
The Gentleman from New Orleans Full Episode – Bonanza, Season #05, Episode #18
In this episode of Bonanza, the central character is a middle-aged Frenchman portrayed by John Dehner, who claims to be the infamous pirate-patriot, Jean Lafitte. Stirring up trouble in Virginia City with his extravagant assertions, “Lafitte” finds himself behind bars until Hoss Cartwright intervenes, believing in the stranger’s authenticity. However, both Hoss and the Frenchman face a dilemma when a man named Amos Whittaker is murdered with “Lafitte’s” knife. The cast also features Sheldon Allman as Betts and Jean Willes as Molly. Penned by William Bruckner, The Gentleman from New Orleans originally aired on February 2, 1964.
Explore the plot intricacies and captivating trivia, or indulge in the full episode below.
Table of Contents
Watch the Full Episode of The Gentleman from New Orleans
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Main Cast
In the eighteenth episode of Bonanza’s fifth season, titled “The Gentleman from New Orleans,” several recurring and supporting cast members appeared. Notable members of the cast include:
- Dan Blocker as Eric ‘Hoss’ Cartwright
- Michael Landon as Joseph ‘Little Joe’ Cartwright
- Lorne Greene as Ben Cartwright
- Pernell Roberts as Adam Cartwright (credit only)
- John Dehner as Jean Lafitte
- Jean Willes as Molly Travers
- Sheldon Allman as Atty. Walter A. Betts
- Ray Teal as Sheriff Roy Coffee
- Harry Swoger as Amos Whittaker
- Bern Hoffman as Bartender Sam
- Joan Connors as Sally
- Victor Adamson as Barfly (uncredited)
- Bill Clark as Cowboy Helping Mr. Betts (uncredited)
- Russell Custer as Barfly (uncredited)
- Betty Endicott as Townswoman Betty (uncredited)
- Michael Jeffers as Barfly (uncredited)
- Mathew McCue as Barfly with Black Hat (uncredited)
- Ernesto Molinari as Barfly (uncredited)
- John Rice as Barfly (uncredited)
- Arnold Roberts as Barfly (uncredited)
- Cosmo Sardo as Barfly (uncredited)
- Sammy Shack as Barfly (uncredited)
- Jack Tornek as Barfly (uncredited)
Full Story Line for The Gentleman from New Orleans
Reliable Hoss encounters a colorful, sword-wielding inebriate who boldly claims to be the infamous pirate Jean Lafitte. Trusting in LaFitte’s self-proclaimed identity and recalling his historical reputation as a patriot for his role in the Battle of New Orleans, Hoss extends hospitality to him at the Ponderosa.
As Ben remains skeptical and reaches out to acquaintances in New Orleans to authenticate LaFitte’s claims, trouble arises when LaFitte becomes a murder suspect. Now, Hoss is tasked with uncovering the actual culprit and unraveling the mystery surrounding the enigmatic figure known as Jean Lafitte.
Full Script and Dialogue of The Gentleman from New Orleans
Howdy, Miss Betty. Whittaker, are you all right? What do you want? Mr. Whittaker, you got an appointment to meet with my pa over at Lawyer Betts'. Don't worry, Hoss. I'll get him there. - Howdy, Hoss. - Howdy, Sam. - What can I get you? - Oh, give me a tall cool one, Sam. I'm killing a little time till Joe and Pa get to town. And now, mon amour, it is time for another dance. Hey, Hoss, look at that old man over there. He's been in here drinking and dancing with Molly all afternoon. Most any man half his age would be under the table by now. What are you doing with my boyfriend, you man-stealing witch? What do you mean your boyfriend? Now, you listen to me, Sal, I'm gonna give you one minute to get out of here and then I'm gonna pull that dyed hair right out by the roots. I heard how you lured him over here, you thief. - Oh, it is not true. - I had to see it for myself to believe it. So now you've seen. Now get out, this is my territory. You do not send her away. No, of course, she is charming also. - Charming? - Well, I'm not... You should see this woman when she gets out of bed. She's enough to make a strong man die. - Now, ladies, please. - You stay out of this, honey. I have to teach this crowbait to stay away from my man. Crowbait? Take that back, you decrepit old bag. Bag? Think we ought to break them up? Yeah, before they start breaking the fixtures. No, please, gentleman, no, no, no. Let the ladies have their little fun. I will be willing to pay whatever small damage they cause. - You witch! - You thief! Sure you don't want us to break them up? Certainly not. That would be the height of disrespect since it is me they are fighting over. Stop it, you... I hate you! This is getting to be quite a list, mister. You sure you can pay? Don't worry, my friend. Do not worry. But I am worrying. What is your name