Small Screen Icons: Charles Bronson on Bonanza

 

I never make a secret of the fact that I am a dyed in the wool Charles Bronson fan. With that said I will make the occasional sojourn into his Western work, particularly his lesser seen guest appearances on television.

We begin with an episode of Bonanza from the 6^th season [1964-65] titled The Underdog.

It was written by Don Mullally and directed by occasional Western author William F. Claxton.

As per usual, no spoilers.

Here we have Bronson as Comanche half-breed Harry Starr seeking work on the Ponderosa.

The story is one of apparent prejudice—to say more than that would do disservice to those who choose to view it. I will say, I was caught by pleasant surprise by the turn of events.

The episode really gives Bronson a chance to shine, we have more nuances than we usually expect from the “stoic” actor. We have smiles, we have a bit of cowed behavior, we have virile acting.

I call attention to the many bareback mounts that he makes throughout the episode—some of them one-handed, with an easy lithe agility that tells you, “Yeah, this guy is a Hoss of an athlete.”

Bronson himself is quite good as is the rest of the cast.

The episode has heft and a meat on the bones heart that is seldom seen anymore.

I dialed it up for Bronson alone and wound up enjoying it top to bottom.