Original subtitles

I hear you're thinking about working over at the shipyards.

I got to think about it.

I'd give anything if you could stay here where you belong.

I belong where I can take care of my family.

Oh, are you two miners?

No, no. But we just figure, if you're gonna

open the mine again, it needs shoring up.

You think it was gonna be this bad?

Stood a good chance to be.

You sure could do the work.

Dad, you better take a look at this.

Wonder where that's coming from?

It's wet up here. And getting wetter.

What are you doing in here? There's work to do outside!

Now, get out and do it!

I don't want you in here.

We don't want you in here, either.

You should never have come home, John-Boy!

(WHISTLE BLOWING)

Many of our friends are

leaving the mountain again to find work,

and we thought that was behind us with the Depression.

I'm sure it's all part of this dreadful war around us,

and I turn away from it.

Your father has managed to stay home so far,

and we have our health, so we're grateful.

Hello? Yes, ma'am.

I'd like to place a call to Walton's Mountain, Virginia.

Walton. W-A-L-T-O-N.

Walton's... That's right. It's Mr. John Walton.

Walton's Mountain, Virginia.

Thank you.

Hmm?

Oh.

Ah, alright. Well... No, I'll have to try again later.

There's no telling how long the phone'll be out of order.

See, it's way back in the mountains, and they don't...

Hello?

In the early times of separation from my family,

I kept in mind a clear picture of the scenesof my boyhood.

But the times were changing,

and my memories were far removed

from the realities.

The turbulent state of the country

in the year before we entered the War

was especially felt in our remote, little community.

And particularly by my father.

Whoa, whoa. Now, just hold on there, fellow. Just...

Will you listen to me... Listen to me.

I tell you, I've the letter right here.

It is in my hand, in front of me.

I am looking at the letter!

Adams.

Lieutenant Robert C. Adams.

Well, he is the gentleman that

authorized payment for the desks.

You picked up the desks three months ago!

The problem?

Listen here, the problem is I have not been paid!

No, no. No, listen. I do not want to be...

No, do not transfer me to payroll.

I have talked... No, and I don't want to talk to procurement!

Forget it!

Three months is a bit long to wait for payment, John.

I couldn't help overhearing.

Corabeth, I think they gave them army tests to everybody,

and those who come out lowest get on the switchboard.

Good to load my truck with gas and go on over to Camp Lee.

Oh, we've all known late,

but three months?

In these troubled times?

Don't you just love this deep, old patina?

Thought that was a bed-warmer.

Of course it's a bed-warmer. I know that.

I was referring to the tone of the brass.

Yeah, well, it's real nice.

Ike around?

No. No, he'll be gone for a while.

However, if you're really serious

about driving over to Camp Lee...

No, I can't afford that kind of gas, Corabeth.

Well, for five full minutes, he gives me my motivation.

This brilliant director, and these are his words, not mine,

gives me that much direction for one line.

One little line. "Shall we walk, or grab a cab?"

Shall we walk, or grab a cab? Can walk, grab a cab.

-It's that simple. -At least it's something.

Something's bothering you?

I got a letter from my mother.

Is something wrong?

I think times are pretty rough there.

There's no work, no jobs.

People are moving away to find jobs.

-Well, not your dad. -Not yet.

But I know him, Daisy, I really know him.

And I know he'd go wherever he had to, to make a living.

You want to go home, don't you?

I just think she's really worried.

She never would've mentioned it, if she wasn't.

She's not one to borrow trouble.

(CHUCKLING)

I never thought I'd be saying this, but I think you should go.

I don't want to leave you.

Well, not too long, please.

Well, it's not me, anyway. It's up to Mr. Johnson.

Well, you tell Mr. Johnson that if I can get along without you,

Associated Press certainly can!

Did that already, Pa.

Well, I'm doing it today. It's my turn now.

Just that there's no use doing the same work all over again.

What work would you have me do?

There is no work, Pa. That's the point.

You'd think somebody'd

wanna buy lumber as good as this.

Army wants to.

Only trouble is they won't pay for it.

Ah, they will.

Ep says a lot of men are leaving Rockfish.

Going over to the coast. Working in defense plants and shipyards.

Ike told me all about that.

Sure is a long way from home.

Yeah, I've never known a time

when a little sacrifice wasn't called for.

Now, you're not getting any ideas, are you?

Funny thing when a man gets to my age,

he thinks he's got a right to live his life in his way.

It's not what I'm talking about.

It's just they're not going to hire men your age.

If you've used your mind at all,

you'd use it longer because you're older.

Chances are a little better, too.

Pa, will you stop picking up on every little thing I say?

It is possible to forget more than some people will ever know.

Same goes for machinery.

It's got to be used. Taken care of.

Wish you'd ease up a little. Try to understand.

That goes for people, too.

Got to keep moving along, otherwise you get rusty.

(SINGING) * Camptown race... *

* Gonna run all day *

(LAUGHING)

Oh, how long has it been, Mr. Walton?

Well, too long. Where you been keeping yourself, Nurse Nora?

Well, I spend a time on this road all day.

Seems like I'm riding up or down it most of my life.

Haven't got sickness back up yonder?

Oh, some.

Most of the real sickness can be done for.

Medicine or a bandage takes care of most.

It's not that kind that bothers me.

Well, it's not an epidemic, or something serious?

Oh, not the usual kind. Nothing you could call contagious.

Up there, Mr. Walton, what...

What I need most is a pill for lonely.

A pill for loneliness?

Well, now, that's mighty hard to come by.

My best to your family.

Let me know if I can help out with those lonely people.

I know that feeling.

Do you want to see me, John?

Yes, sir. I finished the story here. I'd like you to see.

