The Golden Years
Introducing Laura Dayton, Peggy,
And Will Cartwright

153.) The Cheating Game
         February 9, 1964
         Written by: William L. Stuart
         Directed by: Joseph Sargent

         In this sequel to "The Waiting Game", Laura resents Adam's advice on how she ought to be running her ranch.  A newcomer, Ward Bannister, comes to her aid, but is actually part of a scheme to steal her ranch.

         Guest Stars: Kathie Browne...Laura Dayton,...Ward Bannister...Peter Breck,...Peggy Dayton...Katie Sweet,...James Canfield...Lee Henry,...Dave Wilkins...Roy Barcroft,...Lane...Lincoln Demyan,...Liege...Lew Brown,...Tom...Robert Broyles,...Al...Norman Leavitt,...Mr. Weems...Charles Seel,...Bob Miles...(stunts; uncredited for Lincoln Demyan and Lee Henry),...Betty Endicott...(uncredited; townswoman with dark hair).

         Trivia: Guest star Kathie Browne also was in the classic Star Trek episode, "Wink Of An Eye" and in the 1967 series, "Hondo".

         Stunt Trivia: In the fight in Laura's front yard at the barn, Lane (Lincoln Demyan), is doubled by Bob Miles in the long shots with the actor only doing close-ups with Pernell Roberts, who does the entire fight sequences himself with no problem.  At the hotel, when Ward Bannister (Peter Breck) loses his temper and hits James Canfield (Lee Henry) and sends him over the table and into the wall, it's Bob Miles taking the fall right over the table and into the wall for the actor.  Then Lee Henry does his death scene, grabs the curtain and dies on the floor in the hotel.  The art of illusion.

         Trivia: The Ponderosa exterior is redressed on Stage 16 as Laura Dayton's home, with the interiors on Stage 17.

         Location Scenes Filmed at: June 1962 stock footage of Adam riding Sport at Gooseneck Meadow, Truckee, California.

         Film date: November 1-8, 1963

154.) Bullet For A Bride
         February 16, 1964
         Written by: Tom Seller
         Directed by: Tay Garnett

         Remorseful after accidentally blinding Tess Caldwell, Joe asks her to marry him.  She regains her sight, but her penniless father fears the marriage will be called off if Joe finds out.

         Guest Stars: Tessa Caldwell...Marlyn Mason,...Marcus...Denver Pyle,...Mrs. Partridge,...Gail Bonney,...Lon Caldwell...Steve Harris,...Clergyman...John Matthews,...Doc Martin...Grandon Rhodes,...Betty Endicott...(uncredited; extra as wedding guest with dark hair).

         Trivia: Marlyn Mason makes her first of two appearances on the series.  She plays Tessa Caldwell in this episode.  She later appears in six's "Ponderosa Birdman" as Amanda.  Denver Pyle makes his third appearance on the series.  He plays Marcus Caldwell in this episode.  He was previously in four's "A Hot Day for a Hanging" as the Sheriff and in three's "Springtime" as Ted Hack.

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

         Film date: October 16-23, 1963

155.) King Of The Mountain
         February 23, 1964
         Written by: Robert Sabaroff
         Directed by: Don McDougall

         When mountain man Jim Leyton decides to marry, he chooses Hoss as his best man.  Julie's father, Grizzly, does not agree and Hoss must come to the rescue.

         Guest Stars: Jim Leyton...Slim Pickens,...Julie...Laurie Mitchell,...Grizzly...Robert Middleton,...Parson...Byron Foulger,...Storekeeper...Billy M. Greene,...Townsman...Ray Hemphill,...Harry...Bruce MacFarlane,...Bill Clark...(uncredited; stunts for Dan Blocker and credited as Wesley),...Roy Jenson...(uncredited; stunts for Slim Pickens),...Betty Endicott...(uncredited; townswoman with dark hair),...Martha Manor...(uncredited; townswoman with blonde hair).

