Original subtitles

(CART APPROACHING)

(CHILDREN TALKING)

Take good care of your sister, Ben.

She's going to be a dancer one day.

GRANDPA: Jim-Bob.

Just where do you think you're going?

I'm leaving, Grandpa.

May your favorite grandpa ask why?

Elizabeth's never gonna walk again.

It's my fault.

JOHN-BOY: Scarcely a year or a season passed

on Walton's Mountain that did not bring a test

of my parents' courage and the strength of our family ties.

In the spring of 1940, the test came as always,

without warning and from a direction none of us expected.

You and Daddy better take it easy

or I'll be treating you for heat stroke.

Have yourself a rest, Pa.

Yeah, I think I will.

(CHILDREN LAUGHING)

BEN: Okay...

Got you on that one.

We could use some of that beezum around here.

Grab a mallet and wedge the other side.

None. You take this mallet and put some elbow grease behind it.

But didn't you already get a side done?

One side is like bailing out one end of a boat, son.

If these logs start going, we'll have a pile of them everywhere.

Okay. Come on, Jim-Bob.

GRANDPA: Now, look who's here.

Hi!

(BRAKES SQUEAKING)

What's going on?

GRANDPA: Hello, Ep.

What in the dickens have you got in there?

Well, I guess it's some kind of a sewing box

that's been passed on down from Sarah's great-grandmother.

Do you fix things like this?

We could do it up, put some dowels in.

Yeah? The blind side there where you wouldn't see it.

Bring it over. We'll fix it.

My daddy said, "If you only save the pieces,

"you could put anything back together again."

Take the Chinese people,

they'll take an egg, smash it into a million pieces,

then put it back together

so no one would know the difference, including the hen.

-You think that's true? -With Grandpa, who knows?

Bet you could lift a ton with this thing.

You're probably right.

Come on, let's try it out.

-Okay. You go up first. -Okay.

-Okay? -Yeah.

AIMEE: You wanna know what we're having in store next month?

-What? -A jamboree sale.

What's a jamboree sale?

Well, it was Mama's idea.

It's kind of like a bargain sale and a big party all at once.

Mama says everybody'll come.

We'll sure be there.

Good. Afterwards there's going to be a big dance

in Daddy's hall with a band and favors

and all kinds of surprises.

-Are boys going to be there? -I suppose.

Are you in love with anybody?

-Yeah. -Who?

It's a secret.

I promise not to tell.

Jim-Bob.

Aimee, you're wasting your time.

All he likes are planes and cars and Patsy Brimmer.

Oh, well. You in love with anybody?

No, nobody special yet. Just kind of looking around.

You know something, it's hot out here.

Jim-Bob, you're brilliant.

Let's go to the pond and swim.

-Yeah, what about the log pile? -It's not going anywhere.

-True. -We'll do it when we're back.

JIM-BOB: I'll beat you.

(LAUGHING)

ELIZABETH:Reflections get pretty when waves hit each other.

-I know. -It's like...

Beat you.

You kids better scram. We're gonna go swimming.

ELIZABETH: Well, we got here first.

Okay, then stay here.

Our clothes is going off.

ELIZABETH: You wouldn't dare.

-No? -AIMEE: Big bluffers!

ELIZABETH: Let's get out of here!

You're horrible!

Well, here I go. Come on, Jim-Bob. What's taking you?

(LAUGHING)

-Come on! -I'm coming, don't worry.

If you could be anybody, who would you be?

I think I'd be Ginger Rogers.

You have to learn how to dance better if you wanna be her.

ELIZABETH: Wouldn't it be neat, though?

Dancing with Fred Astaire?

I'd rather be Jeanette MacDonald and get chased around

the woods by Nelson Eddy.

Look, a little bird.

Do you think he's hurt?

No. I just don't think he can fly yet.

Must've came out of the nest.

Maybe that's where he came from.

Maybe we ought to put him back.

Yeah, let me get him. Come on.

-It's okay, little bird. -Be careful.

I am.

Hmm.

AIMEE: Sure that's his nest?

I've looked and it's the only one around here.

I think I can reach it from up there.

Be careful of him.

He's just shaking.

He's just shaking.

Now, stay in here this time.

Watch out!

Oh, my God!

Help! Help! Elizabeth!

Help her!

Help her. Come on!

Help Elizabeth!

Help Elizabeth!

(YELLING)

MARY ELLEN: Don't move her, we got to get her fastened.

JOHN: Here, hold that.

MARY ELLEN: Use this as a splint.

Be real careful.

MARY-ELLEN: Have to keep her back straight.

-Hold her knees. Hold them. -She's still unconscious.

-Okay. Now, keep her still. -Watch her face, Jason.

John, her legs aren't moving.

Careful! Keep her back straight.

Let's get her to the hospital.

MARY ELLEN: Okay, watch where you're going

and keep her real straight.

Alright, put her in my car!

JASON: Put the feet up in first.

JOHN: Put the feet in.

Alright, Livie.

-SHERIFF: I got her. -Got her?

-Watch her arm. -Keep her back straight now.

Easy, easy, easy.

I got her.

Keep her real still now.

-Erin, take care of the baby! -Okay.

(BABY CRYING)

Baby's crying.

(LAUGHING)

Ben, I think I got a fish in my ear.

We better get to that log pile or we'll have Daddy in our ears.

I wonder what happened here?

I don't know.

JASON: Come on, Grandpa! Hurry up!

Now you be sure and call us as soon as you hear anything!

Just keep your prayers a-going.

-BEN: Prayers for what? -What's going on?

Daddy and mama have taken Elizabeth to the hospital.

-She got hurt on the log pile. -How bad is she hurt?

There's no time to talk. If you want to go, hop in!

Let's go!

There's not much of this senna here.

-That's about 20 cents' worth. -No!

That's hard to come by.

That's 50 cents.

I need some sassafras root.