anyway? Lafitte. Jean Lafitte. Hey, there was a famous pirate named Jean Lafitte. You ain't by chance related, are you? Related? My dear friend, I am that Jean Lafitte. Sorry we're late, Hoss, but, you know, we ran into old Jim Lane. You know the way he likes to jaw. Pa, listen, can I talk to you a minute? Well, Hoss, we're late for Lawyer Betts' meeting now. Can't it wait? It'll just take a minute, Pa. Well, Joe, will you tell the lawyer that we'll be along in a few minutes? - All right. - Now, what is it? Look, Pa, come along with me a minute, will you? - Pa. - Yeah? You remember one time telling us about having met Jean Lafitte when your ships were at the same harbor? Yeah, when I was an apprentice seaman. - Down in New Orleans somewhere. - Mm-hm. Now, let me ask you something. How old would he be now? According to reports, he died a long time ago. Yeah, but that's according to reports. Now, if he is still alive, how old would he be? Oh, well, I don't know. I guess maybe about 70. - Seventy, huh? - What's all this about? Pa. He's over there in Roy Coffee's jail right now. He says he's Lafitte? What's he doing in that jail? Oh, there was a ruckus over at the saloon and a couple of women got in a fight over him. A couple of women got in a fight over him? Seventy-year-old man? Pa, wait till you see this 70-year-old man. Howdy, Ben. BEN: Roy. Did you come over to identify our prized prisoner like Hoss here said you could? Well, Roy, I come over to have a look at a 70-year-old man. I don't know if I can identify him. I was a kid when I saw Lafitte in New Orleans. Besides, I heard he died a long time ago. Now, do you really think that could be him? Well, it could be. After all, he's in my jail. Ben, what I've heard of this Jean Lafitte, he was a pirate and a smuggler and a swindler and just about every kind of a rascal known, but this fellow sure answers that description, ha, ha. He was also a war hero, Roy. Ever since Pa first told me about him when I was just a young'un, I got interested in him and I did some research, and I found out if it hadn't been for Jean Lafitte, we'd have lost the War of 1812 at the Battle of New Orleans. Of course, that's right, Hoss. But he was a pretty bloodthirsty pirate, and then he became a war hero. Then he went back to pirating again. Well, let's have a look at this ghost anyway. Oh, come on, but I don't think he's no ghost. I think he's just a plain crook. In fact, Sam the bartender is gonna testify at the trial. Well, old man, we got somebody here who knew you in the old days. Most interesting. Is this the man? Yeah, that's Ben Cartwright. He once knew the real Jean Lafitte. No, you are not old enough to have known me in my prime. Oh, well, I was just a pretty young apprentice seaman at the time. Oh, I see. Well, I'm afraid my memory is not that good, uh... Young girls I remember. Young apprentice seamen, no. Well, yeah, I don't know. I understand you're in jail here because of, uh, a little woman trouble. It was worth it. Those girls were absolutely delightful. And, after all, what is there left for a poor helpless old man but to try to enjoy his few remaining years? Helpless old man. Why, you old reprobate, you're just about as helpless as a two-headed sidewinder, ha, ha. Roy, I don't think that's quite respectful, to talk to an American hero like that. Him, a war hero? Hoss, all these confidence men try to get you to feel sorry for him, Now, don't let this one fool you. Yeah, well, I'll tell you how much he's fooled me. I'm gonna bail him out. I'm gonna pay all the damages. You what? I'm gonna bail him out. Look, Hoss, you don't have to get yourself involved in this. Now, Pa, you were the one that told me about the War of 1812 and about Jean Lafitte. Now, if this man happens to be Jean Lafitte, it'd be a crying shame for him to have to spend the last remaining days of his life behind bars. Hoss, you're letting this imposter play on your sympathies. But, Roy, I ain't for sure he is an impostor. That's just the trouble. I'm gonna pay his damages. Well, all right, I got an itemized list here somewhere. Look, Hoss, we're already overdue at the lawyer's, so let's go over there, you can settle this later. - Pa, you go ahead. I'll join you later. - All right. - See you later, Roy. - All right, Ben. There you are. Well, here's your stuff. - Your cane. - Ah, my walking stick. - Your bag. - Yes. - You know something? - Oh, yes. That's the darndest knife I ever seen in my life. That, my friend, is a pirate's cutlass. As necessary to my profession as a plow to a farmer. - Well, what do you use it