         Trivia: Slim Pickens returns as Jim Leyton, and would later appear in season ten's, "Catch As Catch Can" and in season eleven's, "What Are Pardners For?".  Guest star Robert Middleton is his second appearance, this time as Julie's father, Grizzly.  Middleton was first seen in season one's "Death At Dawn" as Sam Bryant, and season eight's, "The Greedy Ones".  Mike Ragan makes another appearance, this time as a local betting on Jim winning the fight!

         Stunt Trivia: In the big fight, Roy Jenson doubles Slim Pickens and Bill Clark doubles Hoss, in all the long shots and over-the-shoulder shots.  Dan Blocker and Slim Pickens manage to do some very good close-ups themselves, cut in with the filmed stuntmen's fight.

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

         Film date: November 29 to December 6, 1963

156.) Love Me Not
         March 1, 1964
         Written by: Frank Cleaver
         Directed by: Tay Garnett

         A Western version of "My Fair Lady" as Ben struggles to teach the social graces to a white woman raised by the Paiutes.  She falls in love with him and is hurt when he says all she has is a schoolgirl crush.  A humorous, yet touching episode.

         Guest Stars: Joan...Anjanette Comer,...Hop Sing...Victor Sen Yung,...Chief...Jack Bighead,...John Turner...Wynn Pearce,...Party Guest #1...Ray Hemphill,...Tom...Gene Tyburn,...Party Guest #2...Bill Yeo,...Brunette Girl at Party...Betty Endicott...(uncredited; extra),...Blonde Girl at Party...Martha Manor...(uncredited; extra).

         Film date: December 9-16, 1963

157.) The Pure Truth
         March 8, 1964
         Written by: Lois Hire
         Directed by: Don McDougall

         Hoss is suffering from spring fever, goes to the wrong town and is accused of bank robbery.

         Guest Stars: Lullabelle "Looney" Watkins...Glenda Farrell,...Sheriff Tate...Stanley Adams,...Herman...Olan Soule,...Simmons...Lloyd Corrigan,...Ward...Jay Lanin,...Woman...Maudie Prickett,...Al...Raymond Guth,...Roy Coffee...Ray Teal,...Bob Miles...(uncredited; extra and stunts as cowboy),...Betty Endicott...(uncredited; extra as townswoman with dark hair).

         Trivia: Guest star Jay Lanin returns as one of the two crooks, after Looney's fortune, was previously seen as Slauson in, "Rich Man, Poor Man".  The late Stanley Adams, as the Sheriff, an accomplished writer, best remembered in the classic Star Trek episode, "The Trouble With Tribbles", as Cyrano Jones.

         Film date: November 11-18, 1963

158.) No Less A Man
         March 15, 1964
         Written by: Jerry Adelman
         Directed by: Don McDougall

         The town council feels Roy Coffee can no longer do his job, and with the notorious Wagner gang on their way to rob the bank, everyone is in a panic.  Ben and Adam disagree with the town council and do what they can to help Roy out.

         Guest Stars: Roy Coffee...Ray Teal,...Wagner...John Kellogg,...Frank Armistead...Parley Baer,...Browning...William Zuckert,...Carter...Justin Smith,...Gang Member...Ed Faulkner,...Banker...Ed Prentiss,...Jerry Wilson...Bill Corcoran,...Gang Member...Bill Clark,...Mrs. Wilson...Adrienne Marden,...Townsman...Joseph Breen,...Townsman...Rush Williams,...Townsman...Bob Miles,...Gang Member...Richard Farnsworth...(uncredited; extra),...Brunette Townsgirl...Betty Endicott,...Blonde Townsgirl...(uncredited; extra),...Martha Manor...(uncredited; extra).

         Trivia: Ray Teal as Sheriff Roy Coffee is given special guest star billing, as this episode centers on his character exclusively.  Viewers learn Roy once had a wife named Mary.  Veteran character actor John Kellogg makes his second appearance on the series, in this episode as Wagner.  He was seen earlier in this season's "A Question of Strength" as Stager.  Parley Baer makes another appearance, in this episode as Frank Armistead, with William Zuckert making another appearance, in this episode as Mr. Browning.  He was previously in four's "Elegy for a Hangman" as Senator Cal Prince.  The third town council member, Mr. Carter, is played by Justin Smith.  Character actor Ed Faulkner makes his second appearance on the series, in this episode as the tall bank robber.  He was previously in three's "The Friendship" as Bob Stevens.

