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The American Western television series 'Bonanza' was broadcast on CBS from 1959 to 1973.
Answer: False
The series 'Bonanza' aired on NBC, not CBS, from September 12, 1959, to January 16, 1973.
Bonanza is recognized as the longest-running Western series on American network television, exceeding the tenure of 'Gunsmoke'.
Answer: False
Bonanza was NBC's longest-running Western, but it was the second-longest-running Western series on American network television, surpassed by CBS's 'Gunsmoke'.
During the summer of 1972, reruns of 'Bonanza' episodes from the 1967–1970 period were broadcast under the title 'Ponderosa'.
Answer: True
NBC aired reruns of episodes from the 1967–1970 period in prime time on Tuesday evenings under the title 'Ponderosa' during the summer of 1972.
The cancellation of 'Bonanza' in 1973 was predominantly attributed to a decline in viewership following its relocation to Tuesday evenings and the passing of actor Dan Blocker.
Answer: True
The cancellation of 'Bonanza' was primarily due to NBC moving the show to Tuesday nights opposite 'Maude', which impacted ratings, and the death of actor Dan Blocker in May 1972.
Following Dan Blocker's death, the character of Hoss was recast with a new actor to preserve the series' dynamic.
Answer: False
After Dan Blocker's death, David Canary returned and a new character, Griff King, was introduced to fill the void, but Hoss was not recast.
NBC initially contemplated canceling 'Bonanza' due to elevated production expenses but ultimately retained it as it was among the first series filmed entirely in color, thereby facilitating RCA's color television sales.
Answer: True
NBC kept 'Bonanza' despite high costs because it was one of the first series filmed entirely in color, which RCA (NBC's parent company) used to drive color TV sales.
'Bonanza' attained the number one position in television ratings by 1964, following its relocation to a Sunday night time slot and the introduction of Chevrolet as a new sponsor.
Answer: True
For Season 3, NBC moved 'Bonanza' to Sundays at 9:00 p.m. Eastern, with Chevrolet as the new sponsor, leading it to the number one position by 1964.
'Bonanza' attained its highest rating and was ranked as the number one program during its fifth season (1963-1964).
Answer: False
'Bonanza' achieved its highest rating of 36.9 in its fifth season (1963-1964), where it ranked as the second most-watched show. It ranked as the number one show for three consecutive seasons starting with Season 6.
Identify the original broadcast network and the duration of the American Western television series 'Bonanza'.
Answer: NBC, from September 12, 1959, to January 16, 1973
The series 'Bonanza' aired on NBC from September 12, 1959, to January 16, 1973.
Determine the total number of seasons and episodes for 'Bonanza', and describe its relative standing among other Western series broadcast on American network television.
Answer: 14 seasons, 431 episodes; NBC's longest-running Western and the second-longest-running Western overall.
The series ran for 14 seasons and produced 431 episodes, making it NBC's longest-running Western and the second-longest-running Western series on American network television, surpassed only by 'Gunsmoke'.
During the summer of 1972, what alternative title was used for reruns of 'Bonanza'?
Answer: Ponderosa
During the summer of 1972, NBC aired reruns of episodes under the title 'Ponderosa'.
What constituted the primary factors leading to the cancellation of 'Bonanza' in 1973?
Answer: NBC moved the show to a challenging time slot opposite 'Maude' and the death of Dan Blocker.
The cancellation of 'Bonanza' was primarily due to NBC moving the show to Tuesday nights opposite the popular 'Maude' and the death of actor Dan Blocker.
Despite initial considerations for cancellation due to high production costs, what strategic imperative motivated NBC to retain 'Bonanza'?
Answer: It was filmed entirely in color, which RCA (NBC's parent company) used to drive color TV sales.
NBC kept 'Bonanza' because it was one of the first series filmed entirely in color, which RCA (NBC's parent company) utilized to promote sales of its color television sets.
Analyze the impact of a revised time slot and new sponsorship on 'Bonanza's ratings performance during its third season.
Answer: It caused 'Bonanza' to soar in the ratings and reach the number one position by 1964.
For Season 3, NBC moved 'Bonanza' to Sundays at 9:00 p.m. Eastern, with Chevrolet as the new sponsor, leading it to soar in the ratings and reach the number one position by 1964.
During its 14th and concluding season (1972–73), what was 'Bonanza's final ranking in the television ratings?
Answer: 50th
In its 14th and final season (1972–73), 'Bonanza' ranked 50th in the television ratings.
