Original subtitles

Next to Christmas, I suppose you'd have to say

that Thanksgiving was our favorite time of the year.

We may have been poor in worldly possessions

but at Thanksgiving, more than any other time

I think we knew, we really knew

how great was our abundance.

It wasn't until the cold November

of my eighteenth year, however

that I fully understood what abundance meant.

It was a time of terrible questioning for all of us

and when it was over,

we all knew a bit more about Thanksgiving.

Grandma!

-Thank you, Grandma. -She'll be okay.

Jason, Ben, you want that applesauce cake

you better bring me in those walnuts.

Got them right here, Grandma.

Got a bumper crop this year. Maybe we could sell the extras.

Not likely. I can use every one of those walnuts

including the three you've got in your pocket.

-How'd she know? -She always knows.

-Jason, Ben. -Come on.

That old machine of ours sounds like it needs a bit of oiling.

It's that belt, Pa, it's a little loose.

We better take care of it before we cut the Henderson order.

I'll get to it.

There's something missing in this relish.

What do you think, Livie?

A little more sugar?

No, a little more salt.

Green tomato relish is good. Could use more dill weed.

Don't mind her, Grandma, she's been doing that all day.

She's going to play Pocanus in the school pageant.

Pocahontas.

She hasn't got the part yet. She's trying out for it.

It's between me and Martha Rose Coverdale.

She wasn't interested until she found out

G.W. was playing Capt. John Smith.

When are the tryouts?

Monday morning. I'm not gonna sleep a wink all weekend.

That's not gonna do you much good.

Try to put it out of your mind until Sunday night.

Thanks, mama.

Hey!

-You got the mail? -Yes, sir.

That's what I have right here. The US mail. Right here.

You hear from the university?

The university is one of those from whom I have heard.

Well, good.

My application for a scholarship has been received.

My grades are being transferred.

Monday I'm gonna go down there, and I'm gonna fill out forms.

-Looks like you got some money. -No, sir. Better than that.

What could you get in the mail that's better than money?

Somebody acting like him could have heard from a girl.

No, sir. Not a girl. The girl.

-You heard from Jenny? -I sure did.

She's coming home for Thanksgiving.

They're gonna come back and open up the old place on Monday.

-That's great, Son. -Isn't that something?

I'm gonna come out and help you.

First I wanna go inside. I ought to get a haircut.

-Your hair looks fine. -Just a little off the sides.

-No, it's alright, Son. -Makes me feel a little more....

Before that, could you back the truck so we could load up?

Yes. You understand why I wanna get it cut.

I just don't want it to look too fresh....

Yeah, could you move the truck in so we could load up?

Sure can.

He's walking two feet off the ground.

There is nothing better than young love.

Not bad when it gets older, either, Pa.

-Yeah. -Come on, turn that on.

Hmm. That's just what it needed.

Mary Ellen, you've got a good sense of taste.

Someday you're gonna make a fine cook.

I always said she's gonna make a great wife one of these days.

I need a haircut, Grandma.

I'll never get married. I'll pursue a career in the theater.

Theater? Mary Ellen, last week you wanted to be a horse doctor.

Well, I changed my mind.

I, Pocahontas, Princess of the Pamunkey Tribe

welcome Capt. Smith.

Hmm. Yeah, you Indians always make great relish.

-Say, except.... -Except what?

Well, I don't know.

There's too much dill in it.

I knew it. It's just not gonna be right this time.

I came here to get a haircut.

-Looks alright to me. -Little off the sides. A trim.

-Now? -If it's alright with you, sure.

Fine. We have nothing to do, do we, Livie?

No. Just have three different kinds of sausage to make today.

A hunk of lard to be rendered.

Some clothes on the line that need ironing

and in two hours John and Grandpa...

are gonna come stomping in here hungry for their dinner.

I guess one haircut won't make that much difference.

You can do it tomorrow if you want to, Grandma.

On the Sabbath? You sit down.

You've never been in such a hurry for a haircut before.

-What's the rush? -Monday's a big day, Mama.

Jenny's coming home for Thanksgiving.

-Jenny Pendleton? -She sure is.

I've got to go to the university and fill my scholarship forms.

-You got the letter. -Right here.

Good. I'm glad Jenny's coming. I like her.

I like her, too, because she says I'm pretty.

We all like Jenny. I'm glad as I can be to hear she's coming.

Me, too, Mama.

Not a thing wrong with this relish.

You're so addled, you don't know what you're tasting.

I guess that's the way it is when you're in love, Grandma.

-A trim. Don't take too much. -You want to do it?

Yeah. Don't want you to take too much off.

I want it natural, like I didn't cut it.

In that case, I don't know why we'd do it.

It needs some taken off the back.

It does not!

-You want to do it? -No!

No, it's more fun watching.

It's bad Jenny's coming when you have to go to the university.

Did you know that she's applied for the girls' college?

-Across the lake? -That's right.

-Will you sit still? -I'm sorry.

Isn't that romantic.

Childhood sweethearts, going off to college together.

Jenny and I are not childhood sweethearts.

She's a young woman and I'm a young man.

How can I cut hair while you're fighting with her?

I'm not fighting with her. I'm just trying

to set everybody straight around here, that's all.

-Well, you about done? -Yes, I am.

Well, so am I.

I'm gonna go and help grandpa and daddy out at the sawmills.

-Excuse me. -Well, la-di-da.

Ever thought you'd see a Walton going off to college, Grandma?

He hasn't got that scholarship yet.

He will.

Yeah, well, no need to get swell-headed.

Going to college isn't going to make him any finer than he is.

-Get that haircut? -Yes, sir.

Don't look like one of your grandma's haircuts.

You know Grandma. She's got sort of a subtle touch.

So subtle, you hardly know she cut it.

Here I'm. What's there to do?.

Henderson's the next order.

One by twelve, one by three, eight feet long.

-It's all set up. -Let's get to work, alright?

If we put one plank on top of the other one

we might do it in half the time.

These boards are pretty thin. I think it would work.

-Alright, I'm game. Turn it on. -Okay.

-Let her go. -Yeah, watch out!

