The Next Issue of BONANZA Gold

Well, we have reached the last of our regular issues on BONANZA Gold. It is a sad day but an inevitable one. It is simply not possible to continue finding new and interesting interviews and articles, 50 years after the show first aired. Our staff writers have done a marvellous job over the past seven years and I thank them for supporting me in this venture, in particular, Valerie Ellis and Pat Dumas who have been with me since I first suggested a 'real' magazine.

So what do we have for you in this last issue:

First up take a long look at that wonderful cover shot, courtesy of Andy Klyde. One of the first shots taken of the Cartwright family way back in 1959. Two of our interviews also come from Andy, first Celeste Yarnall who can tell us about working with Michael Landon and David Canary in very close quarters! She also remembers her role on Star Trek and working with the best kisser in the business, Elvis. Then Andy chats with Allan Livingston who was in there at the conception of BONANZA and tells us how it all came about.

Our lead interview this issue is with Dan Blocker's daughter Danna, who remembers, not so much the actor that was Dan Blocker, but the father she knew and lost at a very early age.

Many of you have expressed a wish to see those who worked on the magazine, so we are there, a really rogues gallery of most of the team that have made BONANZA Gold such a success.

Hop Sing signs off by telling us how he looked after the family, and not just the guests, and Butch tangles with that ultimate animal star, Jigger Thurman's bull. By the way for those coming to the convention there will be a chance to meet Butch and get a signed photo of our illustrious staff writer.

Lynne's Eye View this issue is appropriately "Dead and Gone", the very last episode that Pernell filmed. Lynne will also be at the convention and I am sure she will sign autographs just as happily as Butch, though maybe without the photos!

A wealth of fan fiction this issue as we publish all of the stories remaining in our stock Lora Wimsatt extends our knowledge of the jail scene in "The Gamble". Harper helps Adam out of a situation of his own making. Paula Proffitt, reflects on how hard it is to shop for dress material when one is hoping to be asked out by a Cartwright. By the way Paula will be singing for us at the convention. Sharon Young relates an eventful year as it is seen through Ben's eyes, and Krystyna Woollon looks for the Rainbow with Hoss. Vicki takes off her editor's hat for a moment, to reflect on the Cartwright legacy.

We have a look at traffic jams, Comstock style with Gwynne Logan and Jean Hibben asks if you can name that episode, as in where did the titles come from? To round off the issue we have a short article about those wonderful water colors used in the titles and some poems that celebrate 50 years of BONANZA

But no BONANZA episode would be complete without a happy ending and BONANZA Gold is no exception. I am delighted to announce that my fellow director and friend, Tom Swann met and married another BONANZA fan, Louise Moore in March this year. We get a chance to attend his wedding via the magazine... and what a wedding it was! Only in Nevada!

This issue will be available at the convention and will be mailed to subscribers around September 10th.