As long as you like it, I don't have to read it.

It's talking about the depressed areas

in the country, economically.

You know Jefferson County is one of the worst?

Why, they can't do that to two old newspapermen from

-Jefferson County, can they? -Listen to this. Here.

-What? -Here, starting here.

"High unemployment in the towns of Westham and Rockfish.

"Local businesses have shut down temporarily.

"Some owners have closed doors permanently

"and left for more prosperous areas."

I saw something about that this morning here.

Mama wrote me that people were leaving Walton's Mountain 'cause

-they just can't make a living. -Here it is.

"Virginia claims the nation's highest prosperity booms.

"All along the sea coast,

"where ship-building and defense plants

are burgeoning, record numbers of people

"are commanding the highest wages since the Depression."

-It goes on. -No, no.

The shore and the Blue Ridge are two different worlds.

They always have been.

What about your family?

Daddy's still at home, but all he's got is a mill,

and I'm sure there're not many people hiring millwork.

It's a good we're not trying

to go with The Blue Ridge Chronicle,

or we'd go broke.

I had a hard enough time as it was.

I know that Virginia is the farthest thing from your mind,

but I want you to take this to accounting.

Are you forcing me to go home?

Only because it's Jefferson County.

And I'll want the coast story, too.

-You'll be hearing from me. -I hope so.

Thank you, sir.

I didn't catch the name of this town.

This?

This is paradise.

I'm just kidding. It's Rockfish, Virginia.

I just haven't been home in a long time.

Miss Fanny!

John-Boy?

-It is. It's you, isn't it? -I think it's me, I think so.

Oh, my goodness!

Well, it certainly is you.

You're the first friendly face I've seen.

But how long has it been, John-Boy?

About a year. This is a surprise visit, though,

and I was going to start out by surprising Erin.

She still does work here, doesn't she?

Oh, she does. Now and then.

Well, I haven't been able to afford much help.

What with people giving up their phones.

Is it really that bad?

But Erin seems to have another job.

Really? That's funny.

She didn't write me about that in her letters.

Well, perhaps I shouldn't have mentioned it.

I can't say what kind of job it is.

Erin hasn't volunteered.

Oh, and of course, John-Boy, you know I would never pry.

Oh, no.

Still, there aren't many jobs, you know,

for a young lady in Rockfish.

I'm sure I'll find out all about it as soon as I get home.

Possibly.

It's just a treat to see you again.

Thank you, Miss Fanny.

And I know you want to surprise everyone,

so I won't mention to a soul that you're here.

-I appreciate it, Miss Fanny. -You can count on it.

Emma?

You'll never guess who's back in town.

Hello.

I didn't think it was possible.

Car to stop on this road and me not know the driver.

-Want a ride anyhow? -Alright.

-Put your stuff in the back. -Thanks.

-I'm Hank Buchanan. -Howdy.

Hi.

I'd say you fit most of your descriptions.

How's that?

I'd take Mama's word for it you're a fine, young preacher,

and Daddy'd to mean, said you was a hell of a fisherman.

You're right so far.

'Course, Erin's always been a little flighty now.

She says you're a dreamboat.

I am.

I like hearing it better from Erin.

Now, you must be the legendary John-Boy.

"Legendary"? That's not bad, now.

"Genius, wise beyond your years."

No, one thing about my family, now,

they never been prone to exaggerating, no.

Not at all.

I'm glad to meet you, though. And see you first.

-How have they all been? -They're all healthy.

Mostly, things are good for them.

-Mostly? -It's the times, you know.

There aren't any jobs. No money.

Causes strains and decisions to be made

that wouldn't be made otherwise.

Well, what about Erin? How is she doing?

She's fine. She's probably older than you remember her.

I'll find out for myself pretty soon.

I tell you one thing, everybody's going

to be mighty glad to see you again.

This close to home.

And I'm only now beginning to realize how much I missed them.

-Well, here you are. -Yep.

You're the author. Here's your chance for a grand entrance.

And a legend should make one.

Free of the encumbrance of a dreamboat.

-I'm much obliged. -My pleasure.

John-Boy!

John-Boy! Hey, Johnny!

Big city like that, it's funny you wouldn't need a car.

Walking is easier. The blocks are shorter than you'd expect,

and you get there much faster than if you drive.

We been watching those newsreels.

Looks like all they have is traffic jams

and people shaking their fists and the horns honking.

Well, it's not all like that.

But some, I will admit. But taxis are easy to get.

Yeah, but they cost a lot of money.

If AP wants me to get someplace fast, they pay for a taxi.

So when are you going to buy your penthouse?

Next week, when I finish paying for my yacht.

That's the best food I eaten since the last meal I had here.

You stay around long enough, I'll put some of that weight.

-Oh. -I dunno. I think he feels fine.

-Three to five pounds lighter. -It's about that.

I'm gonna go upstairs and get

a closer look at the kid that stole my room.

You wake him up and you've got to get him to sleep.

I know how to do that. I rocked most all of you.

(JOHN CURTIS COOING)

John Curtis.

What are you doing up?

You go back to sleep, you hear?

You look just like your Uncle John.

Oh, boy.

(EXHALES)

He told me all of his problems,

the minute I started in on mine, he went right off to sleep.

Does it feel strange being in your old room again?

It feels good, but it feels strange, too.

It's home, and yet it isn't quite anymore.

Home's wherever I am with Curt.

I sent him a letter, you know.

He told me. That was nice.

You've got a good man there.

How's Daisy?

She's absolutely wonderful.

Are you going to marry her?

Like I said, she's absolutely wonderful.

-Daddy's awful quiet tonight. -Oh, he's worried.