There you are.

And also...

-Ginseng. -Yes, ginseng.

And I need some goldenseal.

No, you can't have that. I need that for myself.

I'll take that one in my sack.

(MUMBLING)

I owe you $4.18 even.

I'll take it in cash.

We're having a sale on yard goods today.

I don't need no yard goods.

Come here. Come here.

You got yellow in your eyes.

That means bile in your blood.

Flecks of gold in the eye run in my family.

Well, it ain't a natural thing.

It's against nature.

Ada Corley,

I will buy herbs from you,

but I must ask you to refrain

from informing me what is natural and unnatural to me.

Bile in your blood.

Mama! Mama!

It's Elizabeth. She got hurt. They took her to the hospital.

-Oh, my stars! -What happened?

Well, she was up on the logs and she fell

and the logs fell on her.

Well, how bad is it, Aimee?

Both her legs are broken, I guess.

Gaynor Sipes' girl busted her ankle.

I had her walking the next day.

Ada Corley, you are not a doctor.

Now, will you please take your money and go!

I could've been a doctor.

I know a heap more about curing folks with herbs

than all them doctors and their fancy ways.

-Oh, excuse us! -Oh! Well!

-Sorry. -Ada Corley seems

in a worse humor than usual.

Perhaps she should have one of her tonics.

Hello.

Afraid we have bad news for you, ladies.

Oh?

CORABETH: Elizabeth Walton has had a dreadful accident

and is in hospital.

Oh, dear.

It happened down near the mill. The logs were...

Will you please spare us the details?

It is unnerving enough to think that

that could have happened to Aimee.

Well, they're taking her down to the hospital in Scottsville.

Do you suppose there's something we can do, Sister?

There is always something one can do.

We could go to the Waltons', prepare food,

clean up, make ourselves useful.

Erin's there and she's taking care of the baby.

And worried sick, no doubt.

Alone with a tiny infant.

Sister, we must move quickly.

Yes, at least we can help Erin.

IKE: Well, I'm sure she'll appreciate it.

That baby's a handful.

Is there something I can help you ladies with?

What was it we came in for, Sister?

I haven't the slightest idea.

Come along, Sister.

Daddy?

I'm sorry about everything.

If only I'd done my job, it never would have happened.

We'll talk about that later.

Seems like we should have heard something from somebody by now.

We will when there's something to say.

Pa? You alright?

Sure, John, I'm alright.

They're almost finished with her in surgery.

She has multiple fractures of both legs.

Mother, Dr. Jamison's the best orthopedic surgeon

in the county.

What does he say?

We haven't talked about it yet.

He'll be out once the casts are on. You can talk to him.

I feel sorry for you two. I really do.

None of this would have happened.

It's on your shoulders, every bit of it!

Mary Ellen, it was an accident and we are all to blame.

I don't believe that!

This is not the time. There's hurt enough as it is.

Jim-Bob!

Let him go, Son. He's bearing a heavy burden.

Elizabeth is doing fine,

considering the extent of the fractures

and the tissue damage involved.

When can we see her?

She's being moved to her room now.

It'll be a while before she comes out of the anesthetic.

How long before she'll be up and about?

It's too early to tell.

There's considerable damage to the nerves.

We never know for sure how those are going to heal.

There's nothing more you can tell us?

I'm sorry. Not now. Not yet.

Just don't let her get discouraged.

How easily you say that.

Mrs. Walton, I have a daughter about Elizabeth's age.

Why don't you all go home now?

The head nurse will keep you informed.

No, I think we'll wait here.

I want to be with her when she wakes up.

I would've suggested that, but I know

what you've been through.

I'll keep you informed.

John, the boys and I will go on home, let Erin know.

Come on, boys.

(JOHN SIGHS)

I wonder where Jim-Bob went?

Over there.

You boys get on to the truck. I'll be with you directly.

Well, Elizabeth's settled down in her room up there.

It's time we ought to head home.

What did the doctor say?

More or less what Mary Ellen said.

And we best go on home now and let Erin know what's going on.

Well, you all go ahead and I'll stay here for a while.

Lookie here, James Robert,

there's no use blaming yourself for what happened.

I can't help it, Grandpa.

How would you feel?

About like you'd feel, I guess. More or less.

But I'd try to see the truth of it,

that it wasn't done on purpose.

You and Ben made a mistake, which we all do, more or less.

Particularly me.

But it wasn't done with any evil intent, we know that,

so you just gotta pick up and carry on.

I don't know if I can look Elizabeth in the face again.

Of course you can.

Time's a great healer.

This, too, will pass.

Well, come on now.

Have you heard one word I've been saying?

This, too, will pass.

Abe Lincoln said so in the back end of a train to Washington.

(RATTLING)

Such a cunning child.

I do so long to hold him.

As long as he's not crying, I'd leave him

where he is, Miss Emily.

I simply don't seem to be able to get the hang of

folding these diapers.

I'll help you when I get a minute, Miss Mamie.

I fancy I would have made a good mother.

Don't you think so, Sister?

I daresay.

Papa always said we could accomplish

anything we set our minds to.

I think John Curtis is asleep now, Erin.

Is there anything else you'd like me to do?

If you'd like to help, there are some dirty dishes in the sink.

I'd welcome it.

This rattling is almost putting me to sleep.

-Erin. -Sister?

I seem to be doing something wrong here.

That doesn't seem to be the right shape.

It's supposed to come out like a triangle.

But it's a rectangle, Sister.

How can a rectangle become a triangle?

Well, it has to be folded in such a way so that

the thickest portion is in the place where it's needed most.

And where is that?

Oh.

ERIN: They're here.

I do hope they brought good news of Elizabeth.

How is she?

She's doing okay.

-Miss Mamie. Miss Emily. -Hi.

Mr. Walton, we've been so concerned about the dear child!

Where's the rest of the family?