for? - Slitting throats. I never know for sure whether you're joshing or whether you're on the level. Do you know I am never certain myself? Joe and I have been having a nice chat. - Well, good. - What did Hoss want, Pa? Oh, I'll tell you about that later. Where's Amos? He won't be here. Well, how are we gonna settle anything without him? Well, the truth of it is, he was here, but, uh, he was so drunk, I had his foreman take him home. Now, look, Walter, I think we've waited just about long enough to get paid for that herd. Amos Whittaker swears that you were paid in full and in cash when you rode out to his place a week ago Tuesday. Well, then, he is drunk. Has he got a receipt to prove that? He says he and your father are such old friends that they never bothered with, uh, receipts and such. Well, that's true enough. But what's he trying to say? That I'm cheating him by asking him to pay twice for the same herd? It's a lot of money, Ben. Now, come on, Walter. You don't think I'm trying to pull some trick on him. Well, of course not, Ben. I trust you implicitly. - Well? - Well. Well, the thing is, I trust Amos Whittaker implicitly too. Oh, he's a difficult man when he's drinking, but, well, I've never heard of him doing anything even slightly dishonest. Well, I'm gonna tell you one thing. Amos better be sober in the morning. I'm riding out there to have a talk with him. Oh, Ben, let me deal with it. Now, I've handled both your affairs for a long time. I promise I'll get to the bottom of it if I have to put aside everything else on my calendar. All right. Thank you, Walter. Well, I'm not being entirely unselfish, Ben. If people are gonna stop talking and start shooting, how's a lawyer gonna make a living? - So long, Mr. Betts. - Goodbye, Little Joe. - Ready to go, Hoss? - Oh, hi, Pa. What do you got there? It's, uh... It's a diamond. Ain't it pretty? Mr. Lafitte gave it to me. He said he, uh, he got that off of a Greek princess. Yeah, Pa was telling me about that new friend of yours, Hoss. He, uh, talk you into buying that thing? He gave it to me. It's a pretty big diamond. What did you give him in return? Just a couple of drinks over there at the Gold Lily. I bet I know. Then you talked him into taking every bit of money you had on you. Yeah. I'd have done that anyhow, even without this. You know, Joe, they say if you take a rock, see, you put a diamond on top of it, you just tap it, now, if it's a real diamond, it won't break. Of course, uh, if it isn't a real diamond, it shatters into little pieces. - A rock like that? - Yeah. I ain't... I ain't for sure I even wanna find out. Well, it's up to you, Hoss, of course. You mean, you really thought that man was the famous Jean Lafitte? Oh, such a long walk. Mr. Lafitte, hi. You hoof it all the way out here? Well worth it to see my good friend Monsieur Hoss again. What can I do for you, Mr. Lafitte? Oh, yes, I have another gift for you. A most magnificent... ruby. - A ruby, huh? - Yeah, now hold it up to the light. You see how it glitters in the sun? Do you know how I got that ruby? I myself, I tore it from the finger of a Spanish grandee after boarding his boat in the straits of Lascuarre. Yeah? Well, it's, uh, beautiful. It's mighty, mighty pretty. Accept it from me, please. I appreciate it. Thank you, sir. Now... Now, what can I do for you? Yes, uh... Monsieur Hoss, I will go hungry and homeless unless you see fit to extend the hospitality of the Ponderosa for a few days. Mr. Lafitte, what'd you do with that money I gave you yesterday? All foolishly squandered on beautiful women. If there is one thing Lafitte enjoys, it is foolish squandering on beautiful women. I mean, dad burn it, if you ain't got more gall than any man I ever met, Mr. Lafitte. Yes, I find it very useful. Well, I'll have to talk to my Pa and brother. - Mr. Lafitte, are you all right? - Help me. Sit down. Sit down here. If you will please explain to them that a footsore old war veteran is waiting outside. Tell them that the hero of the Battle of New Orleans awaits their decision as to whether or not he will have food this day. You ask them that, Monsieur Hoss. It may take some time to convince them. Monsieur Hoss, old soldiers have patience, and I have great faith in you. And if he turns out to really be Lafitte, we're gonna feel pretty foolish turning him away, him being an American war hero. Oh, a war hero my foot. He's a swindler. He's a phony. Look, can't you un...? What do you got there? It's, uh, another little gem he gave me. Oh, you've gotta be kidding. Look at that. It's another phony gem. What