David Canary Movies
Square-jawed, mellow-voiced character actor David Canary achieved his greatest prominence on television, in roles that typecast him as a "man's man" with an unmistakably tough edge but a smooth demeanor and approach. Born in Elwood, IN, Canary grew up in Ohio as the son of a JC Penney manager. He took to musical performance (as a baritone vocalist) during adolescence, then after high school attended the University of Cincinnati on a football scholarship and concurrently took classes at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, qualifying as the first person to combine studies at both institutions, graduating as a music major in voice from the university. During that period, the university theater director, Paul Rutledge, observed Canary's innate dramatic gifts and strongly encouraged the student to try out for roles in numerous productions, many of which he landed with great ease, thereby opening himself up to a talent all but unrecognized and untapped, and paving the way for a prestigious foray into acting that commenced with several years of summer stock. Canary began his professional acting career on-stage, in musicals, but he made his Broadway debut in the play Great Day in the Morning, opposite Colleen Dewhurst. His career was put on hold for a time when he was drafted into the U.S. Army and stationed at a base in Texas, but he made the most of it, entertaining the troops and winning the All Army Entertainment Contest for best popular singer. When his service time was completed, Canary returned to the theater, but it wasn't long before he moved into filmed work.As a professional actor, Canary divided his time between big- and small-screen outings, but placed his strongest emphasis on television. He is best known for two ongoing, multi-season series roles: Candy, a wanderer hired onto the Cartwright property as a ranch hand, on the immensely popular Western saga Bonanza (a part held from 1967 through 1970 and again during the final season of 1972-1973), and -- on a much different note -- long-running portrayals of twins Adam and Stuart Chandler on the ABC daytime drama All My Children. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide
- 1970
Having accumulated $67,000 from a gold strike, prospector Chris Keller (Christopher Connelly) finds himself the target of virtually every confidence trickster in the country. To save himself and his cash, Chris hides out at the Ponderosa, only to be lured into the open by lovely Charity McGill (Elaine Giftos). By an amazing coincidence, sweet Charity needs $65,000 to pay for her dear father's medical expenses. The Cartwrights are certain that Charity is yet another con artist-but is she? Ralph Waite of The Waltons fame appears in the supporting role of Hoby. Written by Preston Wood, "The Lady and the Mark" first aired February 1, 1970, then was chosen by NBC for an encore presentation in June of 1972. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1970
In her third Bonanza appearance, Mariette Hartley is here cast as Jennifer, the daughter of Ben Cartwright's old friend Harry Carlis (John McLiam). Slated to be wed to influential banker Tuttle Ames (Burr DeBennings, Jennifer leaves her intended at the altar and makes a beeline to the Ponderosa, insisting that she's been in love with Ben all her life. Even though Ben refuses to marry the girl, the vengeful Ames does everything in his power to destroy the Cartwright's financial empire. B.W. Sandefur's script makes a passing reference to Ben's son Adam, who hadn't been seen on Bonanza for nearly five years when "Is There Any Man Here?" first aired on February 8, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1970
The eleventh season of Bonanza was wrapped up on April 19, 1970 with the powerhouse episode "A Matter of Circumstance." Though several prominent actors-notably young Vincent Van Patten-appear in the supporting cast, the episode is virtually a one-man show, focusing on Michael Landon as Joe Cartwright. Left alone at the Ponderosa to await the arrival of a new cook, Joe is injured by a fall from his horse. Dazed and confused, Joe tries to stay conscious and treat his own injuries-even if it means amputating his own arm! The episode is distinguished by the subjective-camera direction of William F. Claxton, wherein we see most of the action through Joe's eyes. "A Matter of Circumstance" was written by B.W. Sandefur. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1970