Olivia and John stayed on down at the hospital,

Mary Ellen with them, of course.

Nice of you ladies to be with Erin.

I couldn't have done it without them.

Tell us what the doctor said.

Well,

it has appeared those logs fractured

both of Elizabeth's legs.

Dr. Jamison has them in a cast now.

Knowing Elizabeth, I predict she'll be up dancing around

as usual before very long.

Well, that's a relief.

Not knowing what's going on, you imagine the most awful things.

Yes. We've all got to think of Elizabeth as being well

and healthy and full of steam as she usually is.

-Indeed we will. -Oh, yes. Of course.

Erin, I seem to have finished folding the diapers.

Anything else you'd like me to do?

Well, you can just stay at the table.

I don't know exactly what it is we're having,

but whatever it is, I think it's ready.

It'd be a pleasure, ladies.

(WOMAN TALKING OVER P.A. SYSTEM)

I'm worried about Jim-Bob, too.

It took some self-control.

I wanted to beat the tar out of him and Ben.

They probably would have felt better if you had.

I couldn't then.

Too late now.

Mama, Daddy, she's beginning to stir.

She's so pale.

It's the anesthetic, Mama.

Elizabeth?

Elizabeth?

-Mama? -I'm here.

I'm right here with you.

Where am I?

You're in the hospital.

Your daddy's here. Mary Ellen, too.

Hi, sweetheart.

I don't know how I got here.

I just remember

a little bird

and climbing on the log pile,

and putting the little bird back.

What happened?

You fell and hurt your legs.

Are those mine?

How's the little bird?

He's fine.

Will I have to be in crutches?

Probably for a while.

JOHN: You always wanted to do that, remember?

When John-Boy hurt his leg on the motorcycle?

You got pretty good on his crutch.

I'll have two.

That's right.

That'll be neat, for a while.

You know,

you remind me of something.

Of what?

I have to be off them in time for the Godsey's party.

JOHN: Thanks for the ride, Ep.

I hope Elizabeth gets along alright.

OLIVIA: Thank you, Ep. Be well.

I hated leaving her there.

I know, Liv.

The family's waiting.

JASON: They're home.

ERIN: Don't wake the baby.

GRANDPA: Quiet, quiet, quiet.

-How is she? -How is she, Mama?

We were there when she came out of the anesthetic.

They've got her strapped in those casts,

but she seems to be holding her own.

That Dr.Jamison is in for a surprise

with that little patient.

Will she be able to walk alright?

They're...

They're not sure...

They have to wait and see how she heals.

I think the main thing is to be grateful that Elizabeth's alive.

I agree with Grandpa. It's happened,

and blaming people isn't gonna change anything.

We never thought anyone would be playing on the log pile.

I'm gonna want to talk to you about this, Son.

You and your brother.

But not now.

Now, I want you to go to bed.

Goodnight, Daddy.

How soon will we be able to see her?

Visiting hours tomorrow. She'll be looking for you.

Goodnight.

Goodnight, Son.

All kinds of terrible things keep running through my head.

She looked so small in that bed.

So helpless.

The awful thing is, Liv, there's nothing we can do about it.

Why don't you get some sleep.

What about you?

I can't do it.

I'm gonna make some coffee.

Jim-Bob, what're you doing?

None of your business.

You running away again?

Why don't you just leave me alone?

We're not going to leave you alone

when you're doing a dumb thing.

I'm getting out of here. I can't sleep

having nightmares, and everybody hating me.

Why don't you just act your age?

Can't run away from your conscience,

and that's what you're doing.

Jim-Bob, I'm just as guilty as you are.

Even more so. I'm older.

I'm telling you, Jim-Bob,

put those clothes back in the drawer and go back to bed.

You think you're Daddy?

Look, Mama and Daddy got all on their minds

they can handle right now.

You do as I tell you.

I'm packed, John.

-What? -Where are you going, Mama?

I'll go stay with Elizabeth for a while.

You'll have to make do without me.

They've room for you at the hospital?

They'll have to, even if they have to put a bed in her room.

Now, Liv, don't try to do everything.

Mary Ellen is strong and she's got the know-how.

A child does better in the hospital

if the mother's close by.

It'll mean a lot to Elizabeth.

Now, you take some care of yourself, you hear?

-Is there something we can do? -You can all help Erin.

She'll run the house while I'm gone.

Me?

You're not a kid anymore.

Well, I never said I was. But doing everything?

The cooking, the cleaning and taking care of the baby?

I said the boys'll help.

You all have to carry your own share of the load.

This isn't an easy time.

That's why I want you all to pitch in without complaining.

Alright, let's go.

Jason, will you carry my suitcase for me?

-Yes, ma'am. -Wait a minute, Mama.

Take this to her.

It's the Nancy Drew book she was reading.

-Tell her we miss her. -I will.

Do say we'll all be down to see her soon.

I'll see her this afternoon, okay?

Don't run yourself ragged, Erin.

Give her a kiss for me.

Tell her the baby's getting a tooth.

Tell her we'll be down there to see her real soon.

Erin, what do you think Elizabeth would like?

I think she'd like to be walking to school this morning.

You're a big help.

Something's burning on the stove.

The baby's formula!

You'd think somebody would have sense enough

to know when something's burning.

-You're not eating breakfast? -I'm not hungry.

Jim-Bob, you can't starve yourself just because

you feel guilty about Elizabeth.

Leave me alone.

Jason, will you stop by the telephone office

and tell Miss Fanny that I won't be in till later?

I doubt she'll be expecting you.

I'm sure Corabeth's called everybody in town

about what's happened already.

Jim-Bob go to school?

I don't know. He went out.

Think he's in bad shape.

In the middle of the night he was fixing to run away.

Well, I'm going to stop by the hospital after school.

Tell Elizabeth that I'll be down there

once I can get away from this house.

-I'll do that. See you later. -Okay, bye.

(SIGHS)

What did you find, son?