do I have to do to get it through that skull of yours? It just proves Mr. Lafitte's got a bunch of phony jewelry. Oh, well, forget it. You try and talk to him, Pa. Yeah, ahem, well, uh... it's highly improbable that he's the Mr. Lafitte, the war hero. Eh? But it's not entirely impossible. Eh? So I suggest we compromise. Let's have him here in our home as our guest for the next couple of days, but let's keep a very careful eye on all the silverware. Oh, Pa. If Adam was here right now, he would agree with me. Well, he ain't. He's in San Francisco, and Mr. Lafitte's staying, and that's all there is to it. Hey, Pa, you mind if I, uh, take a look at those books of yours? You wanna look at books? Yeah, I thought I might, uh, read up on the War of 1812. Oh. Johnny boy, I never had so much fun in my life. Oh, the most beautiful young lady will have even more fun. The evening is just beginning. Mr. Lafitte, you and me are gonna have to be going home now. A man your age has gotta have his sleep. - Nonsense. - All right, all right, whoa, whoa, whoa. Well, then, a man my age has gotta have his sleep. His age. No. All right, we'll have one more round, but then we gotta go home for sure, you hear? One more round, Sam, on the tab. Okay, it will be. Better get cash, Sam. - Cantankerous old codger. - Especially when he's drunk. He never really remembers what he does or says, then has to go around apologizing when he's sober. Yeah? Mr. Whittaker. What's on your mind, boy? Well, sir, you know my pa well enough, or you certainly ought to, to know that he ain't one to try to cheat you. He took my money and he swears he didn't. Now, some folks call that cheating. Well, it's some sort of misunderstanding. Sir, if you two could get together, talk... There's nothing I'd like better than to talk to Ben Cartwright. I've been looking forward for a long time to tell him exactly what I think of him. Well, why weren't you in shape to do just that at Lawyer Betts' office the other day? Lawyer Betts? What are you talking about? This is the first I've been in town in a long time. Mr. Whittaker, I seen you with my own two eyes come out of this saloon Friday. Lawyer Betts said you showed up at his office so drunk you couldn't talk and he sent you home. Well, sometimes I don't remember when I get drinking pretty heavy. That's my business, not yours. Yeah. - Mr. Whittaker... - Look, why don't you let me alone? Isn't it enough that you've lied to me and cheated me? Monsieur, do not talk like that to a friend of Jean Lafitte or you will find you have no throat to talk through. Mr. Lafitte, please. I can take care of this, I assure you. Very well, if you insist. But, you, remember. I'm sorry about that. He's just a harmless old man. What I was about to ask you was... had you been drinking hard that day you claimed that you paid my Pa for that herd? My foreman was there. He saw me hand your father that money. Oh. Then Tully told you about it the next day, huh? Mr. Whittaker, I've never known you to lie. And certainly not my Pa. But, I'm sorry, I can't say the same thing for Tully. My Pa would be more than happy to ride out to your place at your convenience, any time you want, talk this thing over with you and try to get it settled. Beautiful breakfast. Beautiful breakfast. But, you know, this coffee should have a little chicory in it in the style of New Orleans. I will tell Hop Sing the secret. For a man who ain't had no sleep, you're mighty chipper this morning. Yeah. How do you do it? - Clean living, my boy. Clean living. HOSS: Oh, heh. It's all very pleasant. I gotta go to see Amos Whittaker. - Don't lose your temper. - Okay. Hello, Roy, come on in. Come in. I'm sorry, I'm just leaving, but, uh, you go in and have some coffee with the boys. Well, thanks. Uh, where you heading, Ben? I'm going to see Amos Whittaker. - You can save yourself a trip. - Hmm? Amos is dead. What? What happened to him, Roy? Somebody slit his throat. With this. My cutlass, of course. During all the gaiety at the saloon last night, it was either lost or stolen. And that must have been after you threatened Whittaker. Oui, I first noticed it was missing after Monsieur Hoss left for home around, uh, midnight, I should say. Then you two weren't together all evening? No, sir. Mr. Lafitte stayed at the saloon after I left. Mr. Lafitte, we figure that Amos Whittaker was murdered about 3:00 this morning. Now, where were you at that time? I cannot compromise a lady. If you cannot come up with something better than that, you're in real trouble. Sheriff, before you start making any charges, maybe