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Guest Stars: Scott Marlowe, Julie Sommars & James Beck
(Episode #161, aired Apr. 5, 1964)



While Ben and his sons leave the Ponderosa for the day, Will opts to remain behind to use time alone to make a decision about whether to stay with his relatives permanently or strike off on his own again. His solitude is interrupted by the arrival of soldiers and an injured Lee Hewitt, the leader of a band of gunman they've captured and are returning for trial. While the doctor tends to Hewitt's wounds, the rest of his gang, along with his estranged wife, arrives and kills the unsuspecting soldiers. Overhearing Hewitt's plans to ambush Ben and the boys when they return home, Will pretends to join the gang and entices them to follow him to a cache of gold he promises will be more than they could imagine.


Screen Capture-Will enjoying a dinnertime conversation Screen Capture-Will confronting a gang of young killers who've invaded the Ponderosa Screen Capture-Will weighing his options against the killers Screen Capture-Will telling the doctor he's needed at the Ponderosa
Screen captures courtesy of TK & JH


Tempted by greed, Hewitt agrees and the gang leaves the house, taking Will, the doctor and Lee's estranged wife, Emma along. That night, Will convinces the doctor and Emma that everything he's done was an attempt to save the lives of his relatives and stall for time to allow the sheriff's posse to catch up to them. Together, they devise a plan for Will to create a diversion while Emma escapes and rides for help. When the plan is foiled, nearly costing Emma her life, Will fast talks Lee into letting her live by telling him the gold shipment is due to arrive within hours.


Screen Capture-Will bluffing the leader of the gang Screen Capture-Will explaining his plan Screen Capture-Will asking Emma if she'll help him Screen Capture-Will setting his escape plan in motion
Screen captures courtesy of TK & JH


The gang descends on the Rim Rock stage depot to await the gold shipment. Will manages to tip off the stage manager to the identity of his companions and the man goes for help. As the killers are eating and drinking, Ben, Adam, Hoss and Little Joe arrive to rescue Will.


Screen Capture-Will rousing Emma who has agreed to help Screen Capture-Will trying to warn the shopkeeper that the men he's with are wanted for murder Screen Capture-Lee using Will as a hostage Screen Capture-The gang captured or dead, Will and the Cartwrights bid farewell to Emma
Screen captures courtesy of TK & JH




Guy Trivia

Will Cartwright is involved in two very physical fights during this episode. Stuntman Bobby Miles doubled for actor James Beck (Dolph) in the campsite fight and later he doubled for actor Scott Marlowe (Hewitt) in the fight finale. However, according to records of the show, Guy got plenty of exercise doing all his own stuntwork in this episode. In the scene immediately following the fight with Dolph, there is a dialog scene between Scott Marlowe and Julie Sommars. Guy is in the background of the scene. Knowing that he did his own fight stunts, one has to wonder if when he is flexing his hand in this background shot, whether there was more to his actions than just acting!





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