It's one of Elizabeth's shoes.

You'll have to eat more if you want

to get those legs working again.

I thought the food tasted funny.

MARY ELLEN: It's not Mama's cooking, that's for sure,

but you're still tasting the anesthetic.

Look who's in bed this time of morning.

Did you sleep any?

Off and on.

Can you imagine sleeping in those things?

I woke up in the middle of the night, didn't know where I was.

Everybody at home sends love.

Here's a big kiss from Grandpa.

And a book from Erin.

I tried to get up and I couldn't move.

I forgot where I was, thought I was in a trap.

I'm gonna stay here for a while.

Your mama's gonna move in with you.

Will they let you do that?

You know your mama.

I guess Aimee's walking to school about now.

I'm sure she's thinking about you.

I never thought I'd miss walking to school.

Honey, can't you feel that?

No, can't feel anything at all.

AIMEE: See the little sign for special laundry soap?

IKE: I made that. You like it?

EVELYN: It's coming along very nicely, Aimee.

I wish everyone in the class was

putting as much care into their projects as you and Elizabeth.

Well, Elizabeth has nothing else to do.

Corabeth, that's Mrs. Godsey,

well, she's in Scottsville now, visiting Elizabeth.

She brought that Fan Tan gum that she just loves.

Aimee, I think we'd better move this model off this counter.

-So I'm gonna have to, okay? -Okay.

Well, there are the Baldwin ladies.

-Hello. -Miss Emily, Miss Mamie.

Have you met our new schoolteacher?

This is Miss Evelyn Winfield.

No, I don't believe we have met, dear.

Well, what a pleasure.

I'm Mamie Baldwin. This is my sister, Emily.

Our father was Judge Randolph Baldwin.

Well, I'm very happy to know you both.

We don't have children in school, of course,

but we do believe in education.

-We were tutored privately. -By Papa.

He was most progressive in his ideas.

You would have liked him immensely.

Miss Winfield has brought a lot of new ideas to the school, too.

Perhaps she can help us, Sister.

We are at our wit's end to think of something

that we can give to Elizabeth.

She enjoys books. Perhaps Little Women.

Well, we were thinking of a pony.

A pony?

She would really like that.

-Aimee! -Sorry.

You're not serious.

Oh, yes. We are. Quite.

We thought it would give her something to look forward to.

An incentive, so to speak, to get well.

A dear little pony waiting for her recovery.

Do you think it would inspire her?

It would inspire me.

That settles it. A pony it shall be.

-When? -IKE: Aimee!

Sorry.

-Erin? -Yeah?

I was wondering if I could borrow some money.

Two or three dollars until I can find me a job?

Well, I have a little bit. What do you need it for?

I was thinking of buying Elizabeth a gift.

Ben, you don't have to buy her anything.

Just go see her. Be with her.

Read to her.

You don't understand.

All you have to do is be with her, Ben.

You don't understand.

Why you sneaking around here?

I'm sorry.

You scared me.

Your mama put you out spying on me?

No, ma'am. I was just going to school.

You tell nobody I get my herbs in here.

No, ma'am.

Your mama is glad enough to buy my medicines,

but the minute I tell her how I do my doctoring, she run me off.

Could... Do you think... Could you cure

Elizabeth's broken legs?

No, not while she's in the hospital I couldn't.

All they think is chemicals.

They ain't got time for nature's way. Book crazy in there.

Book crazy, that's what they are.

Mary Ellen's a nurse.

Growing bones need growing things!

Out of the ground,

green, growing things!

When you get that finished, you're gonna have

a bird's-eye view of where we live.

You know what it looks like to a bird.

Remember the time that

airmail pilot landed in the field

and took you up for a ride?

That's right.

I remember that.

Him flying around up there and you waving down to us.

I could hardly believe it was you.

I could hardly believe it was me, either.

You all looked about that big.

I suppose one day Jim-Bob wants to fly over the farm.

He sure enough aims to.

Mama,

why doesn't Jim-Bob come to see me?

I think he's ashamed.

He feels responsible for what happened to you.

That's just silly. You tell him that.

I mean, everyone else has come to see me but him.

He has to figure that out for himself.

-Saw what Ben brought me today? -Uh-uh.

It's a dollar.

I think it was his last one.

BEN: I kind of hate to ask Thelma for a job.

JASON: Why? That's the way I got mine.

BEN: You're a musician. It's different.

Look, you say you need money.

The only way you'll get it is by working.

If you're choosey about what you wanna do

that's your business.

Might as well call the White House and ask to be president.

You can really be mean if you put a mind to it.

You make me sore sometimes. Always have to be Mr. Big!

Come on.

This old thing. I don't think these girls would suit anything.

Oops.

-Hey, Thelma? -Yeah? Huh? Oh, hi!

-Hello there. -Brought Ben with me.

Yeah, so I see. How are you, Ben?

Just fine. Can I talk to you for a minute?

Why, sure.

Say, how's your sister? I was so sorry

to hear about Elizabeth, isn't it?

Well, yes. She's doing much better thank you.

I'm so happy to hear that.

Now, what can I do for you?

Well, I was wondering if you had a job that was open.

Something like a night manager.

Night manager. Well, don't you know, I'm the night manager.

Of course, I'm the day manager, too.

Let's see here,

what kind of job could we get for you here?

How about a clean-up man? We need someone to clean up.

It pays 50 cents an hour.

I'll take it.

Thought you might.

Okay, you got yourself a job.

Thank you.

Let's see, you can start by cleaning up this mess around.

and picking up the butts over there.

-I'm mighty glad to see you. -What's going on here?

Dr. Jamison says she's through with traction.

That's a good sign, huh?

He says the breaks are healing

and he wants her to lie flat to bring up the circulation.

-Things are looking up. -I hope so.

He doesn't say exactly.

-Hi, Daddy. -Hi, honey.