         Support actor Ed Prentiss makes another brief appearance, in this episode as the banker, along with child actor Bill Corcoran playing Jerry Wilson, and his mother, Mrs. Wilson is played by Adrienne Marden.  Support actors Joseph Breen and Rush Williams play townsmen, along with lead stunt coordinator Bob Miles playing a townsman in the hotel.  Bill Clark and Richard Farnsworth play two of the Wagner gang members in this episode, which contains stock footage of outlaw gangs robbing and looting banks, from various Western films, culled from Paramount's film library, edited in for the final cut.

         Film date: January 22-29, 1964

159.) Return To Honor
         March 22, 1964
         Written by: Jack Turley
         Directed by: Don McDougall
         Original Story Title: "A Long Way Home"

         Ben is summoned to Pine City to pick up the dead body of his brother's son, only to find him being pursued by counterfeiters who want the engraving plates he stole.  Guy Williams makes his first appearance as Will Cartwright, Ben's nephew.

         Guest Stars: Mr. Butler...Arch Johnson,...Marshal Hollister...Robert J. Wilke,...Gannett...Gregg Palmer,...Doctor...Hugh Sanders,...Bixby...I. Stanford Jolley,...Jenner...Bill Clark,...Townsman...James Tartan,...Bartender...Ralph Montgomery,...Bob Miles...(uncredited; stunts as gunman on rooftop).

         Trivia: This episode contains one of the most outstanding gunfights at the climax.

         Trivia: Guy Williams was hired to tentatively replace Pernell Roberts, but met with cast resentment, also from Michael Landon, citing Will was "not necessary".

         Trivia: In the spectacular gunfight scenes in act four, Bobby Miles is seen getting shot off the Ponderosa rooftop, in a perfectly choreographed gunfight and fistfight, in the front yard of the Ponderosa.

         Trivia: Guest star Arch Johnson, seen again as Butler, and Robert J. Wilke, in another returning character, Marshal Hollister of Pine City.

         Stunt Horse Trivia: Beauty makes his twelfth appearance on the series.  In this episode he plays Will Cartwright's loyal steed.  He can also be seen in the cast credits with Guy Williams.

         Script Trivia: The original working title was "A Long Way Home" a two-part episode with the introduction of Will Cartwright and only part one of the story was written, some 63 pages long and completed on July 18, 1963.  In this early version of "Return To Honor" he is Ben's younger brother.  Many of the concepts from this story were incorporated into "Return To Honor", with the exceptions that Will is now Ben's nephew and not his younger brother because Guy Williams looked too young for the part, the reasons for the new script now called "Return To Honor".

         Guy Williams Trivia: Unfortunately the charismatic Guy Williams met with cast resentment calling his stay "a negative session" and extreme jealousy from Michael Landon, whose insecurity was always a problem at one time or another in his long career.  Blocker and Greene were not happy with the arrival of Williams and swung with the very smart and jealous Michael, and by the time Williams was ready to exit the series, Landon made sure he had permanently, as the same crisis occurred the year before with Barry Coe, who was to have joined the cast as Joe's half-brother Clay Stafford, and Landon's jealousy won.

         As it is said, Williams looked too young to play Ben's younger brother and was changed to Ben's wayward nephew.  In reality, Williams was to have played Ben's courageous and dauntless younger brother, but the real inner reason was due to Landon's insecurity and jealousy of working with a handsome leading man as well as pop icon and screen idol, as Williams, who could take away his screentime and spotlight.

         Rather than fight Landon and the rest of the cast, Dortort and his team changed Will from Ben's younger brother to his wayward nephew.  Four years later, in 1967 when it was announced David Canary was joining the show, David Dortort chose Canary not just because of his performance in "Hombre", but also because he was more average-looking than the insecure and very boyishly-handsome Landon, who could not object to Canary's looks, where certain NBC executives did.

