Original subtitles

What's wrong? Haven't you seen a hat before?

Not on you. Where'd you get it?

-I bought it. -What for?

Got a new job, so I got a new hat.

When are we going fishing?

I don't think I ought to take you fishing today.

You want me to be a girl, too.

Here, Elizabeth, take them.

I'm not going to be. You traitor.

Windows are to remain closed at all times.

When I was young, the thought of distant

and mysterious cities

would send me daydreaming for hours.

But cities did not beckon to my father.

He was content in the woods and fields of Walton's Mountain

until 1937.

That was the year that my grandmother became ill,

and my father ventured away from the mountain

into new and perplexing experiences.

-We just came from the hospital. -How is Esther?

She's... She's doing alright.

Any idea what's wrong with her?

I... I was with the doctors for about an hour this morning.

We can't be sure yet.

Haven't gotten any idea how soon we can bring her home?

Well, you see, we can't be absolutely certain

until they make some more tests, but it may not be that long.

I'll be going back to the hospital about 4:00

if there's anything you wanna send her, I can drop it by.

Maybe we better go tell your ma.

Pa, that hospital's gonna need some money before long.

I know. We got to get that new mill going.

I just wish the parts would come home.

Elizabeth!

Elizabeth!

-Hi. -Hi.

-Mind if I walk with you? -Okay.

I'll carry your books.

Hey, Jim-Bob, you got that wire?

Move it over! You're sticking it in my eye!

I'm sorry. You get grouchy when you're working on this thing.

Well, nobody knows how to do anything.

Hey, Jim-Bob, look at this. Come here, look at this.

What is it?

Elizabeth's got a boyfriend.

Elizabeth!

Elizabeth!

Your books.

-Thank you. -That's okay. See you tomorrow?

Sure.

Goodbye, Lucas.

Bye.

Hey, Elizabeth.

Are you in love with Lucas?

When are you getting married?

Lucas Farnham is just a dumb boy.

Come closer, I wanna see the love light in your eyes!

* Here comes the bride.. **

I gotta go. I got some work.

-Thanks for not much help. -Well, you're welcome.

Now, there you are, James Robert.

Why don't you stop whatever you're doing

to that old automobile and come with me?

-Where to, Grandpa? -For a walk.

Up the mountain, to look at the trees we planted last spring.

It's high time we did. Come on.

I'm working on my car, and I've got it started,

but I'd like to stay with it.

Well, considering the amount of time you're spending

assembling this old automobile, that's understandable.

Where is everybody?

I don't know.

Why don't you get old Ben? He's not doing anything.

Ben! Ben! Ben!

Where are you?

-Pencils down! -Grandpa! What do you mean?

That's what my favorite teacher always used to say

when it was quitting time. Times up. Pencils down.

That's right, Mrs. Fordwick says that, too.

Alright, now, come along with me. Pencils down.

Where are you going? Grandpa, I need this.

I wanna go up the mountain.

I want you to come with me to see the trees.

We haven't been there for a while.

-Do you good. Come on. Come. -Sure haven't. I wish I could.

I have some ads I have to finish for John-Boy this evening.

I have to.

Very well. You do what you have to do.

Maybe next time.

Oh, John.

Tell me, how is Esther?

She's gonna be in the hospital a while but she's perking up.

Good. You let us know when we can visit her.

Alright. You got anything for me, Ike?

Yeah, I think there's one letter there.

Why, are you expecting something?

Hoping for those machine parts.

I imagine it must be tough with the mill shut.

Kind of puts a crip in things?

Would be if there were any orders.

Yeah, I guess things are slow all over.

They ever catch any of these fellas?

If they do, they don't tell me about it.

What's this? Job openings.

Oh, yeah.

Fella brought that in yesterday. That sounds pretty interesting.

There's a job right here in Charlottesville.

You gotta have experience in construction,

you gotta have, let's see, five years of residency in the county

and a high school education.

Why, does that sound interesting to you?

Might be.

It's nice having a government check come in every month.

I get one for running the post office here.

Comes in every month. Not big, it sure comes in handy.

Let me know when those parts come in, Ike.

Okay, John. Will do.

Oh, Livie, Livie.

Cheer up, Grandpa, she'll be home soon.