Good.

It's working fine. Get some more.

Okay.

Son?

-Oh. -Oh, good Lord. What happened?

Belt flew off and caught him in the face.

Come on, you just lie here. Come on. Lie down.

-Son, you alright? -I'm alright.

I'm gonna get something to wash out that wound. Livie!

No, Grandma, don't go making a fuss.

-I'm fine, really, it's.... -Livie!

John-Boy's hurt.

John-Boy, what happened?

-It's the pulley belt. -It's alright.

It was worse when I got hit in the head with a baseball bat.

-I want to change my clothes. -Come inside and lie down.

Seems to me that my life was rushing past me

at a furious rate.

Doesn't seem to be any time to do all the things I wanna do.

There's so many books I've yet to read.

So many words in me that I have to get down on paper.

-Morning, Daddy. -Hi, Son.

-Can I give you a hand? -No, thanks.

Aren't you supposed to be getting ready for church?

I figured I wouldn't go today. I have a little errand to run.

Well.

I thought I'd borrow the mule, if that's alright.

Where you going?

The Baldwin place.

Paying a little social visit, are you?

No, sir, not exactly.

The Baldwin ladies need help, they're paying 50 cents a day.

John-Boy's too busy to do it, so they hired me.

Have you told your mama about this plan?

No, not yet. I plan to, though.

When?

Tonight, as soon as I get home.

-Okay, Son. -Thanks, Daddy.

Didn't you say that you wanted smoked ham for the holiday?

If I don't start smoking them today,

they won't be done in time.

-You can do it tomorrow. -Tomorrow I've to cut lumber.

"On the seventh day, God finished his work and rested."

And that is what I intend to do as soon as I smoke the hams.

Grandpa, can I help you in the smokehouse?

You'd have to ask your mom, but I could use some help, Livie.

-Go change your clothes. -Thank you, Mama.

Meet you outside.

Livie, that child should go to Sunday school.

There's so much to do and so little time.

Let's move while we still have one man come with us.

-You are coming, aren't you? -Yes, ma'am, I am.

Mama, I can't find Jason anywhere.

Maybe he's playing his guitar somewhere.

I saw him leave early this morning.

Now, where could that child be?

Miss Mamie, what is my job exactly?

Ooh, to assist with the preparations.

First, all of Papa's jars will be washed thoroughly

and then they will be placed where he always kept them.

We'll need a jug of branch water to mix it with when we test it.

We always sip each batch

so we know we're maintaining the quality.

And the pump must be oiled.

And lots of corn to be mashed.

Miss Mamie, Miss Emily, are you making some new Recipe?

-Tell him, Mamie. -Indeed, yes.

The very best we've ever made.

Well, tell him, Mamie.

Jason, you do know about the Depression, I judge.

Yes, ma'am.

And you know who's taken on the burden of leading us out of it.

And is doing a splendid job.

Well, to show our appreciation for all that he has done for us

we are sending President and Mrs. Roosevelt

a jar of the Recipe for Thanksgiving.

You will help us, won't you?

Well, I guess it would be downright unpatriotic not to.

And this is the last of our hams.

Poor Petunia.

Grandpa, did you know Jason got a job?

Oh, he did? Well, now.

He's gonna work for the Baldwin sisters.

You could hardly call that work.

I just don't know what Mama's gonna say.

I don't think your mama would take too kindly to that idea.

Grandpa, now that John-Boy's getting ready for college

and Jason's gonna work for the Baldwins,

I'm the next oldest boy, you know.

I do believe that you've got something on your mind, Ben.

Hang them up so they don't touch one another.

Now, a little hickory smoke.

Now, where's that basket of hickory chips?

Over by the fire.

Trick is, Ben, to keep your fire going slow and easy.

How long do you've to keep the fire going, Grandpa?

Six or seven days at least.

It takes the moisture out.

Hand me some hickory chips.

Now, it's going to be your job

to keep that basket full of hickory chips.

No poplar and no oak, understand?

Yes, sir.

Now, what's on your mind?

Thanksgiving turkey.

-You for it or against it? -Grandpa, it's not funny.

Every single person in this family's got something to do

except the middle person, who has nothing to do.

Alright.

You can come up on Walton's Mountain

and hunt a turkey with me.

-Is that what you're after? -No, Grandpa, that's not.

I don't want to come with you. I wanna be the person who gets it.

-All by yourself? -Yeah.

But you can come along if you want to.

You sure I won't be in your way, Ben?

There's not that many turkeys on the mountain.

I probably won't get more than one chance.

You've got the picture.

So you tell me what to do, I'll do it.

Let me be the one that brings in the turkey this year, please?

Why are you always in such a hurry to grow up?

Let me tell you, when you get there

it won't be any different than what you got right here now.

Alright.

-Where you going? -Come along.

To make you a turkey yelper.

How else you going to get a turkey?

Mama, I will be home in a couple of hours.

I'll go to the Pendleton place and clean things for them a bit.

-Not in those clothes. -Nope. How about these?

I'd be glad to go along, lend you a hand.

That's okay, I'm just gonna shake the dust covers

and see that the stove works.

He wants to be alone in the house of the woman he loves.

-Jim-Bob, quit kicking me. -You quit teasing my brother.

-That's right. -That's enough of that.

We won't have any fighting on a Sunday.

You and Grandpa did this morning.

Oh, Elizabeth! Come on.

Mama, if you have time, could you iron my blue shirt for me?

-Right now? -Oh, no. Any time you want to.

Just so long as I can have it tomorrow morning, okay?

Mama's gonna have your hide, hunting on Sunday.

Ah-huh.

-Where you headed? -Jenny's.

Going to clean the place up some before they come.

You anxious?

Yeah, I sure am. It's been a whole year.

You know, Son, a lot can happen in a year.

Yeah, I know.

I'm being called. I'll see you tonight.

-Sir? -I'll see you tonight.

John-Boy?

-Sir? -What's the matter?

Nothing. I'll see you tonight.

I don't see why you have to stop everything

to iron that boy's shirt.

You cut his hair, almost.

He wants to look his best when he goes to pick Jenny.

