Richard Mulligan who was known for his comedy parts, probably best remembered from SOB as the frantic outrageous director had a serious side to him as well as is shown in this Bonanza episode. He's a newly arrived doctor in Virginia City and he and his wife are expecting their first child. But while on the way back from being feted at the Ponderosa, Mulligan is summoned by Dan Ferrone to deliver the baby that his wife Ann Whitesell is expecting. Unfortunately Mulligan's wife Diane Shalet goes into labor immediately on reaching home and without a doctor's care loses their baby.
It's a tragedy that's no one's fault, a doctor has obligations. But it unhinges both of them, Mulligan far more than Shalet and that's not noticed at first. This is one of the saddest Bonanza stories ever filmed.
For those who remember a frantic and comic Richard Mulligan this episode will give you a far different perspective of that man and his talents.
It's a tragedy that's no one's fault, a doctor has obligations. But it unhinges both of them, Mulligan far more than Shalet and that's not noticed at first. This is one of the saddest Bonanza stories ever filmed.
For those who remember a frantic and comic Richard Mulligan this episode will give you a far different perspective of that man and his talents.