         Guy had been over in Europe after completing some films there and when he came back to Los Angeles he got the call for Bonanza.  Guy recalls, "My agent didn't know where the hell I was at and when I got back, I was told I had missed 2 years of film projects.  But one of the first things I was offered was a role on Bonanza.  At the time, there was nothing more visible than Bonanza, so when the opportunity came up, I took it.  It was a strange deal.  They thought a new character, that of Ben Cartwright's younger brother (Will Cartwright) would intrigue the viewers.

         Even more, the threat of a new actor on the show might make Pernell Roberts reconsider leaving.  It was an awkward situation for me.  I felt like an unnecessary extra Cartwright and I was happy that I only did the show for a few episodes.  I didn't feel that my part really helped the show.  If I had made a deal for 2 years or something, it might have turned out alright eventually, but basically I think the viewers and I both had the same feeling no one could quite replace Pernell."

         Guy also added, "I realized I was being used and I didn't get any help from the other actors, because if Roberts left, they would take up his slack.  The whole session was very negative".  Guy had a two month contract with NBC and filmed his shows in January and February in 1964 and his intuition about Landon, Blocker and Greene "taking up the slack" was more than correct when at the end of the following sixth season, Pernell Roberts left the series, right when it went through the roof and the remaining three Cartwrights became millionaires.

         Filmed on location at: Albertson Ranch, Southern California.

         Film date: January 6-13, 1964

160.) The Saga Of Muley Jones
         March 29, 1964
         Written by: Robert Barron, Alex Sharp
         Directed by: John Florea

         The Cartwrights are visited by their second cousin, Muley Jones of Weedville, Missouri who sings with a window-shattering voice and stirs up trouble with Indian negotiations that Ben is trying to ensure.

         Guest Stars: Muley Jones...Bruce Yarnell,...Esky...Jesse White,...Mr. Thornbridge...Jerome Cowan,...Brave Pony...Ken Drake,...Urey...Strother Martin,...Bartender...Bern Hoffman,...Chief...Ralph Moody,...Roy Coffee...Ray Teal,...Old Man...Billy M. Greene,... Alex Sharp...(uncredited; stunts for Bruce Yarnell),...Bob Miles...(uncredited; stunt double for Ken Drake & little cowboy in saloon fight),...Bill Clark...(uncredited; stunt double for Dan Blocker and big cowboy in saloon fight),...Betty Endicott...(uncredited; townswoman with dark hair),...Martha Manor...(uncredited; townswoman with blonde hair),...Chuck Greene...(uncredited; extra as stage passenger),...Ed Jauregui...(uncredited; Carriage double for Lorne Greene).

         Trivia: Guest star Bruce Yarnell, in his first appearance as Cousin Muley Jones, later returned in the season six sequel, "Hound Dog".  Bruce died in a plane crash in Los Angeles on November 30, 1973.  He was only 35.  The entertaining Strother Martin, as one of the bootleggers, went on to guest star in "The Meredith Smith", "The Silence At Stillwater", "The Imposters", and "The Younger Brothers' Younger Brother".

         Trivia: Stuntman Alex Sharp doubles for actor Bruce Yarnell, in the street fight, in the long shots, where Hoss, the Chief's son, and Eskee, the bootlegger, who instigates the fight, because he lost his game of horseshoes to Hoss!

         Trivia: Lorne Greene's son Chuck was on the set while this episode was being filmed.  He did an extra part as one of the passengers getting off the stage in the opening act.

         Filmed on location at: Albertson Ranch in Southern California.

         Film date: January 30 to February 6, 1964

161.) The Roper
         April 5, 1964
         Written by: Peter Packer
         Directed by: John Florea

         Will is having second thoughts about staying on at the Ponderosa, and outlaws hit the ranch and take him with them.  The leader, Lee Hewitt, is a young killer and plans on robbing the Ponderosa, so Will must take action to save himself, Hewitt's wife, the doctor, and his newfound relatives, the Cartwrights.