It's not just that.

Time was all I had to do was mention

I was going to the mountain or the pond,

I'd have three or four boys to go along.

Now I can't get one. I knew it was gonna happen.

I know how you feel. They're getting big

they've all got things of their own to do.

Yes, they're all shooting up.

Not much we can do about that.

Elizabeth.

Elizabeth.

Get out of that swing, and come with me to the mountain

to look at the trees we planted in spring.

-Come along. -Me?

Yes, you, and while you're on it, wear a hat.

You got freckles on your face as it is.

I'm gonna go up on the mountain with Grandpa.

Now, I didn't have to ask that one twice.

She likes having you to herself. It doesn't happen often.

Well, there's no reason why a young girl

shouldn't know all about plants and trees. You do.

It's a woman's world as well as a man's.

Yes, they did start things off with Mother Nature, didn't they?

-How do I look? -Oh, just fine.

Well, you won't win any beauty contests,

but it'll keep the sun off your face.

You look just like Huckleberry Finn.

Come along, Huck.

Yoo-hoo. See you, Livie.

-Borrow your pencil? -Sure thing.

You been out of work long?

It's hard to say. I run a mill at Walton's Mountain.

Works now and then, kind of thing.

Tough competition here.

Fella in front of us,

has two degrees in engineering and 10 years experience

the highways in Kentucky.

-Can't match that. -Neither can I.

I only got one degree and three years in building construction.

Yeah, I've been thinking of going home.

Might as well wait and see it out.

Maybe just a little.

What college you go to?

Now, I didn't go to college,

just high school.

Well, good luck, anyways.

Too bad Curt couldn't stay for supper.

Well, those doctors meetings always run late.

He'll get something at the hospital.

Mama, did you see what we found?

Arrowheads up at Indian Rock.

That one would make a pretty piece of jewelry there.

Grandpa's gonna show me how to carve a locket

for Grandma's birthday.

Ah, looks good.

Jason, go down the road and look for your father?

I don't know where to look for him.

Maybe he went to to visit Grandma.

He wouldn't go without telling us.

-I reckon not. -I'll save a plate for him.

-Ben, would you say Grace? -Sure.

Heavenly Father, we thank thee for this food...

Amen.

What's the matter? Haven't you seen a hat?

Not on you. Where'd you get it?

-I bought it. -What for?

Got a new job, I got a new hat.

What are you being so mysterious about, John?

John Walton, you've got that odd look on your face.

I'm going to work for the Highway Department.

I was against six fellas for the job.

Two of them with college degrees, and I beat them out.

I'm gonna work six days a week

and bringing home a good, steady salary.

Salary's what we could use,

the way the new mill's been going.

Tell me something.

Exactly what constitutes a good, steady salary?

I'm gonna be making well over $100 a month.

A hundred dollars.

When did this happen? This morning you went to Ike's.

There at Ike's was this help-wanted ad

from the Highway Department,

I went and got the job, then I went and got a new hat.

How do I look?

-Funny. -Don't ever you mind, Elizabeth.

If he's gonna work in the city,

he's gotta look like a city slicker.

Looks like you're moving up,

but I can't see you sitting behind a desk every day.

I thought I'd look good behind a desk. Liv, take a letter.

How am I gonna get used to you going off to work every morning?

-I'll be home every night. -When do you start?

Tomorrow morning. Putting on my suit, my one tie and my new hat,

and I'm gonna look like a Philadelphia lawyer.

Let's eat. Ben, say Grace.

-I already did it, Daddy. -Well, let's eat, let's eat.

When will you be home?

Supposed to finish at 6:00, I'll visit Ma at the hospital.

Be home about 8:00.

I'll come to town and have lunch with you.

Be careful I'm not out with one of those town girls.

Come here.

Hey, come on. Let's give him a goodbye.

-John... -Alright, Pa.

...show them how it's done up here.

-Goodbye. -Goodbye, Daddy.

Alright, goodbye, everyone. Goodbye.

Stand and back, now, everybody.

Drive carefully, alright?

-Bye-bye. -Bye-bye.

-So long. -Bye, Daddy.

-Goodbye. -Good luck.

Alright, let's get in the house and get some breakfast.

