Ever since I read Pernell Roberts obituary in the paper Sunday, I’ve been worrying about my sister. She’s been in love with him since the manly man, playing the part of Adam (the manliest of the three manly Cartwright sons), first struck a manly pose astride his horse during the opening of the most manly show known to man – Bonanza.
Adam was the first and only Cartwright man to leave the Ponderosa, and when he did, it nearly broke my big sister’s heart. So I’m thinking the obituary probably set her back, too. After all, Pernell, at age 81, was the last of the manly Cartwright actors to die. How is she handling the end of such manly valor?
Pernell/Adam was also the only one of the four manly Cartwrights who could sing worth a hoot. I know this because my extended family owns a copy of the coveted Ponderosa Christmas CD. Pa, Hoss and Little Joe fake sing, ala Rex Harrison, by speaking the lyrics as the strains of an orchestra and the humming of the homey and loving townspeople swell in the background. But Adam actually sings his songs, which goes to show my sister knows how to pick a winner.
By the way, the coveted CD’s liner notes, so copious they are written in type so small it’s only readable with a magnifying glass, divulge the juicy details of manly life on the Ponderosa. No wonder the CD surfaces each year during our white elephant gift exchange, and our greedy clan fights about who has to, I mean gets to, take it home.
But I digress. As previously stated, I’m worried about my Minnesota sister. Between Pernell’s death and the Vikings losing another Super Bowl bid, her mental stability is suspect. Either one of those blows would be tough to bear, but two major whammies in seven days? I don’t know.
So Sis, here’s the deal. Since you’re coming to visit Mom this weekend, would it help if I came down and we listen to the CD together? Or would you rather order some DVDS and have a Bonaza marathon slumber party this weekend? Or we could watch old footage of the Vikings losing the Super Bowl, if you like. I’ll do whatever it takes to ease your grief for your first love – Pernell Roberts, the most manly of all manly men.
