Bonanza: The Next Generation (1988)

This is the continuing saga of the Cartwrights, only none of the original Cartwrights are here anymore but their sons. Ben and Hoss have passed on, and Little Joe is MIA; he went with Teddy... See full summary »

Director:

William F. Claxton

Writers:

David Dortort (television series), David Dortort (story),

Stars:

Robert Fuller, John Ireland, Peter Mark Richman

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Robert Fuller	...	Charlie Poke
John Ireland	...	Capt. 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)

Storyline

This is the continuing saga of the Cartwrights, only none of the original Cartwrights are here anymore but their sons. Ben and Hoss have passed on, and Little Joe is MIA; he went with Teddy Roosevelt and is currently missing. Ben's brother, Aaron is now in charge of the Ponderosa, and Little Joe's wife Annie also lives there. His son, Benjamin has come back fom the East. Charlie Poke is a man who owes his life to Ben Cartwright and is now the ranch foreman, and is not exactly on good terms with Aaron. Aaron has allowed a mining company access to mine on the Ponderosa, but the man in charge has other ideas. And Hoss' son Josh whom no one has seen before, has come to the Ponderosa to kill Hoss cause he thinks Hoss deserted him and his mother not knowing that Hoss died before he could go back to bring his mother back to the Ponderosa.

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Plot Keywords:

sequel

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Genres:

Western

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

23 March 1988 (USA)

Also Known As:

Bonanza: The Movie

Filming Locations:

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

Company Credits

Production Co:

Bonanza Ventures, Gaylord Productions, LBS Communications

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

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

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Connections

Followed by Bonanza: The Return (1993)

User Reviews

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.