Autographs from the Iconic Western - BonanzaBonanza premiered on NBC on September 12, 1959. The ratings during the first season were mediocre, but RCA, the parent company of NBC, kept it on the air because it was one of the first TV shows to be filmed in color, The show was filmed on location at some of the most scenic locations in the American West. Many people bought their first color televisions to watch Bonanza. Ratings improved during the second season, but it wasn't until the third season, when the show moved from Saturdays to Sundays, that it really took off - it soared all the way to #2. It reached #1 in its sixth season and stayed in that slot for two more years. Bonanza aired for fourteen years, making it one the most successful series in TV history. The series explored issues that most TV shows of the time avoided. Racial injustice, religious intolerance, substance abuse, and domestic violence were plot topics. Bonanza was a morality play; there wasn't any gray area. There was right and wrong and there was never any doubt which side the Cartwrights were on. Lorne Green played Ben Cartwright, the owner of a 600,000 acre ranch in Sierra Nevada. Three times a widower, each wife gave Ben a son. Adam, the oldest, was serious and darkly handsome. Hoss, the middle son, was 6'4" and 300 pounds with a soft heart. Little Joe, the youngest, was a mischief maker that never meant any real harm. All four of the main characters were highly principled, but each had their own methods for problem solving. The Cartwrights usually fought among themselves before coming together to face the common enemy. Before Bonanza, Lorne Greene (1915-1987) was best known as the Canadian Broadcasting Company's primary announcer during World War II. His official nickname was "The Voice of Canada", but listeners dubbed him "The Voice of Doom" because of his solemn delivery of war news, much of it bad. Lorne Greene is also remembered for his portrayal of Commander Adama, in the television series Battlestar Galactica (1978-1979). Signed photos of Lorne Greene sell in the range of $75 - $100. Signatures sell for about half that. Before taking on the role of Little Joe, Michael Landon (1936-1991) was the best known as the unfortunate kid who became a monster in the B-movie horror classic, I Was a Teenage Werewolf." Michael Landon was born Eugene Orowitz. He found the name more phonetically pleasing Michael Landon by searching his phone book. "I Was a Teenage Werewolf" was more successful than anybody thought it would be. Because of the attention it received, Landon was able to stay busy working in movies like "God's Little Acre" and "The Legend of Tom Dooley." In March 1959, David Dortort chose Landon to play the role of Little Joe. Landing the part became a bonanza for Landon. He made millions from the series and then went on to star in the enormously successful "Little House on the Prairie" and "Highway to Heaven." Landon died on July 1, 1991, at age 54. Signed photos sell in the range of $175- $225. Signatures sell for about $75. He was a friendly signer in person and he often answered fan mail. Prior to Bonanza, Pernell Roberts (1928-) did most of his work as a stage actor. He didn't really enjoy his time on Bonanza. Roberts didn't like calling Lorne Greene "Pa", since there was only a thirteen year age difference between them. He left after six years, calling the series "junk TV." Unfortunately, he was so identified with the Adam character that he had difficulty finding other good roles. Fourteen years later, he landed the title role in the series, Trapper John, MD. Trapper John had a successful seven season run. One would think that there would be a ton of Pernell Roberts signed material on the market because of his lengthy career and long life, but that is not the case. He has never been fan-friendly. Signed photos of Pernell Roberts sell for as much as $100. Signatures sell for around $50. Dan Blocker (1928-1972) played Hoss, the middle son, who was a big man with a tender heart. Hoss was the central character in many of the most sentimental episodes, as well as the most outlandish comedies. He was equally adapt at making us laugh or at tugging at our heartstrings. Dan Blocker, unlike his Hoss character, valued formal education. He held a Master's degree, and he worked as a school teacher prior to his acting career. He was also an astute businessman who became part owner of the Bonanza Steakhouse chain. He is best remembered for landing the role of Hoss, but he was a busy actor actor before he landed the role of Hoss, primarily in television. Zorro, Zane Grey Theater, Sgt. Preston of the Yukon, Cheyenne, Tales of Wells Fargo, Wagon Train, Colt 45 Maverick, and Richard Diamond, Private Detective are just a few of the series where Dan Blocker found work. Blocker's went against type in the film Lady in Cement (1968.) He played tough guy bartender Waldo Gronsky who hires Tony Rome to find his missing girlfriend. He received favorable reviews for his work in the film. Blocker died just before filming for the 1972-1973 season. During its last few seasons Bonanza had fallen in the ratings, and the death of Hoss sealed the series' fate. It was canceled midway through the season. The last season, without Hoss, is the least requested season in syndication. A signed photo of Dan Blocker as Hoss is worth in the neighborhood of $500. A signature is worth between $250 - $350. His autograph is the key to completing the Bonanza cast. It is the toughest to find and the most valuable. When approached in public, Dan Blocker would usually sign autograph with a smile. But he never was comfortable being the center of attention away from work. Many of the autographs in the marketplace today were signed by Blocker at Bonanza Steakhouse store openings where he greeted fans dressed as Hoss.
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The series appealed to a wide audience. The episodes were a good mix of action and drama - and often a touch of comedy.