Innocent Hoss Cartwright is thrown in jail, suspected of complicity in a bank robbery. The real bandits are a pair of Easterners named Luke (John Beck) and Calvin (Hamilton Camp), who'd been drawn to the west after reading an abundance of dime novels. Hoping to live up to the exploits of their literary counterparts, Luke and Calvin make things worse for Hoss by busting him out of jail and forcing him to join their two-man "gang." Slim Pickens plays the Sheriff, and future Little House on the Prairie regular Dabbs Greer is seen as the Judge in this comic episode written by Jack B. Sowards. "What are Pardners For?" was originally telecast on April 12, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1970
Perhaps the silliest Bonanza episode ever filmed, "Caution, Easter Bunny Crossing" was written by Larry Markes. This is the one in which Hoss Cartwright dresses up in a huge rabbit costume to entertain a group of orphans at an Easter party. En route to the festivities, Hoss runs afoul of four dimwits from Brooklyn who hope to become wild-west outlaws. The incredible climax finds Hoss foiling the villains not with his six-guns but with an arsenal of pungent easter eggs. Marc Lawrence, Len Lesser, Vic Tayback and Art Metrano play the erstwhile outlaws, while other roles are filled by Allyn Ann McLerie and Sandy Kenyon. The familiar-sounding background music was earlier used as the theme for the classic TV puppet series Kukla, Fran and Ollie. "Caution, Easter Bunny Crossing" originally aired on March 29, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1970
When Bonanza debuted in 1959, its first episode was "A Rose for Lotta", guest-starring Yvonne DeCarlo as real-life musical peformer Lotta Crabtree. Written by Stanley Roberts, the series' March 1, 1970 episode "Return Engagement" found Sally Kellerman in the role of the fabulous Lotta. As indicated by the title, Ms. Crabtree has once again honored Virginia City with a visit, and both Joe and Hoss Cartwright are swept off their feet by the glamorous actress (Joe even begins entertaining notions of pursuing a stage career himself!) Things take a sinister turn when Lotta's leading man is killed and Hoss is accused of the crime. Joyce Bulifant, who later played Marie Slaughter on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, appears as Bonnie. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1970
Tony De Costa is cast as Ramon, a Mexican youth who has suffered a lifetime of abuse at the hands of his father, and now is under the thumb of his cruel boss. Mad at the world, Ramon refuses to reveal the fact that he's discovered a rich gold vein. And then, inevitably, the boy is befriended by the kindly Cartwrights. Featured in the cast are Bruce Dern as Bayliss and Ross Hansen as Rader. Written by Robert Buckner and Preston Wood, "The Gold Mine" has seldom been seen since it originally aired on March 8, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1970
Making her second Bonanza appearance, Mercedes McCambridge is cast as wealthy widow Matilda Curtis, who helps Ben Cartwright establish a free school for the children of Ponderosa's employees and tenant farmers. When the schoolmaster is murdered, troublesome student Billy Burgess (a pre-Partridge Family David Cassidy) angrily confesses to the crime. To save Billy from being hanged, Matilda insists that he be placed in her custody without the formality of a court trial. But Ben, unconvinced by Billy's confession, demands that the boy get his day in court-even if it may cost him his life. Comedian Foster Brooks, aka "The Lovable Lush", plays the stone-sober role of Judge Rogers. Originally telecast on February 15, 1970, "The Law and Billy Burgess" was written by Stanley Roberts. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1970
Ben and his fellow cattlemen find themselves at the mercy of Chicago meat packer Emmett J. Whitney (Walter Barnes). Having purchased the rights to all railroad cattle cars, the greedy Whitney refuses to allow anyone to use those cars unless they allow him to purchase their stock at the outrageously low price of three dollars per head. Enraged, Ben puts his fortune-and the Ponderosa-on the line to beat Whitney at his own game. The supporting cast includes Kathleen Freeman as Ma Brinker, James McCallion as Luther, Mark Tapscott as Steve Rance, Billy Green Bush as Spanier, and Arthur Peterson as Lloyd Walsh. Written by Joel Murcott, "Long Way to Ogden" was originally telecast on February 22, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1969
While Sheriff Coffee testifies at a trial in San Francisco, Hoss Cartwright serves as temporary sheriff of Virginia City. Before long, Hoss has outraged and astonished the townsfolk by locking up millionaire Paul Forbes (Robert Emhardt) and his valet Fairfax (Jay Novello), for reasons which remain unclear throughout most of the episode. Conversely, Hoss refuses to accommodate troublemaker Hiram Peabody (Tom Bosley), who desperately wants to be arrested so he can escape his impending marriage to Cissie Summers (Melinda Dillon). First telecast on October 5, 1969, the lighthearted "A Lawman's Lot is Not a Happy One" was written by Robert Vincent Wright. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1969
