by Hal Erickson
synopsis
The title character in this Bonanza episode is a middle-aged Frenchman (John Dehner) who claims to be legendary pirate-patriot Jean Lafitte. Making a nuisance of himself in Virginia City with his grandiose claims, "Lafitte" is thrown into jail, only to be bailed out by Hoss Cartwright, who is convinced that the stranger is telling the truth about his identity. Things get sticky for both Hoss and the Frenchman when Amos Whittaker (Harry Swoger) is killed with "Lafitte's" knife. Also in the cast are Sheldon Allman as Betts and Jean Willes as Molly. Written by William Bruckner, "The Gentleman from New Orleans" first aired February 2, 1964.