You can come in now.

Look at me, Daddy. No ropes!

Look at that!

They're about to let you go.

Pretty soon, I hope.

Must be nice to have your head higher than your feet.

I don't have to look at them always.

-This pretty little thing here? -Where?

-This toe. I'm wiggling it. -Can't you feel it?

-No, I can't feel that at all. -How about this one?

Nothing there, either.

Will I be able to feel my toes again?

When the nerves grow together.

It's like cutting the electric wires in a house.

No lights until the wires are connected.

Doc says the bones are healing good.

Nerves take a lot longer.

Will I be able to walk again?

Of course you will.

And run and dance and play.

Daddy, look what I'm making for school. Bring it over here.

Well, look at this.

This is quite a job, honey.

Mama, I have to tell you.

The doctor isn't at all sure that Elizabeth

is going to walk again.

Well, if he isn't, then we have to be.

I don't want anyone to say anything to that child.

Well, it's a question of when we tell her she might not.

Mary Ellen, you know how I feel about these things.

There's a power far greater than Dr. Jamison

who decides the course of our lives.

Can't argue with that.

Liv, now just look what this young lady has been doing.

I've been watching it grow.

That goes back there.

-Yeah. -And don't knock over Bluey.

-Myrtle's over. -Come on now, be careful.

Does Elizabeth Walton live here?

I brought you some flowers.

They're real nice, Ben.

(BABY CRYING)

Will somebody feed John Curtis?

The bottle's on the stove.

Well, I'll be glad to please myself

with such a pleasant occupation.

Which kettle would the bottle be in?

You're blocking traffic, Pa.

Grandpa, wait. Let me get it for you.

No, no.

Be right there. Grab it.

It's hot. Watch out.

I didn't know if that was supper or the laundry.

Here I come.

(SPEAKING GIBBERISH)

I don't know how Mama does it.

Whenever I try to get supper, everything falls apart.

She's had more experience than you, honey.

I'll sure be glad when she and Elizabeth can come home.

I reckon we all will.

Jim-Bob.

We're going to be sitting down in a minute, son.

I'm not eating with the family.

Come on, Jim-Bob.

We got few enough at the table as it is.

You're going to have to change your ways, Son, and right quick.

I eat down here, I get picked on.

You've been feeling sorry for yourself

ever since the accident, and that's enough.

I don't feel sorry for myself.

I'm just tired of everybody looking at me

like I was a criminal.

Well, sit down and no one will look at you, alright?

You know, it seems to me you're thinking a lot more

about yourself than you are about Elizabeth.

Everybody else has been down to the hospital

to visit her but you.

Couldn't stand to see her with her legs broken.

You see, you're thinking of yourself again.

JOHN: She's been asking about you.

Wondering why you haven't come to see her.

Jim-Bob's weird.

Some of the things you've been doing are worse, Ben.

I haven't done anything.

ERIN: Giving her money. Buying her flowers.

It's like you're trying to buy her forgiveness.

That's not what I'm trying to do.

Buying her things to please her, make her happy.

She liked those flowers, didn't she?

While you been bickering here,

little Johnny has expressed his disapproval

by swallowing down every drop of his milk.

(KNOCKING ON DOOR)

-Mr. Walton? -Miss Winfield.

Why don't you come in?

Can we offer you some supper?

Thank you, but I only stopped by to leave some clay

and construction paper for Elizabeth's school project.

I'm sure someone from your family will be seeing her.

JOHN: Someone goes by every day, yeah.

I'll... I'll take it to her.

-Bye, Miss Winfield. -Thank you.

I'll see her tonight.

Ike? Corabeth?

I thought I heard the door.

We were having a little late supper

because I went to visit Elizabeth this afternoon.

That's where I'm going now.

Thought I'd pick up something to take her.

It was almost more than I can bear,

to see that poor child lying there in the hospital.

It was pretty bad, I guess.

You would like to give her something.

Well, she was always very fond of chocolate-covered cherry.

I'll take a box of those.

How fortunate we are to be able to rise from our beds in the morning.

Thanks, Corabeth.

Jim-Bob!

Grandpa, I don't know if I can go.

Nonsense. See your own sister?

It'll do her a world of good. She'll expect to see you.

Come on, get in.

Them hospital hours are over at 8:30 and that bunch there,

they won't let you stay a minute longer.

-I drive, Grandpa? -Yes, drive carefully.

Oh, you got some cherry chocolates.

I wish you'd gotten me one extra.

(ENGINE SPUTTERING)

ELIZABETH: One thing for sure.

When I go home, I'm going to know how to play Chinese checkers.

You may just be the world's champion.

I think you have to be Chinese.

There you are.

-Grandpa! -Elizabeth.

Every time I see you, you look prettier and spunkier.

I know a girl who misses her grandpa.

Grandpa, the reason I like you to visit me is 'cause you smell like home.

Do I, now?

Well, I didn't bring Myrtle with me, but look what I did bring.

ELIZABETH: Jim-Bob!

OLIVIA: Well, don't just stand in the doorway. Come on in.

Hi, Elizabeth. How do you feel?

You can tell she feels better

particularly since she got her legs out of the air

and free from those pulleys and ropes.

I was getting so mad at you.

All this time I've been in the hospital and you've never even came to see me.

Elizabeth, I'm sorry about your accident.

I didn't mean for anything to happen.

I just...

Here.

OLIVIA: Jim-Bob, come back here. Jim-Bob.

That boy just can't get over blaming himself.

I've never seen him like that before.

Grandpa, I want you to talk to that boy.

I have such strange brothers.

Did you see what Ben brought me?

Ben must've bought out half the flower shops between Lynchburg and Schuyler.

Elizabeth, tell Grandpa the good news.

In the morning, Dr. Jamison's gonna take off my casts

and X-ray my legs and I just might be able to go home.

Why, that is the best news I have ever heard.

