Pernell Roberts Movies
Pernell Roberts worked such odd jobs as butcher, forest ranger and tombstone-maker while studying acting and singing and scouting around for off-Broadway jobs. Roberts' film debut, in a characteristic Deep Brooder role, was in 1958's Desire Under the Elms. From 1959 through 1966, Roberts co-starred as black-clad, taciturn Adam Cartwright on Bonanza. "Aloof, rebellious and outspoken" was how Bonanza producer David Dotort summed up Roberts, who fought tooth and nail over every real or imagined challenge to his integrity (his biggest beef was that he had to call Lorne Greene "Pa" rather than "Father"). Fed up with what he perceived as the series' declining quality, Roberts left Bonanza in 1966; it was explained to fans that "Adam" had left to study at a European university. Free of his TV series commitment, Roberts returned to his first love, the stage--and also divested himself of the toupee he'd been forced to wear as Adam. The actor played the straw-hat circuit in such musicals as Camelot and The King and I, all the while accepting film and TV roles that came up to his standards. Unfortunately, his stubbornness and standoffishness left a sour taste with co-workers and fans alike, and Roberts was unable to soar to the artistic heights to which he aspired. After years of declaring that he'd never again return to the grind of weekly television, Roberts accepted the role of Dr. "Trapper" John McIntyre, chief of surgery at San Francisco memorial hospital, in the seven-season (1979-86) M*A*S*H spin-off Trapper John MD. In 1991 Pernell Roberts assumed the hosting duties of the TV anthology FBI: The Untold Stories. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide- 1962
Eleven of the twelve jurors in the murder trial of Jamie Wrenn (Jack Betts) have voted for a guilty verdict. The sole holdout is Hoss Cartwright, who harbors the old familiar "reasonable doubts." When it appears as though Hoss has received a bribe, his brother Adam takes a hand in the matter. Also appearing are James Bell as Olson, Don Haggerty as Murdock, Arthur Space as Judge Crane and Tol Avery as Breese. Written by Robert Vincent Wright, "The Jury" made its first network appearance on December 30, 1962. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, (more)
- 1962
"The Good Samaritan" is Hoss Cartwright, who plays cupid for a pair of lonely souls: Newly widowed Abigail Hinton (Jeanne Cooper) and recently jilted Wade Tyree (Don Collier). After Abby and Wade are married, however, Hoss' well-intentioned help becomes a major hindrance. Also appearing is Noreen DeVita as Abby's daughter Bonnie. First telecast on December 23, 1962, "The Good Samaritan" was written by Robert Bloomfield. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, (more)
- 1962
"Gallegher's Sons" are a pair of pre-teen girls named Will (Eileen Chesis) and Charlie (Larrain Gillespie), who have been raised as boys by their chauvinistic father. When Gallegher dies, the girls are left to fend for themselves, which they do until they are discovered by passerby Hoss Cartwright. Taking it upon himself to transport the girls to their only surviving relative, Hoss is unaware that Will and Charlie are being pursued by a posse determined to recover a fortune in currency stolen by the light-fingered Gallegher. Also in the cast are Robert Strauss as Blake and Craig Curtis as Tully. Originally broadcast on December 9, 1962, "Gallegher's Sons" was written by Dick Nelson. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, (more)
- 1962
Seriously injured in a fall, Hoss Cartwright is in desperate need of medical attention. Alas, the only available doctor is a man named Jones (DeForest Kelley), who has been sentenced to hang for murder. Ben Cartwright's pleas to Judge Grant (John Hoyt) to temporarily release Dr. Jones so that he can tend to Hoss' injuries fall upon deaf ears; after all, it was Grant's wife who was murdered by the condemned man. Rounding out the supporting cast are Lisabeth Hush as Karen Jones and Walter Sande as the Sheriff. Written by Frank Chase and Norman Jacobs, "The Decision" first aired on December 16, 1962. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, (more)
- 1962
Once again, the loyalties of the Cartwright clan are divided by the ongoing Civil War. Confederate sympathizer Judge Terry (Harry Townes) hopes to use the Cartwrights' influence to become the governor of Nevada. As a byproduct of this political finagling, Joe Cartwright falls in love with the Judge's daughter Morvath (Joyce Taylor), infuriating-and ultimately alienating-his brother Adam, who remains faithful to the Union Cause. Weaving throughout the proceedings is celebrated British secret agent Bill Stewart (Barry Kelly). The fact-based teleplay for "The War Comes to Washoe" was written by Alvin Sapinsley; the episode originally aired on November 4, 1962. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, (more)
