The Prime of Life

BONANZA

Season 5 (Episode 13)

Air Date: 29 December 1963

Writer: Peter Packer

Director: Christian Nyby

Synopsis
After winning a contract to build a railroad trestle, Ben starts driving his men and himself hard to get the job completed on time. Things start to go wrong when they fall behind and equipment fails. Ignoring Hoss, Ben decides to use a faulty block to lift timber. The block breaks, killing one of the workers, Gabe. Ben is injured while trying to rescue Gabe and begins to blame himself for the man’s death. The Cartwrights fall further behind as Ben continues to withdraw. Adam, Hoss, and Joe realise that it’s up to them to get the job done on time.

Recurring Actors (Characters)
Victor Sen Yung (Hop Sing)

Guest Stars
Jay C. Flippen (Barney Fuller), Melora Conway (Martha Fletcher), Raymond Guth (Otis Watts), Ralph Moody (Gabe), Butch Patrick (Jody Fletcher), Dan Riss (Railroad Agent), Roy Engel (Doctor), Roy Jenson (Jesse)

Notable Guest Stars

Roy Engel

Jay C. Flippen

Butch Patrick

Episode Notes

• • Featured Cartwright: Ben
  • Town: San Francisco
  • Business: Central Pacific Railroad
  • Livery and Haulage Business Owner: Otis Watts