         Guest Stars: Lee Hewitt...Scott Marlowe,...Emma Hewitt...Julie Sommars,...Dolph...Jim Beck,...Doctor...John Hubbard,...Roy Coffee...Ray Teal,...Lt. Bancroft...Corey Allen,...Ed Wharton...Donald Elson,...Kate Wharton...Barbara Morrison,...Fletch...Armand Alzamora,...Charlie...Stephen Holmes,...Bob Miles...(uncredited; stunt double for Jim Beck & Scott Marlowe),...Buddy Van Horn...(uncredited; stunt double for Guy Williams),...Bill Clark...(uncredited; extra as posseman).

         Trivia: Scott Marlowe makes his only appearance on the series as Lee Hewitt, along with actress Julie Sommars making her only one, as his wife Emma.  Jim Beck makes his third appearance, in this episode as Dolph.  He later appears in nine's "Second Chance" as Lt. March.  The Doc is played by veteran support actor John Hubbard, with Corey Allen playing Lt. Bancroft.  The station owner, Ed Wharton is played by Donald Elson, and his wife Kate is played by Barbara Morrison.  Support actor Armand Alzamora makes his second and final appearance, in this episode as Fletch.  He was previously in one's "El Toro Grande" as Eduardo El Montalban.  His buddy, Charlie is played by Stephen Holmes.

         Stunt Trivia: Bob Miles doubles Jim Beck and Buddy Van Horn doubles Guy Williams in all the long shots of the savage fight on Stage 16.  Jim Beck and Guy Williams only film their close-ups for the fight.  Buddy Van Horn was Guy's stuntman in Disney's TV-series "Zorro".  At the climax, Bob Miles doubles Scott Marlow just after Will disarms him at the shack.  Buddy Van Horn doubles Will in the struggle and fight.  The actors only did their filmed close-ups in the fight and Guy can be seen right after it is over.

         Stunt Horse Trivia: Beauty makes his thirteenth appearance on the series.  In this episode he plays Will Cartwright's horse once again.

         Opening Act Location Trivia: Lovely stock footage from 1962 of Ben, Adam, Hoss, and Little Joe riding their horses on the dirt road above Gooseneck Meadow, Truckee, California, seen in act one after the watercolor credits fade out.

         Location Scenes Filmed at: Albertson Ranch, Southern California with June 1962 stock footage of the Cartwrights riding down the dirt road at Gooseneck Meadow, Truckee, California.

         Film date: December 16-23, 1963

162.) A Pink Cloud Comes From Old Cathay
         April 12, 1964
         Written by: Lewis Clay
         Directed by: Don McDougall
         Original Story Title: "The Canary"

         Hoss orders fireworks from the Yiphee Trading Company from Canton, China and is sent a hard headed Oriental girl instead, who proceeds to interfere with the completion of a railroad spur on the Ponderosa.

         Guest Stars: Tai Lee...Marlo Thomas,...Nu Shan....Benson Fong,...Wang Sai...Philip Ahn,...Rafe...William Fawcett,...Hop Sing...Victor Sen Yung,...Rod...Mike Ragan,...Store Owner...Phil Chambers.

         Trivia: Guest star Philip Ahn, a Chinese actor and serial star, previously seen in season one's, "The Fear Merchants", and in "Day Of The Dragon".  Second episode to mention, a pool table, as Rod, a Ponderosa hand wants one in the bunkhouse, to Hoss' dismay, arranged by Tai Lee.  Mike Ragan makes yet another appearance, this time as Rod.

         Filmed on location at: Albertson Ranch in Southern California.

         Film date: February 7-14, 1964

163.) The Companeros
         April 19, 1964
         Written by: John Hawkins
         Directed by: William F. Claxton

         Just as he is getting accustomed to life at the Ponderosa, Will is tempted to return to Mexico with his old friend Mateo Ibara, who saved him from being executed by a Mexican firing squad, while fighting for Juarez.  This rather talkative episode is the only one to feature Guy Williams exclusively.

