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Bonanza

Bonanza is a long-running western TV series. It was broadcast on NBC from 1959 to 1973. It is the second-longest running TV western after Gunsmoke.

The show is centered on widower rancher Ben Cartwright and his three adult sons. The series starred Lorne Green, who would later star in the original Battlestar Galactica TV series.

Bonanza Cast and Crew in MST3K Movies[]

  • Lorne Green - as Ben Cartwright
  • Michael Landon - as Joe Cartwright (aka "Little Joe")
  • Pernell Roberts - as Adam Cartwright (left the series in 1965)
  • Bruno VeSota - as Bartender (recurring)
  • Leo Gordon - as Early Thorne (recurring), also writer
  • Chris Alcaide - as Blake (three episodes)
  • Carlos Rivas - as Angel Montana (two episodes)
  • Robert Sorrells - as multiple characters (five episodes)
  • Lee Van Cleef - as Appling (one episode)
  • Peter Mark Richman - as Richard Vardeman (one episode), also Mr. Dunson in the 1988 TV movie Bonanza: The Next Generation
  • Carolyn Kearney - as Sheila Reardon (one episode)
  • Fred Freiberger - writer (one episodes)
  • True Eames Boardman - writer (one episode)

Bonanza References on MST3K[]

Theme Song[]

Bonanza has a memorable instrumental theme song. There are lyrics, but they are not widely known (as is the case with Star Trek). Interested viewers can find different versions of the song with lyrics here and here.

  • Mitchell - Host Segment Three:
    • Tom: OK, now Bonanza, including the words!
    • Crow: Oh, OK. (singing) It's all right if I pick a little fight! Bonanza!
  • I Was a Teenage Werewolf
    • Mike: We've got a film and it's starring Michael Landon!
    • It’s all alright if I kill a couple kids- Bonanza!

Dan Blocker[]

Dan Blocker (who played Hoss Cartwright) was known for being heavyset. He has not appeared in any films or shorts used on MST3K (to date), but has been referenced in riffs.

Other References[]

  • Gamera vs Barugon - "Hey, it's the start of Bonanza." (The opening title sequence of Bonanza included film of a map catching fire in the center and spreading outward.)
  • Quest of the Delta Knights - "Bonanza, now with femmie clothes."
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