you ought to check... Find out where Amos Whittaker's foreman was at 3:00 this morning. I know where Tully was. He was getting his throat slit too. On my honor, as a soldier who was decorated by the American government, I had nothing to do with these killings. Just the same, you're gonna have to come along with me. Roy. We'll see that you have a defense lawyer. You are most kind. Would you look at that? Broiled lizard tongue. A very interesting dish. Now, what are you talking about? That's the most tender chicken there is to be had anywhere. Then what is your secret recipe that makes it taste like broiled lizard tongues? Hi, Johnny boy. Oh, just in time. Mr. Lafitte, Molly here says that she was the one you was out with the other night right during the time the murder took place, so I reckon that clears everything up, Roy. That's right. Johnny boy and I went for a buggy ride after we left the saloon It was very romantic. We must have stayed out till almost 2:00 in the morning. No, it was much later than that, ma chérie. You remember the beautiful sunrise as we returned? Sunrise? What sunrise? The sunrise. The one you and I watched this morning together. Just, uh, tell the truth, Miss Molly, exactly as you remember it. Well, the truth is it was just before 2:00 when I got back to my room at the hotel. Well, that would have gave Johnny boy here plenty of time to ride out to Amos Whittaker's ranch before 3:00 in the morning, wouldn't it? I, uh, think that'll be all, Miss Travers. I'm sorry, Johnny boy. It's been fun up to now. Molly. - Johnny boy. - Molly. Right in there. She is lying. It is her word against mine. Uh, I mean no offense, Mr. Lafitte, but as your lawyer, it is my duty to point out that yours is the word of a pirate with an extremely spotty record. Lawyer Betts, you think that Mr. Lafitte's past will have any influence on the jury? Jurors are only human. I think it might make a very big difference. In that case, gentlemen... I have a small confession to make. I am not Jean Lafitte. You ain't Jean Lafitte? And you spent all this time convincing folks you were? Let us say I am an old man who enjoys his little joke. Making fools out of folks, is that your idea of a joke? I am sorry, Monsieur Hoss. I am very sorry. I have lied to you often, but this, I swear to you, is the truth. I did not kill Monsieur Whittaker or his foreman. And I reckon you're willing to swear that on your honor as a great American hero, huh? I do not blame you for no longer believing in me. Hi, Pa. I'm gonna take this bag in to Mr. Lafitte, or whatever his name is. I'll be right back. I'm sorry, Hoss. You know, I reckon I'm pretty stupid, but for some reason, Pa, I can't keep from believing him when he tells me he didn't kill them two men. Now, why should you think that makes you stupid? He, uh... He happens to be a man who lives by his wits. You happen to be a fellow who lives by your heart. And, you know, I think I like your way better. Well, it don't make no difference, I reckon, because I've had it with him. All his tall tales and his lies and his fake jewelry. I mean, really, Pa, I've had it with him. Oh, how kind of you to bring me fresh linen. That's all right, Mr. Lafitte. Eh, Monsieur Hoss. I hate to ask, but when a man's life is at stake, he will risk anything, any humiliation. Mm-hm. Just one last small favor. Like? The very beautiful Mademoiselle Molly will be in her room at the hotel right now. I would appreciate it very much if you would talk to her and ascertain why she stole my cutlass. Mr. Lafitte, why are you so all-fired sure that it was Molly that stole your cutlass? Because I know women. Now, off with you to Mademoiselle Molly before she leaves for the dancehall. Dad burn it. I reckon I'm some kind of a dang fool or something. Monsieur Hoss, just please believe me innocent of those murders, whatever else you may believe of me. So you think I swiped Johnny boy's cutlass while he and I were dancing together, huh? And then after that, I suppose I slipped it to a Confederate and took Johnny boy buggy riding until dawn, is that it? Oh, no, Miss Molly. - It ain't what I think. It's... - Heh. You know, Hoss, that two-faced old rascal's really got you bamboozled. If you'll excuse me, I gotta get to work. Yes. Mr. Lafitte. Mr. Lafitte, put that thing away. What are you doing? Not until I have sliced this so-beautiful little lady into not-so-beautiful little pieces. Hoss. Hoss, he's just loco enough to do it. You will die by inches. You will die slowly. Slowly. Aah! MOLLY: Aah! - Mr. Lafitte! Mr. Lafitte! - Ha, ha. No, I