He won't talk about it. Well, maybe to Mama.

But you can almost hear him turning

the things over in his mind.

We all thought that new mill

was going to save the day, didn't we?

Curt and I do what we can. John Curtis and I are staying here.

I can't see Daddy taking money from you.

He won't.

We come from a very proud line, you know.

We're stubborn, too.

-Hey, hey! -Hey!

-How you doing? -My big brother!

-What a surprise! -Oh, you're looking fine, Jason!

So do you.

-You remember me? -Yeah.

-Miss Fanny told me you're here. -She promised that she wouldn't.

Oh, she means well.

-We'll do our talking inside? -Alright.

John-Boy, you didn't tell Mama and Daddy about my two jobs?

-No. I figured you'd do that. -I can't.

And please don't let them find out.

Erin.

I'm real tired, John-Boy.

I can see that.

I... I met Hank Buchanan today.

Looks like he could be a real good friend.

He is.

You sure you don't want to tell me?

I can't.

Well, you're a grown girl now.

Quiet upstairs. You must have everybody tucked in.

Almost everybody.

Are they big worries, Mama?

Well, there's Erin. You saw.

Comes home exhausted every night from I don't know what.

Well, she's young. She can afford to be tired.

Then there's your father.

Worrying himself sick over no work and no money.

Think maybe he needs you most right now.

-Is he out on the porch? -Mmm-hmm.

John-Boy, thank you for answering my letter so soon.

Nothing in the world smells like the nights do around here.

Always some kind of fragrance in the air.

You on vacation, Son?

Hell, I can stay awhile.

But I'm on a story, about what's going on

around here and over on the coast.

That won't take more than a sentence.

There's not much going on around here.

What about the new mill? All those army orders?

We busted our tails to fill those orders.

Now, the Army's three months behind in their payments.

They have no need for more orders.

Who authorized the work? You remember?

Uh-huh. Lieutenant Robert C. Adams.

Why you writing that down?

Associated Press can open doors I can't open alone.

Maybe I can help move it along a little bit.

That'd be nice.

They'll pay in good time.

Guess they don't need no more orders.

And there's no other work around here.

I hear you're thinking about working over

at the shipyards. Defense plants.

I got to think about it.

I'd give anything if you could stay here where you belong.

I belong where I can take care of my family.

They need you here.

I'll be the best judge of that, Son.

I didn't come all this way to pick a fight with you.

Just don't start running my life for me.

I've got a few years on you yet.

John-Boy, I'm real glad you're home.

Your mama and me are proud of you, you know.

Boo.

I thought you went to bed hours ago.

Who do you think made this room all nice and homey for you?

Mama?

She let me do it. After all, it was my idea.

So you decided to turn into a nice, young lady after all, huh?

I don't know. I just got started.

-It's nice to have you home. -Thank you, honey.

Promise to spend as much time with me as you can?

As much as I can. I promise.

Goodnight.

You know,

I did do a pretty nice job, didn't I?

Yup.

(OLIVIA SIGHS)

You awake, Liv?

What is it?

Should've heard the way he was talking to me.

Like he was my pa.

He was gonna do this, thinks I ought to do that.

With the back of my neck getting hot.

He's not a boy anymore.

Before I knew it, I was...

I was sounding like Grandpa.

Think the back of Grandpa's neck gets hot when you talk to him?

Never thought much about it.

Anyway, I told John-Boy I was proud of him.

Now that you've said that,

do you think we could get some sleep?

Okay.

Hey, Ike!

Hey! John-Boy!

So great to see you.

You look just great. The city must be good to you.

-How you doing, Ike? -Oh, John... Corabeth!

-Come out and see who's here! -Corabeth, come on out here!

Oh, you're a sight for sore eyes.

-Hi, darling, how are you? -John-Boy! I declare!

You dunno how often I've thought of you folks.

Oh, well, what a surprise to see you.

Hey, where you going with your lunch box, Ike?

Well, just going out looking.

Yes. Yes, he's looking for an extra position.

I'm looking for a job is what I'm looking for.

Well, that's what I said.

You had any luck?

No. But I'm keeping on trying.

John-Boy, now, we're gonna get together before you leave, huh?

-Sure, Ike, that's a promise. -Okay.

Bye, honey.

Can I use your phone for a minute?

Oh, sure.

(MOTORCYCLE DRIVES AWAY)

You'll find many changes here, John-Boy.

Not for the best, I fear.

People have had to move away, you see.

There's no money. None to be made.

They can't buy anything beyond the barest necessities.

Mr. Godsey wouldn't like me to say this,

but if people would just pay him what they owed him...

Oh, well, not your family, of course. I didn't mean that.

They've never been much for owing money.

What can I do for you?

Well, I'm afraid, Corabeth, I just wanted to use the phone.

Your service hasn't been restored yet?

Not yet.

Well, just before you use the phone and make your call,

I want you to see some of these lovely treasures.

Mmm. Oh.

These really are treasures, aren't they? I bet they're old.

Yes, they're all genuine antiques.

I just love these gentle reminders of my gracious past.

-This is really something here. -Yes.

Isn't that a lovely old colonial bed warmer?

I reckon the beds were cold in colonial times, weren't they?

Very. Oh...

John-Boy, with all your contacts in New York,

you must know someone who would be interested in these things.

For a price, of course.

Oh... Well, I...

I'm afraid not offhand, no, but...

But they're really lovely, though.

I mean, I could understand how you'd be proud to have them.

Ike must travel all over the place, looking for work.

Taking what he can get.

He does more looking than taking.

There's nothing out there.

What about that old Guthrie Coal Mine? Whatever happened to that?