Looks like you've had experience with that kinda work.

Yes, ma'am. Around the farm there's plenty of cleaning I've to do.

Do you mind doin' it? I mean, here.

Yes, maam. I need the money.

A girl, uh?

Yes, maam.

I thought so.

Okay, you boys knock up.

-Goodnight. -Goodnight.

Congratulations, big shot.

Never thought you'd do it.

Any word from Dr. Jamison?

Nothing. She's been gone over an hour.

Those X-rays take time, I guess.

You cold, Liv?

Just trying to hold myself together, keep from shaking.

You haven't heard from Mary Ellen?

Not a word.

I wish I knew what was going on.

They're probably just being extra careful.

(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)

Hi, Daddy.

What's the word, honey?

Elizabeth's going home.

You're not smiling.

Mary Ellen?

John. Olivia.

Well, we took her cast off and X-rayed everything.

And...

The fractures are healing better than we expected.

It's not all good news.

The nerves still haven't joined.

Without the nerves, there's nothing to make the muscles work.

You telling us she won't walk again?

I've done all I can.

From here on, it's up to you and John and the family.

And to Elizabeth herself.

You tell us what to do.

Give her all your faith and encouragement.

Make her keep believing and trying.

It's going to be a hard road for the child,

but she must never lose her determination.

We understand that.

You both should be prepared for what we've done.

Your child in braces is not a pretty sight,

but it's the next step.

She'll be able to get herself around.

When she's used to them,

help her as little as possible.

Mama. Daddy.

(PHONE RINGING)

(RINGING CONTINUES)

Corabeth, are you in there?

Mr. Godsey!

Godsey's General Merchandise Store

Corabeth Godsey speaking.

Mr. Godsey, why do you let the phone just ring and ring.

I was outside. I couldn't help it.

Olivia?

Oh, blessed day. Oh, now tell me everything.

Oh, you can't.

Oh, yes. Yes. One of us will go right up there with the news.

Goodbye.

Tell me, what happened?

That was Olivia at the hospital.

They are bringing Elizabeth home.

Uh-uh, can she walk?

Well, they didn't say, just that the casts were off her leg.

Well, I'm sure she's comin' home she must be all well.

You're to get on your motorcycle and go up to the Walton's

with all possible speed and deliver the news.

Okay. I sure hope that stupid motorcycle starts.

Hi, Grandpa.

Erin, can I give you a hand with that?

I think I can manage, Grandpa.

You're getting strong as a horse.

Thanks, Jason. That's what I've always wanted.

(MOTORCYCLE APPROACHING)

Hey, everybody, gather around! I got some great news!

Your mama called from the hospital

and Elizabeth is coming home!

JASON: That's wonderful!

GRANDPA: Hear that, Jim-Bob? Your sister's coming home!

Why we changing the sheets? They're not dirty.

We're not putting Elizabeth into a bed without clean sheets!

I changed them a while back.

Grandpa, where are you gonna be sleeping?

You boys will be pleasantly surprised to know

I intend to take up residence in your room.

Grandpa, there's only three beds in there.

We'll shove the beds all together.

Sleep in my bed. I'm moving out to the shed.

BOTH: What?

I said I'm moving out to the shed.

I'm not part of this family anymore.

Well.

Here they come!

Come on, everybody! Elizabeth's back!

(YELLING)

Welcome home!

ERIN: Oh, I'm so glad you're back. JOHN: Alright. Watch out. Clear out.

Olivia, we all know the dreadful ordeal which you've been through.

Poor child.

Elizabeth is holding up just fine, Corabeth.

And now that she's home, she'll do even better.

We got our little girl home!

(CHATTERING)

It's time to massage your legs.

Come on, let's turn you over.

You been having yourself a cry?

I get so mad.

I can't do anything alone.

It's like I'm half a person!

This half alive,

and that half just dragging along.

Will my legs ever be alive?

Of course they will.

You just never let it out of your mind that they're going to work again.

They're going to be strong and healthy.

Is that what the doctor says?

That's what I say.

What does Dr. Jamison say?

He doesn't know.

You do?

Dr. Jamison says it's up to you,

and I know you a whole lot better than he does.

(KNOCKING ON DOOR)

May we say goodnight to Your Highness?

ELIZABETH: Come in.

It sure is nice to have you back home again, squirt.

I think everyone should go to the hospital

so they know how nice it is coming back to home.

Pleasant dreams, little princess.

Are you sure one of your ladies-in-waiting hasn't put

a bean in your bed?

Why a bean?

Well, in the olden days, that's the way

they used to tell whether a princess was real or not, you know?

Someone put a bean or a pea under their mattress,

and if she woke up all black and blue,

they'd know she was tender enough to be the genuine article.

Grandpa!

See, he hasn't changed a bit.

I've got to get to work. I'll see you in the morning.

I wish sometime I can come and hear you play.

We'll walk down there together sometime.

Just you and me.

Goodnight.

Where's Jim-Bob?

Sitting in the shed like a bear in a cave.

(KNOCKING)

JIM-BOB: Come in.

You're being mighty unsociable these days.

I don't go where I'm not wanted.

You're wanted right now in your sister's room.

Why don't you go in and say goodnight?

I came to say goodnight.

Goodnight, Jim-Bob.

That was the worst "goodnight" I ever heard.

Sorry, Grandpa.

-Goodnight, Livie. -Night, Grandpa.

-BEN: Goodnight, Grandpa. -GRANDPA: Come here.

Elizabeth? I got you something.

-More flowers? -No. Open it.

Perfume?

No, it's cologne. From the Fashion Center in Charlottesville.

It's from France. Go ahead and smell it.

Thank you.

Ben, where you getting the money for all this?

I got me a job. That's where I'm going right now.

-Goodnight. -Goodnight.

Ben,

don't you think there's a better way

of letting your sister know that you care about her?

Well, she liked the cologne.

I'm sure she did.

