William Wright Movies
- 1973
Director Francesco Rosi returns to his recurring theme of the connections between legal and illegal exercises of power in this sensationalized account of the infamous gangster Charles "Lucky" Luciano (Gian Maria Volonte). The film examines the life of Luciano after serving nine years of his 50-year sentence in the 1930s and 1940s, after which he was pardoned and deported to Italy. Once back in Italy, Luciano travels to Naples, where he finds himself under a continuous ten-year investigation by narcotics investigator Charles Siragusa (who plays himself). Rosi uses Luciano as a clinical study, questioning his legendary status and exploring the truth behind the legend. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Gian Maria Volontè, Rod Steiger, (more)
- 1963
While tracking down a gang of poachers, Ben Cartwright is shot and left for dead. Convinced that Ben is dead, his griefstricken sons head off in three different directions to bring their father's "murderer" to justice. Meanwhile, Ben recovers from his wounds and makes his way back to the Ponderosa, where he awaits his sons' return-if indeed, they do return. Robert H. Harris costars as Mr. Dormann, the man responsible for Ben's miraculous revovery. One of the best-ever Bonanza episodes, "The Legeacy" was written by Arthur Wilson, and first aired December 15, 1963. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, (more)
- 1962
The title character in the May 13, 1962 Bonanza episode "The Mountain Girl" is Trudy Harker, played by Nina Shipman. Raised in the hills by her reclusive grandfather Seth (Will Wright), Trudy is left in Joe Cartwright's care when Seth dies. Honoring a promise to the girl's late grandfather, Joe is determined to transform the hoydenish Trudy into a "lady", so that she can move into the San Francisco mansion of her other grandfather, wealthy Josiah Harker (Carl Benton Reid). Others in the cast include Warren Oates as Paul and Nancy Hadley as Stephanie. Originally shown on May 13, 1962, "The Mountain Girl" was written by John Furia Jr.. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, (more)
- 1961
When Carl (James Best), the son of former Ponderosa foreman Will Reagan (Will Wright), is reported killed, Adam Cartwright decides to investigate. Riding to the border town of Plata, Mexico, Adam has ostensibly arrived to claim the body, but is actually seeking out the reasons for Carl's sudden death. As expected, he learns a lot more than he bargained for-but he may never live to tell about it. Featured in the cast are Frank Silvera as El Jefe, Ziva Rodann as Maria, Arthur Batanides as Pablo, and the estimable Veda Ann Borg as Beulah. Written by Richard Landau, "The Fugitive" first aired on February 4, 1961. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, (more)
- 1960
Young Billy Walker (Wesley Lau) is accused of murdering the wife of Marshal Dowd (Claude Akins). Walker's employers, the Cartwrights, hope that Billy will get a fair trial, but it soon becomes obvious that Dowd intends to kill the boy before the case can be heard. Thus it is that Adam and Hoss appoint themselves escorts when Dowd transports Walker to Los Angeles for trial. Others in the cast included Fintan Meyler as Andrea, Ron Hayes as Hurd Cutler, John Wengraf as Dr. Strasser, Bud Osborne as Charlie, and Will Wright as Bailey. Written by Donald S. Sanford, "Desert Justice" was first aired on February 20, 1960. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, (more)