Coal mining's a big deal again

over in Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

I think Mr. Guthrie closed that mine down during the Depression.

Is he still around?

Lives in that old house all by himself, as far as I know.

His wife was taken a long time ago.

None of his children are at home. They went away to school,

never came back.

See, if you could open that

mine, that'd solve a lot of problems.

If there's one good going concern.

Ike could hold onto his store.

Corabeth could keep her treasures.

What treasures?

There's a whole family of things that she wants to sell.

She show you that old brass bed warmer, did she?

-Oh, yes, sir. -That doesn't belong to her.

That belongs to all the Waltons.

Can only warm one bed at a time, Liv.

That is far from the point.

You don't need a bed warmer.

That's almost as far.

I think I'd better go and take a look

at the rest of Corabeth's treasures.

You don't need any more treasures, either.

Come on, Blue.

Let's go off where we are needed.

Maybe he won't come today.

Said he would.

You must've heard him.

"See you tomorrow, Willis." He said that.

I heard him.

Well, then?

Don't pay to get your hopes up sometimes.

Expecting good things don't make them so.

Here comes Miss Nora and Zeb's right along with her!

(LAUGHING)

-Morning, Miss Nora. -Morning.

You won't believe how much I did after you left, Zeb.

I believe you.

-Morning, morning, Allie. -Morning to you and Nora.

You staying awhile?

Oh, I'm afraid I can't, Allie. Mrs. Hadley's in need.

I'll stop by on my way back.

Come on. Get along, Blue.

Go along, mule.

I fetched you a little something, Allie.

-Oh, no, now. -Yes, I did, too.

Had a lot of trouble finding it, too.

-Ain't it a pretty little thing? -Ain't pretty.

It's beautiful.

So fine and lovely.

Can't be for me.

It is. My Esther made it.

It's from both of us. To you.

That had ought to be a smile.

-Allie, leave him, come on! -No.

Hey, she's busted through.

The old spring's showing water again.

Did all that after you left.

Looks like a respectable amount of labor.

Now, stand aside. Let me show you a disrespectable amount!

-Mr. Walton and John-Boy! Oh! -Verdie.

Verdie, I didn't know you worked here.

Day work sometimes.

You look wonderful. How's the family?

Just fine. Harley will be so glad to know you're home again.

I know you all didn't come by here to see me.

Oh, Mr. Guthrie, if he's in.

I'll tell him you're here. Come on in.

Oh, Verdie.

I've brought visitors, Mr. Guthrie.

Who is it?

Mr. John Walton and Mr. Walton, Jr.

-Howdy. -Mr. Guthrie.

Hi. Well, it's nice to see you both.

We're not interrupting anything, are we, sir?

(LAUGHING) I wish you were.

-Here, sit down. -Thank you.

No, it's been many a year since anybody

was able to interrupt me. I don't do anything anymore.

Well...

Mr. Guthrie, we were wondering...

We wanted to talk to you about your coal mine.

Oh, what about it?

We hear they're reopening mines

up in Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Yes. I read that.

Well, we were wondering if you had any plans to reopen yours.

There she is, right over there.

When was it painted?

'35.

Last year that she operated.

Well, you see, the men got chances at better salaries

and other jobs off elsewhere.

I couldn't keep 'em back, and you can't dig coal without men.

As my son was asking, do you have any plans

to reopen the mine?

No, I don't have any plans at all.

But I keep reading

that they need coal for factories and mills, and...

Oh, are you two miners?

-No, sir. -No, sir.

I own a lumber mill, and haven't been getting many orders lately,

and there're a lot of men in Jefferson County out of work.

Yeah.

And you say you're not miners.

No. But we just figure if you're gonna open the mine again

it needs shoring up.

You know, timbers and supports, and...

Mmm-hmm.

-Have you been up there? -No, sir.

As you say, it's been closed quite awhile.

Yeah.

Since 1935.

You know, that artist really captured that place.

Neat little package, isn't it?

And I don't mind saying it was a good money-maker.

Looks it, sure.

Tight and secure.

Would you have any objections to us looking over the site?

Oh, no. You help yourself.

Be something, wouldn't it, huh?

To get this place stirring again?

Not such a neat little package now, is it?

No, not at all.

You be careful, Elizabeth.

Don't worry. I've been here lots of times.

We'll be right down here, honey. Now, you be careful.

I just want to take a look around.

You think it was gonna be this bad?

Stood a good chance to be.

You sure could do the work.

Me and those able-bodied men standing about.

John!

John Walton?

It's Ep.

Hell.

By golly, I get to arrest the whole family.

Hey, how you doing, Ep?

What are you boys doing here besides trespassing?

Just looking the place over.

Trying to get Guthrie to hire me to make this place safe.

Can't mine until it is, that's for sure.

Nothing much more dangerous than an old mine.

Mr. Guthrie hired Harley as a watchman after he shut down

but they gave up on that after awhile.

(SCREAMS)

Well, I hope you boys get the job.

It'll be a relief not to chase people out of this place.

Help!

Wait, now, what was that?

Daddy?

Elizabeth? Elizabeth!

Elizabeth?

Elizabeth?

Elizabeth?

Elizabeth?

Elizabeth?

Elizabeth?

Elizabeth?

Daddy?

Honey?

John-Boy?

Honey, are you alright? Are you hurt?

-I don't think so. -Is she there?

She's down there. She says she isn't hurt, though.

Honey, are you alright?

-Sorry. -I got a rope in my car.

Stay right there, honey. Ep's gone to get a rope.

-I'll be right down. -Is there enough room down there

-for somebody else? -Seems like a pretty big hole.

Daddy, I ought to go down there. I'm lighter than you are.