- 1962
Hoss Cartwright agrees to meet and provide transportation for Lotty (Judi Meredith), the mail-order bride of his temporarily incapacitated friend Walter Prescott (John Doucette). Hoss' gallantry backfires when Lotty falls in love with him--whereupon the disgruntled Prescott hires a bounty hunter to kill the hapless Mr. Cartwright. The supporting cast includes Phil Chambers (Dick Thompson), Tyler McVey (Townsman), Roy Engel (Doctor), Tina Menard (Francesca), George Robotham (Frank) and Gil Perkins (Whitey). Originally seen on November 18, 1962, "Knight Errant" was written by Joseph Hoffman. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, (more)
- 1962
Abducted by the Shoshones at the age of six, teenager Billy Horn (Carl Reindel is brought back to the White Man's world by Ben Cartwright. As Billy tries to adjust to a different set of rules and values, he forms a strong friendship with Ben's son Joe. Meanwhile, a slick operator named Milton Tanner (Ken Lynch) has laid claim to the Ponderosa, using a set of old land grants as proof of possession. While Ben prepares legal recourse with family lawyer Lewis (Robert Burton), Billy tries to use Indian methods to defend his new friends against the mean-spirited Tanner-with tragic consequences. Raymond Bailey, minus the toupe he wore as Milburn Drysdale on The Beverly Hillbillies, appears as the Judge in the closing scenes. Written by Preston Wood, "The Beginning" first aired on November 25, 1962. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, (more)
- 1962
Will Kuluva guest-stars as General Diaz, a self-styled Mexican patriot who raids gold shipments in order to finance his campaign against the Emperor Maximillian. Taking the Cartwrights hostage, Juarez forces Ben to assist in the robbery of a gold wagon. At first hostile towards Diaz, Ben comes to respect and admire the General's sincerity and idealism-qualities lacking in his hired henchmen, one of whom, a mercenary sadist named Forsythe (Leo Gordon), has already shot Joe Cartwright in the back. Figuring prominently in the storyline is a young Diaz follower named Sims (Lee Farr) and his erstwhile sweetheart Molly (Jena Engstrom. Scripted by Denne Petitclerc from a story by N.B. Stone Jr., "The Deadly Ones" was originally telecast on December 2, 1962. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, (more)
- 1962
Ben Cartwright is an eyewitness when ex-convict Jack Groat (Charles Maxwell shoots down the son of Ben's old friend Lem Partridge (Lyle Bettger). Inasmuch as Groat had previously been thrown in prison for the murder of Lem's wife, Lem cannot understand why Ben did not intervene when Groat committed his most recent killing. Determining that everyone including Ben has failed him, Lem vows to avenge the deaths of his wife and son all by himself-but, as usual, there is more to the story than meets the eye. Anne Benton is seen as Caroline, while Edward C. Platt plays Wade. Written by Clifford Irving, "The Guilty" first aired on February 25, 1962. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, (more)
- 1962
Hoping to catch a band of cattle rustlers, the Cartwrights lay a trap for the bandits, while Adam Cartwright scouts the area for possible thieves. Coming upon the injured Matthew Grant (John Archer), Adam assumes that Grant is one of the rustlers. Knowing that his father Ben intends to shoot first and ask questions later, Adam tries to get Grant to confess his crimes and turn himself over to the authorities. Bethel Leslie and Donald Losby appear respectively as Grant's wife Ann and son Jody. First shown on February 18, 1962, "The Jackknife" was written by Frank Chase. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, (more)
- 1962
With the terrritory in the grip of a devastating drought, the local farmers, led by Jason Gant (Royal Dano) hope to use the water supply near the Ponderosa. Unfortunately, the neighboring ranchers take objection to this, organizing a vigilante group to drive off the farmers. Feeling personally responsible for Gant's plight, Hoss Cartwright intervenes in the deadly water-rights battle. Future Star Trek regular Majel Barrett is cast as Mrs. Ganther, while Pam Smith appears as Lindy. Written by Borden Chase, "Gift of Water" was originally telecast on February 11, 1962. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, (more)
- 1962
