Bonanza: The Next Generation
Bonanza: The Next Generation is a 1988 American made-for-television western film and a sequel to the 1959–1973 television series Bonanza starring John Ireland, Robert Fuller, Barbara Anderson, Michael Landon Jr., Brian A. Smith and John Amos.
| Bonanza: The Next Generation | |
|---|---|
| Based on | Bonanza created by David Dortort |
| Written by | Paul Savage |
| Story by | David Dortort |
| Directed by | William F. Claxton |
| Starring | John Ireland Robert Fuller Barbara Anderson Michael Landon Jr. Brian A. Smith John Amos |
| Music by | Bob Cobert |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language(s) | English |
| Production | |
| Executive producer(s) | Tom Sarnoff Alan Courtney |
| Producer(s) | David Dortort |
| Cinematography | Stanley M. Lazan |
| Editor(s) | Alan C. Marks J. Timothy Nuggent |
| Running time | 93 minutes |
| Production company(s) | Bonanza Ventures Gaylord Productions |
| Distributor | LBS Communications |
| Release | |
| Original network | CBS |
| Original release | March 23, 1988 |
| Chronology | |
| Followed by | Bonanza: The Return |
None of the characters from the original series appears since the entire cast, with the exception of Pernell Roberts, Michael Landon and David Canary, had died. Lorne Greene had signed to reprise his role as patriarch Ben, but died shortly before production began. He was replaced by veteran actor John Ireland, who played Ben's brother Aaron. The movie features Michael Landon Jr. as the son of Little Joe Cartwright, and Gillian Greene, daughter of Lorne Greene, as his love interest.
The film was written by David Dortort and Paul Savage, and directed by William F. Claxton. Bonanza: The Next Generation was the pilot for a television series that was never produced but was followed by two other television films Bonanza: The Return (1993) and Bonanza: Under Attack (1995).
When Ben Cartwright's seafaring brother, Aaron, (John Ireland) takes over the Ponderosa he signs over drilling rights to land-grabbers. Captain Aaron Cartwright's nephews arrive to save the ranch.[1]
Cast
- John Ireland ... Captain Aaron Cartwright
- Robert Fuller ... Charlie Poke
- Barbara Anderson ... Annabelle 'Annie' Cartwright
- Michael Landon Jr. ... Benjamin 'Benj' Cartwright
- Brian A. Smith ... Josh Cartwright
- John Amos ... Mr. Mack
- Peter Mark Richman ... Mr. Dunson
- Gillian Greene ... Jennifer Sills
- Kevin Hagen ... Nathaniel Amsted
- William Benedict ... Gus Morton
- Richard Bergman ... Sheriff Montooth
- Dabbs Greer ... Sills
- Gary Reed ... Eldon Poole
- Lee McLaughlin ... Mayor
- Robert Hoy ... Feathers
- Rex Linn ... Cease
- Jack Lilley ... Jory
- Jerry Gatlin ... Deke
- Jeffrey Meyer ... Lundeen
- Robert Jauregui ... Cullen
- Jeffrey Boudov ... Homer
- Laurie Rude ... Rachel
- Clayton Staggs ... Mover-Shaker
- David Q. Combs ... Father
External links
References
- Maltin, Leonard, "Leonard Maltin's TV Movies and Video Guide 1991 Edition," Plume, 1990