-Come on, Ep! -Alright, here.

-I think I ought to go down. -Alright, you go.

John, we need you up here to pull.

He's the lightest, anyway.

Okay. Wait a second. I'll put it around here. I'm alright.

I'm alright. I'm alright. Okay, honey. I'm coming down.

Just a minute, honey!

Alright.

Okay, I'm fine.

-Alright, I'm down. -You make it?

Yep. You alright, honey?

You sure you're alright? Everything okay?

-Just dumb, that's all. -Alright.

Is Elizabeth alright, Son?

Yeah, she's right here with me.

-Does it hurt anywhere? -No.

Alright.

Hold onto this. Just a second!

You can bring her up in just a second!

Alright?

-Okay, she's ready. -Wait a minute...

Easy, honey. You'll be up in a minute.

Easy, honey. Watch it, watch it.

Alright.

Hold on. I got you.

Alright.

Alright?

She's alright.

Here, John-Boy.

Okay, I got it. Wait a second.

Alright.

-Jason. -What are you doing still up?

I had to finish some work on a story.

-Hey, are you alone? -Yep.

-Where's Erin? -I don't know.

I stopped at Miss Fanny's to pick her up

and she wasn't there.

-Does that happen often? -Sometimes. Once in a while.

-Well, I'll see you tomorrow. -Goodnight.

Goodnight.

Oh, listen. Can I use my car tomorrow?

Sure. I think it could use some gas.

I'd be happy to put some in for you.

Goodnight.

-Thanks for the ride. -Get some rest, Erin.

I will.

Erin?

Um...

It's late, John-Boy.

She doesn't want to talk to me.

Well, no, she doesn't. Not yet, anyway.

Jason said she wasn't at Miss Tatum's.

She wasn't.

-You got a sister? -No.

They can concern you in a very special way.

The fact that she's avoiding me doesn't hurt my feelings.

But whatever is bothering her that much

that's what worries me.

Yeah.

Thanks for bringing her home.

No problem.

Well, this... This... Looks like a fair price.

Of course, I haven't been up there in a long, long while.

Well, sir, it really needs a lot of work.

Even the buildings aren't all that safe.

Well, we can't have that.

How about you, young man? You going to stay around and work?

Well, I'm bound to see it begin, that's for sure.

Good.

-I want Harley on that job. -So do I.

-You want me to sign these? -Handshake's good enough for me.

Alright.

-Best of luck to you. -Thank you.

Sheriff.

And this is

all thanks to you, young man. I'm very excited about this.

Thank you, sir.

Oh, my goodness!

John-Boy!

Oh, I was just hoping you'd find time to come see me.

Oh, I like that!

Well, you know I'd have time to come see you.

That kissing business. Could you do another one over here?

Isn't that sort of what New York is like? Kind of kissy?

Oh, it's just home folks, that's all, Thelma.

Oh, come up here. I wanna give you something.

Alright.

You sit right over there.

Thelma's gonna give you a welcome-home present.

Now, you call that a welcome-home drink.

Thank you, Thelma.

Here's to you.

Gosh, you know, I was in the city once.

Hot dog. If I ever get the money and the time together again

at the same time, I'm gonna come see you.

Well, you do that, and I'll treat you the beer, alright?

Hey, Jason!

-Hey, Brother. -How you doing?

Alright. Glad you could make it.

Yeah. It's not too much of a crowd here tonight

although you're in pretty good form.

It is a little slow. This is about average for these days.

-Yeah. Thelma's looking well. -She's a fine lady.

Tell me something, Jason.

When you drive Erin, where do you take her? To this other job?

Mmm, not really.

I don't take her anyplace special.

Just drop her off in Rockfish.

She usually says she has an errand to run.

Then you pick her up at Miss Fanny's?

Unless Hank Buchanan drives her home, yeah.

Why don't you talk to Erin about all this?

Oh, well, she won't confide in me at all anymore.

I've tried.

She doesn't seem to talk to anybody much, except Hank.

She's so tired these days.

She just falls asleep in the car on the way home.

When we're at home, all she does is sleep.

I don't understand it. I do not understand it.

Hey, does your momma let you drink this stuff yet?

Hey, Thelma! Bring us a ginger ale, alright?

Coming right up.

Here's to you, Brother.

'Course, we're gonna be doing carpentry work.

-We're not doing any mining. -That's good, John.

Our job is to set those buildings to right,

shore up the mine. Replace those supports.

You gonna cut the lumber here, John?

Thought I'd set a mill up over there, Harley.

Save us some time.

I say anything about getting paid?

-ALL: No. -Not yet, you didn't.

Not yet, no.

Well, you're gonna get paid. $35 a week.

Oh, that's great!

Hey, I appreciate this, John.

Looks like the job's gonna last a good, long time.

-Oh, great. -Good.

(PEOPLE CHATTERING)

I appreciate this. Been out of work for two months.

Was getting tired of sitting around.

-Thank my son. I didn't do it. -Oh!

Appreciate it, John-Boy.

Thank you for the work, John.

Just pull your load, Easy, and don't spend your pay

at the Dew Drop Inn.

-Oh, I won't, John. You know me. -I know you, Easy, I know you.

Verdie says she saw you and knew good times was comin'.

I didn't do much. You guys are gonna do the work.

-Mighty grateful, John-Boy. -Alright.

Grandpa? You didn't have too much to say about all this.

No concern of mine. They don't want me to work with them.

Well, you don't have to be asked.

Some people don't think there's any place

in the world for a man of my advancing years.

But Pa, I want you to work with us.

There's plenty of millwork, fitting, cutting.

But I want you above ground.

-You hear that? -I don't want you in the mine!