Okay.

Now, what we're doing here, Walton,

we're reviewing the age and condition

of all the bridges and buildings under our supervision.

You'll be working with these other employees

compiling that information from our departmental files.

-Guess I can handle that. -Good.

I'll introduce you.

Miss Agnes, John Walton, our new man.

Mr. Walton, I hope you'll be happy here with us.

Thank you, ma'am.

Clem Beal, John Walton, new man.

-Hello, nice to meet you. -Hello, Clem.

Mavis, does our typing.

Mavis will show you the files.

-Hello. -Hello.

Kyle Jeffers, John Walton.

-Welcome to the department. -Thank you.

This'll be your desk.

The name's John Walton.

Mel Parsons.

Mr. Parsons.

Now, these are some sample forms.

I'll show you how the information is to be arranged.

You got any questions, you come to me.

Thank you.

Carry on.

Mr. Walton.

You don't really need these.

I brought them out to have something to do.

Morgan watches every move we make.

Pretend to be busy. I'm glad you've joined us.

Thanks.

There are things you should know about this job and office.

Don't look at me, he's watching us. Look at the paper.

He's a tyrant. Determined that this office gets highest rating.

Don't ever cross him.

Kyle, over there, little old Kyle Jeffers.

He's the son of a highway commissioner.

He's got a crush on me.

Sweet boy, but he's a little pushy.

I'm the only one who worries about him.

I wouldn't know about that.

I type all the letters,

and believe me, I know everything that goes on in here

and some of it would curl your hair.

Old Mel Parsons over there, bad eyes.

Can hardly see his hand in front of him.

Morgan's been wanting to fire him in the worst way.

But, old Mel's been here 20 years,

and law says he can't.

Treats him something shameful.

Mavis, may I help you with something?

Well, I think you can see what they need, there, Mr. Walton.

If there's anything you want from the files, you call me.

-Thank you. -Mr. Walton.

I suggest you don't put store by everything Mavis tells you.

Yes, ma'am.

Looks like this slab of bacon is about ready.

The rest of them are gonna need considerable more smoking.

-Why do you smoke things? -To keep them fresh.

Healthy, you know?

Tastes a lot better, too. Good smoking.

It preserves the meat, too.

You get on over there and help that fire, will you, Elizabeth?

It takes considerable science, to keep a smokehouse fire going.

Yes, you... You have to use green wood.

And keep it smoking.

Hardwood's the best.

You can use the hickory, and we've got some chestnut left.

And it's got to be a slow, easy fire.

That'll burn down. Can I take this to mama?

Sure, take it on in to Livie.

Elizabeth, out of all the farmhands I've ever trained,

I think you might possibly turn out to be the best.

Your mama said you were out here.

You taking that bacon to school?

No, up inside the house.

Then are you going to school?

Yeah.

-I'll wait and walk with you. -I don't think you do that.

I've got some things to do before I go.

And I might make you late.

Elizabeth!

Elizabeth!

-Goodnight. -Goodnight.

Goodnight.

Mr. Walton?

Are you leaving us?

I was told quitting time was 6:00.

Mavis didn't tell you, nobody leaves till Mr. Morgan does.

What time does Mr. Morgan leave?

Whenever he decides to.

Goodnight.

Walton, would you step in here?

Take a seat.

Look over these log sheets.

Get acquainted with our time and inventory methods.

You'll need to know that later on.

I didn't expect you this late. How's Grandma?

By the time I finished work, visiting hours were over.

I was getting worried about you. Have you had your supper?

I'm not hungry.

Well, you have to have something.

I'll have a big breakfast.

You look about worn out.

I'm dead tired from doing nothing.

-What happened? -Nothing.

It's first-day problems.

I'm not used to sitting around all day.

They won't open the window.

I don't think anybody down there breathes.

It's gonna be alright. Come on, let's go to bed.

Are you sure it's gonna be alright?

Yeah, I'm sure.

Come on, let's go to bed.

Mama?

You miss Daddy, don't you?

Well, we all do.

It'll just take some getting used to.

Mama, sometimes when I'm out working on the newspaper,

all the children are gone off to school,

and I'll go into the house to get an extra cup of coffee,

you'll be out here with Daddy...

