The Ponderosa, a sprawling Nevada cattle ranch, is home to the first family of television westerns - The Cartwrights. Patriarch Ben Cartwright (Lorne Greene) has raised his sons, Adam (Pernell Roberts), Hoss (Dan Blocker), and Little Joe (Michael Landon), into fine young men, but there are still many lessons and dangers to be faced in the largely untamed West during the mid 1800's. Launched in 1959, the "Bonanza" series was the first hour-long television show shot in color, and ranks as the second longest running TV western after "Gunsmoke." In the 14 seasons that it ran, millions of Americans tuned in every week to watch the Cartwright family live, love, work, play and fight on the Ponderosa.
The Gunman: In Kiowa Flats, Hoss and Little Joe are mistaken for the notorious Slade Brothers. Dan Blocker and Michael Landon each play dual roles.
The Avenger: A hangman's noose awaits Ben and Adam after they are framed for a restaurant owner's murder. Guest Star: Vic Morrow
The Last Trophy: A hunting trip goes awry when Adam and his guests, Lord and Lady Dunsworth, are captured by a vicious gang of outlaws.
The Hopefuls: Guiding a wagon train of pacifist Quakers, Adam's love for the leader's daughter conflicts with his need to use force to protect them.
Film Collectors & Archivists: Alpha Video is actively looking for rare and
unusual pre-1943 motion pictures, in good condition, from Monogram, PRC,
Tiffany, Chesterfield, and other independent studios for release on DVD. We
are also interested in TV shows from the early 1950s. Share your passion
for films with a large audience.
Let us know what you have.