| Bonanza episode | |
|---|---|
| “A Lonely Man” | |
| Season 13, Episode 15 #404 in Series | |
 | |
| Air date | January 2, 1972 |
| Production code | |
| Guest starring: | |
| Written by | John Hawkins |
| Directed by | William F. Claxton |
| Episode Guide | |
| Previous Episode: Warbonnet |
Next Episode: Second Sight |
| External links | |
 IMDbA Lonely Man on IMDb | |
Summary[]
While on a vacation prospecting for gold, Hop Sing meets a shy, sheltered woman who's run away from her parents. The two fall in love and want to marry, but learn the law prohibits interracial marriage; when in Virginia City to meet with a judge, the townspeople display their bigotry.
Plot[]
In a rare episode with Hop Sing in the spotlight, the Cartwright's servant is panning for gold during a vacation when he falls in love with a white woman. The relationship blossoms into an engagement, but the marriage never takes place. Ben bears the heartbreaking news that a judge confirms: Territorial law forbids interracial marriage.
Cast and Characters[]
The Cartwrights[]
- Lorne Green: Ben Cartwright
- Dan Blocker: Hoss Cartwright
- Michael Landon: Little Joe Cartwright
- Mitch Vogel: Jamie Cartwright
Recurring[]
- Bing Russell as Deputy Clem Foster
- Victor Sen Yung as Hop Sing
Other[]
- Kelly Jean Peters as "Missy" Miss Hamilton
- Peter Hobbs as Judge Henry Hill
- Henry Wills as Sand
Mentioned[]
Appearances[]
Locations[]
Objects[]
Animals[]
Notes[]
Did you know?[]
- This was the only episode where Hop Sing was the central character. Victor Sen Young is listed in the opening credits as a "Special Guest Star." The other Cartwrights appear as supporting characters in this story about interracial love and the prejudices the lovers often face.
- Kelly Jean Peters, who plays Hop Sing's girlfriend, Missy, was perhaps most famous for playing Gloria Justice in one of the unaired pilots of All in the Family.
- German episode title: "Hop Sing macht Urlaub", meaning "Hop Sing on Vacation".
Goofs[]
Quotes[]
Hop Sing: Why? Hop Sing as good as any ranch hand. Ranch hand get marry. Why not Hop Sing?
Joe: (to Hoss) Drop biscuits? You must mean like those pancakes you made this morning. Drop one and it breaks the plate.
Gallery[]
Videos[]