I know what you two have with each other.

Anybody who...

could hear you talking, laughing with each other, they'd know.

John-Boy, why are you saying all this?

It's none of my business, but I wonder if his job is worth it.

We'll see.

I always eat here.

Saves money.

Kyle and Clem, they have their own places to eat.

Their own things to talk about.

Mel, you mind if I open the window?

That'd be nice.

We're not allowed to open windows when Mr. Morgan's here.

So I noticed.

He says the street noises are distracting.

Kind of set in his ways.

He's still fighting the Battle of the Marne.

So I gathered.

This office was a quiet, pleasant with the old manager.

We were all good friends.

They're all gone now.

Kyle and Clem and Morgan, they're all new.

Mavis tells me you've been here 20 years.

A lifetime.

I used to enjoy this job, before things changed.

Now I'm just hanging on to get my pension.

You earned it, Mel.

Sometimes I wonder if it's worth it.

I'm a considerable annoyance to Mr. Morgan.

A lot of things annoy him.

Shape up.

Iron pants is coming and I haven't finished that report.

It's the office.

The only way I can keep my stomach right side up.

How about Saturday night? We can take a movie.

I don't know.

There's a dance at the Elks Club.

I'll let you know.

You always say that. You never give me an answer.

I can't talk to you, Morgan is coming.

Lunch is over.

If you eat in the office, clean up when you're finished.

Use your wastebaskets.

State inspector could come through here any minute.

Windows are to remain closed at all times.

Street noise is a distraction from work.

-I'm gonna go work on my car. -Not yet. Okay.

Hey, Elizabeth, a letter for you.

"I love you, and will you be my girlfriend? Lucas."

Oh, how nice.

Hey, Jim-Bob, Elizabeth's got a boyfriend.

Hey, everybody, Elizabeth's got a boyfriend.

You've had more experience on bridge specs than I have.

And gravel road surveys are a snap for me.

Alright, let's swap. Lighten the load.

-Excuse me. -Efficiency.

One thing my father taught me.

Being the son of a highway commissioner hasn't hurt you.

It hasn't helped in certain areas, has it?

-You are learning fast. -Thank you.

I'll give these to Mr. Morgan for approval.

Do you have anything for me, Mr. Parsons?

Here, let me give you a hand.

Thank you, John, let's put them here.

My work's well cleaned up.

-I'll take some stuff you have? -I have fallen behind a little.

Mr. Walton.

While your offer is most commendable, this department

expects that each employee will carry his own weight.

Any man who can't do his work has no place in this department.

Mr. Morgan, everybody helps everybody else out around here.

Makes the work go faster.

No reason I can't help Mel.

Don't you get in trouble 'cause of me.

Don't worry about it, Mel.

You're not pleasing Mr. Morgan.

Well, that just about makes us even.

He's not pleasing me very much, either.

Hi.

Well, hello, you two.

-We've been waiting for you. -Oh, yeah?

What you been waiting for me for?

I have stuff to tell you. I got my car started today.

-I got three good pops outta it. -Oh, yeah?

Grandpa and I went to Willow Creek yesterday,

and we're going tomorrow.

What's he teaching you about beavers?

It would've started, but I need

a wire for the choke and can't find any.

Got some hanging on the wall in the mill.

And we saw this big kingfisher, almost as big as a crow.

I know that wild bird. He is a big one.

Daddy, when are you gonna be staying with us all day?

Sunday.

I'm really looking forward to it.

So am I, Son. So am I.

Let's get closer. There we are.

Come on, quiet now. Come here.

See, this is where the beavers live.

Let's get closer. Quiet.

Quiet.

Look. Look, there they are.

Didn't I tell you?

Here's a birch tree.

It's a birch. It's a preferred food to them.

They don't eat nothing else.

There's lots of nutriments in the birch bark.

-Beavers, are vegetarians. -What's that?

Vegetarian means they eat bark and leaves and things like that.

Look!

See that?

They make these little tunnels down here, along here.

You see these tunnels?

You got to be careful when we step closer.

Do you know why they make tunnels?

-'Cause they like digging mud? -No, not that.

They dig these tunnels...

They're kind of grinning, all the time.

But they're not grinning,

cause the predators are after them all the time.