Not while we're shoring up! That's off limits!

Blue and I got other work.

I don't intend to be your water boy.

Grandpa! Come on, Blue.

Now, where do you suppose he's going?

All I know is I keep hurting his feelings.

Fathers are kind of hard to raise, aren't they?

Still think I'm right about him.

Uh-oh. Here comes a smiling lady.

What you got there?

Thought you could go some lemonade and cookies.

Allie?

Never mind your sass. Help yourself, now.

Sugar cookies, light as a feather.

How many times I said,

"How come you don't make me sugar cookies?"

I can't say when I had one.

Well, have one, and fill your mouth.

Lord, Allie's gone sweet on you, Zeb. Look at her, look at her!

She's fixing to smile and show her teeth.

(GRANDPA CHUCKLING)

I'm fixing to lay one aside of your head, Willis.

You know, you remind me

of a pretty thing I married once.

You're trying to charm me,

so I won't lay one aside your head.

I keep it close with me.

I recollect you called it a smile.

I try to keep one handy always.

You know, folks,

there isn't much in this life, except love,

and hard work, and that is about the size of it.

How come it to be so hard to know that?

'Cause it's so easy.

(SAW BUZZING)

Now, where'd you get those?

I figured they'd be someplace in Mr. Guthrie's old office.

He used to give them to the men,

but most of the guys got to wearing 'em home.

Might take one of these home myself.

Gives you the proud look of a working man.

You look mighty official.

John, before you get to the mine shaft,

there's a long tunnel over yonder.

I know lots of places where the overhead

is supported by timbers. I'd like to check 'em out.

You're the only one that's been in.

You're gonna need some help.

Hey!

I thought Jefferson County, Virginia, is supposed to be

a depressed area!

You are working for Harley now.

Alright.

Come on, Jim-Bob. Bring your ruler. You're working for me.

Okay.

(SAW CONTINUES BUZZING)

It's like a cave.

Not as good. Man made this cave.

Main timbers start here.

-You can't shore these up. -Nope.

Gotta replace those. Get to measuring, Jim-Bob.

(WATER DRIPPING)

-How's it going, Son? -Pretty good.

Dad, you better take a look at this.

Wonder where that's coming from?

It's wet up here.

And getting wetter.

Take a shower.

It's work we didn't count on.

Nothing to that, John.

Just take our picks, chip away some stone,

reach in and turn off the faucet.

That's what we're after. Work.

Yeah.

Sister and I think John-Boy

should be named Jefferson County's Man of the Year.

Why, he's scarcely set foot here.

Though the idea is not entirely without merit.

Well, just look what he's done.

He went to see Mr. Guthrie, set all those wheels in motion,

created all those jobs.

Don't you agree, Olivia?

I don't think I need to.

You and Miss Emily have always sung his praises.

To the skies.

He always was such a live wire.

How was it you put it at breakfast, Sister?

Oh, dear. Now, how did I say that?

It made a little rhyme, remember?

Oh, I know, I know.

"Good things abound when he's around."

The "he", of course, is John-Boy.

Of course.

(KNOCKING AT DOOR)

That must be the Man of the Year now.

He said he'd come and call for me.

-John-Boy! -Well, hello!

-Come in! -I'm afraid I'm not presentable

-to come in, ladies. -You are to us, as always.

You look so well, both of you.

Step right inside. We want to hear more about the mine.

You sparked life back into Walton's Mountain, John-Boy.

Well, everybody's working hard.

There's not going to be enough hot water to get you clean.

You think I'm dirty, wait till you see the rest of your family.

Please come back when you can stay longer.

I will. I promise, I promise.

Tell Jason to be careful of his hands.

He should be mindful of those gifted musician's hands of his,

there in the dark recesses of the Earth.

I'll be sure to tell him. Bye-bye, ladies.

-Bye-bye. -Bye.

(KNOCKING AT DOOR)

Mmm-hmm?

Mama? Do you know how late it is?

Yes, I do. And Erin's not home yet.

-She ever been this late before? -Never.

I want you to find her, John-Boy.

I don't where to look, or how,

but find her and bring her home safe.

Alright.

Are you leaving for Norfolk today?

We'll see, Mama. Don't worry.

Miss Fanny? I have to know something from you.

What is it, John-Boy?

Erin isn't home and Mama's worried sick.

Do you know where she's working that other job?

I promised I wouldn't tell.

You have got to tell me. Something could've happened.

You can blame me if you want to, but I've got to know.

Oh, here it is.

James R. Dolworth, 312 Hazel Avenue, Rockfish.

Thank you.

-What can I do for you? -Mr. Dolworth?

Yes?

My name is John Walton. I've come for my sister.

What are you doing here?

Erin, I don't know what you're doing here.

But I know you've got a family that's worried. Now, come on.

Now, Erin's been taking care of my two children while I work.

Bobby's been sick tonight, and that's why she's late.

It's a respectable job and I pay her well.

Now, there's nothing wrong here. I give you my word.

I didn't say there was.

I'll be in the car.

Jim's wife died a couple of months ago.

So you take care of the children while he's at work?

He works in Waynesboro.

He's a foreman at the chemical company.

It takes time coming and going,

so I feed the children, wash the clothes, and clean the house.

There's gonna be trouble when your father hears about this.

I didn't want any of you to hear.

'Cause I knew what you'd say.

So you know tonight's the end.

No, it isn't, Mama.

I make more money from Jim than I do from Miss Fanny.

And I'm going to keep that job.

(BUZZ BUZZING)

Dry as a bone two days running.

Told you I could fix that old faucet.

(CHUCKLES)

This must be where old Elizabeth crashed down.

