Original subtitles

As much as every member of my family

loved our day-to-day life

we all had moments when we were prone to consider

what life would be like if we had a million dollars.

Most of the time, those moments of avarice were short-lived

and quickly replaced by the real values

that made up our lives.

But one day, a letter came which pushed

every member of the family

toward a new appraisal of what was really important in life.

-It's mine. -I get it first, I'm the oldest.

-I hope that's enough. -I hope so.

That's hard and cold.

Martha Rose Coverdale, when did you do that?

What are you referring to, Mary Ellen?

I think she's referring to your hair.

It's the new Jean Harlow look. Do you like it?

It's an eyeful.

Does your mother know you've turned blonde?

Know? Why, it was her idea.

We made a trip to a beauty parlor down in Richmond

and then to a photographer to have some pictures made.

And they're on their way to a talent scout in Hollywood

who is looking for new faces.

If that scout shows up around here

tell him you know a guitar player

who'd like to be in the movies.

Wouldn't that be something?

The two of us going to Hollywood.

It sure would.

Martha Rose?

Yes, Elizabeth?

-Can I touch your hair? -I'm sorry, Elizabeth.

-It cost too much to mess up. -How much?

Mama won't let me say, but it was a lot.

Grandma says it's sinful for someone to dye their hair.

If that's true, boy, there's a lot of sinners in this burg.

How do you know that, Mr. Godsey?

You can tell if a lady comes in and she buys certain items

all at the same time.

-It's a dead giveaway. -Like what, for instance?

You know, like ammonia, soap flakes and peroxide.

Those are the things you use to make your hair blonde.

Isn't that right?

What did they use on you, Martha Rose? Pneumonia?

Certainly not.

-Boys I got a letter for you. -A letter?

It's not for you. It's for your grandma.

Well, she hasn't had a letter in five years.

And I know she's never gotten one

from Simon, Brentnor and Colby of St. Louis, Missouri, before.

Names like that, sounds like lawyers.

Lawyers? No. They wouldn't be writing to Grandma.

I'll give it to her. She'll be tickled. Thanks, Ike.

Okay, where's my ice cream now? I want it.

Well, it was melting. So we finished it for you.

-Thanks for the favor. -Any time, Brother.

Goodbye, Martha Rose. Have fun in Hollywood.

-She's crazy. -Hey, Mary Ellen.

Who do you think would write to Grandma?

I'll bet it's an old sweetheart. Probably Oglethorpe Hansen.

No, I don't think it was him because he only danced with her.

It was someone who in love with her.

She jilted him and he never got over it.

So he's writing to her after 50 years to say he's still in love.

Isn't that the saddest, most beautiful thing? I could cry.

You did. Last week in the picture show.

-More coffee, Reverend? -No, thank you, Mrs. Walton.

How about another piece of Grandma's pie?

It's a temptation, but I believe in moderation in all things.

I don't. I'd like to have another piece, Livie.

A little moderation wouldn't hurt that waistline of yours.

You've got a good woman there, Mr. Walton.

And she has no equal in turning out a blueberry pie.

-You think so, do you? -Yes, indeed.

I was just thinking of trading her in for another model

like an old Tin Lizzie.

You're the one likely to be traded in

what with that foolish tongue.

Stop it.

I wish we could help you but--

There's little any of us can do.

The plain fact is the congregation just cannot meet

the cost of the church roof repairs.

I received an estimate today, it's beyond our means.

It's over $50.

Does that mean that we can't use the church?

The roof is unsafe, and I fear the vibration

from the organ and the hymn singing

will bring it right down on our heads.

It's handsome weather. Why not have church services outdoors?

That would be most enjoyable, except, of course

for inclement weather.

But eventually, the repairs have to be made.

Then the sooner the congregation knows

the sooner each one can take the matter up with the Lord.

You're right.

Perhaps concentrated prayer will bring

a satisfactory answer to our problem.

I have to be going. Thank you so much.

Thank you for stopping by, Reverend.

-Bless you, Reverend. -And you, Mrs. Walton.

I'll see you to the great outdoors.

$50?

The church will never be able to raise that kind of money.

We could take out a loan.

They'd never take a chance on a little church

way out here in the country.

The cash around this house is the money we need

for John-Boy's things when he goes to college.

Livie, you put that thought right out of your mind.

We've needed that money time and time again

-but we've never touched it. -I'd hate to, but....

John-Boy won't need the money till college begins.

By that time, maybe the congregation can pay it back.

Oh, Lord. Here come the children.

I gotta mend Elizabeth's rompers.

Grandma, you got a letter.

-It's from St. Louis. -Missouri.

-Are you gonna go to jail? -What are you talking about?