They put these tunnels down here so the bears and wolves

and foxes and other such animals can't get them.

Come on, let's step a little closer.

Watch it. Walk real careful, now,

when you get down here to this swampy part.

Come on, move on through the grass here.

We found one of their tunnels.

-Do they bite? -No, they won't bite.

We're swimming with the beavers.

Ah, Livie, here we are, safe and sound.

Elizabeth!

We fell into the beaver pond.

You are a sight!

Oh, no harm done, Livie. Just a little mud won't hurt.

You know those tunnels that the beavers build?

We fell right into it.

Do you have any idea what you look like?

I like being dirty better than being clean.

And what's that supposed to mean?

If it's the kind of dirt you get with Grandpa...

A little mud is good for the soul, Livie.

Besides, it keeps the flies and mosquitoes off the body.

I'm gonna take a dunk at the pond.

-Me, too. -Oh, no, you're not.

You're gonna go upstairs and take a bath.

But if it's good enough for Grandpa, it's enough for me.

Elizabeth,

I want you to go upstairs and get into the bathtub.

-Grandpa... -It's no use scolding the child.

It's probably all my fault anyway.

I understand your need for company,

but I have all the boys I need.

Elizabeth's a little girl,

and I'd appreciate your help in keeping her that way.

-Hi, fellas. -Well, look who's here.

Good afternoon, Mr. Farn-Ham.

It's Farnham.

Sorry.

Have you seen Elizabeth?

Sure, we see her all the time.

Why you got that funny look on your face?

What funny look?

-You look kind of sick. -Jim-Bob, it's lovesick.

I am not.

Hi, Elizabeth.

Grandpa!

Excuse me.

I brought you something.

I don't need flowers. Grandpa, when are we going fishing?

Where'd you get that idea?

-You promised. -I did?

You half promised.

Elizabeth, I... I don't believe I...

I don't think I had ought to take you fishing today.

You want me to be a girl, too.

Well, you are a girl, Elizabeth. And a very lovely girl, too.

Isn't that right, Lucas?

Here, Elizabeth, take them.

Well, I'm not going to be.

-You traitor! -Elizabeth!

Oh, dear.

Well, I'd best settle some troubled waters.

Lucas?

Would you care to go fishing with me to the pond?

Might as well, I guess.

Where are you going, Grandpa?

Me and Lucas are going fishing.

Enjoy.

Elizabeth, what's the matter? Didn't you like the flowers?

Elizabeth, they left without you.

Elizabeth, Grandpa stole your boyfriend!

Listen to this. Isn't this stupid?

"Elizabeth, I love you, and will you be my girlfriend? Lucas."

Elizabeth, I don't know why you don't like Lucas.

Well, I think he's kind of cute.

I bet he can't even bait a hook.

You'll change your mind soon enough.

Soon you'll be going to dances and going out on dates.

Lucas, there's a big old catfish over there as big as you are.

Got whiskers way down to here and a black, horny hide.

All of my young'uns have helped catch him

and I'm glad you're here to help.

Keep an eye out for him.

Hi, fellas.

-Elizabeth. -Elizabeth.

Any bites yet?

Fish aren't biting.

Lucas, here, don't hold his mouth right.

You look pretty.

Ike is having a sale on strawberry ice cream,

two for a nickel.

Mr. Walton, do you mind if I go to Ike's with Elizabeth?

Well, I suppose I could suffer along without you.

Gee, thanks.

-Where'd you get the flowers? -I'll show you.

Aw, shucks.

Anybody home?

Look at this.

Guess who.

Livie Walton, I thought you'd be off to church.

I know the Bible by heart.

Since you took that job, it's you I don't know.

Well, I can't get over this, you missing church.

It's the one day we can be together.

I haven't been much of a father or a husband lately, have I?

You can be today.

You don't know how I've been looking forward to this Sunday.

Curt and Mary Ellen are coming over for dinner.

Good. We can play horseshoes later.

Ah, you and me can sit under the tree out there

and have a little lemonade.

I can play some ball with the kids.

Push Elizabeth on the swing.

And I can take a nap out on the porch

and smell that dinner

wafting out there on the evening air.

Monday morning seems a long way off.