Look his best, smell his best.

You know that bottle of aftershave lotion that Zeb won

at the church raffle?

-Hmm-mm. -Well, John-Boy borrowed it.

It's sitting up there on his dresser right now.

I wouldn't take this thing so lightly if I were you.

Young people get married and that's the end of their chances.

Who said anything about marriage?

Boy like John-Boy falls in love

and what do you suppose is going to happen?

How old were you when you got married?

You know perfectly well.

I got us something special for tomorrow's breakfast.

John, hunting on Sunday?

Kids get just hungry on Sunday as they do on Monday, Liv.

Nice and plump. We'll have him with biscuits and gravy.

Better start cleaning him.

What're you doing? What're you looking for?

My big wrench. I've got to fix that belt.

If I'd fixed it yesterday,

John-Boy wouldn't have had that accident.

You've been going since 6:00.

Sit down, let me get you some coffee.

That's a good idea, Liv.

If he gets married, he'll never get to college.

What did you say, Liv?

Nothing.

Oh, no. The flue is blocked.

How do you feel about being back?

Sad.

But this time, we'll have happy memories.

Eula, look.

Alright, you, come out of there.

John-Boy?

You weren't supposed to come here until tomorrow.

We came a day early.

We wanted to surprise you.

Oh, you did.

And then this creature all covered with black soot

with only two white eyes showing,

to even let me know it was somebody human

crawls out of the fireplace and it looks at me and says:

-"Jenny?" -I did not.

I bet you did. All covered in soot.

-Yeah, but I didn't speak first. -He didn't.

He was just struck dumb seeing us walk in the door.

I can imagine.

The way he's been getting ready for the first meeting.

Grandma.

That's alright, John-Boy. I have, too.

I hardly would have recognized you, you've changed so much.

Thank you.

-Jenny? -Yes, Elizabeth?

-Has John-Boy kissed you yet? -Not yet.

Elizabeth.

Well, you want her to kiss you, don't you? John-Boy?

I'm gonna go help Mama with the dishes now.

That's alright, John-Boy. The girls and I can manage.

You want to go out on the porch?

That's where he's gonna kiss her.

Hey!

Mama, why don't you talk to these children, okay?

Jenny, we had a long train ride and we've unpacking to do.

Yes, you're right, Eula.

John-Boy, would you see us home?

Oh, yeah. Sure.

I'll go get the truck.

Thank you for your hospitality, all of you.

You and Jenny come back real soon.

Don't forget you're having Thanksgiving with us.

-I wouldn't miss that. -Don't forget you're coming...

-to the Thanksgiving pageant. -I promise.

-I'll walk you to the door. -Thank you again.

-Goodnight, Jenny. -Goodnight. See you tomorrow.

-Bye-bye, Mrs. Pendleton. -Mrs. Pendleton.

Daddy, can I talk with you a minute?

Sure, Son.

Can we go outside, see how the fire in the smokehouse's doing?

I was just out there looking in on the smokehouse.

It's doing just fine.

Won't do any harm to check it again. Come on, Son.

What's the problem, Jason?

Daddy, I don't think I better tell Mama about my job tonight.

Why not?

Because my job is to help the Baldwin ladies make more

of the Recipe.

-Is that a fact? -Yes, sir.

They're making up a special batch

for kind of a Thanksgiving present.

That sounds like a nice idea.

The only thing is they're making it for somebody kinda important.

-Who? -President Roosevelt.

They say they want to make a contribution to the government.

Now, how do the ladies expect to get the Recipe

to the President of United States?

I don't know. They'll probably take it to him themselves.

I'd like to go with them. That'd be quite a sight, Son.

Seeing them carry the Recipe up to the White House.

-Well, how is the fire? -Looks fine.

-Goodnight, John-Boy. -Goodnight.

Well, you look like you

but I don't know if it is you.

Do I seem so different?

Something does. I can't really put my finger on it.

Would you like to go for a walk?

Yeah. Any place in particular?

I'll see if I can remember the way.

Well, John-boy, tell me everything.

Well, there's not much to tell.

Just what I wrote to you.

Let me see, I traveled and went to the ocean.

Thought about you there.

Of course, I delivered that baby.

I delivered that baby right up there on the mountain.

Little cabin up there.

That's not exactly what I meant.

-What do you mean? -Who's Marcia Wollery?

Marcia Wollery?

Marcia Wollery. I believe that is the name.

Oh, Marcia Wollery.

A girl.

She's a girl that lives in the area.

Where did you hear about Marcia Wollery?

You're not the only Walton I've been getting letters from.

Mary Ellen's written to me a couple of times.

-What did she say? -Well, it seems...

that you and Marcia Wollery had a falling out

because you felt Marcia was paying too much attention

to somebody named Hobie.

Well, yeah, we did.

She was.

Is this the same Marcia Wollery you were going to take

to a dance?

Mary Ellen, you are such a blabbermouth.

What else did she tell you?

Mary Ellen is a very good reporter.

Mary Ellen is a very good gossip.

Jenny, you've been gone for a year.

I know. And Marcia Wollery was right here.

This is not the way I had it planned at all.

I know.

I'm not being me, and you're not being you.

I know.

Listen, let's not talk.

Let's just sit here for a while

and we'll be quiet.

Alright.

Now am I being me?

I think we're both getting there.

What's the matter, Liv?

John-Boy's not home yet.

You waiting up for him?

No.

Just wasn't sleepy.

Now, what's wrong?

Nothing. Don't pay any attention to me. I'm just being silly.

Alright, Liv.

-Goodnight. -Goodnight, honey.

Liv?

Mmm?

Jenny and John-Boy are sensible young people.

You always know what I'm thinking, don't you?

Most of the time.

You know, it's not at all a bad feeling.

-Morning. -Any sign of life up there?

Mary Ellen's in the bathroom.

And everybody else is waiting in line.

It'll be a long wait.

The way she primps whenever she gets in front of a mirror.

Someday, she'll have a mirror of her own,

a house of her own, and you'll wish she was here

holding up the line to the bathroom.

Oh, Lordy. I feel old today.

