In the 1960’s, Americans of all ages tuned in en masse to see the goings-on at the magnificent Ponderosa Ranch with the rugged, loveable Cartwright family. And as with seemingly every popular television show, action figures were inevitable.

The company that secured these valuable Cartwright rights was baby doll manufacturer, American Character toys. They proceeded to produce a complete line of figures and accessories that could transport any little wanna-be cowpoke to life on the great frontier. Most all of the favorites were included; Hoss, Ben, Little Joe. The only one missing was Adam Cartwright, as a result of actor Pernell Roberts leaving the show in 1965. Having lost the rights to use his likeness (even though the doll had already been created,) they transformed the figure, ala some facial hair into The Outlaw.

 

Just about everything the Cartwrights might need in their day-to-day activities was included – canteens, lariats, guns, holsters – you name it. They even sported the nifty vests and bandanas. And since a cowboy is nothing without a horse, those were available for purchase as well. Granted, they didn’t exactly gallop. Rather, they were equipped with a set of ball bearings in their feet, allowing them to roll across the prairie with ease.

And if all of those accessories weren’t enough to satisfy the kiddies, well then, “The Four in One Wagon” was a must have. This miraculous wagon of many personalities was part Ore Wagon, Chuck Wagon, Ranch Wagon and, of course, Covered Wagon, thanks to the generous assortment of seventy accessories. It was the Sybil of transportation vehicles.

Great toys come and go, and some of the best are the ones that can transport the imagination to another time. With a few piles of dirt and shrubs for scenery, the Bonanza action figures gave kids the opportunity to live the life of a Cartwright, protecting the ranch from outlaws and living the adventurous life of a frontiersman – or at least television’s version of one.