But all you're doing is trying to ease your guilt.

Don't you know that all expensive presents say

is that you got the money to pay for them?

Is that what you're trying to tell her?

Of course not.

I didn't think so.

If you really want to tell her that you love her and that you care about her,

why don't you spend some time with her?

Give her something of yourself.

Play some games with her.

That would mean far more to her than all those presents you've been giving her.

Can't do that, Mama.

I have to go to work.

What is this new job?

I'm working as the janitor at the Dew Drop Inn.

Now I've got two sons working nights in a saloon.

Come on, girls!

Time to get to church!

Coming!

Daddy, how do I look?

My little girl's a pretty one.

I told you she's gonna be our little old beauty queen.

-Will you help me? -Sure, honey.

Come on.

I got you.

Here you go.

Now come on, girls. Let's get on to church.

(SHUFFLING)

How am I doing, Daddy?

You're doing fine, honey.

Thanks.

(SNORING)

Sounds like Jim-Bob's car.

Grandpa!

Grandpa!

(SNORING)

He's gonna do that all night.

What's wrong?

-You were snoring. -I never snore.

Forgive me.

(SNORING)

Jason, what are we gonna do?

Forget it.

Boys! Jason! Ben.

Boys, you hear me? Wake up.

Jason, whatever you two doing sleeping away the best part of the day.

You kept us awake all night with your snoring.

Your grandma never seemed to mind.

I guess it takes some getting used to.

You boys seen Elizabeth around anywhere?

Mama got your old wheelchair out of the cellar and she and Aimee took off some place.

Aimee. Elizabeth.

Where are you?

Girls!

AIMEE: Can you sleep in those things alright?

I don't have to.

Mama takes them off before I go to bed.

So they don't bother you?

Well, it's kind of hard to roll over.

Have to use my hands.

Don't you think you could walk? I mean, if you tried really hard?

Not even one step?

Well, it's hard to explain.

It's like

my legs aren't even mine.

Like they're not there.

Doctor didn't do much.

Well,

he put the bones together.

What's the use of together bones if you can't even walk?

I bet Ada Corley could fix you.

She's not a doctor.

She cured Gaynor Sipes' daughter of a broken foot.

I'm scared of her.

Jim-Bob,

is that you under there?

Who do you think it is?

No.

-Kick him. -Better not.

Elizabeth?

Hey, there you are.

I've been looking all over for you young ladies.

Elizabeth, your Grandpa thinks that

a dip in the hot springs might do you some good.

President Roosevelt goes down to the Warm Springs, Georgia

to soak his limbs that got injured by polio.

What's good for the President ought to be good for you.

President Roosevelt?

We'll take the truck, Daddy.

Mama will be right out.

Aimee, you, Grandpa and I can sit in the back.

And Elizabeth, you and Mama and Daddy can sit in the front.

Let's go.

Bet that feels good.

It's like a big bathtub.

Try to bend your knees a little. Pretend you're swimming.

Feels like they're not even there.

Her skin's starting to show some red marks.

Think maybe it's too hot for her?

Well, it's not burning us.

That could be a good sign, you know.

Gets all the little red corpuscles a-working,

might just feel alive, doesn't it? The skin?

Got all those nerves on edge.

Scat. There's a bee.

I hit him, watch out, Mama.

Get out there. Look out there.

Get out!

Don't do that, Elizabeth, it'll sting you.

I think she already has.

Yeah, there's a stinger.

Get some mud and we'll rub it on, take the stinging away.

-Does it hurt, Elizabeth? -No.

This is one time I wish it did.

Come on, Aimee. Whoops!

-Alright, Jason. Thanks. -Good catch.

Alright, here you go. Ready?

Come on.

Keep your eye on the ball now.

Here we go.

-MARY ELLEN: Yay! -Good catch.

(GIGGLING)

We're gonna burn it in here.

Here we go.

(JAZZ MUSIC PLAYING)

Don't let Livie see you do that.

(GRANDPA LAUGHING)

(CAR HORN HONKING)

Well, now, what do we got here?

There's a horse trailer too.

And the Baldwin sisters.

Boy, are you going to be surprised, Elizabeth.

My, what a pretty one.

-Jason, help me down the stairs. -Mamie, Miss Emily, what are you up to?

We brought Elizabeth a pony.

To give her something to look forward to.

An incentive to walk and ride again.

This is George Lister, who cared for all of Papa's horses.

He's mine? Really mine?

I'll ride him and keep him exercised till you can ride.

Go ahead, honey.

Show Elizabeth how she will do it.

Her name is Judy.

Come on, Judy.

George went over to the coast and found her.

MAMIE: She came from Assateague Island off the Virginia shore.

ELIZABETH: I never thought I'd ever have my own pony.

AIMEE: Isn't she beautiful?

Elizabeth, I got a great idea.

I'll show you later, okay?

Watch out, Reckless.

Bet she can take us all the way to Rockfish.

(GIRLS CHATTERING)

She's got two white socks and two white boots.

Mama! Daddy! Everybody come here!

The cart just fits Judy.

Looks like we got the cart before the pony.

Won't be needing these till we get back.

Looks pretty good, doesn't it?

ERIN: Yeah. Is this your great idea?

Yeah. Elizabeth's going to have so much fun!

You know, Ben,

this means more to Elizabeth than all the presents you could ever buy her.

Understand what I was trying to tell you before?

I do now.

You girls ready?

-Yeah. -Okay. Get down, Reckless.

Let's go!

(BELL RINGING)

Mr. Godsey?

-Mr. Godsey? -Right here, honey.

Mr. Godsey, where is your motorcycle?

That fool thing broke down again.

Down by the bridge.

Mr. Godsey, have you forgotten the purpose of your visit?

You were to pick up Aimee.

Aimee's gonna spend the night with Elizabeth.

It's okay.

She asked and I said it was alright.