-The letter is from lawyers. -Simon, Brentnor and Colby.

-Do you know them? -I don't know anyone like that.

It's addressed to you: "Mrs. Esther Walton,

Walton's Mountain, Virginia."

Then there must be another one by that name.

Does anyone around here know another Esther Walton?

-I'm afraid not. -Of course not.

Because she's standing right here, plain as day.

This is your letter.

John-Boy, is your daddy outside?

I didn't see him.

He's still delivering railroad ties at Rockfish.

Then you get your grandpa in here. I want him here.

Alright.

Grandma, aren't you gonna open it?

Grandpa, Grandma wants you to come in the house.

-Whatever for? I'm busy. -She says she wants you to come.

At her beck and call.

I don't know who those people are.

I never knew anybody in Missouri in my life.

You just gonna let that letter sit there forever, Grandma?

What would it be wanting with me?

Maybe you're elected Best Grandmother

and they want you at St. Louis.

And we can all go and see you crowned.

I crowned your grandma the day we got married.

What on earth are you dragging me in from work for? I'm busy.

Open that fool thing.

It is from lawyers, alright.

"Dear Mrs. Walton

"this is to advise you that Mrs. Cleveland Potter died

"two weeks ago in St. Louis."

Fern's dead.

Fern.

Yes, she was a long-legged girl from Walton's Mountain.

Your grandma's best friend. She got married and went West.

Sorry, Grandma.

Seems only yesterday Fern and I were running down the road

chasing off to school.

I knew that letter held no good.

It isn't as if you were so close anymore.

I don't think you've heard from Fern for 25 years.

Twenty-eight.

But early ties don't lessen with time

even if the parties do fail to keep up.

But now I wish I had written.

There's more in this letter. Do you want me to finish it?

Go ahead and finish it. The worst has already been told.

"Dear Mrs. Walton, this is to advise you...." So and so.

"At her husband's demise

"Mrs. Potter filed a copy of her will with us for safekeeping.

"It is our duty to inform you that you have been bequeathed

"the sum of $250.

"The money will be forthcoming

"as soon as the estate has been completely settled.

"You may expect to hear from us shortly.

Very truly yours."

Fern left me money?

-$250. -You're rich, Grandma.

If we weren't married already,

I'd propose to you again just for the money.

How can you take Fern's death so lightly?

Yes, I know. Fern was your best girlfriend.

Why would she name me in her will?

I guess she just wanted you to know she remembered.

Thank you for your friendship.

The color green was her favorite.

And she loved flowers.

She used to press them between the pages of the family Bible.

Violets, mostly.

She had such a pretty voice

and she loved jokes and riddles.

What kind of riddles?

I remember her favorite.

What do you sleep on, sit on, and brush your teeth with?

I give up.

A bed, a chair, and a toothbrush.

What are you going to do with all this money?

I don't know.

But I'll tell you all something. Much as we can use it

I'm not used to having money,

and I don't much like the idea.

Grandpa, are you alright?

-Grandpa. -Grandpa.

You'd have to be a polar bear to bathe in that ice water.

Sorry, I forgot to tell you the heater's on the blink.

I froze both my feet.

Zeb, you hush up with that foolishness and come to bed.

-Good night, Grandma. -Good night, Grandpa.

I wonder what Grandma's gonna do with all her money.

I wish she'd give it to me so I could go

and get my hair done like Martha Rose's.

Mary- Ellen, How would I look in a boyish bob?

Like a boy, probably. Why?

Someday I'll get me a boyfriend,

and he's going to want me to look pretty.

You are pretty, Elizabeth.

It's me that's the problem.

I really wonderwhat I'd look like as a blonde.

You'll never know.

I wouldn't bet on that.

Sleep alright?

It took a while for my mind to quiet down.

I shouldn't wonder.

But once I read some Scriptures,

a quietness began to take hold.

-Morning, family. -Good morning, Son.

Sit down, John-Boy, the pancakes are done.

-Daddy get off alright? -Left at the crack of dawn.

How about you, Grandma? Did you sleep sound after yesterday?

-I did. -Good.

Grandma, how'd you sleep after finding out you're rich?

Fine. Now you girls sit down. The pancakes are hot.

Morning, Grandma and everybody. Good morning, Mama.

Morning, Grandma. Could you sleep after getting that letter?

I slept fine, Jason. Go sit down and eat.

Good morning.

How is my million-dollar baby in the five-and-ten-cent store?

Seems like nobody's got their mind on food this morning.

Maybe nobody else does, but I'm starving.

Jason, your Grandma shouldn't be waiting on us at all.

Anyone that's come into $250

should be sitting down in the lap of luxury.

The lap of luxury is nothing but a mess of quicksand.