James Dunn guest-stars as Danny Lynch, an elderly Ponderosa ranch hand. Upon learning that his mother Nellie (Cheerio Meredith) has left Ireland to pay him a visit, Danny goes into a panic: For lo these many years, he has been lying to his mother that he is in charge of the Ponderosa. To make the old woman happy, the Cartwrights put on an elaborate charade, wherein Danny is lord and master of their ranch, and they are merely his hired hands. Naturally, this little deception snowballs into a major crisis. Written by Charles Lang, "The Auld Sod" first aired February 4, 1962. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, (more)
- 1962
In 1907, the brilliant physicist Albert Abraham Michelson won the Nobel Prize for developing the optical precision instruments which made it possible for his fellow scientists to measure light waves. According to Bonanza scriptwriters Robert Fresco and Paul Rink, the German-born Michelson spent his youth in Virginia City, Nevada, where he was a student in the classroom presided over by the stern and merciless Mr. Norton (William Schallert). When young Albert (Douglas Lambert) is designated as a "problem child" and expelled from school, Ben Cartwright tries to find out why. Originally telecast March 18, 1962, "Look to the Stars" also features Joe De Santis and Penny Santon as Albert's hard-working immigrant parents Samuel and Rosalie Michelson. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, (more)
- 1962
While on a cattle drive, the Cartwright men make a stopover in the town of Alkali. The next morning, the Cartwrights are tossed into the local jail, accused of robbing the town's bank and killing several innocent bystanders. Escaping from his cell, Joe Cartwright tries to summon help before his father Ben and his brothers Adam and Hoss are summarily hanged. Featured in the cast are two of Hollywood's most reliable tough guys, Charles McGraw as Sheriff Gains and Ben Johnson as Stan. First telecast April 1, 1962, "The Gamble" marked the scriptwriting debut of Bonanza star Michael Landon, who coauthored the episode with Frank Chase. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, (more)
- 1962
Singer Vaughn Monroe guest-stars as shy Ponderosa ranchhand Hank Meyers. In love with schoolteacher Abigail Jones (Eileen Ryan), Hank is too timid to reveal his feelings to her. Thus, in true "Miles Standish" fashion, Hank asks Adam Cartwright to act as go-between-with the expected results. Norma Varden and Diana Darrin round out the supporting cast as Ma Nutley and Margie, respectively. Originally broadcast on March 4, 1962, "The Wooing of Abigail Jones" was written by Norman Lessing. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, (more)
- 1962
While sharing lunch with Adam and Joe Cartwright, Sheriff Coffee notices a holdup gang in the Virginia City express office. Attempting to capture the outlaws, Coffee is trampled by a horse stampede instigated by the crooks. As Coffee recovers from his injuries, Asa Moran (Arthur Franz is named acting sheriff. Proving to be the living embodiment of the motto "Absolute power corrupts absolutely", the dictatorial Moran is also secretly in league with the outlaws-and when Adam Cartwright is on the verge of exposing Moran, he finds himself next in line on Moran's hit list. Radio veteran Les Tremayne is seen as Judge Jackson, while the role of Lou Palmer is filled by Robert Mitchum's brother John Mitchum. Coscripted by John A. Johns and Dick Nelson, "The Lawmaker" was first broadcast on March 11, 1962. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, (more)
- 1962
The Cartwrights take a hand in matters when bandits reportedly steal the $100,000 dowry intended for the wedding of Michele Dubois (Luciana Paluzzi), the daughter of self-proclaimed land baron Alexander Dubois (Steven Geray). While the Cartwright sons stand guard over the injured DuBois during his recuperation at the Ponderosa, Ben begins to wonder why the same outlaws repeatedly manage to track down DuBois and his money. Meanwhile, bride-to-be Michele deftly wraps Joe, Hoss, and Adam around her little finger. Lee Bergere costars as Ricardo Fernandez. First shown on April 29, 1962, "The Dowry" was written by Robert Vincent Wright. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, (more)
- 1962
Hoping to meet the deadline for a crucial business transaction, Adam Cartwright rushes to the town of Bowline, with a bank draft in hand. En route, he is ambushed by, and forced to change clothes with, an escaped convict named Poindexter (Bing Russell, who later joined Bonanza in the semiregular role of Sheriff Clem). Later on Adam is arrested by the posse searching for Poindexter-a posse led by one Mr. Trace (James Coburn), who knows all too well that he has the wrong man in custody, but who intends to see Adam hang all the same. Cowritten by George Stackalee and E.M. Parsons, "The Long Night" first aired May 6, 1962. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, (more)
