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24 beautiful behind-the-scenes pictures from Bonanza
The Ponderosa was a fun place to work.
As far as we can tell, Dan Blocker always had a smile on his face. The actor, best known for playing the big, lovable Hoss, was a joy to be around on set. We have the photos to prove it.
The Bonanza cast and crew were in good spirits, which we suppose you would have to be to work on a show for 14 seasons. Whether they were working on a studio lot or out in the desert, there's typically a grin under those cowboy hats.
Take a trip back to the Ponderosa with these revealing behind-the-scenes photographs from Bonanza.
Taking a plain to work
The Everett CollectionHow did they haul all that stuff out to the desert for location shoots? With a little help from sponsor Chevrolet.
Horse play
The Everett CollectionDan Block and Lorne Greene give Michael Landon a lift.
A real ham
The Everett CollectionBlocker shares a sandwich with Stanley Livingston of My Three Sons on the Desilu lot.
Lights, camera… wagon!
The Everett CollectionUnder the bright lights, as if working in the desert wasn't hot enough.
Enjoying the Greene-ry
The Everett CollectionBonanza was the first Western to film completely in color, which made scenery like this all the more splendid.
Baby on board
The Everett CollectionGreene does a little babysitting on set.
A rising Junior
The Everett CollectionLandon relaxes at home with his son Michael Landon Jr. in 1965.
Best supporting actor
The Everett CollectionBlocker poses with his costars from the unforgettable St. Patrick's Day episode "Hoss and the Leprechauns."
Technicolor, dream coat
The Everett CollectionBlocker shows his ponderous side in a publicity shot.
Raising crane
The Everett CollectionThey had to get the camera high for this beautiful wide shots.
Wagon training
The Everett CollectionThe Cartwright boys show off their whip on set.
Tables for two
The Everett CollectionBlocker and Landon between scenes in a saloon set.
Enjoying some kick-backs
The Everett CollectionLandon relaxes with a frosty mug.
Map to the stars
The Everett CollectionLandon, Greene, Pernell Roberts and Blocker ponder the map of the Ponderosa seen in the opening credits.
Boxing day
The Everett CollectionBlocker spars with Tor Johnson, the professional wrestler best known for Plan 9 from Outer Space.
Getting directions
The Everett CollectionBlocker and Greene take some cues from the script.
Taking a dip
The Everett CollectionBlocker chills in a pool in 1965.
Everyone present
The Everett CollectionThe Cartwright boys exchange gifts for Christmas.
Hoop dreams
The Everett CollectionGreene gives a girl a Hula Hoop as Santa Claus.
Newlyweds
The Everett CollectionLandon cuddles with his second wife, Lynn Noe, shortly after they were married in 1963.
A howling good time
The Everett CollectionGreene hits the town with his wife, Nancy Deale.
Gun show
AP PhotoAustralia's Tania Verstak, 1962's Miss International Beauty is given a lesson in western marksmanship by Greene during a visit to the set on August 12, 1963. Greene was the emcee of that year's edition of the beauty contest in Long Beach, California.
Italian import
AP Photo/David F. SmithItalian actress Virna Lisi visits the western set at Paramount studios in Hollywood, Los Angeles, Oct. 23, 1965, where Bonanza is filmed. Miss Lisi was in Hollywood to co-star with Frank Sinatra in Assault on a Queen.
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