We purchased this movie to familiarize ourselves with the appearance and mannerisms of Michael Landon Jr. He was only 24 at the time and inexperienced. This in mind, he did quite a good job. There were three examples of just plain bad acting: First place goes to Brian Smith as Josh. Then Gillian Greene as Jennifer and finally Richard Bergman as the sheriff. The plot and storyline of this film had great potential and promise but fell far short due mainly to poorly written, illogical and uncomfortable to watch dialogue. The veteran actors tried their best to carry this movie but were not provided good writing to work with. Also the constant background and effect music was often inappropriate and annoying, especially during indoor dialogue scenes. The scenery however, was gorgeous. Michael Landon Jr, now in his 40's, recent four "Love's" series films are fine examples of very high quality films. It is quite obvious he has inherited his famous father's gifts and sensitivities.
4 Reviews
Turnover at the Ponderosa.
mark.waltz16 January 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The death of Lorne Greene meant that Ben Cartwright would pass away too, so we get his seafaring brother, retired sea captain John Ireland, and Robert Fuller as ranch manager Charlie Poke, characters never mentioned before. Instead of Hop Sing, there's John Amos and daughter-iin-law Barbara Anderson, wife of Little Joe who has been away in war. Michael Landon Jr. Arrives as Little Joe's son with bad news, and the arrival of Brian A. Smith as the illegitimate son of Hoss create a new generation of Cartwright's. The two cousins get along initially until Smith point out that what Ireland is doing, having allowed oil driller Peter Mark Richman to drill there, unaware that he's intending to strip the land. This creates conflicts over what Richmond is doing and the potential of jobs it could bring them, and it's up to the Cartwrights to stop the destruction of the land.
This is a decent but generic western that benefits from tying it into a popular TV show 13 years after its cancellation. Michael Landon Sr. Produced it but killed off all the older generation of the family including his character, and cast to veteran actress from "Little House on the Prairie", Kevin Hague and Dabbs Greer. There's also a little bit of romance thrown in too with the casting of Lorne Green's daughter (Gillian Greene) who was Landon Jr's girl before but its now attraction to Smith. It's interesting to see how the Ponderosa has changed over the past decade, with automobiles now a part of the civilization and various businesses who have a great stake in what's going on with the discovery of gold and the creation of mining work. The newcomers didn't make much of an impression to create a new TV series, but the veteran actors, especially Fuller from "Emergency!", are just fine.
This is a decent but generic western that benefits from tying it into a popular TV show 13 years after its cancellation. Michael Landon Sr. Produced it but killed off all the older generation of the family including his character, and cast to veteran actress from "Little House on the Prairie", Kevin Hague and Dabbs Greer. There's also a little bit of romance thrown in too with the casting of Lorne Green's daughter (Gillian Greene) who was Landon Jr's girl before but its now attraction to Smith. It's interesting to see how the Ponderosa has changed over the past decade, with automobiles now a part of the civilization and various businesses who have a great stake in what's going on with the discovery of gold and the creation of mining work. The newcomers didn't make much of an impression to create a new TV series, but the veteran actors, especially Fuller from "Emergency!", are just fine.
Missing An Actor - Why?
mlmerle-131 March 2007
I was looking for the character who played Charlie in this movie - his credits named him as "Robert Fuller", but there is no listing of such a character on your sight. I wonder why? Plus...he was one of the main characters! I was searching for other things this "Robert Fuller" has been in on television (or in movies) and thus...could not find him. Has he another name? This 'remake' of the Bonanza television series is probably just as hokey, but if you liked the series, this was a fun and predictable sequel. Though Michael Landon Junior will never be his father (as far as acting goes), it was nice to see a 'tradition' reinvented for at least one attempt.
Great Movie
michellemaxwell-1001020 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The writers should have looked back at the show's history. Joe did not get married when Hoss was still alive. He got married after Hoss died. In the movie, Joe's wife is named Annabelle _(Annie). She told Hoss's son, Josh that Hoss was best man at her and Joe's wedding. That was the only downside of the movie. I enjoyed the movie, but as I stated, the writers should have looked at the show's history before writing the movie.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
