David Dortort

David Dortort (born David Solomon Katz; October 23, 1916 – September 5, 2010)[2] was a Hollywood screenwriter and producer, widely known for his role as producer in two successful NBC television series: Bonanza (1959–73) and The High Chaparral (1967–71). Dortort's focus shifted in the late 1960s to the newer series, leaving the production of Bonanza largely to his associates during its last five and a half years (1967–1973).

David Dortort
Born
David Solomon Katz[1]

(1916-10-23)October 23, 1916
New York City
DiedSeptember 5, 2010(2010-09-05) (aged 93)
Los Angeles, California
Alma materCity College of New York, 1936
Occupation(s)Writer; Television producer
Years active1957–2001
Spouse(s)Rose Seldin (married 1940–2007, her death); 2 children
ChildrenWendy D. Czarnecki
Fred Dortort

From 1954–55, Dortort was involved in directing and writing for The Public Defender. He produced The Restless Gun (1957–59), The Cowboys television version (1974), and a prequel series featuring younger versions of the Bonanza characters called Ponderosa (2001), which was produced with Beth Sullivan. In 1979–1980, he created the 13-week CBS miniseries, The Chisholms. Michael Landon appeared in a supporting role in the pilot for The Restless Gun, starring John Payne, aired on March 19, 1957, as an episode of The Schlitz Playhouse of Stars and Dan Blocker played multiple roles in five episodes of The Restless Gun.[3]

Alan W. Livingston of NBC hired Dortort to write the screenplay for the pilot episode of Bonanza.[4] He did it at night, while producing The Restless Gun by day.[5]

In 2001, the alumni association of City College of New York, where he had studied history, honored him with its John H. Finley award.[6]

Personal life

A native of New York City, Dortort was married for 67 years to the former Rose Seldin, who died September 30, 2007, at age 92. They had two children, Wendy (Mrs. Czarnecki) and Fred.

Death

David Dortort died in his sleep at his home in Los Angeles, California, on September 5, 2010, a month and a half before his 94th birthday, following a history of heart disease.[1]

Writings

Dortort published two books, Burial of the Fruit in 1947[7] and The Post of Honor in 1949.[8]

Filmography

Films
YearFilmCreditNotes
1952 The Lusty Men Screenplay By Based on the novel "King of the Cowpokes" by "Claude Stanush"
1956 A Cry In The Night Screenplay By Based on the novel "All Through the Night" by "Whit Masterson"
Reprisal! Screenplay By
1957 The Big Land Screenplay By Based on the novel "Buffalo Grass" by "Frank Gruber"
1958 A Gift for Heidi Screenplay By
1987 Going Bananas Executive Producer
1988 Bonanza: The Next Generation Produced By Television Movie
1993 Bonanza: The Return Story By, Executive Producer Television Movie
1995 Bonanza: Under Attack Executive Producer Television Movie

Television
YearTV SeriesCreditNotes
1952 Cavalcade of America Writer 2 episodes
1952-54 Fireside Theatre Writer 5 episodes
1953 Racket Squad Writer 1 Episode
1954 Climax! Writer 1 Episode
1954-55 Public Defender Writer 3 episodes
Waterfront Writer 8 episodes
1955 TV Reader's Digest Writer 1 Episode
The 20th Century Fox Hour Writer 1 Episode
1956 Screen Directors Playhouse Writer 1 Episode
Lassie Writer 1 Episode
1956-57 Studio 57 Writer 2 episodes
1957 Panic! Writer 1 Episode
1957-59 The Restless Gun Writer, producer 77 episodes
1959-73 Bonanza Writer, Creator, Producer, Executive Producer Multiple Episodes
1967-71 The High Chaparral Writer, Creator, Producer, Executive Producer Multiple Episodes
1974 The Cowboys Producer
1979-80 The Chisholms Writer, Creator, Executive Producer 14 episodes
2001-02 Ponderosa Producer

References
  1. Weber, Bruce (September 9, 2010). "David Dortort, 'Bonanza' Creator, Dies at 93". New York Times. p. A28. Retrieved 2010-09-22.
  2. Woo, Elaine (September 8, 2010). "David Dortort dies at 93; created and produced TV western 'Bonanza'". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2010-09-22.
  3. "Dan Blocker - IMDb". IMDb. n.p. n.d. Retrieved 2 October 2016.
  4. Weber, Bruce (March 16, 2009). "Alan W. Livingston, Talent Spotter Who Signed Beatles, Dies at 91". New York Times. p. A25.
  5. King, Susan (September 19, 2009). "Autry National Center salutes 'Bonanza' Sunday". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 21, 2009.
  6. Arenson, Karen W. (October 3, 2001). "BULLETIN BOARD; City College Alumni Group Will Bestow Honors". New York Times. p. A19. Retrieved September 24, 2009.
  7. Dortort, David (1947). Burial of the Fruit. New York: Crown Publishers. LCCN 47000360.
  8. Dortort, David (1949). The Post of Honor. New York: Whittlesey House. LCCN 49007923.


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