The title 'Bonanza' originates from a Spanish term signifying a rich ore body, directly referencing the Comstock Lode situated near the fictional Ponderosa Ranch.
Answer: True
The term 'Bonanza' is derived from the Spanish word for a rich ore body, and it specifically references the 1859 Comstock Lode, a significant silver mine near the Ponderosa Ranch.
The Ponderosa Ranch, the Cartwright family's estate, was initially characterized as a thousand-square-mile property situated on the western shore of Lake Tahoe.
Answer: False
The Ponderosa Ranch was located on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe, not the western shore.
The historical timeframe depicted in 'Bonanza' primarily extends from 1870 to 1876, concentrating on the post-Civil War Reconstruction period.
Answer: False
The series' historical period is roughly between 1861 and 1867, encompassing the American Civil War and Nevada Territory's statehood, not the later Reconstruction era.
The Ponderosa Ranch derived its name from the Pinus ponderosa, a tree species prevalent in the Western United States.
Answer: True
The ranch's name refers to the Pinus ponderosa, or ponderosa pine, a tree species common in the Western United States.
Carson City was the closest town to the Ponderosa Ranch, where the Cartwrights regularly engaged with Sheriff Roy Coffee.
Answer: False
The nearest town to the Ponderosa Ranch was Virginia City, not Carson City, where the Cartwrights frequently interacted with Sheriff Roy Coffee.
The prequel series 'Ponderosa' was set in Nevada Territory in 1849, a historically accurate depiction for the period.
Answer: False
The 'Ponderosa' prequel series contained a historical anachronism by setting its narrative in Nevada Territory in 1849, as the territory did not exist until 1861.
To what specific historical event or concept, pertinent to the series' setting, does the title 'Bonanza' refer?
Answer: A large vein of silver ore, specifically referencing the 1859 Comstock Lode.
The title 'Bonanza' refers to a large vein or deposit of silver ore, specifically referencing the 1859 discovery of the Comstock Lode near the fictional Ponderosa Ranch.
Based on the series' setting, what was the primary geographical location of the Ponderosa Ranch?
Answer: In the vicinity of Virginia City, Nevada, bordering Lake Tahoe, on its eastern shore.
The Ponderosa Ranch was located in the vicinity of Virginia City, Nevada, bordering Lake Tahoe, on its eastern shore.
Specify the primary historical period in which the 'Bonanza' television series is set.
Answer: 1861 to 1867
The time period for the television series is roughly between 1861 (Season 1) and 1867 (Season 13).
Identify the town closest to the Ponderosa Ranch and the principal law enforcement official associated with it.
Answer: Virginia City, Sheriff Roy Coffee
The nearest town to the Ponderosa Ranch was Virginia City, where the Cartwrights frequently interacted with Sheriff Roy Coffee.
Identify the historical anachronism featured in the 'Ponderosa' prequel series.
Answer: It was set in Nevada Territory in 1849, but the territory didn't exist until 1861.
The 'Ponderosa' prequel series was set in Nevada Territory in 1849, which is an anachronism, as the Nevada Territory did not split from the Utah Territory until 1861.
The original principal cast members of 'Bonanza' included Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, Dan Blocker, and David Canary.
Answer: False
The initial main stars of 'Bonanza' were Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, Dan Blocker, and Michael Landon. David Canary joined later.
Ben Cartwright's three sons, Adam, Hoss, and Little Joe, were all born to the same wife.
Answer: False
Ben Cartwright was a thrice-widowed patriarch, and each of his three sons was from a different wife.
Hop Sing, the Cartwright family's cook, was a Chinese immigrant depicted by Victor Sen Yung.
Answer: True
The Cartwright family's cook, Hop Sing, was a Chinese immigrant portrayed by Victor Sen Yung.
Identify the actor who portrayed Ben Cartwright, the patriarch of the Cartwright family.
Answer: Lorne Greene
Ben Cartwright, the patriarch of the Cartwright family, was portrayed by Lorne Greene.
According to the series, what were the distinct ancestries of Ben Cartwright's three wives?
Answer: English, Swedish, and French Creole
Ben Cartwright's three wives had different ancestries: English, Swedish, and French Creole.
Identify the Cartwright family's cook and his ethnic background.
Answer: Hop Sing, a Chinese immigrant
The Cartwright family's cook was a Chinese immigrant named Hop Sing, portrayed by Victor Sen Yung.