will... I must follow her. Please. I must find out where she goes. You're going right back to jail where you belong. If Lafitte gives you his word of honor that he will return to the jail cell at once, will you follow her? Yeah, but you ain't Lafitte, remember? You're a fake. Even an imposter has honor. There, you see? Come. She runs down the street. Does she run to the sheriff's office? No. She runs in the opposite direction to her unknown accomplice. You must follow her. You must. Or forfeit me to the hangman. All right, but if you're making a fool out of me... Back to the jail cell, I swear to you. All right. I'll follow her. But you, back to the jail, you hear? Psst. Monsieur Hoss. What are you doing here? You're supposed to be in jail. Did not Lafitte keep his word as always? Did I not return to my cell? You must not have stayed very long. What are you doing with Roy's hat and coat on? It is a disguise. Now I'm an accomplice to a jailbreak. Take heart, Monsieur Hoss. All will be straightened out in due course. Now, what about Mademoiselle Molly? That's something else. She didn't go to no Confederate. She went to her lawyer. That's where she went. So, what lawyer? Same one you got. Walter Betts. Oh. She didn't get to see him. There's a note on his door said he won't be back till after supper. Wait a minute. Where you going? Lafitte is counting on his good friend for one last small favor. What more do you want from me, anyhow? My whole defense depends upon it. Now follow me. What's interesting about Mr. Betts' back door? Looks like any other door to me. Would you mind keeping your eye on the street while I make my examination, please? Well, make it snappy. Mr. Betts gonna be back here in a minute. How long are you gonna have to study that door, Mr. Lafitte? Mr. Lafitte? Dad burn your ornery hide. How come you didn't tell me you was gonna break in here? - Would you have allowed it? - I wouldn't. - You see? - Oh, my... What do you figure on finding in here? Evidence that Lawyer Betts is Mademoiselle Molly's accomplice. If that ain't the silliest dang thing I ever heard of. Oh, is it? Lawyer Betts is honest clean through. Oh, Monsieur Hoss, did I not fool you into thinking that I was Jean Lafitte? You sure did. Then is it not possible that Lawyer Betts could have fooled you into thinking that he is honest clean through? Yeah, but what makes you suspect him? It could be nobody else. He made a brief appearance in the saloon that night after you left, and Mademoiselle Molly could very easily have slipped him my cutlass. There is no other explanation. Oh, yes, there is. There's one. Oh, indeed? What? What? What? That, uh, you could still be the murderer after all. Could I look you in the eye if that were true? Yup. And pick my pocket while you was doing it. Well, since you understand me so well, you must know that I could not have murdered those two men, huh? Thank you, Monsieur Hoss. Now, please, one small favor, would you continue looking for evidence? Hey, wait a minute. Mr. Lafitte, how am I gonna find what I don't even know what I'm looking for? Now, wait a minute. Wait a minute. Wait just a dang minute. What do you think you're doing anyhow? This safe, it was behind the picture. You can't do that. That's burglary. Mm-hm. Everything will be all right. You wait and see, Monsieur Hoss. Thousand dollar bills. Almost exactly the same amount Mr. Whittaker claimed to have given your father. Hey, wait till the sheriff sees that. No. It would be a mistake to give it to the sheriff. A man as shrewd as Mr. Betts would no doubt have some explanation as to how he came by such a huge sum. What are we gonna do then? Several things. One, we can return the money to the safe... and lock it up. Two, we can put the picture back in place on the wall so that Mr. Betts will not know that his secret has been discovered. And, uh, three, three, three... Ah. - Ahem. Can you see me here? - No. Then, three, I will hide here. And for you, I suggest, uh... The closet. We gonna hide out till the lawyer gets back, right? Exactly. Then we find out what Mademoiselle Molly has to say to him. Yeah, but what if he catches us? Always you look on the gloomy side. Why cannot you be more cheerful? You will not have to remain there more than one hour at the most. Molly, what are you doing here? What am I doing here? Did you know that Lafitte bound and gagged Sheriff Coffee in his own jail and then escaped? Good. Good? The old buzzard's threatening to kill me. No, I'll ask the sheriff to appoint a deputy to guard you. You'll be safe. And Lafitte's escaping will