It's a wonder she didn't break her neck.

How are we going to make this thing Elizabeth-proof?

I guess we'll just take the brush away, all the lumber,

and then we'll just seal it up.

John-Boy, he's got the right idea.

What do you mean by that?

First, he gets everybody excited about this mine,

then he talks to Mr. Guthrie about making the jobs,

and then when the work comes around...

He goes to Norfolk. Well, he's no fool.

I'm gonna make sure I'm the oldest son next time.

Pretty soon you will be.

You know, I'm gonna be going... Going off like John-Boy does.

That's what traveling salesmen do. Girl in every town.

Let me know where you are, I'll fly by in my airplane and wave.

There's only one way to build ships faster.

What way is that?

Incentive.

That'll come when we get into the War.

I notice you say when, not if?

When, not if. Right.

I'm not pushing for it, you understand.

But I'm a realist, Mr. Walton.

Now, the coal that you use, that's mostly

from West Virginia and Pennsylvania?

Is that any better than Virginia coal?

It's available. Virginia coal isn't.

Their mines have been slow getting into production.

You'd have to ask them why.

If Virginia coal was available,

at competitive prices, of course...

We'd use it.

Maybe you know something I don't know about that?

I know that the Guthrie Mine down in Rockfish

is gonna be operating soon.

-That does surprise me. -Why's that?

Never thought they'd get that old mine into production again.

Yeah, we should have some good, old Virginia coal out of there

in no time.

What are you doing up?

I thought everyone in the world was asleep.

Kind of a restless night, isn't it, Pa?

Yeah.

(HUMMING)

Milk.

Panacea for babies and old people.

Pa, I wish you'd come over there and run the mill for me.

Trick is, you know, just to let it simmer, not to let it boil.

You know, things you can do left-handed

takes them half a day to do.

Experience. Experience.

That's everything in life, you know.

Pa, listen to me.

I really need your help. I need you over there, Pa.

Need. Your need is a little too late. I am busy elsewhere.

Damn it, you are stubborn.

Don't swear at me!

(GRUMBLING)

I've switched things around a little today, fellas.

Check this to find out where you work.

You check the worksheet, Harley?

Thought we always worked side by side.

I'll call you when I want you.

When I want you, Harley.

(WATER DRIPPING)

What are you doing in here? There's work to do outside!

Now, get out and do it! I don't want you in here!

We don't want you in here.

Alright, we'll go out. There's a fault right along here.

I don't think it's safe. Until I find out...

(CRACKING)

Get out of here!

Get out!

(ALL SHOUTING)

Get out of here. Get out!

Hello?

Oh, Lord.

Daddy?

Daddy!

Daddy...

(WHISTLE BLOWING)

It's a long way off, Zeb.

Could be some other kind of sound.

Sounds like the Guthrie Mine.

My son and grandsons are in there.

Go with him, Willis!

I knew you'd want to come.

Mary Ellen, may need your help.

Erin, you and Elizabeth take care of John Curtis.

-Alright, Mama. -How bad is it, Hank?

I don't know. Let's go.

John Walton!

John!

Where is everybody?

Did you pull that whistle? Do you know what that...

(JOHN-BOY MUTTERING)

-What's the matter? -They're in there.

-Who was in there? -Everybody's in there.

-Was it a cave-in? -Everybody's in there!

Come on, let's go!

Come on. Come on.

I don't know how they all got in here at the same time.

Probably everybody who could hear that whistle is in here.

No, no, no, no! Don't, John-Boy! No!

Not the pick! We don't know where anyone is.

(JOHN-BOY WEEPING)

I know, son.

I know. You want to rip it all down at once.

But it doesn't work that way. Come on, now. Come on.

-Come on. -Okay.

-You alright? -Okay, just tell me what to do.

-Take that shovel... -Tell me what to do?

Take that shovel right there. Easy does it.

Easy.

(COUGHING)

Jim-Bob...

Jim-Bob, are you alright? Jim?

(COUGHS) Yeah, I'm okay, Harley.

John? John...

(MOANING)

You alright?

Harley, Jim-Bob, are you alright?

Where is everybody?

Jason pushed me in, so I wouldn't get buried.

They could've jumped clear beyond each side of us.

Start digging! Dig there! Come on!

Jason! Ben!

Jason!

Ben!

Jason!

-Daddy... -What?

Dig! His... Dig!

(CAR APPROACHING)

John-Boy, tell me.

It's bad. It's a cave-in, and we don't know how deep it is.

-I'll go in. -What we've got to know is,

what's behind the blockage. How deep does that go in there?

Is there another entrance into the mine, Mr. Guthrie?

Every man and boy in there? Who's going to get them out?

Ep and I'm there, and we're getting help.

How about in the office? Is there any blueprints?

-Any kind of help? -There must be. Come on.

Where would they be?

I never thought that I... I shouldn't have...

-I feel responsible! -That doesn't do any good.

I feel responsible. We got a problem to solve here.

You said there were diagrams around here somewhere?

Blueprints, something?

It could be at home.

Mr. Guthrie, think. Will you please think about it?

The files! The filing cabinet... Yeah, blueprints, blueprints...

What was the name of that company?

It'd be filed under that.

No blueprints here, I can't find any blueprints.

Verdie!

Verdie, come on. You can't do this!

Don't tell me what I can't do! Harley is in there!

Verdie, come on. Calm down. We can take care of it!

We'll take care of it. Come on.

Mr. Guthrie?

Mr. Guthrie, this looks like something here.

Not this here. This.

This is a sectional conveyor.

A brattice.

A concrete stoppage. What is this?

Boy, you wouldn't know it if you saw it.