When Will Griner (Walter Barnes) is acquitted of murder, the angry townsfolk, convinced that the trial was rigged in Will's favor, organize a lynch mob. It is up to the Cartwrights, Candy, and Sherriff Coffee to protect Will throughout a long and violent night. Meanwhile, Ben quietly re-opens the murder case to see if, indeed, Will was as guilty as the townspeople claim. The supporting cast includes Guy Stockwell as John Degnan, Ellen Weston as Louise Thurston, Ted Gehring as Jim, Stacy Harris as Teague, Tyler McVey as Al, and Mills Watson as Pete. Written by Preston Wood, "Anatomy of a Lynching" was initially telecast on October 12, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1969
Dean Stockwell guest-stars as Mathew, a former Northern war hero and Congressional Medal of Honor Winner, now living a pauper's existence in Nevada. Ben Cartwright comes to Mathew's aid when the man is victimized by Seth Nagel (Harry Townes), a Southerner determined to avenge the loss of his home and family at the hands of the Yankees. The plot goes off on a rivetting tangent when Seth's daughter Lori (Susan Howard) befriends the beleagured Mathew. Written by Frank Chase, "The Medal" was originally broadcast on October 26, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1969
Candy is forced to kill the rancher husband of Lisa Campbell (Charlotte Stewart) in self-defense. Hoping to overcome Lisa's bitterness, Candy goes to work for her as a ranchhand. Ultimately, love blossoms between the two-but Lisa has already hired gunslinger Jake (Lloyd Battista) to kill Candy, and Jake refuses to back down from the job. Scripted by Star Trek stalwart D.C. Fontana, "The Stalker" first aired on November 2, 1969, then was selected by NBC for an encore presentation in the summer of 1972. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1969
Originally telecast on November 16, 1969, "Meena" was the first of three Bonanza episodes featuring the troublesome Calhouns. When Joe Cartwright is kidnapped by bumbling crooks Jesse (Victor French), Owen (Robert Donner), and Virge (George Morgan), he is rescued by pretty Meena Calhoun (Ann Prentiss) and brought to the girl's home, an abandoned gold mine. Almost immediately, Meena's ill-tempered prospector father Luke (Dub Taylor) tries to force a marriage between his daughter and Joe. Meanwhile, the trio of would-be kidnappers refocus their energies on stealing the gold which they believe that Luke has salted away. "Meena" was written by Jack B. Sowards. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1969
Joe Cartwright is dumbfounded when his friend, bank employee Wade Turner (Gregory Walcott), abruptly leaves town before his marriage to his sweetheart Sarah (Sandra Smith). Wade's abrupt exit coincides with a shortage in the bank's accounts, prompting Joe to seek out his friend and demand an explanation. But no one knows the real reason for Wade's departure: he is slowly dying of a brain tumor. Featured in the cast is a young Dabney Coleman as Clyde. Written by John Hawkins, Jonathan Knopf and B.W. Sandefur, "A Darker Shadow" originally aired on November 23, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1969
Although Salty Hubbard (Arthur Hunnicutt) is Sunville's biggest liar, everyone in town believes Salty's claim that stranger Hoss Cartwright is really notorious outlaw Big Jack (Mike Mazurki). To stay alive, Hoss is forced to fake his own death, funeral and all. Meanwhile, the real Big Jack prepares to take full advantage of "Good Tuesday", a local bank holiday. In the episode's comic highlight, Hoss suddenly rises from the dead as the nonplussed Preacher (John Carradine) and the other mourners look on in bug-eyed terror. Others in the cast include Ivor Francis as the Banker and Milton Parsons as (what else?) the Undertaker. First shown on December 7, 1969, "Dead Wrong" was written and directed by Bonanza star Michael Landon. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1969
Ben Cartwright finds himself in the uncomfortable position of choosing between two old and treasured friends, both of whom abuptly re-enter his life after 27 years. Charlie Sheppard (Robert Wilke), formerly Ben's prospecting partner, is now a wanted outlaw, while Jess Waddell (Morgan Woodward) has become a trigger-happy bounty hunter. The situation gets worse when Charlie is forced to kidnap Ben's son Hoss. Written by Barney Slater, "Old Friends" was intially broadcast on December 14, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1969