So do I, Pa.

Just imagine that.

This child here going off to register for college.

I take it I get to use the truck?

Sure, Son. I don't think you can get there on Blue.

Poor old Blue.

-Next. -Oh yes, ma'am.

-Oh, you're the Walton boy. -Yes, ma'am.

Monsell.

M-O-N-S-E-L-L. It'll come in handy.

-Ma'am? -I'm the registrar.

In case you get in trouble, I've got some pull with Dean Beck.

-Now, if you'll just sign there. -Yes, ma'am.

Is it true they're cutting down on the scholarships this year?

Depression seems to have hit everywhere.

Including this university.

I'm gonna get a chance for it, though?

I'm not on the scholarship committee.

But I have seen the transcript of your grades

and faculty recommendations, they are excellent.

I'm afraid it will all depend on the entrance exams.

You could send in a couple of personal references.

-It couldn't hurt. -Okay, I'll do it.

There you are.

There're quite a few scholarship applicants taking the exam.

You're scheduled this Friday afternoon, Riordan Hall.

-Be there promptly at 1:00. -I'll be there.

-Good luck. -Thank you.

You can hardly wait to start it.

I've been waiting all my life.

Why's college so important? What are you gonna do?

-Set the world on fire? -I'm gonna try.

-I appeal to you for mercy. -What do you want, Capt. Smith?

My people are starving. We need food.

Kill the white man.

-No, I Pocahontas.... -She's just terrible.

You can't hear a word she says.

Why they don't just give it to you?

Everyone knows you're the best.

Well, Martha Rose is pretty good, too.

She's blonde. Whoever heard of a blonde Indian?

-Mary Ellen, look. -Well, wish me luck.

Martha Rose, where did you get that?

My mother had it made for me in Richmond

so I'd be all ready for the part.

-Martha Rose Coverdale? -Right here, Miss Hunter.

Ah! Oh, my...

It's not fair. She'll get the part

just because of that costume.

-She outsmarted you this time. -Well, it's not fair.

Stop that. Just pay attention to what you're doing

and don't worry about her.

-I appeal to you for mercy. -What do you want, Capt. Smith?

She stinks.

My people are starving. We need food.

Kill the white man.

I, Pocahontas, Princess of the Pamunkey Tribe

say that these men come in peace.

Find them corn and venison, we will feed them.

Thank you, Martha Rose, that was very nice.

-And that's a beautiful costume. -I know.

Mary Ellen Walton?

-I appeal to you for your mercy. -What do you want, Capt. Smith?

My people are starving. We need food.

Kill the white man.

No. I, Pocahontas, Princess of the Pamunkey Tribe

say that these men have come in peace.

Find corn, venison, we will feed them.

Thank you, Mary Ellen.

Would you wait outside with the other girls, please?

-How'd you do? -I don't know.

Mary Ellen, could you come in a moment, please?

I knew it!

How do you know what to study?

Well, I don't exactly.

Miss Hunter gave me some general categories to study

and what I'm going to do is

I'm gonna skim over two books a night.

And then by Friday,

I guess I ought to know a little bit about everything.

How did you feel?

I wish you'd been there with me.

After I handed in that application, I just walked.

I walked through the halls and I walked

into those empty classrooms.

And I went through the library.

Do you know that everything I worked for

and everything I need is right there, just waiting for me?

But sometimes I stop and I think about all those other fellows

that want that scholarship so bad.

And it just kills me because I've got to have it.

If I wanna be a writer, there's just so much I got to learn.

John-Boy, you are a writer now.

But, Jenny, see, what I do is I keep a journal.

I keep a journal of my life.

If I don't get to college, if I don't get that scholarship

that journal's gonna be words on paper.

It's never going to be a novel, or anything like that.

It's like having the makings of something really special

and really big, and just needing the skills

to bring it all together.

-You know? -John-Boy, you know...

if there's ever anything that I can do,

or any way that I can help you out, I'd surely like to do that.

I'm so glad you're here.

I can't tell you.

It's so wonderful just to have someone to talk to

about the things that really matter to me.

You know, Jenny

there's no one my own age to talk to about things.

-Who cares about those things. -I know. I feel the same way.

You see....

You see, basically, I look at the world as a tragic place.

I mean, if you look at people, they're pretty sad creatures.

They're weak and lonely and they're vulnerable.

But every now and then

you realize

that those people can have a really noble spirit

deep down inside them, you know what I mean?

And that's what I want to write about.

That's what's important to me. That part of them.

And....

I'm sorry, I'm not letting you talk at all.

John-Boy, we've got plenty of time for that.

John-Boy, do you know what I would like to do?

What?

I would really like to read your journal.

I mean, if you would like me to do that.

Especially the stuff that you wrote about us last year.

Jenny

Mrs. Samuel Clemens used to edit

her husband's work very severely sometimes.

Because, from time to time

he would write rather suggestively.

You know, John-Boy

despite your high-toned philosophical talk

I sometimes get the feeling that you are a very physical person.

Yeah.

Jenny, are you a Baptist?

Episcopal.

I'm a Baptist.

Sister, just watch the way that dear boy works.

The dedication and the care he takes

would be worthy of Papa's commendation.

In fact

if you watch carefully, it's almost like watching dear Papa

at work himself.

True, Sister. I've noticed the resemblance.

It's the eyes.

If he had a mustache, he could be Papa's double.

It's unfortunate that Papa never had a male heir

to carry on the traditions he established for this family.

I know.

I often think Papa erred in being so harsh

on Ashley Longworth.

-He could have had a namesake. -Sister.

Perhaps it's not too late.

Why, that's a lovely idea.

There's no time like the present.

-You're right. Jason? -Yes, ma'am?

Do you think your mother and father might be available

for a discussion this evening?

Discussion, ma'am?

Jason Walton-Baldwin. It has a lovely ring.

Excuse me.

John-Boy, you haven't touched a thing on your plate.

-Something the matter? -No. I'm sorry, Mama.

I'm just anxious to get upstairs

and study on those books I brought home with me.

Would it be alright if I took my dessert upstairs with me?

