This episode is one of my favorites from the first season. The story is a bit loose and confusing--partly because it mixes in actual historical events, and partly because it's mostly told in a flashback style. It also manages to work in a few hilarious scenes with all of the ground it covers, and the episode almost feels like a mini-epic.
The Cartwrights' tree-cutting scene is a real gem. The boys complain about the time required to cut down the huge Ponderosa pine they just axed down, but Ben chastises them by pointing out that the tree took 400 years to grow; Adam waxes about all of the wonderful things these ancient trees will provide once cut: houses and ships! But, don't worry...the Cartwrights are "green" after all, and Ben requires the boys the plant a sapling everytime they cut one down...yep, it'll be a forest again in a hundred years!
The next scene is even more amazing...the whole clan has a bit of fun with Hoss's new buffalo rifle. They have no idea who the men chasing Comstock might be (or even who Comstock is), but that doesn't stop them from having target practice on the clueless fellows from a half mile away. Joe even shoots one in the arm, much to the amusement of his siblings. These Cartwrights can be a downright ornery bunch, best stay away from their land!
A few plotlines seem to go nowhere, such a the worthless "blue stuff" Comstock notices in the diggings (turquoise maybe?). The dance scene is just plain weird, including those ornery Cartwrights making fun of the weight-challenged ladies. Also notable is the assortment of background music, ranging from orchestral to surf guitar. The episode ends on an unusual note; instead of threatening the squatter, they actually give him a bit of charity...I guess the Cartwrights were in a good mood after recounting all of the fun stuff in recalling Comstock's story. Great stuff, this episode!moreless
Episode Summary
EDIT
The Cartwrights are met by an old coot with a gun who claims they're on his land; he even has a deed signed by Henry Comstock to prove it. They explain that the paper is worthless because Comstock was a con-man always on the run and perpetrating a scam. The episode flashes back to how Comstock accidentally found the huge silver deposit while trying to pull a swindle, and how Virginia City got its name.moreless
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GUEST STAR
Jack CarsonHenry Comstock
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GUEST STAR
Richard H. CuttingOl' Virginny (as Richard Cutting)
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GUEST STAR
Bruce GordonChief Winnemucca
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Dan Blocker
Eric "Hoss" Cartwright (1959-1972)
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Lorne Greene
Ben Cartwright
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Pernell Roberts
Adam Cartwright (1959-1965)
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Michael Landon
Joseph "Little Joe" Francis Cartwright
Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions
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TRIVIA (0)
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QUOTES (5)
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Ben: I know all about them. That's why I came to the Ponderosa. My sons and I. That's why I made my vow. That never, would these thousand square miles of God made country be delivered into the hands of those spoilers. Those destroyers. Comstock, if I so much see a man digging for gold, anywhere on my land, I'll shoot him at sight.
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Joe: Sure fine tasting meat, chief. What is it? Chief Winnemucca: Rattlesnake. Joe: It really is very good. Chief Winnemucca: We have plenty. Eat more. Joe: Uh, no thanks — I'm not a very big eater.
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Hoss: (to Joe) You be sure and save me some of that tarantula juice, y'hear?
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Adam: I might just come to the dance and take a look at one of those big, raw-boned women.
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Ben: Are you thinking about a railroad, son? Adam: I be thinking about a railroad, Pa.
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NOTES (3)
ADD NOTES-
Scenes for this episode were filmed on location at Angeles National Forest and Bronson Canyon, Griffith Park, both in California.
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At the same time they appeared in this episode, Bruce Gordon and Abel Fernandez were appearing in The Untouchables as Frank Nitti and Agent William Youngfellow respectively.
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This episode is also known as "The Henry Comstock Story".
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ALLUSIONS (3)
ADD ALLUSIONS-
Chief Winnemucca (approx 1820 - 1882) - chief of the Northern Paiutes. He was also known as Poito
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Sarah Winnemucca (1844-1891) - the daughter of Chief Winnemucca, was a political activist, lecturer, school organizer and author.
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Henry TP Comstock (1820-1870) - Canadian silver prospector
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The Hopefuls
10/25/111
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The Mill
10/25/111
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Badge Without Honor
10/25/111
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Showdown
10/24/111
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Death at Dawn
10/24/111
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The Spitfire
S 2 : Ep 17
Aired 1/14/61
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The Courtship
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Aired 1/7/61 (49:29)
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S 2 : Ep 15
Aired 12/31/60 (49:39)
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Bloodline
S 2 : Ep 15
Aired 1/1/60
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Death at Dawn
Ep 31
Dark Star
Ep 30
Feet of Clay
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Bitter Water
Ep 28
San Francisco
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The Last Trophy
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The Avenger
Ep 25
Escape to Ponderosa
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Escape to the Ponderosa
Ep 24
The Stranger
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Desert Justice
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Blood on the Land
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The Last Hunt
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The Sisters
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Vendetta
Ep 12
The Hanging Posse
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The Truckee Strip
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The Magnificent Adah
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Mr. Henry Comstock
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The Philip Diedesheimer Story
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