In this classic-and hilarious-Bonanza episode, Hoss Cartwright returns to the Ponderosa with a strongbox of gold, which he claims to have received from a band of "Little People"-Leprechauns, in fact. Though Hoss' family and friends don't quite swallow his story of his tiny benefactors, they cannot deny that the treasure exists, and thus a mini-gold rush ensues. Meanwhile, the "Leprechauns"-actually a group of carnival midgets and dwarves-rebel against their boss, crooked impresario Professor McCarthy (Sean McClory). Featured in the cast are such well-known professional Little People as Frank Delfino, Harry Monty and Nels Nelson, the latter two veterans both of the 1939 theatrical feature The Wizard of Oz. Scripted with tongue firmly imbedded in cheek by Robert Barron, "Hoss and the Leprechauns" was originally shown on December 22 1963.
by Hal Erickson
synopsis