The billing order of the principal cast members at the commencement of 'Bonanza' broadcasts was consistently fixed, with Lorne Greene invariably receiving top billing.
Answer: False
The billing order for the main cast members was shuffled randomly each week, meaning no single actor consistently received top billing.
The initial Virginia City set utilized in 'Bonanza' was depicted as destroyed by fire in a 1970 episode, facilitating the relocation of production to more cost-effective studios.
Answer: True
The first Virginia City set was leveled by fire in the 1970 premiere episode of the 12th season, allowing production to switch to less expensive Warner studios.
The iconic theme song for 'Bonanza' was composed by David Rose and arranged by Billy May.
Answer: False
The theme song for 'Bonanza' was composed by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, orchestrated by David Rose, and arranged by Billy May.
The initial lyrical version of the 'Bonanza' theme song, performed by three cast members, was featured in the pilot episode before being subsequently removed.
Answer: True
The original lyrics, sung by three of the cast members (excluding Pernell Roberts) at the close of the pilot, were deemed 'too campy' and edited out before the episode aired.
Describe the unique characteristic of the billing order for the principal cast members at the commencement of 'Bonanza' broadcasts.
Answer: The order appeared to be shuffled randomly each week.
The order of billing for the main cast members at the beginning of each 'Bonanza' broadcast appeared to be shuffled randomly each week.
In 1970, what event transpired concerning the original Virginia City set employed in 'Bonanza'?
Answer: It was leveled by fire in a premiere episode of the 12th season.
The first Virginia City set was leveled by fire in the 1970 premiere episode of the 12th season, titled 'The Night Virginia City Died'.
From the third season onward, what was the rationale behind the consistent wardrobe worn by the Cartwrights and other recurring characters?
Answer: To simplify wardrobe duplication for stunt doubles and reduce costs.
From the third season on, characters wore the same clothing to simplify wardrobe duplication for stunt doubles and reduce costs by reusing stock footage.
Identify the composers of the iconic theme song for 'Bonanza'.
Answer: Jay Livingston and Ray Evans
The memorable theme song for 'Bonanza' was composed by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans.
Define David Dortort's principal role in the conceptualization and execution of 'Bonanza'.
Answer: Creator and executive producer
David Dortort created 'Bonanza' and served as an executive producer.
In 1964, what specific contribution did Lorne Greene make to the 'Bonanza' theme song?
Answer: He revised the lyrics to give them a more familial emphasis.
In 1964, Lorne Greene revised the Livingston-Evans lyrics for the 'Bonanza' theme song, giving them a more familial emphasis.
'Bonanza' was distinguished by its consistent presentation of pressing moral dilemmas, setting it apart from many contemporary Western series.
Answer: True
The series was notable for its focus on moral dilemmas and social issues, which was a departure from the typical Western narratives of its time.
'Bonanza' was regarded as typical for its era due to its primary focus on conventional Western range adventures in its core storylines.
Answer: False
According to Stephen Battaglio, 'Bonanza' was atypical for its time because its storylines focused more on family dynamics and social issues rather than traditional Western range adventures.
'Bonanza' was distinctive for its era in addressing racism from a compassionate, humanitarian perspective, encompassing prejudice against diverse groups.
Answer: True
'Bonanza' is uniquely known for addressing racism from a compassionate, humanitarian point of view, exploring bigotry against various groups.
The episode 'Look to the Stars' explored antisemitism, depicting Ben Cartwright's intervention on behalf of a brilliant Jewish student who subsequently became a Nobel Prize laureate.
Answer: True
The episode 'Look to the Stars' addressed antisemitism and featured Ben Cartwright intervening for a brilliant Jewish student named Albert Michelson, who later won the Nobel Prize for Physics.
The episode 'The Wish' was honored with a Bronze Wrangler Award for Fictional Television Drama in 1970, acknowledging its depiction of Hoss protecting an African-American family.
Answer: True
The episode 'The Wish' received the Bronze Wrangler Award for Fictional Television Drama from the Western Heritage Awards in 1970 for its portrayal of Hoss protecting an African-American former slave's family.
Identify a defining characteristic of 'Bonanza's narrative structure that differentiated it from numerous other Western series of its time.
Answer: Its emphasis on pressing moral dilemmas and family dynamics rather than just range adventures.
'Bonanza' was known for presenting pressing moral dilemmas and focusing on family dynamics, which set it apart from many other Westerns.
Stephen Battaglio posited what reason for 'Bonanza' being considered an atypical Western during its broadcast era?
