Free Western Classic: A Passion for Justice – Episode 136 – Famous author Charles Dickens visits the Ponderosa, and finds himself embroiled in controversy.
A Passion for Justice
Director: Murray Golden
Writer: Peter Packer
Stars: Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, Dan Blocker
Genre: Western
Country: USA
Language: English
Release Date: 29 September 1963 USA
Filming Locations: Stage 17, Paramount Studios – 5555 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA
Storyline:
Future Lost in Space bad guy Jonathan Harris stars in this Bonanza episode as celebrated British novelist Charles Dickens. When the Virginia City newspaper begins serializing Dickens’ latest novel without his permission, the author arrives in town to register a protest-and gets arrested and fined for his troubles. Despite Dickens’ imperious refusal to pay the fine or speak in his own defense, Dickens’ cause is championed by four of his biggest fans–the Cartwrights. Written on rottentomatoes.com
Reviews:
“Although novelist Charles Dickens did tour America, he never did get as far west as Virginia City so was not in a position to visit the fabled if fictional Ponderosa that Lorne Greene and his sons owned.
Jonathan Harris who was the son of Russian immigrants in the Bronx learned his speech pattern and acting style by imitating the best of the British colony in Hollywood. It certainly worked for many swore he was a native of the UK.
The astringent Dickens is honed to perfection by Harris who gets into a big brouhaha with the townspeople of Virginia City particularly its newspaper editor. Later on he’s framed for the trashing of the newspaper office and spends some time in Ray Teal’s jail.
What brought all this about was the lack of copyright protection among the nations allowing American publishers to republish Dickens’s work without a red cent going to the author. It was an issue that concerned Dickens deeply in his real life as well.
Harris brings off Dickens to perfection in a scene with Dan Blocker where he compares Hoss’s love of the Ponderosa to Harris’s love and sweat over every printed word. He also talks about his own childhood where much of his story material comes from.
A really fine Bonanza episode with a perfect performance by Jonathan Harris as Charles Dickens.” Written by bkoganbing on IMDb.com
“If you are hoping to learn the truth about English authors by watching Bonanza perhaps you’ll be disappointed. However,for pure entertainment value, watching Jonathan Harris steal the show as Charles Dickens is a treat indeed. Harris was later known as the nutty Dr Smith on the Lost in Space tv show. His style may not be for all,but I think most viewers would admit that this was an inspired performance by Harris. Historical accuracy 3/10 Overall 9/10” Written by ronnybee2112 on IMDb.com
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I have no doubt that Harris ad-libbed/re-wrote many of his lines on this episode. The reaction of the cast to many comments and zingers says it all. They were not rehearsed reactions. There must have been many interesting outtakes. Too bad it seems they were not saved.
Sure… they arrest Charles Dickens… hahahaha!
Wait for the Internet, Mr. Dickens… Then you'll see whar author rights worth. Spoiler: nothing!
what's all the commotion (fuss) about; what's this about? in the *dead (middle) of night;
Shame his fellow englishman is the one who framed him
Jonathan Harris also Later Played the Antique Dealer Mr. Bonet on Sanford and Son. Good Actor!
Professor Smith rides again….
Dan's acting at 10:05 is so subtle that that little pat he does to Michael feels like the two really are brothers.
Also, right after that Joe says, "Dad," instead of Pa. I wonder if that was a goof or scripted.
Commericals ruin this episode. Always
Dr. Smith was sorely out of character eagerly sawing that log w/Hoss.
what's all the commotion about? in the dead of night; the lords and ladies; bullheaded man; 황소고집;
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What an Arrogant Dickens!!! At the beginning – he mellowed in the end…..but was this his real character? and Forgiveness and Humility is Everything 🙂
I Like Roy Coffee He's A Great Sheriff He And Fred Madden On Big Valley Should Get Together For Coffee ☕
When Ben Cartwright Speaks Everyone Listens Its The Same With Victoria Barkley Also
Jonathan Harris (Lost in Space ) Was Great As Charles Dickens Dickens Wrote Two Great Books 📚 A Christmas 🌲Carol And A Tale Of Two Cities Christmas 🌲Carol Was My Favorite For A Second When Dickens Sounds A Little Like Dr Smith (Harris LIS.Character)
Never fear. Smith is here.
I once had a colleague who could do the most perfect imitation of Oliver Twist when he says "please sir, can I have some more?" Strangely enough, he used to say that to the boss a LOT, especially when getting paid.
Ben realky treats his kids like children instead of grown men!😮😅😅❤
In 2023 this episode was made in 1963 and its sixty years old now. These films are better than the current trash they call movies.
When Dickens is talking to Hoss its really impact full!! I wish instead of the bumbling Dr Smith we could have had that type of will smith dynamic it would have been great!!!!
When me and my bros. first saw this we thought man no way Dickens visited to old west but he actually did!! Dating my self but we checked the encyclopedia!!!!
You people are mistaken. That's Dr. Smith.
its Dr Smith
Charming! Great episode. Lovely story.
Harris was an excellent character actor. For the record, Dickens never went west of St. Louis, but he did not care for Americans. I would’ve rather seen an Orion & Sam Clemens episode since they actually lived in Virginia City. 😂
6:59 I would think a literary giant such as Dickens would know that pictures are hung, but people are hanged.