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Title: Bonanza (1959–1973)
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(1964–1970)
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Western
Stars:
Fess Parker,
Patricia Blair,
Darby Hinton
The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp
(1955–1961)
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Stars:
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Edit
Cast
| Complete series cast summary: | |||
| Lorne Greene | ... |
Ben Cartwright
/ ...
(430 episodes, 1959-1973)
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| Michael Landon | ... |
Joseph 'Little Joe' Cartwright
/ ...
(427 episodes, 1959-1973)
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|
| Dan Blocker | ... |
Eric 'Hoss' Cartwright
/ ...
(415 episodes, 1959-1972)
|
|
| Pernell Roberts | ... |
Adam Cartwright
(200 episodes, 1959-1965)
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|
Edit
Plot Summary
|
Add Synopsis
Storyline
The Cartwright's ten-thousand square mile Ponderosa Ranch is located near Virginia City, Nevada, site of the Comstock Silver Lode, during and after the Civil War. Each of the sons was born to a different wife of Ben's; none of the mothers is still alive. Adventures are typical western ones, with lots of personal relationships/problems thrown in as well. Written by Ed Stephan <stephan@cc.wwu.edu>
Genres:
WesternParents Guide:
View content advisory »
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See full technical specs »
Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
12 September 1959 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
Ponderosa See more »Filming Locations:
Virginia City Western Street - Paramount Studios Backlot - 5555 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, California, USA See more »Company Credits
Show detailed
company contact information
on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
(430 episodes)Sound Mix:
MonoColor:
ColorAspect Ratio:
4:3
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Adam Cartwright: Education is progress! Now what have you got against it?
Ben Cartwright: I don't have anything against education - as long as it doesn't interfere with your thinking!
See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
Most viewers have only heard the famous theme song by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans played as an instrumental. The theme song actually had lyrics and there is footage of the lead actors singing those lyrics. Lorne Greene, Dan Blocker and Michael Landon sang a lyric version of this famous instrumental theme for the pilot, but it never aired. Johnny Cash recorded his own version of the theme song. See more »Goofs
In every episode each character who wore a gun had a pistol belt with no loops for bullets. The show took place during the Civil War. Pistols were cap and ball, did not use metallic cartridges. Thus no bullet loops. See more »Quotes
Ben Cartwright: You and your education.Adam Cartwright: Education is progress! Now what have you got against it?
Ben Cartwright: I don't have anything against education - as long as it doesn't interfere with your thinking!
See more »
This was probably one of the more influential western series of all time. Along with "Gunsmoke" this also was one of the longest running series in the history of television. The thing that made it great though was that it was able to get better over time. For example, in many of the early episodes, Ben and his sons had an almost antagonistic relationship with anyone who came on their property. In fact, the Cartwrights had an almost shoot first, ask questions later attitude to any stranger that might wander onto the Ponderosa. However, when Lorne Greene suggested that the Cartwrights become more hospitable, that's when the show began to take off. Also, the Adam, Hoss and Joe weren't on the best of terms with each other during the show's early days, but as time went on the three of them grew closer and showed their affection towards each other, especially Hoss and Little Joe. But the thing that really made it great was the fact that the cast and crew were able to go from serious drama to some very light hearted episodes and make it more than just a western but a family drama with stories that could easily fit into any era. This is really a show for the ages.