While trying to land a lucrative lumber contract with the railroad, Ben Cartwright once again finds himself in competition with his old and hated rival, ruthless ranchowner Barney Fuller (Jay C. Flippen). Determined to prove that he is up to the challenge, Ben displays an uncharacteristic streak of recklessness-and in so doing, accidentally causes the death of a Ponderosa ranchhand. Others in the cast include Melora Conway as Martha, Ralph Moody as Gabe, and Raymond Guth as Watts. First broadcast on December 29, 1963, "The Prime of Life" was one of several Bonanza episodes written by former actor Warren Douglas. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi