Ep 7. The Many Faces of Gideon Flinch

The Many Faces of Gideon Flinch" is the seventh episode of the third season of the classic TV western series, Bonanza. The episode was first aired on October 29, 1961 and was directed by Don McDougall.

In this episode, the Cartwrights receive news that a famous German actor, Gideon Flinch (played by Karl Swenson), is traveling through Virginia City and will be staying at the International House. The brothers are excited to meet the actor and hope to get his autograph.

Upon arriving at the hotel, they discover that Flinch is a very private person who does not want to be disturbed. However, Ben Cartwright (played by Lorne Greene) manages to convince the hotel manager to arrange a private dinner party for Flinch and his guests, which includes the Cartwrights.

At the dinner party, Flinch entertains the guests with his acting skills and impersonations of famous people. However, during the party, Flinch is robbed of his prized possession – a ring that once belonged to a famous actress.

The Cartwrights decide to help Flinch find the ring and begin to investigate the theft. They discover that the thief is a former stagecoach driver who has a grudge against Flinch. The driver, who is now a bartender at a local saloon, is arrested and Flinch retrieves his ring.

Throughout the episode, Flinch’s true character is revealed through his various impersonations. He is shown to be a talented and genial actor who is devoted to his craft and faithful to his friends.

The episode ends with Flinch leaving Virginia City with a newfound respect for the Cartwrights and a promise to return to see them again.

Overall, "The Many Faces of Gideon Flinch" is a fun and lighthearted episode that highlights the talents of Karl Swenson as he portrays a well-known actor. Although it is not one of the more action-packed episodes of Bonanza, it is still an enjoyable and entertaining addition to the series.