Joshua Norton was a real-life character in 19th century San Francisco, formerly a man of wealth who in middle age declared himself "Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico", even going so far as to purchase a resplendant uniform (complete with plumed hat) for the occasion. Amused by this harmless eccentric, the people of San Francisco indulged him in his delusions of grandeur-and generously paid all his expenses--until the end of his days. In this February 27, 1966 episode of Bonanza, Sam Jaffee guest-stars as The Emperor Norton, who at the beginning of the story is about to be committed to an asylum. To save him from this fate, Norton's friend Harry Crawford (Parley Baer) brings him to the Ponderosa, and then-of course-the fun (?) really begins. William Challee appears as Mark Twain (the second of the author's three Bonanza appearances), who in the climactic scenes joins the Cartwrights in championing Norton's cause. "The Emperor Norton" was written by Robert Sabaroff and Gerrit P. Young.
by Hal Erickson
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