by Hal Erickson
synopsis
To silence the taunts of his young friends, Jamie tries to prove that he's a "real Cartwright" by showing up at school with Ben's rifle-and without Ben's permission. Inevitably, the rifle is broken, and a reluctant Ben punishes Jamie for lying about the incident. Embittered, Jamie runs away from the Ponderosa, unwilling to accept the notion that Ben is being harsh only because he truly loves the boy. Lou Frizzell makes one of his earliest appearances as ranch hand Dusty Rhodes. Written by Preston Wood, "The Gold Plated Rifle" was first telecast on January 10, 1971.