Answer: Its core storylines focused more on family dynamics and social issues than traditional range adventures.
Stephen Battaglio stated that 'Bonanza' was atypical because its storylines focused more on family dynamics and social issues rather than traditional Western range adventures.
'Bonanza' gained unique recognition for addressing which complex social issue with a compassionate, humanitarian perspective during its initial broadcast era?
Answer: Racism
'Bonanza' is uniquely known for addressing racism from a compassionate, humanitarian point of view, which was not common on American television during its original broadcast period.
In the episode 'Enter Thomas Bowers', what form of prejudice did the Cartwright family help an African-American opera singer confront?
Answer: Prejudice and arrest as a fugitive slave in Virginia City.
In the episode 'Enter Thomas Bowers', the Cartwright family assists an African-American opera singer, Thomas Bowers, who faces prejudice and is arrested as a fugitive slave in Virginia City.
In 2002, 'TV Guide' listed 'Bonanza' among its '50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time', and in 2013, it was included in 'The 60 Greatest Dramas of All Time'.
Answer: True
TV Guide recognized 'Bonanza' in 2002 as No. 43 on its '50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time' and again in 2013 in its list of 'The 60 Greatest Dramas of All Time'.
The Ponderosa Ranch house set was reconstructed in Incline Village, Nevada, in 1967, and functioned as a tourist attraction until 2014.
Answer: False
The Ponderosa Ranch house set was recreated in Incline Village, Nevada, in 1967, and served as a tourist attraction for 37 years until its sale in September 2004.
By 1970, 'Bonanza' became the inaugural series to appear in the Top Ten list for nine consecutive seasons.
Answer: False
By 1970, 'Bonanza' became the first series to appear in the Top Five list for nine consecutive seasons, not the Top Ten.
CBS Media Ventures presently possesses the television syndication distribution rights for 'Bonanza'.
Answer: True
Currently, CBS Media Ventures holds the television syndication distribution rights for 'Bonanza'.
Early 'Bonanza' episodes that have entered the public domain are characterized by superior picture and sound quality, frequently retaining the original theme song.
Answer: False
Early 'Bonanza' episodes in the public domain typically have substandard picture and sound quality, are often edited, and replace the original theme song with generic Western music.
The principal cast of 'Bonanza' collectively received a Golden Globe Award in 1969 for TV series International.
Answer: False
The main cast members of 'Bonanza' collectively won a Bambi Award in 1969 for TV series International, not a Golden Globe Award.
'Bonanza' received a Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Award in 1971 for Outstanding Achievement in Music Composition for the episode 'The Love Child', an award presented to David Rose.
Answer: True
David Rose won an Emmy in 1971 for Outstanding Achievement in Music Composition for the episode 'The Love Child'.
By 1970, what notable record did 'Bonanza' establish concerning its consistent placement within the Top Five television ratings?
Answer: It was the first series to appear in the Top Five for nine consecutive seasons.
By 1970, 'Bonanza' became the first series to appear in the Top Five list for nine consecutive seasons.
Identify the current holder of the television syndication distribution rights for 'Bonanza'.
Answer: CBS Media Ventures
Currently, CBS Media Ventures holds the television syndication distribution rights for 'Bonanza'.
Characterize the typical quality of early 'Bonanza' episodes that have entered the public domain.
Answer: They typically have substandard picture and sound quality, are edited, and use generic Western music.
Early 'Bonanza' episodes in the public domain typically feature substandard picture and sound quality, are often edited, and legally replace the copyright-protected theme song with generic Western music.
From the options provided, which item was NOT identified as a type of 'Bonanza' merchandise in the source material?
Answer: A line of 'Bonanza' video games
The source material mentions various merchandise items such as Jim Beam decanters, steakhouses, and comic books, but not a line of 'Bonanza' video games.
In 1969, what collective award did the principal cast members of 'Bonanza' receive for TV series International?
Answer: Bambi Award
The main cast members of 'Bonanza' collectively won a Bambi Award in 1969 for TV series International.
Explain the significance of the 'Maverick' episode 'Three Queens Full' in its relationship to 'Bonanza'.
Answer: It parodied 'Bonanza' with characters like Joe Wheelwright and the 'Subrosa' ranch.
The 'Maverick' episode 'Three Queens Full' parodied 'Bonanza' by featuring characters and a ranch that were clear allusions to the Cartwright family and the Ponderosa Ranch.