Bonanza: The Next Generation (1988) (TV)

User Rating:

5.6/10   

Director:

William F. Claxton

Writers (WGA):

David Dortort (television series)
David Dortort (story)

Release Date:

23 March 1988 (USA)

Genre:

Western

Plot:

This is the continuing saga of the Cartwrights, only none of the original Cartwrights are here anymore but their sons...

Plot Keywords:

Sequel

Cast

Robert Fuller	...	Charlie Poke
John Ireland	...	Captain Aaron Cartwright
Peter Mark Richman	...	Mr. Dunson
John Amos	...	Mr. Mack
Michael Landon Jr.	...	Benjamin 'Benj' Cartwright
Barbara Anderson	...	Annabelle 'Annie' Cartwright
Brian A. Smith	...	Josh Cartwright
Richard Bergman	...	Sheriff Montooth
Gillian Greene	...	Jennifer Sills
Kevin Hagen	...	Nathaniel Amsted
William 'Billy' Benedict	...	Gus Morton (as William Benedict)
Dabbs Greer	...	Sills
Gary Reed	...	Eldon Poole
Lee McLaughlin	...	Mayor
Robert F. Hoy	...	Feathers (as Robert Hoy)

Also Known As:

Bonanza: The Movie

Runtime:

93 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Filming Locations:

Ponderosa Ranch - 100 Ponderosa Ranch Road, Incline Village, Lake Tahoe, Nevada, USA

Company:

Bonanza Ventures

Trivia:

Lorne Greene was originally signed to reprise his role of Ben Cartwright from the original TV series ("Bonanza" (1959)), but died before production began.

Movie Connections:

Followed by Bonanza: Under Attack (1995) (TV)

Review of "Bonanza: The Next Generation" - TV Pilot Movie

We purchased this movie to familiarize ourselves with the appearance and mannerisms of Michael Landon Jr. He was only 24 at the time and inexperienced. This in mind, he did quite a good job. There were three examples of just plain bad acting: First place goes to Brian Smith as Josh. Then Gillian Greene as Jennifer and finally Richard Bergman as the sheriff. The plot and storyline of this film had great potential and promise but fell far short due mainly to poorly written, illogical and uncomfortable to watch dialogue. The veteran actors tried their best to carry this movie but were not provided good writing to work with. Also the constant background and effect music was often inappropriate and annoying, especially during indoor dialogue scenes. The scenery however, was gorgeous. Michael Landon Jr, now in his 40's, recent four "Love's" series films are fine examples of very high quality films. It is quite obvious he has inherited his famous father's gifts and sensitivities.