One of the best-remembered and best-loved
Bonanza episodes, "Any Friend of Walter's" first aired on March 24, 1963. While travelling to visit his sweetie Bessie Sue (Katie Sue), Hoss Cartwright is forced to take shelter in the shack occupied by scroungy prospector Obie (
Arthur Hunnicutt) and Obie's mangy dog Walter. Though Walter is supposed to possess great intelligence, he demonstrates the instincts of an ignoramus when Obie's shack is besieged by three dimwitted bandits-Macie (
Steve Brodie), Teague (Vic Werber) and Willard (
James Luisi)-who think that Obie is harboring a fortune in gold. Written by Lois Hire, "Any Friend of Walter's" proved popular enough to warrant a sequel, the 1964 episode "Walter and the Outlaws." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide