| Bonanza episode | |
|---|---|
| “The First Born” | |
| Season 4, Episode 1 #101 in Series | |
 | |
| Air date | September 23, 1962 |
| Production code | |
| Guest starring: | |
| Written by | George W. George Judy George |
| Directed by | Don McDougall |
| Episode Guide | |
| Previous Episode: The Miracle Maker |
Next Episode: The Quest |
| External links | |
 IMDbThe First Born on IMDb | |
Summary[]
Clay Stafford just arrived in Virginia City but already seems to know who Joe and the Cartwrights are. When he gets a job on their ranch as a cowhand, his past is revealed and hopes it will not affect his new relationship with them, especially Joe.
Plot[]
Clay Stafford comes to Virginia City and signs on as a ranch hand at the Ponderosa. In short order, he kills a man, claiming self defense, and is told to leave town by the miners who send a message by beating up Joe.
Most importantly, Clay drops a major bombshell: he says he's Little Joe's older half-brother and Marie was also his mother. Ben and Joe believe the story, but the other two brothers want to investigate Clay's unusual claim.
Cast[]
The Cartwrights
- Lorne Green: Ben Cartwright
- Dan Blocker: Hoss Cartwright
- Michael Landon: Little Joe Cartwright
- Pernell Roberts: Adam Cartwright
Recurring[]
- Ray Teal: Sheriff Roy Coffee
Other[]
- Barry Coe: Clay Stafford
- Ben Erway:
- Betty Endicott: Brunette Saloon Girl
- Bill Clark: Miner in Plaid Vest
- Bob Miles: Miner
- Cosmo Sardo: Bartender
- Don Beddoe: Stan Perkins
- Eddy Waller: Harry
- Holly Bane: Miner
- Martha Manor: Blonde Saloon Girl
- Robert Karnes: Miner
Notes[]
Quotes[]
- "Little Joe, you worry too much. What you need is a beer to help you relax!"
- ―Clay Stafford[src]