It feels strange going off to work on a Monday morning.

I know.

I guess a lot of people do it.

I'm gonna miss you.

Morning, Mavis.

I was thinking about you over the weekend, Mr. Walton.

Oh, what were you thinking?

Wondering if I should tell you something or if I shouldn't.

You're hired to replace Mel Parsons.

I don't understand.

Well, Mr. Morgan is certain Mel will quit

under the pressure he's putting on him.

Even though he's only about a year from is retirement

and his pension.

Mr. Morgan would fire his own mother

if it'd put his office first.

Thank you, Mr. Walton. Good morning, Mr. Morgan.

Good morning.

Morning.

-Morning. -Morning.

Good afternoon, Mr. Parsons.

I misplaced my glasses. It took me some time to find them.

Oh, it isn't the couple of minutes that you're late

that concerns this department, Mr. Parsons.

It's what you don't accomplish when you are here.

There have been problems, I know.

Your problems are right here, Mr. Parsons.

This report that you prepared last week.

It's full of mistakes. If I send this to State Headquarters,

I'll be the laughingstock of the Highway Department.

I'll stay late and get it right.

You could stay late all week,

and you still wouldn't get it right, and you know why?

You are incompetent.

Your incompetence is dragging down the whole department.

Are you going to pick that up? It's your report.

Pick it up! Pick it up!

Now, just a minute.

You can't talk to this man like that.

Now, you be careful, Walton.

He's not an animal, he's a human being, trying to make a living.

You got everybody scared in this office!

They take your abuse

because their lives depend on keeping their jobs.

My life doesn't depend upon keeping this job.

Well, I'm glad to hear that, Walton.

You don't deserve an explanation of my behavior,

but you're gonna get it anyhow.

I run this office the best way I know how

because the boss above me

expects a certain amount of work to come out of here every day.

I could lose this job tomorrow and where would I go?

I run a tight office.

And I'm going to continue to run it that way

as long as I'm in charge here. I make the rules.

And if you don't like it, the door is right over there.

Everybody go back to work, please.

There. Isn't this better than dirty old overalls?

I guess so. And Lucas isn't that bad.

Mama.

Uh, I just drove by the Dew Drop Inn,

and Daddy's truck is parked out there.

What's he doing there?

Well, he seems pretty upset about something.

He's just sort of drinking a little and swearing a little,

not saying too much.

-Where are the keys to your car? -They're out there in the car.

Where are you going?

Well, you can't go there alone.

We could send that to Ripley's Believe It or Not.

Could you imagine what Reverend Fordwick would say?

We better not tell him, that's for sure.

Or Grandma.

Thank you.

What are you doing here?

Looking for you.

Well, you found me.

Have a seat.

What'll you have?

You, back home.

Well, you got me.

I was just about to leave for home.

You see, I haven't got a job anymore.

I walked out just a while ago.

Mr. Morgan was picking on one of the workers

in the worst way, Liv. I couldn't...

I couldn't take it.

I almost took a swing at him.

I tell you, you can't believe that place.

They're all like trapped animals down there.

You know how a rabbit looks when it's scared,

it just kind of sits there and doesn't move, and...

Well, that's how they are.

I just had to speak up.

I'm glad you're out of it.

Well, we sure could've used that money.

Wonder if I'll ever learn to keep my mouth shut.

Wouldn't count on it.

Would you like something to drink, Liv?

To celebrate your coming home I'll have an orange squeeze.

Okay.

I'll have a...

I'll have one more and then we'll go.

Another beer, please,

and an orange squeeze.

Don't you dare tell.

Liv, I wouldn't tell anybody.

My father never stopped looking to learn for himself

and to support his family.

He would be forced to go to cities from time to time

to find work,

but his stays there were always as short as he could make them.

And his joy and ours

was always his return to the mountain.

Grandpa, did you catch any fish?

Some little ones, Elizabeth, and I threw them back.

Hey, Elizabeth caught a fish. Lucas Farnham.

Hope you threw him back.

I may and I may not.

Hey, Elizabeth, are you in love?

Maybe I am, maybe I'm not.

-Yuck. -I hate you, Jim-Bob.

She's in love.

Goodnight, everybody.

Goodnight, Daddy.