        Guest Stars: Mateo Ibera...Frank Silvera,...Carla Ibera...Faith Domergue,...Pacheco...Rico Alaniz,...Vicente...Anthony Carbone,...Luis...Rodolfo Hoyos,...Maximo...Pepe Hern,...Doctor Martin...Roy Engel,...Santos...Joe Yrigoyen.

         Trivia: Guest star Faith Domergue, in her last of two appearances, previously seen in season three's, "The Lonely House".

         Stunt Horse Trivia: Beauty makes his fourteenth appearance on the series.  In this episode he plays Will Cartwright's loyal mount.

         Filmed on location at: Albertson Ranch in Southern California.

         Film date: November 19-26, 1963

164.) Enter Thomas Bowers
         April 26, 1964
         Written by: Murray Golden, Leon Benson
         Directed by: Murray Golden

         A black opera singer is invited to perform in Virginia City and faces prejudice and suspicions about his past.  Landmark episode with William Marshall who played Dr. Richard Daystrom in the classic Star Trek episode, "The Ultimate Computer", and who went on to portray Blacula in a pair of Seventies horror films and was the King Of Cartoons on "Pee Wee's Playhouse".

         Guest Stars: Thomas Bowers...William Marshall,...Sam Kiley...Kelly Thordsen,... Mrs. Sarah Gable....Alice Frost,...Jed...Ken Renard,...Caroline,...Ena Hartman,...Roy Coffee...Ray Teal,...Luke...Jason Wingreen,...Charlie Simpson...J. Edward McKinley,...Mr. Walker...Robert P. Lieb,...Minnie Watkins,...Jeanne Determann,...Hotel Clerk...George Petrie,...Johnny...Don Washbrook,...Station Master...Russ Bender,...Old Townswoman...Dorothy Neumann,...Stage Driver...Robert Adler,...Townsman...Bob Miles...(uncredited; extra),...Townsman...Bill Clark...(uncredited; extra),...Stage Passenger...Betty Endicott...(uncredited; extra).

         Trivia: The late and great William Marshall makes his only appearance on the series, playing black opera singer Thomas Bowers, in a poignant performance.  He was a veteran of film and television.  Many still fondly remember him in the 1968 Star Trek episode "The Ultimate Computer" as Dr. Richard Daystrom.  Kelly Thordsen makes another appearance, in this episode as cafe owner Sam Kiley.  He was previously in four's "Five into the Wind" as Howard Benson.  Support player Alice Frost makes an appearance as Mrs. Sarah Gable, with Ken Renard as Jed, and his daughter Caroline is played by Ena Hartman.

         Ray Teal makes another semi-regular appearance as Roy Coffee, with character actor Jason Wingreen making his second appearance, in this episode as Luke.  He was previously in four's "The Way of Aaron" as Hank.  Charlie Simpson is the drummer who gets off the stage, with the ladies mistaking him for Bowers, is played by support actor J. Edward McKinley, making another appearance on the series.  Support actor Robert P. Lieb makes another appearance, in this episode as Mr. Walker, with Jeanne Determann playing Minnie Watkins.

         George Petrie plays the hotel clerk, with Don Washbrook playing Johnny, and Russ Bender plays the station master in town.  Dorothy Neumann makes another appearance, in this episode as the older townswoman and Robert Adler makes another appearance, in this episode as the stage driver.  Lead stunt coordinator and stuntman Bob Miles and Bill Clark play two of Sam Kiley's boys, alongside Kelly Thordsen and Jason Wingreen.

         Trivia: During the making of this controversial story, Pernell Roberts sounded off and cited it as "racist" in tone, and General Motors, the sponsor objected to it, with the civil rights movement going on at the time.  The network backed David Dortort and it was made and aired, and was considered a landmark achievement in television, considering the racial bigotry that was plauging the country.

         After the fifth season was wrapped, NBC was compiling the season's best episodes for the summer reruns in 1964, and David made sure that the network included this episode to be rerun on the NBC stations across the country.  The stations heavily requested the episode for the summer rerun season, but at least two stations in the South, one in Texas and another in Georgia refused to air it and scheduled other programming instead.