-Sure, Son. Go ahead. -Thank you.

-Jason, you haven't eaten too. -I'll have his share.

-No, you don't. -Ben, sit down.

That's better. I thought the stew was bad.

I'll divvy up John-Boy's plate with anyone else.

Go ahead, Pop.

Excuse me.

I'll take some. Pass it on down here.

-John-Boy, are you alright? -Yeah, Mama. I'm sorry.

I tripped over my feet. I'll clean this up.

-Go on back downstairs. -No, you study. I'll clean.

-Now go on. -Yeah, sorry.

-Are you sure you're alright? -I'm fine. Sorry.

Your move, Jason.

Be sure you keep the sides of her nice and thin now.

You sure this is going to sound like a lady turkey?

Of course, you rub some chalk on that paddle move it around

slow and easy. There isn't a turkey hen in the county

who wouldn't turn green with envy when she heard it.

Jason, it's your move.

Gonna have to jump you, Son.

You're kind of skittish tonight, aren't you?

I just thought I heard something outside.

Just the wind in the trees.

Jason, your move.

There's some turkey hunters used to use the wing off

of one of their turkeys. Others used a corncob pipe.

Maybe even a blade of grass.

But my grandpappy used that paddle.

And we never wanted a turkey on Thanksgiving.

Now there's a car.

Who could be coming here at this time of night?

The Baldwin sisters.

John, it is the Baldwin sisters.

-Well, goodnight, everybody. -Stay right there, Jason.

Ladies.

Olivia dear, I do hope you'll forgive us

for calling at this late hour.

You're welcome any time. Come in.

-We've had a simply divine idea. -Emily, Mamie.

-Good evening, all. -Have a seat.

Thank you.

-Good evening, ladies. -What can we do for you ladies?

For some time now

my sister and I have been discussing the future.

Not the past.

Fortunately, Papa provided for us most bountifully.

Promised he would, and he did.

And while we are by no means well-to-do

-we are-- -Comfortable.

Thank you, dear.

Therefore, we felt it not only a duty

but a venture which would be most rewarding

for all concerned.

Did you tell your parents about our idea, Jason?

No, ma'am. Not yet. I haven't had a chance to do that.

What is it?

Now, don't give your reply immediately.

Think about all the advantages that we could provide for him.

Why don't you ladies come to the point?

We would like to adopt Jason.

-Methuselah! -Good Lord!

Did you say you want to adopt him?

Yes, dear. Adopt him legally.

And then he would be our dependent.

We thought we would give him the blue room

the one Ashley used to stay in when he came to visit.

That's very nice, ladies.

But we're not giving up any of our children this year.

But you wouldn't be giving him up, John.

You'd just be sharing him.

He could be over here as much as he wanted.

Free to use the car to come and go as he pleased.

He could drive to Richmond, or Timbuktu.

As long as we assume

full financial responsibility for him.

Clothing, college.

We thought VMI might be nice. Papa went there for a while.

You mean, you're really serious?

Yes, indeed.

I wonder if the ladies would consider adopting me, too.

We're very fond of Jason.

Since he's been working for us

we've come to realize what a really fine young man he is.

Jason's been working for you?

Yeah. I gave him permission, Liv.

Ben, it's past your bedtime.

Cripe, just as it's getting good.

I'll see that he gets to bed. You, too, old girl.

-Thank you. -Goodnight.

I don't understand how any of this came about.

It's really quite simple, my dear.

As you know, there aren't many of the old families left.

One hates to see the traditions die.

And Papa always wanted a male heir.

Someone to leave the land to.

-The house, and the furniture. -And the Recipe.

Am I to understand that

you have been helping them make the Recipe?

Yes, Mama.

-And you let him? -Now, Liv, take it easy.

Excuse me.

Daddy, what's she doing?

I think she's trying to be a Christian, Son.

Miss Mamie, Miss Emily...

I'd like to make it clear

that Jason may not work for you anymore.

Oh, dear.

I would also like to pretend

that the entire conversation this evening never happened.

Oh, dear.

And I would also like to invite you both

to have Thanksgiving dinner with us.

Why, isn't that kind of you, Olivia.

An invitation out, Sister.

Of course, we'll have to check our social calendar.

We accept.

And now, if you'll excuse me

I'll just see Jason up to bed.

Well, ladies.

You don't suppose she'd reconsider, do you?

No, I don't think so.

Maybe you could talk to her, John.

I'll talk. It's a sweet idea, but it's not going to work out.

I'll just walk you out to the car.

Got to hand it to you, Liv.

I don't know another woman in that situation

could've handled it with more dignity

Christian charity than you did.

Don't I even get a thank you, Liv?

Thank you.

What is it exactly that's bothering you?

I'd rather not talk about it anymore tonight.

Lord save me from a righteous woman.

Righteous?

You allow our 16-year-old child

to become involved in making bootleg whiskey.

You conspire with him behind my back.

You set a terrible example for the other children

and when I object, you dare to call me righteous?

There's two ways of looking at this.

Any law that forbids two old ladies

to ferment juices from their fruits and vegetables

doesn't make any sense.

Besides, I thought it was sweet, them wanting to adopt Jason.

It was kind of funny, you know.

Can you see Jason sleeping in Ashley Longworth's old room?

I do not have to laugh.

Liv, sometimes you can be as sweet and cool

and welcoming as a brook in springtime.

But you can, without decent warning to a man.

change into the most stiff-necked

hard-edged, prideful woman I ever saw.

Now, I apologize in this matter of Jason.

Listen, Livie...

I'm sorry.

I really am sorry that I let this go that far, Liv.

I really am.

Now, isn't there a way we can lighten this up

and see the humor in it?

What's so funny?

Well, now, Liv, look at me, I'm sitting there

I'm trying to figure out a way to tell you

about Jason getting involved with those two addle-brains

and in the front door they walk wanting to adopt him.

Jason Walton-Baldwin.

I mean, if you could have seen the look on your face.

My face? What about yours?

I haven't seen your eyes open so wide

since the night Jim-Bob put 120 tadpoles in our wash basin.

Remember?

I love you, Liv.

He's got her laughing.

