         Trivia: Character actor John Larkin makes his only appearance as Ben's old friend, Colonel John Medford.  Emily Colfax is played by Helen Westcott, in her last appearance on the series.  She was previously in one's "The Fear Merchants" as Amanda Ridley.  Edward Platt makes his last appearance, in this episode as Will Flanders.  He was previously in three's "The Guilty" as Wade.

         Warren Kemmerling makes his first of three appearances on the series, in this episode as Asa Flanders.  He later appears as Hartley in eight's "Amigo", in eleven's "To Stop a War" as Frank Slater, and fourteen's "Heritage of Anger" as the Sheriff.  Mary Wickes makes her first of two appearances, in this episode as Martha.  She later appears in eight's "A Christmas Story" as Hattie.  The telegrapher is played by Lindsay Workman and Mr. Austin by Phil Chambers, two frequently seen support players on the series.

         Location Trivia: In act three, the Colonel and Emily are conversing and at the same time admiring the lush scenery at her home.  Newly filmed stock footage is edited in between the close-ups of the actors, the first one at Glenbrook Bay, Nevada, looking across the water at South Lake Tahoe in California with its snow-capped mountains and a few more, alternating of Gooseneck Meadow, Truckee, California and Solitude Canyon, Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

         Location scenes filmed at: June 1962 stock footage at Gooseneck Meadow, Truckee, California, with June 1961 stock footage at Solitude Canyon and Glenbrook Bay, Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

         Film date: October 1-9, 1962

116.) Song In The Dark
         January 13, 1963
         Written by: Judith and George W. George
         Directed by: Don McDougall

         Adam's guitar-strumming friend, ranch hand Danny Morgan, is arrested on suspicion of murdering and robbing the Widow Baker.  Someone had reported hearing Danny singing outside her place at the time of the murder.  More, importantly, Morgan has bad scratches on his arm, and the widow was found with human skin under her fingernails.  Adam is thoroughly convinced that Danny couldn't have done it; the two became friends after Danny saved Adam's life a few years ago.

         Adam was delirious with fever and was carrying a lot of money, and Danny brought him back safely without taking a cent of the money.  Adam's search for the real killer brings him to Reverend William Johnson, a self-righteous fanatical minister who seeks to build a church with "magnificent windows and only for the pure at heart", but Adam doesn't know how to prove his suspicion.

         Guest Stars: Reverend William Johnson...Edward Andrews,...Danny Morgan...Gregory Walcott,...Mary Johnson...Virginia Christine,...Jeb...Mort Mills,...Felix...Harry Swoger,...Townsman...James Tartan,...Henry Wills...(uncredited; horseback double for Pernell Roberts)...Betty Endicott...(uncredited; stunt double for Virginia Christine).

         Trivia: Edward Andrews makes his first of two appearances on the series.  He plays Reverend William Johnson in this episode.  He later appears in thirteen's "Rock-a-Bye Hoss" as Bert.  Gregory Walcott makes his second appearance, in this episode as Danny Morgan.  He was previously in one's "Death at Dawn" as Farmer Perkins.  Virginia Christine makes her first of two appearances, in this episode as Mary Johnson.  She would later appear in six's "The Saga of Squaw Charlie" as Martha.  She is noted for hosting Folger's Coffee commercials on television in those days, her face and name a household one.

         Mort Mills makes his fourth appearance, in this episode as Jeb, the Deputy.  Harry Swoger makes his fifth appearance, this time as Felix, who is standing outside the jail, with his fellow townsman, making fun of Danny Morgan.  He was previously in this season's "The War Comes to Washoe" as the drunk singing on the staircase, who triggers a fight in the living room at the Ponderosa.

         Greg Walcott came up with the idea of the song, "Under the Red Rock Rim", while he was discussing his role of Danny Morgan for this show with David Dortort. Greg said he couldn't sing very well, but gave it a try for David over the phone. He liked it and David Rose joined the conversation. In less then 30 minutes, they composed the song over the phone.

         Greg reported to the recording studio at Paramount and sang the song in different variations. A guitarist came in and did the playing for the instrumental part of the duet. One completed, the recordings were played back on the sound stages and the guitarist was out of camera range, playing the chords, when Greg would lip synch to them and fake the strumming in his scenes.

         Walcott finished the 6-day shoot and he went to seek other work. Post-production followed immediately and this is where the film dubbing was done. Pernell reported to the studio to voice dub the song for all the scenes of Danny singing, and that includes the night scene where Adam is shot off the horse by the Reverend Johnson. Also, the guitarist came in to record the number for the instrumental part of the song. When completed, the sound engineers would mix the tracks with the other source tracks that make up the soundtrack of the episode and optically printed on the master negative. 35mm interpositives would be printed off the master negative for the episode to be telecast for airplay on NBC.

         Horse Trivia: The beautiful Sheik makes his fourth appearance on the series, this time as Danny Morgan's (played by Gregory Walcott) white horse.  He is previously seen in two's "The Gift" and "Sam Hill".

         Stunt Trivia: Pernell Robert's stand-in Betty Endicott doubles for actress Virginia Christine, when the Reverend Johnson pushes his wife Mary down the stairs.  Betty would learn from stunt coordinator Bob Miles how to do it without getting hurt.  She would wear elbow and knee pads and a pad here and there.  Henry Wills horseback doubles Pernell on Stage 17, during a night scene, when the Reverend Johnson shoots him off Sheik.

         Film date: September 21-28, 1962

Season Four Episodes 117 - 134 continued...