         Film date: January 14-21, 1964

165.) The Dark Past
         May 3, 1964
         Written by: William Bruckner
         Directed by: Murray Golden

         Moody bounty hunter, Dev Farnum, shows up on the Ponderosa, where the Cartwrights are harboring the wife of the man he is after.  Edgy, offbeat performance by a young Dennis Hopper.

         Guest Stars: Dev Farnum...Dennis Hopper,...Holly Burnside...Susan Seaforth,...Jamie Boy Briggs...Ron Starr,...Wetzell...Lewis Charles,...Pete Burnside...Jim Bole,...Bob Miles...(uncredited; stunt for Ron Starr).

         Film date: March 4-11, 1964

166.) The Pressure Game
         May 10, 1964
         Written by: Don Tait
         Directed by: Tay Garnett

        Adam's relationship with Laura Dayton is complicated by her scheming Aunt Lil and her apparent attraction to Will Cartwright.

         Guest Stars: Aunt Lil...Joan Blondell,..Rick Bonner...Charles Bateman,....Jeff Bonner...Robert Karnes,...Sam...Bern Hoffman,...Doc...Grandon Rhodes,...Townswoman...Dee Carroll,...Laura Dayton...Kathie Browne,...Cosmo Sardo...(uncredited; extra as bartender #2),...Betty Endicott...(uncredited; extra as townswoman with dark hair).

         Trivia: Laura's attraction now to Will, was reversed by the writers, since many in Bonanza's audience would not settle for Adam to be married and Guy Williams wanted out of the negative upsets that were going on.

         Bonanza Theme Trivia: Bonanza's "main title" music is actually the "end title" theme cue directly tracked over from the music tapes to accomodate the expanded cast credits of Guy Williams and Joan Blondell.

         Trivia: Robert Karnes makes another appearance, this time as one of the Bonner Brothers, who almost gets Laura trampled in Virginia City.

         Trivia: Third to last episode made for the fifth season in the series.

         Stunt Horse Trivia: Beauty makes his fifteenth appearance on the series.  In this episode he plays Will Cartwright's horse once again.

         Location Scenes Filmed at: Golden Oak Ranch, Southern California.

         Film date: February 17-24, 1964

Ben (to Laura, softly, sincerely): I'm glad it's you.

Laura's expression reveals that she is really touched by the compliment.  She turns and climbs up into the buggy and Adam goes around and gets in on the other side.

ANOTHER ANGLE

Adam: Sorry we can't stay for the reception, but we've got a long way to go.

Laura looks at Adam and realizes that his words have significance beyond their original intent.

Adam (continuing;to Laura): A long, long way to go.

Adam flicks the horse into motion and the buggy starts out.  Hop Sing and the others who have been holding hands behind them, during all this, now start showering the bride and groom with handfuls of rice.

WIDE ANGLE

The buggy moves off with Laura and Adam waving and the wedding party ad libbing goodbyes.  And then they are gone.

CLOSE SHOT-BEN AND AUNT LIL

Ben: Aunt Lil, will you do me the honor of cutting the wedding cake?

Lil daubs at her eyes with her handkerchief.

Lil: If you don't mind soggy wedding cake, I'd be proud to.

The others laugh and all start drifting back into the house for the reception.

Fade Out-The End

167.) Triangle
         May 17, 1964
         Written by: Frank Cleaver
         Directed by: Tay Garnett

         Adam is secretly building a home for he and Laura.  She, however, has fallen in love with Will.  But when Adam injures his back and must get around in a wheelchair, everyone's plans are put on hold.  Guy Williams makes his last appearance as Will Cartwright.

         Guest Stars: Laura Dayton...Kathie Browne,...Peggy...Katie Sweet,...Doctor...Grandon Rhodes,...Henry Wills...(uncredited; stunts for Pernell Roberts).

         Trivia: Will's departure with Laura is seen at the end of act four, and this is the last we see of them.  This episode was made in late February of 1964, by this time the situation with Pernell was resolved, and NBC dropped Guy and Kathie.

