Writer:	John Hawkins
Director:	William Wiard
Star:	Dan Blocker (Eric "Hoss" Cartwright (1959-1972)),  Lorne Greene (Ben Cartwright),  Michael Landon (Joseph "Little Joe" Francis Cartwright)
Recurring Role:	Lane Bradford (Ira),  Lou Frizzell (Dusty Rhoades),  Bing Russell (Deputy Clem Foster),  William Fawcett (Whiskey Smith),  Victor Sen Yung (Hop Sing),  Ray Teal (Sheriff Roy Coffee)
Guest Star:	Edith Atwater (Roberta),  Mark Tapscott (Hamilton),  Jon Shank (Tim Moss),  Paul Kent (Dr. Martin),  Mona Bruns (Mrs. Carter),  Angel Tompkins (Mrs. Janie Lund),  Stuart Nisbet (Evans),  Phil Brown (Wade Tucker)

Starting with this, the 12th season premiere, viewers would be treated to a new opening theme, titled "The Big Bonanza." Instead of the Cartwrights riding in on their horses as viewers had become accustomed to, action shots featuring Lorne Greene, Dan Blocker, Michael Landon and (starting with the next episode, "A Matter of Faith") Mitch Vogel. Each shot would temporarily freeze and be tinted in aqua while the approriate actors' name was displayed. This opening credits format would be used for both the 12th and 13th seasons. (edit) This episode was developed in order to disguise the move from the Paramount Studios set to the Warner Brothers set. Virginia City had to be "destroyed" in order to explain the new buildings and town set-up. (edit) Featured Cartwright: Ben and Joe (edit) One of the few episodes to have both Sheriff Coffee and Deputy Clem together. (edit)

Joe: To a long and happy life, and may all your children have wealthy parents! (edit)

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