Besides, Elizabeth needs the company.

I wish it had been another night.

Why another night?

'Cause I don't like this one.

Listen, do you want to be a cripple all your life?

Well, no.

Then you ought to go see Ada Corley.

I'd be afraid to.

She cured Gaynor Sipes' daughter.

-How would we get there? -In the pony cart.

They wouldn't let us.

We'll sneak out. Okay?

Okay.

I'll go get dressed.

Ouch! Give me the crutches.

Be careful.

Don't make any noise.

Well, lets go.

-Ow, you're hurting me. -Shh.

-It hurts. -Okay.

-(WHISPERING) Elizabeth, get down. -Okay.

(WHISPERING) Careful.

Okay.

-When I tell you... -Shh.

-Just the way when I tell you. -Okay.

-Help me get my braces over this... -Okay, okay.

Okay. Okay.

Okay.

This ought to cover you. This ought to keep you warm.

Okay.

Okay.

Ready?

(URGING PONY) Come on.

Okay, come on. Come on. Come on.

Come on.

AIMEE: She's right out in front.

I don't want to go over there.

(SIGHS)

We can't go back now.

Let's go home.

-She won't hurt us. -How do you know?

Well, Mama says that you can't judge a book by its cover

and that looks are deceiving.

Quick, let's go home.

-I'm not afraid of her. -Well, I am. Hurry, let's go.

She might be able to help. Isn't it worth trying?

What do you want here?

Well,

she needs doctoring.

You cured Gaynor Sipes' daughter.

What's wrong with her?

Well, she was in an accident. She can't walk.

The Walton girl.

We wondered if you could help.

You got any money?

Well,

we didn't think about that.

Well, I don't do my curing for free.

Well, how much would it cost?

I usually accept

whatever people offer.

Well,

if you can help,

I've got three dollars in the bank at home.

I'll bring it over for you.

I don't like promises.

Aimee, let's go home.

If you promise to bring it back here,

then I'll do what I can.

What'll you do?

First, we're gonna get rid of them things.

Come on to the house.

What do you want to do?

Do you really think she can help?

I don't know.

Well,

I suppose she can't hurt my legs any more than they are.

Ike!

Ike!

It's John Walton! Ike!

(DOOR RATTLING)

-John, what is it? -Are Aimee and Elizabeth here?

Well, no. Aimee's spending the night at your house.

Get your clothes, Ike. The girls are gone.

But how can Elizabeth...

Now what dreadful thing has happened?

The girls are gone from the Walton's '.

The pony and the cart are gone, too.

The only possible thing that could have happened would have been they'd...

They'd go into Ada Corley's.

Aimee heard her talking about her cures.

Just wait while I change my clothes. I'll be right with you.

No.

(MUMBLING)

Yeah, it's little wonder you can't walk,

legs in these clamps,

no blood flowing.

(SIGHS)

It's against nature.

Oh, I'd like to cut off that leather.

Cut off those strings.

Throw that away and you'll never see that again.

Nothing wrong with them bones.

They're as sound as hickory.

The doctor said it was the nerves.

Buzzard croaking!

Fetch me that crock yonder.

What is that stuff?

It's my own recipe.

It's roots and herbs

and spiny-vine juices.

It's medicines them book doctors never hear of.

Alright now.

Walk.

You can walk.

You can walk now.

Come on.

Come on.

Gonna walk now.

You gonna walk now.

You can walk.

You can walk now. Walk. That's right.

You gonna walk now. Oh, no! No!

(ELIZABETH CRYING)

Walk!

I can't!

You can walk!

You just don't want to.

She can't walk! She's telling you the truth!

You got the medicine and you got the bones.

Only reason you ain't walking is because you think you can't!

I can't!

In your brain, you're a cripple!

They poisoned your mind!

I want you to get up off that floor and walk!

-I can't! -You can! Yes, you can.

-Please! -No! No, don't take her!

Please, don't take her. I can make her walk.

-Alright. -They got her thinking she can't walk,

but she can!

If you'd just leave her.

No!

Well, at least there's nothing broken.

Both legs are fine.

Thank heavens.

What on Earth possessed you two

to go to Ada Corley's in the middle of the night?

She cured other people.

What did she do to you, honey?

She rubbed my legs with this green stuff.

Elizabeth could have been injured for life.

Think she'll walk again?

I'm praying every minute.

(CHILDREN SHOUTING)

(WHISTLING)

-Alright. Who wants it? -Come on.

-Me. -Okay.

Kick it!

(CHILDREN LAUGHING)

Let me get it. Just...

Just wait. I'll get it.

Just... Don't...

I'll get it. Just wait.

-Swing me higher. -That's high enough.

Ben, will you come give your grandpa a hand here?

Okay.

-Hey, are you coming back? -I'll be back in a second.

That's more than good news.

There was no question. I was standing just a few feet from her.

I saw her take a step without her crutches.

Maybe even two.

Elizabeth.

Elizabeth, walk to me.

Come on. You can do it.

Come on, Elizabeth. Walk to me.

Come on, you can do it.

Walk to me.

She did it! She did it!

Mama! Daddy! She did it!

Grandpa!

(GASPING)

Elizabeth. Oh, Elizabeth!

She did it! She did it!

JOHN-BOY: By the fall of that year,

my sister was entirely free of the braces on her legs

and was able once again to take part

in the active life of the mountain.

JIM-BOB: Everybody asleep?

JOHN: Not now.

JIM-BOB: I was wondering something.

OLIVIA: Let's hear it, Jim-Bob.

JIM-BOB: What is time?

ELIZABETH: Well, while I had my braces on, that was a long time.

ERIN: The jamboree party at the Godsey's,

that was a high old time.

GRANDPA: Full moon in June, that's a-courting time.

JIM-BOB: What is time? It's not in the clock.

JOHN: It's time to go to sleep, Son.

JOHN: Goodnight, everybody.