Star Trek's Leonard Nimoy Starred In A TV Movie Revival Of A Classic Western Series
We all know him as the beloved Mr. Spock from "Star Trek," but the late Leonard Nimoy also played a unique role in a different TV institution: "Bonanza." Nimoy is closely associated with science fiction shows and movies, but he also had extensive experience in Westerns.
Released in 1995, the film "Bonanza: Under Attack" serves as a sequel to the "Bonanza" series and the final part of a trilogy of TV films centering on the next generation of the Cartwright family. It also includes a performance from original "Shaft" actor Richard Roundtree.
Nimoy plays former outlaw Frank James, a historical figure and the brother of Jesse James. When Frank is hunted down by detective Charley Siringo (Dennis Farina) and his gang, he flees to the Ponderosa Ranch in hopes that he'll be protected by his old Civil War buddy Bronc Evans (Ben Johnson). With an enemy about to disrupt the peace of their home, the Cartwrights are thrust into a conflict and work on fortifying the ranch, hoping to serve as the last line of defense for a troubled man looking to change his ways.
Leonard Nimoy returned to his roots in this legacy sequel
Original "Bonanza" series' main cast members Lorne Greene, Dan Blocker, and Michael Landon had passed away by 1995. Amazingly, the series of TV movies that ended with "Under Attack" includes sons of the stars who played Little Joe and Hoss, namely Michael Landon Jr. and Dirk Blocker.
The movie might not have led to additional sequels exploring continued adventures of the new Cartwrights, but a few interesting facts make it worth watching. It closed the chapter on Nimoy's career in the Western genre with a return to an iconic franchise. It also served as one of Jack Elam's final appearances. In a conversation with the Spokesman Review, Nimoy described the experience as an "enjoyable" one. He especially highlighted the thrill of sharing the set with Elam and Ben Johnson.