         Bonanza Theme Trivia: Bonanza's "main title" music is actually the "end title" theme cue directly tracked over from the music tapes to accomodate the expanded cast credits of Guy Williams and Kathie Browne.

         Trivia: In the scene where Adam falls off the top section of the house that he is building for he and Laura, stuntman Henry Wills takes the actual plunge, off the ladder, falling to the ground, something too dangerous for Pernell Roberts to do.

         Pernell Roberts Trivia: During the filming of "Triangle", Look magazine's senior editor John Poppy was visiting the set.  He witnessed the filming of the final scene.  The problem began when Roberts began pushing himself up from the wheelchair.  The director felt he was coming up too fast.  "Hold it longer", the director told him.  Show more suffering as you push up with your arms." Roberts responded, "Gentleman, my legs are damaged, not my arms.  I'm supposed to be a big strong man, and there is no reason for me to have trouble doing a little push-up like this.  I'll suffer when I am on my feet, if you don't mind."

         The director insisted and Roberts gave up his fight.  John Poppy described it, saying, "He began to push with his arms, setting his face in an expression that made me whisper,'My God, what is it?' It was remarkable.  Roberts radiated suffering, bravery, strain and a nearly tearful look of hurt, plus something else that might have been pain or mockery.  At length, he heaved himself upright and swayed out of camera range.  I relaxed as his face went blank, but he startled me by clearing his throat loudly and loosing a great spit.  Right on the porch of his Pa's house."

         Trivia: Second to last episode made for the fifth season of the series.

         Stunt Horse Trivia: Beauty makes his sixteenth appearance on the series.  In this episode Will has him driving the buggy with Laura for the outdoor shots at Golden Oak Ranch.

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

         Film date: February 25 to March 3, 1964

168.) Walter and the Outlaws
         May 24, 1964
         Written by: Lois Hire
         Directed by: Ralph E. Black

         Hilarious sequel to "Any Friend Of Walter's" in which Obie leaves Walter in Hoss' care.  The three outlaws, Macy, Teague, and Willard, kidnap Walter and hold him for ransom, leaving Hoss and the returning Obie to rescue him, but matters turn out the other way.

         Guest Stars: Obie...Arthur Hunnicutt,...Macy...Steve Brodie,...Willard...James Luisi,...Teague...Vic Werber,...Bob Miles...( uncredited; stunt double for Arthur Hunnicutt ),...Bill Clark...( uncredited; stunt double for Dan Blocker ).

         Trivia: Guest stars Arthur Hunnicutt returns as Obie, Steve Brodie as Macy, James Luisi as Willard, and Vic Werber as Teague.  Last episode made for the fifth season of the series.

         Stunt Trivia: Bob Miles doubles Obie and Bill Clark doubles Hoss, when the two get caught in the trap they've made to catch the outlaws at Iverson Ranch. Dan Blocker and Arthur Hunnicutt only do their filmed close-ups on Stage 16.

         Location Scenes Filmed at: Iverson Ranch, Southern California.

         Film date: March 12-19, 1964

Production Cost Per Episode: $128,300

Crew Credits

Producer: David Dortort

Production Executive: Robert Stillman

Music by: David Rose, William Lava

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

Story Consultant: Frank Cleaver and Anthony Wilson

Production Manager: Kent McCray

Color Consultant: Edward P. Ancona, Jr.

Song "Bonanza" by: Jay Livingston and Ray Evans

Art Direction: Hal Pereira, Earl Hedrick

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

Casting Supervisor: William Maybery

Assistant Directors: Don Daves, Ralph E. Black

Set Decoration: Sam Comer, Grace Gregory

Sound Recording: Lyle Figland, Joel Moss

Makeup Supervision: Wally Westmore

Hairstyle Supervision: Nellie Manley, C.H.S.

Costumer: Dario Piazza

Processed By:
Consolidated Film Industries

An NBC Production

Filmed at Paramount Studios,
Hollywood, California

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