IMDb > "Bonanza" (1959)
"Bonanza"
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"Bonanza" (1959) More at IMDbPro »TV series 1959-1973

Photos (see all 148 | slideshow) Videos (see all 2)
"Bonanza" (1959): :  -- Clip: Original episodic promo
"Bonanza" (1959): :  -- Clip: Opening credits

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Overview

User Rating:
7.3/10   1,152 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Up 19% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Contact:
View company contact information for Bonanza on IMDbPro.
Seasons:
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 full episode list
Release Date:
12 September 1959 (USA) more
Plot:
The adventures of Ben Cartwright and his sons as they run and defend their ranch while helping the surrounding community. full summary
Awards:
Nominated for 2 Golden Globes. Another 6 wins & 12 nominations more
NewsDesk:
(18 articles)
Actor Maross Dies
 (From WENN. 11 November 2009, 8:11 AM, PST)

[TV] Bonanza: The Official First Season
 (From JustPressPlay. 25 September 2009, 2:14 PM, PDT)

User Comments:
Reflecting 50's Idealism!! more (37 total)

Cast

 (Series Cast Summary - 4 of 688)
Lorne Greene ... Ben Cartwright / ... (430 episodes, 1959-1973)

Michael Landon ... Joseph 'Little Joe' Cartwright / ... (429 episodes, 1959-1973)
Dan Blocker ... Eric 'Hoss' Cartwright / ... (415 episodes, 1959-1972)
Pernell Roberts ... Adam Cartwright (202 episodes, 1959-1965)
more

Additional Details

Also Known As:
Ponderosa (USA) (rerun title)
more
Runtime:
50 min (430 episodes)
Country:
Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
1.33 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:
Finland:K-11 (DVD) (2006) | Australia:PG (some episodes) | Argentina:Atp | Australia:G (some episodes)

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
Although it got off to a rough start, by 1961 it was the #1 show on TV. more
Goofs:
Anachronisms: During the first season opening credits, the Cartwrights can be seen galloping on horses on a dirt road that contains an unmistakable set of tire tracks from the truck carrying the camera in front of them. more
Quotes:
[running gag]
Ben Cartwright: Hey, Joe, do you know the difference between a table and an ottoman?
Joseph 'Little Joe' Cartwright: Sure I do.
Ben Cartwright: Then take your feet off the table!
[Hoss rolls his eyes]
Eric 'Hoss' Cartwright: He'll never learn to do that.
more
Soundtrack:
Bonanza more

FAQ

How did the characters Adam and Hoss leave the series?
Little Joe's middle name
more
6 out of 7 people found the following comment useful.
Reflecting 50's Idealism!!, 18 May 2007
10/10
Author: dataconflossmoor from United States

When I was born, this television series was the number one show on T.V.!! America epitomized the feat of the ultimate fatted calf country with big ambitions, limitless potential, and a very comfortable economy!! After a big Sunday dinner, why not sit back and watch "Bonanza", IN COLOR!!! This homey western evokes an American tradition which accompanies the complacency of the typical U.S. household during the era in which it was viewed.. The breathtaking cinematography of Lake Tahoe symbolized an infinite prosperity of the emerging American culture!! Western Movies were so popular that Western Television Shows followed suit!! This was a period in time in our country which yearned for a concise reflection on our own country's struggle for survival!! The end result of the trials and tribulations at the Ponderosa Ranch, as demonstrated in this series, sparked a realization that Americans are now auspiciously enjoying the fruits of the Cartwright's painstaking labor!!

The T.V. Show "Bonanza" was popular for so many different reasons, mostly on account of the fact that the late fifties and early sixties had not yet established the divisiveness of two different cultural mindsets which was ready to surface with our nation! The unification of ideologies in the United States which prevailed during the debut of "Bonanza" was a big reason for the show's success!! In the show's later years, "Bonanza" had established a firmly entrenched core market television audience!! The cast to "Bonanza" became famous, and the wholesome entertainment of "Bonanza" encompassed a camaraderie for the All-American idealist!! Everybody liked "Bonanza" and a lot of Americans totally loved it!! Reflecting on rough and tumble family values is a favorite past time of many Americans, and the television show "Bonanza" was perfect for that frame of mind!! I liked the show a lot, and most people I know like it as well!! Certainly, my entire family loved "Bonanza"!! This show was one of the all time American classics in the history of television!!

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Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for "Bonanza" (1959)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
Was Adam ever mentioned again? nelson-cruz
disturbing episode rena165129
Little Joe's mother, Marie? afsnowbird
James Coburn nelson-cruz
Article on Bonanza's Staying Power Posted On Suite101 jeremylr
The Hunter HOTsunrise
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