be considered an admission of guilt. You know, you're smart, Walter. So smart you sometimes worry me. You get people trusting you and then... And then? And then... Like Tully. What about Tully? Tully played square with us all the way through. You paid him off with a slit throat. Isn't a two-way split better than a three? And what happens to me if you decide a one-way split is better than two? I rode all the way to Morgan City today to make the arrangements to buy a dancehall with the money from this deal. You're gonna run it with me as a silent partner. Now, does that sound like a double-cross, hmm? He heard every word we said. Unbuckle the gun belt. Drop it. Where's Lafitte? I don't know. You never were a very good liar, Hoss. He's around here somewhere. What makes you so sure? Hoss isn't tricky enough to pull something like this on his own. Where is he? I said I didn't know. No place here he could hide, except... Come on out, Mr. Lafitte. That unscrupulous, deceitful, conniving old... How long were you in that closet? About an hour. Your Honor, may I address the court? I came home from a business trip and found a prowler in my office. It was dark, and I shot him before I realized it was Hoss Cartwright. And to this day, I have no idea what he was doing there. Well, Your Honor? Killing Amos Whittaker was bad enough. Tully was even worse. But Hoss? I suppose you'd rather the law hung both of us? Hold still. Would you hold still? You hurt? No. Somewhat out of breath is all. When one reaches the age of 70, it is time to give up acrobatics. And here. Never, never put such temptation in my path again. Oh. Look, here, uh, Mr. Lafitte, you could have got away with that. How come you didn't? Because you believed in me. You were my friend, and Lafitte never abandons a friend. Uh, at least not very often. I don't know why he started. Now, before you leave, you must do us one small little favor. - Certainly. - Now, tell us who you are. - Who... - I mean, who you are really. Who I am really? I'm Jean Lafitte, of course. But, Mr. Lafitte, when you were in the jail cell you said... Because, at that time, it was inconvenient for me to be Jean Lafitte. But now, with the charges against me being dismissed, I am free to resume my true identity. I see. Well, uh, where are you gonna go now, Mr. Lafitte? Where will I go now? Where the music is gay, where the wine is good, and where the women are beautiful. Here we are. Monsieur Hoss, one small last favor, if you please. I thank you very much. You know, I don't think he's ever gonna change. No, I guess not. Hey. Look what the old phony gave me. Another diamond. Hey, no, another one? What did you give him in return this time? The horse he's riding, the second best saddle I own and every penny I had to my name. But, Pa, it was worth it. The stories the old guy told. - I know. - He was telling me one the other day. - Yeah? - See, he was boarding this ship alone, - single-handedly, he had his sword... - Hey, Hoss, this is a real diamond. Yeah. So he ju... Hey, you don't suppose that really is...?
Behind the Scenes of The Gentleman from New Orleans
Remarkably, Lorne Greene is only approximately nine months older than John Dehner, who plays the role of Lafitte in the episode.
During a particular scene, Molly fires Hoss’ six guns eight times without reloading, a detail that defies practical firearm capacity.
Furthermore, striking a diamond with a rock is not reliable for testing its authenticity, as natural diamonds are firm but also brittle.
In the pilot episode, Joe claims that his grandfather knew Jean Lafitte. Yet, this detail should be mentioned when Lafitte becomes a topic of conversation between him and his brother Hoss. Joe either embellished the truth, or the tale was a childhood story passed down by his mother.
Additionally, given Ben’s extensive experience sailing, it is reasonable to assume he would have been aware of Jean Lafitte’s historical timeline. Lafitte was born around 1776 and died in 1823, playing a significant role in the War of 1812 and gaining notoriety as a pirate. Thus, considering Lafitte’s historical context, it seems unlikely that he would have been alive during the period depicted in Bonanza.
Looking for More Bonanza Episodes?
Bonanza provides excellent, family-friendly entertainment for solo viewing or enjoying with loved ones. The Gentleman from New Orleans marks the 152nd episode out of 430 in the series. NBC produced and broadcasted Bonanza from September 1959 to January 1973, covering a span of 14 seasons.
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