- 1962
In the 1961 Bonanza episode "Elizabeth, My Love," Ben Cartwright's thoughts drifted back to his first wife Elizabeth, the mother of his oldest son Adam. In the April 15, 1962 installment "Inger, My Love", Ben recalls his life with wife number two, Scandanavian émigré Inger Borgstrom (Inga Swenson), who would ultimately bear him his second son Hoss. It all began in Galesburg, where young Ben was given a job by tavern owner McWhorter (James Philbrook). During his brief stay in town, Ben fell in love with McWhorter's fiancee Inger, and also ran afoul of Inger's hotheaded brother Gunnar (Jeremy Slate). Organizing a wagon train to California, Ben headed out for the "promised land" with his 5-year-old son Adam and new bride Inger at his side-but his happiness over his latest marriage would inevitably prove short-lived. All of this occurs in flashback, as Ben prepares a birthday party for the grown-up Hoss. This pivotal Bonanza episode was cowritten by David Dortort, Frank Cleaver and Anthony Lawrence. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, (more)
- 1962
The townsfolk of Virginia City find their loyalties divided right down the middle during the raging feud between the Mahans and the Clarkes. It is up to Ben Cartwright to negotiate a cease-fire, and also to decide which family will get custody of twin grandchildren. Helping Ben weather this crisis is the town's new minister (Robert Brown). Featured in the cast are Leslie Wales (Peggy), Ford Rainey (Clarke) and Irene Tedrow (Mrs. Mahan). Written by Borden Chase and Frank Cleaver, "Blessed are They" first aired April 22, 1962. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, (more)
- 1962
Season Four of Bonanza began on September 23, 1962 with what was intended to be a landmark episode. In "The First Born", Barry Coe plays Clay Stafford, a new ranchhand on the Ponderosa. Ordered to leave Virginia City after killing a man in self-defense (or so it seems), Clay reveals an astonishing secret: He is the son of Ben Cartwright's third wife Marie, and as such is the biological older brother of Ben's own son Joe. Although Ben and Joe take Clay at his word, the other Cartwright boys, Hoss and Adam are skeptical, and they intend to investigate Clay's strange story. As originally written by Judith and George W. George, "The First Born" was to have introduced Barry Coe as a new Bonanza costar. Reportedly, however, Coe's presence on the set caused friction among the series' established regular, and the notion of a "fifth Cartwright" was quietly dropped. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, (more)
- 1962
Tired of living in the shadow of older brothers Adam and Hoss, Joe Cartwright demands that his father Ben give him more of a say in running the Ponderosa. Impressed, Ben hands Joe the solo responsibly of suppling timber to a mining company's construction project. As he begins this assignment, Joe is certain that he can do the job without anyone else's help-but can he? The supporting cast includes Grant Richards as Will Poavey, James Beck as Dave Donovan, Frank Gerstle as Weber, Dan Riss as Crawford and Charles Seel as Hawkins. Written by John Joseph and Thomas Thompson, "The Quest" originally aired on September 30 1962. ~ 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)
- 1962
This 100th episode of Bonanza begins as Susan Blanchard (Pat Breslin) is injured in a wagon crash. Though there is nothing physically wrong with her, Susan is psychosomatically incapable of leaving her bed. Enter faith healer Garth (Ed Nelson), who promises to make Susan walk again if she will agree to marry him. Caught in the middle is Hoss Cartwright, who knows that Garth is a fraud but is unable to say so lest Susan suffer permanent emotional damage. Known variously as "The Miracle Worker" and "The Miracle Maker", this episode originally aired on May 20, 1962, as the final entry of Bonanza's third season. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, (more)
- 1962
The Cartwrights are visited by Colonel Edward J. Dunwoody (Claude Akins), who is searching for an Army deserter. The fugitive turns out to be Bill Winters (Robert Sampson), the Cartwrights' well-liked neighbor-and, as it happens, Colonel Dunwoody's son. Meanwhile, the Shoshones plan to wreak vengeance against Dunwoody, who had previously engineered the massacre of a peaceful Indian village. Also appearing are Anthony Caruso as Keokuk, George Keymas as Running Wolf and Gale Garnett as Maria. Originally broadcast on October 21, 1962, "The Deserter" was written by Norman Lessing. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, (more)