But you would.

Mr. Guthrie, we've got to have this stuff.

(CAR APPROACHING)

John-Boy!

Hank, the sheriff's in the mine. Tell him I'll be right there.

We want to hear it from you.

It's a cave-in. Happened before I got here. They're all in.

Mama, don't...

(BEAMS CREAKING)

I can't accept this, Verdie.

I can't, either.

-And I won't. -Mama...

(RUMBLING)

Mama, come on! Get out of here! Verdie, please!

You ladies, out of here!

The only hope we got is in that office.

Tell Guthrie to find another way in. Make him find it!

-Where are the hats? -In the office.

Here. Here.

-Did you find out anything? -Corabeth, we need you. Come on.

-Livie, is it what we feared? -I'm afraid so, Grandpa.

It's a cave-in. I think John-Boy needs you.

Time to go.

-But did I lock the store? -Oh, come on, Corabeth.

-I don't remember! -Corabeth...

Hey, Johnny! Okay, one more!

Here they are. John-Boy! Ep! Let me give you a hand, here.

Grandpa... Ep, go outside and get some air?

You've been working since we got here.

No time to rest now.

No man knows what he can do until he's been tested.

I'm glad you're here, Grandpa. Sheriff, what is that?

Hold it! Hold it!

Mr. Guthrie, could this be anything?

What? I need help here, real help.

Too many people shoving papers in my face.

You don't even know what you're looking for.

-We're what you've got, sir. -Please, John-Boy says we

gotta find another entrance to the tunnel. This looks like--

Are you the mother?

I think this might be something.

(RUMBLING)

(SCREAMING)

(WHISTLE BLOWING)

(OLIVIA COUGHING)

John-Boy! John-Boy!

(PEOPLE COUGHING)

Is everybody alright?

(GRUNTING)

Okay...

(MEN COUGHING)

It was I who pulled the whistle.

If help comes, it'll be because of me.

Won't it, Verdie?

Grandpa?

-Have you had more trouble? -Another cave-in.

Now, there's a second wall of earth between us and them.

John-Boy?

This doesn't say what it is, but isn't this the tunnel here?

I can't see.

There's got to be a legend somewhere.

Look, it goes straight down here, see?

Wait a minute. If this is the same shaft, right here, okay?

If we follow it... If we follow it right along...

-Yeah... -Remember the other day?

-Where Elizabeth fell in? -If that's the same shaft...

-Would be beyond the cave-in. -It might be.

Come on, let's go! Come on, come on. Let's go.

Ep, this has got to be it here!

Now, you were down in there. Which way did that tunnel go?

It seemed to go straight off that way!

Just right off that way! It's got to be it.

This has got to be this side of the cave-in.

I know.

Grandpa! Hank! Come on!

(GROANING)

(WHEEZING)

(COUGHING)

Alright, we got it!

(WHISTLING)

-Get through? -Yeah, we can make it. Come on.

Ep, this is it. This is the end, right here.

They've got to be just beyond it.

Well, how we know we can get through this stuff?

We don't.

-Alright? You got one? -Yeah.

I never was cut out to sit around and wait.

We've all had our turn at feeling helpless.

People are going to start blaming me, you know that?

I mean, talk about an ordeal.

How am I going to be able to face up to this thing?

Not one of us has put blame, Mr. Guthrie.

Oh, I know.

I know. I see their faces when they come up here

and see me standing here safe.

Please, Mr. Guthrie, don't.

It wasn't my fault!

Not one of you can say it was my fault.

It was that young Walton boy and his father.

There's no need to take on so.

You were there, Verdie. You saw them come to me.

They came to me with their proposition.

It didn't start from me!

It's all on your head, boy!

Yeah, the whole... This tragic thing! It's your doing!

You should never have come home, John-Boy!

Put me down, fellas.

That's just their fear talking and that's all it is.

They have a need to blame someone.

If blame would accomplish something...

What can we do to help, Miss Walton?

Well, the men are sure needed here.

You can wait with us.

Need any more light down there, John-Boy?

If there's any way you can get some more, we sure could use it!

(WEAK COUGHING)

(MUFFLED SCRAPING)

Grandpa! Right there!

We're stronger than we've ever been, John-Boy.

-Has anything happened? -I think we're through the wall!

What is it? Huh? What is it?

(EXCLAIMING HAPPILY)

Grandpa. Grandpa, here.

John-Boy!

In here!

John? John, speak.

John?

John?

(COUGHING)

Ben? Ben!

Ike!

(GRANDPA SOBBING)

(PEOPLE SINGING HYMN)

Our Father in Heaven,

we humbly thank thee

for bringing us all safely together again.

We pray that this terrible experience

will make us appreciate

all the good times that we've shared together,

and each other.

We pray that the one empty space

at this table will soon be filled,

and we thank thee for all the things

that we sometimes take for granted.

For the sunshine and clean mountain air,

sons and daughters and all growing things.

May thy blessings continue to look upon this house.

-Amen. -ALL: Amen.

That was pretty, Mama.

Here you go.

In time, the debris from the cave-in

was cleared away, and once the mine was made safe,

it provided employment for local men

until the vein of coal was exhausted.

Today, the mine has been sealed off,

and those dark, hollow rooms under the earth

are silent and empty and depleted.

The near tragedy bought the people

of Walton's Mountain closer together,

and in our own family, it healed the rift

between my father and my grandfather.

I had come home again,

and there would be much to remember and to write about

when I returned to New York.

-Goodnight, Daddy. -Goodnight, Ben.

-Goodnight, Pa. -Goodnight, Son.

Goodnight, John-Boy.

Goodnight, Daddy.

Goodnight, everybody.