-Daddy sure has a way about him. -He sure has.

I sure hope I'm just like him when I grow up.

-Me, too. -Me, too.

-Go to sleep, Jim-Bob. -I am asleep.

Goodnight, Jason. Goodnight, Ben.

Goodnight, Jim-Bob. Goodnight, Jason.

Goodnight, Ben.

-Good afternoon, Reverend. -Hello, John-Boy.

If I'm disturbing you, I'll come back later.

No. You're just the excuse I needed.

I knew there was more to being a preacher than sermons.

But no one ever told me it included chopping wood.

Where'd you go to school?

Virginia Theological Academy.

I'm applying to Boatwright University myself.

Good for you. What do you plan to study?

Journalism. If I get the scholarship.

That's what I wanted to talk to you about.

I have to send a letter of recommendation from someone.

I guess they want to know something about my character.

I suppose I can find a few good things to say about you.

-Come on in for tea. -Thanks.

But I better get the truck back to my daddy.

I'll write it and put it in the mail tonight.

I'd be much obliged to you. Thank you.

John-Boy?

What happened to you?

I'm just getting clumsy. I'm sorry.

-Are you alright? -I'm fine. Thank you.

-Take care of yourself. -Yeah, no. I'm just silly.

I'm fine. Thank you, Reverend.

But I'm not fine.

Somebody's going to catch on soon.

I'll tell them, but it has to wait.

Because tomorrow's just too important.

Come in.

-You have company. -Hi.

I'm going to go downstairs and chat with Eula.

Fine.

I can't stay for long.

I just came to give you a good-luck kiss for tomorrow.

Thank you.

-Jenny, could you do me a favor? -Sure.

Could you read this section here for me?

This section on American History.

I know they're going to ask about that part.

Be glad to.

I was studying and my eyes got kind of strained.

Then you close them.

Why don't you lie down, stretch out, and be comfortable?

I'll be your eyes.

alright, thank you.

"The series of events that brought the American colonies

"to the verge of rebellion, started in 1773

"with the passage of a new law called the Tea Act."

What was that again, the date?

1773, the Tea Act.

Okay. Got it.

"Parliament passed this measure in an effort

"to help the British East India Company."

British East India Company?

British East India Company, 1773.

Time.

You may open your test and begin, please.

I can't read this.

I can't read it.

I can't read this.

Is something wrong?

Yeah, there is. I can't read this.

You can't read--

I just can't read it! I'm sorry.

Walton, you finished so soon?

Ma'am, could you send somebody down to my house?

I got the truck, and I don't want to drive.

I don't see very well right now.

I don't think I can drive myself.

I think you better come to the office.

I don't understand why you waited so long

to tell us about these symptoms.

John. Do you want to rest your head on my shoulder?

I told John-Boy to lie still for a while.

I don't want him moving around much.

What happened to him?

I think what happened to him is that accident

he had a few days ago.

When that pulley belt hit him, was he thrown against anything?

Yeah, he hit a pile of lumber

went out for a couple of seconds.

alright, that's what did the damage.

Now, mind, I've only done a preliminary examination.

I can only tell you what I suspect.

But it looks like he might have a blood clot

pressing against the visual center of the brain.

And there's a possibility of impaired vision, paralysis.

But there is an operation.

If the tests check out, we'll do it immediately.

Is this operation dangerous, Doctor?

Let's just take one thing at a time, shall we?

Let's get him into the hospital, John.

alright.

John, Olivia, this is Nurse Stewart and Dr. McIvers.

Mr. and Mrs. Walton.

Dr. McIvers is chief of staff here.

Well?

We'll want to do more testing.

But I must tell you, I fully concur

with Dr. Vance's diagnosis.

That doesn't tell me anything.

Won't you sit down?

Under normal circumstances

I would alert our staff neurosurgeon.

But unfortunately, he's in Europe.

I think we better put a call in to Dr. Haley in Atlanta.

You gonna operate?

Mrs. Walton, if we are right there's really no time to waste.

Mr. Walton, if you'll go with Nurse Stewart to her office

we'll need your signature on some release forms

giving us permission to operate

and releasing us from responsibility in case of...

-In case of what? -Blindness or death.

It's a possibility in any major surgery.

But John-Boy is young and strong.

I don't want to pussyfoot around either of you.

The procedure is dangerous.

We burr holes in the skull to relieve the pressure.

We've had good results. Excellent.

But there is always risk.

Would you come with me, Mr. Walton?

I'd like to see him.

Of course, Olivia.

They may have to operate on Monday.

-Is it a bad operation? -It's real serious.

You just left him over there all by himself?

Couldn't you have left somebody with him?

I wish I could tell you all there's nothing to worry about.

But there is.

We're just gonna have to hope for the best.

Livie, you and John haven't had supper. I'll fix some for you.

-I'll help you, Grandma. -Me, too.

We best all get about our business.

There's nothing more we can do tonight.

Come on, everybody. Let's go.

You'd feel better if you'd come to church.

No, thank you, Liv.

-Everybody ready? -Yeah.

Now, please try to rest.

If you need anything, just ring the bell.

John Walton.

-Are you family? -Yes.

Make your visit short.

He's scheduled for surgery first thing in the morning.

Look at that old lazybones lying there in bed.

Yeah.

You know, you look kind of silly in that hospital gown.

I'm sorry about that, but they took my knickers.

I know how you're thinking.

Yeah.

Right gloomy thoughts, aren't they?

What is needed around here

is a little of that old pioneer spirit.

I don't seem to have too much of that left.

John-Boy

you're gonna have another chance for the exam.

I just know that you will.

Why should I have another chance to take the exam?

Stop that.

I'm just being realistic. I missed the boat.

I want you to stop talking like that, right now.

The most important thing is to do what they tell you.

So that you can get out, take the exam, pass it, and win.

The whole world is not sitting around waiting

for John-Boy Walton to get well enough

to take the scholarship test.

John-Boy, I just don't understand you!

All you keep talking about is the scholarship test.

Well, let me tell you something.

I'm not worried about that scholarship test.

It's whether or not you're going to come through the....

