Originally aired and written as an episode of Bonanza. The episode was called "It's a Small World" (a phrase frequently used here by titular character Lou Bates), and was also written and directed by Michael Landon.
Billy Barty was only 12 years younger than Susan French, who played his mother. Additionally, both actors had made previous guest appearances on the program during season 6 (Barty in "Annabelle", and French in "The Angry Heart").
Jud Larrabee, Edgar Mills and Lou Bates all spent days in the ice house awaiting or during trial (since Walnut Grove did not have a jail). Additionally, Nancy's one-time rival Belinda, whom Nancy wanted locked up in the ice house, almost died after one night there.
This episode features yet another character that is supposed to have remained in Walnut Grove after the events depicted but is never seen again.