John Astin and Emmaline Henry, who back in 1962 played husband and wife in the short-lived sitcom I'm Dickens-He's Fenster, were reunited in the December 21, 1969 Bonanza episode "Abner Willoughby's Return." Astin is cast as ex-miner Abner, who after 17 years at sea comes back to Virginia City to dig up the gold he buried before his departure. Thing of it is, the hiding place is now on the property owned by Widow Sprague (Emmaline Henry) and her son Charlie (Russell Schulman). When Abner tries to persuade the widow to move, he-and most of the Ponderosa men-are forced to remain on the property due to a quarantine. Written by Jack B. Sowards and Leslie McFarland, "Abner Willoughby's Return" was one of several Bonanza episodes which, for a variety of reasons, were withdrawn from the series' original syndication package; it has since been exhumed for cable-TV play. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1969
The Cartwrights give food and shelter to a bedraggled, impoverish company of army veterans, who have been denied their pensions for various and sundry reasons. What the Cartwrights don't know is that the ex-soldiers intend to get even with the government by robbing the Carson City mint. Complicating matters is the fact that one of the veterans, Sgt. Mike Russell (James Gregory), is an old friend of ranch hand Candy. First broadcast on February 2, 1969, "Company of Forgotten Men" was written by Kay Lenard and Jess Carneol. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1969
Mary Fickett is cast as Erin O'Donnell, an Irish girl raised by the Sioux in Paiutes. Falling in love with Erin, Hoss Cartwright does his best to shield her from the bigotry of the townspeople. But Erin regards Hoss' efforts as futile, citing the tribal prophecy that she is "the wolf child, born to fight and die for the Indian.". Given the mortality rate of the Cartwright boys' sweethearts, it isn't hard to predict the outcome of this melancholy tale. Written by Sandy Summerhays, "Erin" was originally telecast on January 26, 1969, then rebroadcast by NBC on June 4, 1972. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1969
During a murder trial, Ben Cartwright is trapped in the basement of the courthouse by a mine cave-in. Also entombed with Ben are the accused murderer, the main prosecution witness, the witness' fiancee, and the court clerk. As Joe, Hoss, and Candy race against time to rescue the prisoners before the complete collapse of the courthouse, Ben unearths several startling facts about the people around him. The guest cast includes Tiffany Bolling, Scott Thomas, Don Knight, Ted Gehring and Eddie Firestone. Written by Ken Trevey, "Five Candles" has seldom aired since its network TV debut on March 2, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1969
Joe Cartwright's coquettish former fiancee Emily Anderson (Beth Brickell) returns to town, quickly wrapping the moonstruck Joe around her little finger once more. Unfortunately, Emily has neglected to inform Joe that she is now married to Deputy Marshal Wade McPhail (Ron Hayes). Furthermore, the girl is an habitual liar, and before long a wounded Joe has been accused of robbery and murder. Written by Preston Wood and Elliot Gilbert, "Emily" originally aired on March 23 1969. It is currently unavailable in most circulating Bonanza rerun packages. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1969
Ben Johnson guest-stars as Sgt. Samuel Bellis, accused of desertion, murder, and selling guns to the Indians. Bellis insists that he's innocent, and Candy believes him-but before he can clear Bellis' name, he must elude the Army patrol that is hot on the fugitive sergeant's heels. In a further plot complication, Bellis is married to an Indian woman named Nanata (Evelyn Davalos), whose own loyalties are greatly in doubt. Written by B.W. Sandefur and John Dunkel, "The Deserter" frist aired on March 16, 1969. The episode was rebroadcast by NBC on June 18, 1972, to capitalize on Ben Johnson's recent Oscar win for his performance in The Last Picture Show. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1969
Before she played Joe Cartwright's ill-fated love interest in the 1972 Bonanza episode "Forever," Bonnie Bedelia guest-starred in the series' April 6, 1969 episode "The Unwanted." Bedelia is cast as Lorrie, the daughter of Ben Cartwright's old friend, lawman Luke Mansfield (Charles McGraw). Rebelling against her disciplinarian father, Lorrie openly consorts with young ex-convict Rick Miller (Jan-Michael Vincent), who may or may not be the cousin of a man who once shot Luke. "The Unwanted" was written by Thomas Thompson and Suzanna Clauser. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
