| Bonanza episode | |
|---|---|
| “The Prime of Life” | |
| Season 5, Episode 13 #147 in Series | |
 | |
| Air date | December 29, 1963 |
| Production code | |
| Guest starring: | |
| Written by | Peter Packer |
| Directed by | Christian Nyby |
| Episode Guide | |
| Previous Episode: Hoss and the Leprechauns |
Next Episode: The Lila Conrad Story |
| External links | |
 IMDbThe Prime of Life on IMDb | |
Summary[]
Ben Cartwright doubts his fitness to run the Ponderosa when his impatience results in a logging camp accident that causes serious injury to himself and an old friend's death.
Plot[]
In trying to land a lumber contract with the railroad, Ben finds he's in competition with his arch enemy and rival, rancher Barney Fuller. Ben is so determined to prove himself that he becomes uncharacteristically reckless and causes the death of a former ranch hand. Ben hands off the job to his sons to fulfill the lumber order, seemingly giving up. Barney Fuller is determined to sabotage Adam, Hoss, and Little Joe's efforts in order to provide the lumber and make a huge profit for himself.
The Cartwrights
- Lorne Green: Ben Cartwright
- Dan Blocker: Hoss Cartwright
- Michael Landon: Little Joe Cartwright
- Pernell Roberts: Adam Cartwright
Recurring[]
- Roy Engel: Dr. J.P. Martin
- Victor Sen Yung: Hop Sing
Other[]
- Butch Patrick: Jody Fletcher
- Dan Riss: Railroad Agent
- Jay C. Flippen: Barney Fuller
- Melora Conway: Martha Fletcher
- Ralph Moody: Gabe
- Raymond Guth: Otis Watts
- Roy Jenson: Roy Jenson
Notes[]
Did you know?[]
German episode title: "Ist Ben Cartwright schuldig?", meaning "Is Ben Cartwright Guilty?".
Quotes[]
Gallery[]
Videos[]