Darling.

It's going to be alright.

Believe me.

I'm so scared.

Nothing is going to happen to you, John-Boy.

I won't let it.

He came through the operation with flying colors.

However, we're not completely out of the woods yet.

He's taking longer to wake up than we would like.

-I'll wake him up. -That's not a bad idea.

Go ahead, Mrs. Walton.

John-Boy, it's Mama.

I want you to wake up now.

Come on, it's almost Thanksgiving.

There's a lot of work to be done.

It's Mama, John-Boy. I want you to wake up.

Mama?

Now, you look at me when I talk to you, young man.

Mama.

-That's better. -Mama.

-Do I look funny? -You sure do.

You look just like something from Halloween.

I didn't finish my exam.

-You haven't even taken it yet. -No, I didn't finish it.

John-Boy, now you lie down and don't you worry.

-I've got-- -John-Boy, you must rest.

Don't you worry. Everything is going to be just fine.

-I feel bad. -I know.

You're going to be alright.

-He's awake. -Is he talking?

He's talking.

I think your boy's going to be just fine, Mrs. Walton.

Excuse me.

-The worst part is over. -I know.

He's already talking about taking that scholarship exam.

Now, that's not possible, is it, Doc?

It's possible, sometime.

When he's fully recovered.

But the immediate future, no. It's out of the question.

Grandpa.

-We want to ask you something. -Fire away.

Are we going to still have Thanksgiving?

We most certainly are.

We wouldn't mind going without because of John-Boy.

It won't be the same without him.

That's real sweet of you, honey.

But I don't believe John-Boy

would want us to give up our Thanksgiving, now, would he?

Guess not.

Come, Elizabeth.

I'm still going out to shoot the turkey, right?

Well, we most certainly are.

You've hardly eaten a thing.

I'm not very hungry.

It's good. I'm just not very hungry.

-Can we see our son? -You can stay 15 minutes.

But try not to let him get too excited.

-Thank you. -I'll be just down the hall.

You're looking much better.

I've been waiting to talk to you. I've got--

Why haven't you eaten?

I'm not very hungry. Listen, I'm--

You look a little scrawny. Eat up.

-I've been waiting to talk to-- -Maybe these will help.

The girls made them for you. Aren't they beautiful?

Yeah, that's nice.

I've been sitting here. It's about the exam.

I've been sitting here going crazy thinking about it.

Now, I've got an idea.

I remembered there was a lady

at the university named Miss Monsell.

She seemed real nice and real interested.

Maybe she could get me an extension on this exam.

I could take it in a month, or a few weeks.

It's a possibility.

Maybe you could ask Miss Hunter and she could go down

and make some kind of arrangements with them.

You've got to calm down.

Okay. Look, maybe you could ask her today.

She would know how to take care of that.

Are you trying to get rid of us?

The sooner she gets started, we could get the ball rolling.

alright, we can take a hint.

-Okay? -Just take it easy now.

-Get some rest. -Thank you.

Let me know what she says, okay? Daddy.

This is terrible. Could you take this away?

-It doesn't look too good. -No, it's terrible.

-alright. -Thank you.

I feel like a cannibal.

I can tell you that now. That really is impossible.

Why?

The awards are scheduled to be given at a special ceremony

that coincides with the anniversary of this university.

-And that cannot be changed. -Then there's no hope.

Let him take the test this week.

He's still ill.

From what you tell me, he'll be in hospital

for another week, at least.

Give it to him in the hospital.

That's a bit unorthodox, Rosemary.

No, it isn't. It's our only chance.

I'm a licensed teacher. I can act as a proctor.

And all we'll need for him is a table and a chair.

And permission from the committee.

Please try.

He's a lucky boy to have you on his side, Miss Hunter.

Miss Hunter.

They told me I could have a few minutes.

That's not very long.

I've brought you some good news.

I've been up to see Miss Monsell.

They've decided to give you another crack at that exam.

Hope I haven't forgotten everything.

-Of course you haven't. -When is it gonna be?

In two days.

There's no other way, John-Boy.

Two. I won't even be out of here in two days.

No, they've made arrangements

so that you can take it right here.

I'm not in condition for that.

I'm weak, and my mind isn't clear.

It'd be a miracle if I can sit up for that long

much less take an exam. Two days.

Why don't you rest now and think about it?

I brought your books.

Think about it.

Thank you.

Please do not shrink from me, fair maiden.

But your skin is so fair.

And you have brought strangers to our sweet wilderness.

Sweet wilderness is no longer.

For now, we call this land Virginia.

In honor of our virgin Queen, Elizabeth.

Often, I have sat at the edge of the sea

and dreamed of a handsome God arriving in a great boat.

We are honorable Englishmen in the service of King James.

We have come here to establish colonies.

We are men, like other men. Not Gods.

Capt. Smith, one of the warriors has been shot.

Even now we're being pursued.

Father, they do not mean us harm. Please do not harm them.

Kill the white man.

She stinks.

Father, let them live.

More reason to demand that he shall die.

Except for one, Father. I love him.

Thank you.

I, Pocahontas, Princess of the Pamunkey Tribe

say these men have come in peace.

Find corn, venison, we shall feed them.

How you feeling?

Under the circumstances, I guess I have to feel alright.

What's all this?

Getting ready for the second chance.

John-Boy, I had a talk with Dr. Vance.

He's very much against this. He thinks it's quite dangerous.

I know that.

I don't want to think about that.

I've been dreaming about you going to college

longer than you have.

Son, it can wait another year.

Daddy, I can't wait another year.

I can't allow you to do this, Son.

Please don't say that.

Daddy, if you were me, and you were sitting here right now

what would you do?

I'd take the exam, Son.

I'll let you get to your studying.

I wish you'd stay.

There's some questions I know they're going to ask me.

If it's alright with you, I'd like you to quiz me on them.

I don't know if I understand this language too well

but let's see.

There's a qusetion section back here.

Hold your gun down low now.

Quiet.

I think.... Yes, this is the spot.

How do you know?

You see all those hen scratchings around here?

Turkey droppings.

They've got all the nuts and berries from around here.

