Since the *HOT* Pernell Roberts (Adam Cartright on Bonanaza) passed away, TV Land has posted Bonanza episodes online. Watching Dan Blocker (Hoss Cartright) flop his arms around like a chicken on horseback (he CANNOT RIDE!) led me to Google him. I read that this flick, "The Long Goodbye," was done in memory of him or dedicated to him or something. So, was there some connection between Blocker and Altman, or Blocker and Chandler? Does anyone know?
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"Director Robert Altman befriended Blocker while directing episodes of Bonanza. Years later, he cast Blocker as Roger Wade in The Long Goodbye. Unfortunately, Blocker died before filming commenced. The role went to Sterling Hayden and the film was dedicated to Blocker."
IMDb indicates Robert Altman directed eight episodes of Bonanza from 1960-61.
I had the occasion to spend an afternoon with Dan Blocker on a train with a few other people in a private car. I was 12 years old. He was very witty and kind to me. A good man.
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