| Bonanza episode | |
|---|---|
| “Gift of Water” | |
| Season 3, Episode 21 #87 in Series | |
 | |
| Air date | February 11, 1962 |
| Production code | |
| Guest starring: | |
| Written by | Borden Chase |
| Directed by | Jesse Hibbs |
| Episode Guide | |
| Previous Episode: The Auld Sod |
Next Episode: The Jackknife |
| External links | |
 IMDbGift of Water on IMDb | |
Summary[]
The area is in the grip of a deadly drought. The farmers hope to use the water near the Ponderosa, but the ranchers violently object to the idea. To ward off a war over water, the Cartwrights help dig a well and build a windmill to help the farmers.
Plot[]
A drought has ravaged the flat lands. Jason Ganther is attempting to dig a well at his farm. He believes water is just a few feet further down. As Jason digs, the well collapses on him. Fortunately Hoss has just stopped by to water his horse and saves Jason.
Hoss decides to help him and they begin drilling for water. Eventually Adam arrives at the Ganther farm to help. As Hoss and Adam are laboring to drill the well deeper, Little Joe arrives to help. Jason’s young daughter, Lindy, develops a crush on Joe and tries to help him with comical results.
Meanwhile ranchers in the high country have started up a vigilante group to keep families from leaving the flat lands and settling in the high country where water is plentiful. They ask the Cartwright to join them, but Ben says no. Disgusted by the vigilantes the entire Cartwright family, including Ben, help the Ganthers with their well digging. Tensions mount between the two groups as the Cartwrights race against time to find the water before violence erupts.
Cast and Characters[]
The Cartwrights
- Lorne Green: Ben Cartwright
- Dan Blocker: Hoss Cartwright
- Michael Landon: Little Joe Cartwright
- Pernell Roberts: Adam Cartwright
Recurring[]
Other[]
- Betty Endicott: Collins' Daughter
- Harry Lauter: John Lane
- James Doohan: Bill Collins
- Kay Stewart: Mrs. Collins
- Majel Barrett: Belle Ganther
- Pam Smith: Lindy Ganther
- Paul Birch: Luther Kent
- Royal Dano: Jason Ganther
Notes[]
Did you know?[]
- German episode title: "Kampf ums Wasser", meaning "Fight for Water".
Quotes[]
- "Well now it's finally happened - the sun's fried his brains so he doesn't make sense anymore."
- ―Joe about Hoss[src]
Gallery[]
Videos[]
