Episode 182 - THE SAGA OF SQUAW CHARLIE

[Episode Guide]

Date: December 27, 1964

Summary: An elderly Indian and friend of Ben's is framed in a young girl's disappearance.

Written by: Warren Douglas
Directed by: William Witney
Guest Stars: Anthony Caruso (Squaw Charlie), Don 'Red' Barry (Bud), Virginia Christine (Martha), Vicki Cos (Angela), Myron Healey (Buck)

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Slideshow courtesy of Tracy

[rogell]

The mother of this episodes angers me because she is like many who prejudice. She has no reason to hate Charlie but she calls him dirty and doesn't wish for her daughter to have anything to do with him. Kudos to the writers of Bonanza for writing this episode during a time of civil unrest.

[daisy60]

The mother of this episodes angers me because she is like many who prejudice. She has no reason to hate Charlie but she calls him dirty and doesn't wish for her daughter to have anything to do with him. Kudos to the writers of Bonanza for writing this episode during a time of civil unrest.

That's so very true. The little girl saw a man who treated her with kindness. When the girl snuck out and the mother couldn't find her, she immediately thought the Indian took her. The writers were showing how easy it is to become prejudiced against someone of a different race. This is what makes this a really great, but often over-looked episode.

[Wing1610]

After seeing the episode for the first time, I just thought what a treasure. I like how the mirror is held up to us on the subject of prejudice. It was not dubbed in German, so it was never broadcast on German television. It is a shame that those in charge of television withheld such a lesson from the audience at that time.

[dougsgirl]

She was one you really love to hate by the way she acted. I loved the way Angela loved and defended Charlie. Hated the ending though.

Sometimes some people just love to hate others.