This here is a turkey roost.

And he'll be coming right down there from out of the woods.

Now load your gun. That's my prize gun.

Careful now.

Do we get behind the tree, Grandpa?

No. You stand real still right here in front of the tree.

The tom turkey will think you're part of the tree

and look right on past you.

Keep real quiet.

Hold your gun steady, when you do.

Daddy is sure gonna be proud of me

when I bring home my first turkey.

Now, for our turkey yelper.

An old hen turkey.

Sounds just like your grandma.

I do believe there's an old tom turkey coming a-courting.

Do you really see him?

Yes, he's coming this way. Quiet. Don't move.

Wait till he gets closer.

I see him!

-I missed him. -Damn!

Ben, whenever you're out hunting game

you've got to learn to stand still

and not move until you take aim.

-Can't we find another place? -No.

I scouted around here all yesterday afternoon

for a turkey roost for you.

He won't be coming back. And this is the only turkey roost

I know around here.

I missed the turkey. Now everyone's going to laugh at me.

I let everyone down, Grandpa.

Ben, when you take on a man's challenges

before you're ready to handle it you got to learn to take risks.

Why did you let me do it?

How are you ever going to learn if I don't let you try?

But next year, Ben, you won't move, you'll stand still

-and you'll get your turkey. -Yeah, but what about this year?

-Let's go. -Where are we going?

To get the turkey you got.

Four cords of firewood, half a bushel of black walnuts

and a week's worth of chores.

Two cords of firewood, half a bushel of black walnuts

and a weekend's worth of chores.

Three cords of firewood, half bushel of walnuts

and forget the chores.

Done.

-Boy drives a mean bargain. -He has been trained right.

-Have a nice Thanksgiving. -You, too.

-Thanks a lot. -Thank you, Mr. Higgins.

-Here we are. -What do we tell them, Grandpa?

The truth. It won't even be a white lie. You got the turkey.

You know what, Grandpa?

You're the best grandpa in the whole entire country.

I expect maybe I am.

-You're taking the exam. -I couldn't pass it up.

-How do you feel about it? -Scared to death.

I would be, too.

Dr. Vance doesn't want me to do this. It's my last chance.

If I win this, I win everything.

If I lose. What do you think?

-Go for broke. -I love you.

I love you, too.

-Good luck. -Thank you.

British East India Company, the Tea Act.

-1773? -Right.

You may begin.

Lord, he's worked so hard.

Be with him, and give him strength. Amen.

Amen.

Time.

Thank you.

-Well? -Rest.

That's just what I'm gonna do.

-How did he do? -He finished.

He's a fine bird, alright.

I just hope I put enough chestnuts in the stuffing.

I wish we had some flowers for a centerpiece.

I should have thought of that.

I could have brought some over from Charlottesville.

I've got an idea. Elizabeth!

And, believe me, that dog went out there

and flagged down the train.

He did, for a fact.

-Elizabeth! -What?

Run upstairs and get that vase of fall flowers off my dresser.

-I'm busy. -Doing what?

Sitting on Daddy's lap.

Come on, you, go help your sister.

Tell those boys to get themselves on down here.

Dinner's almost ready.

What are you doing?

-Writing John-Boy a letter. -What does it say?

So far all I've got is "Dear John-Boy."

-What else should I write? -You can put, "We miss you."

Still kind of short.

Why don't you fill the rest of the page with "X's"?

That's a good idea. You're smart.

-Yeah, I know. -Elizabeth.

Coming.

Grandma, how's that cranberry sauce coming?

It should be jellied by now. Look in the icebox.

Lord, where did I put that watermelon rind?

It's on the counter, ready to be served.

Thank you.

Here.

Well, I guess we're just about ready.

Here, Elizabeth, give them to me.

Jenny.

Boys, dinner.

Everybody, I think we're about ready to eat.

And we're ready for you, Livie.

I can smell it from here. Here we go. Who's hungry?

Emily.

Attaboy, Ben, grab that.

Look at this bird.

Isn't it a beauty?

alright, Pa.

Please.

We thank thee for the bounty

that is about to be bestowed upon us.

-Amen. -Amen.

There now, let's see what this bird does.

-I'm not hungry. -Me, either.

Now, you two. I know what you're thinking.

John-Boy's having turkey, stuffing, and all the fixings

just like all the rest of us.

But not here, Mama.

I hear you shot the turkey this year, Ben.

There wasn't any buckshot in it, was there, Grandma?

That must be Yancy. He said he'd be a minute or two late.

Just start that off, then.

When will John-Boy be coming home, Olivia?

In a few days, we hope.

Is he allowed visitors? We're so anxious to pay him a visit.

Well, just the family at present.

-John-Boy! -Hallelujah!

He's not ready for this roughhousing.

Careful, careful.

Hello, Mama.

What happened to you? You lost a tooth?

-Two of them. -Two of them!

How you doing? Good to see you.

How about that, Ben?

Happy Thanksgiving.

Let's have some turkey.

John-Boy, why are you wearing that funny hat?

Why are you wearing that funny face?

alright.

-Grandpa's going to say grace. -He already did, Grandma.

Grandpa.

My dear Lord

look down upon this family on Thanksgiving Day.

And we ask you to bless all of our dear friends

assembled under this roof

for the abundance that you have showered upon this family.

For the joy, the love, and the caring

for one another that all of us feel.

And most especially this day of thanks, dear Lord

that you have brought home to us our oldest boy, safe and sound.

Amen.

I've been waiting to try this relish for a while.

Several weeks were to pass before we were to know

the decision of the scholarship committee.

The announcement came by telegram.

My name was on the list. My journey was about to begin.

I had won the scholarship.

I got in!

That's great! You're wonderful!

I never kissed a college man before.

-Can I go with you? -I'm proud of you, Son.

-Next time, it'll be me. -I'm going to college, too.

If you go, then I'm going.

I can't get over the passing of time.

Just yesterday he was a baby.

Next thing you know, he's getting married.

-Who's gonna help with homework? -I will, Ben.

You don't even know how to multiply.

John-Boy, when you go to college, can I have your room?