You build your life on dollar bills,

there'll be plain nothing to hold you up.

That's typical talk of the rich. Once they come into money

they do their best to tell poor folks they don't need any.

Hush up.

You'll be putting false notions into young heads.

Pass the cakes and the syrup, Jim-Bob.

Are they quizzing us on Chapter 7 this morning?

You keep eating, but you be quiet

because I have something to say to you about the bequest.

I want to give $50 for the new church roof.

Grandma, that's wonderful.

-It's your money, Grandma. -Let me finish.

I want to give each of you children $3

and you can do anything with it you have a mind to.

$3!

Now I can go to Ike's for that magic set.

-Don't waste your money -It's not wasting.

$3? I've never had $3. How much is it?

-It's three times more than $1. -She never had $1, either.

Come on, everybody, eat up now.

I've also decided to get the works

of Zeb's old watch replaced.

I don't know what that'll cost, but the jeweler can tell me.

You complained about it ticking all these years.

I complained more when it stopped. I miss that fool noise.

Now stop interrupting. I got more to say.

That leaves well over $100

and I want that to go to John-Boy's education.

Oh, no. No, absolutely not.

John-Boy, that's what I want to do.

Grandma, we already have $27 saved for John-Boy's fund.

That's just the point. "We've got."

But I want to do this on my own.

I want to be the one to start John-Boy off

with new clothes and books.

Outside of some old stories,

I've never had anything to give him.

Grandma, you've been giving to me since the day I was born.

But I wanted to give you something real, and now I can.

We'll talk about this later. Come on, children.

Time for school. Hurry up.

-Bye, Mama. -Bye

-Bye, Mama. -Bye

Tell Miss Hunter that I'll be there. I'll be a bit late.

-Great. -Alright.

Got your lunches?

-Bye, Mama. -Bye-bye.

Elizabeth, wait. Hold it.

Go.

Grandma.

I appreciate what you want to do,

but we have enough money in the fund.

I want you to save that money for a rainy day.

I don't want a rainy day.

Esther is right. I agree with her.

Let her do what she wants to with it.

Thank you, Zeb.

I don't know what to say

except I love you.

That's something money can't buy.

One more thing.

I thought we could take the money

we've been saving now, today

and order a new hot water heater.

That is a great idea.

That old heater's been complaining

for some time, and it ought to be retired.

Good, then that's what we'll do.

I could go down to Ike's and order it right now.

John-Boy, you go off to school,

or we won't need that college fund.

Okay. Grandpa, you finish these cakes for me.

I want you to stop by the Rev. Fordwick

and tell him what I told you. I want to ease his mind.

That'll be nice. Grandma, thank you.

That's nice of you.

Thank you, Livie.

You are a treasure. I'm going to give you an upside-down kiss.

Thank you, Livie.

Grandma, you really are quite a lady.

Looks like we're gonna have pancakes for lunch.

Sure looks like it.

Well, sitting here isn't gonna this mess done.

Mary Ellen, do you have to be so strange?

What do you mean, strange?

All you do is stare at me.

Must be your hair, Martha Rose. I've decided I like it.

Why, thank you very much.

You know, we've never really been good friends

but maybe we could be.

-Why? -I want to grow up.

Would you like to have a conversation?

Well, alright.

Have you heard from the Hollywood talent scout yet?

Not yet.

-Could I ask you something else? -I suppose so.

When they put that goop on your hair to turn it blonde

what did the goop look like?

It was sort of like a paste.

And how long did they leave it on?

About a half hour. Then they washed it and combed it

and then voil !

-What's "voil "? -It's French.

Adolphe Menjou said it in this movie I saw in Richmond.

After they washed it, did they put the goop on a second time?

No, just once.

Well, it was a nice conversation.

We'll have to do it again sometime.

Alright, Mary Ellen.

Hey, John Walton, Jr.

Congratulations on your windfall.

-Thank you. Who told you? -Your daddy and grandpa told me.

Wait till you see the automatic, insulated

new gas water heater that you're gonna have in your kitchen.

It's self-regulating, thermostatically-controlled.

It's got a 20-gallon capacity.

And it's paid for, cash on the barrelhead.

Grandma's going to be pleased.

Do you mind if I look at these clothes over here?

Sure, go ahead.

Your daddy told me about your grandma

being so generous about your college money, too.

There's a lot of people around here

I've got to be grateful for, Ike.

What you doing, looking for college clothes already?

I thought I'd just check around and see

what the well-dressed college man will be wearing this fall.

Mr. Godsey, you still have that magic set for 87 cents?

-Right over there. -Thank you.

Mind if I take a look at your guitar strings?

-Sure, okay. -Thanks.

I think I like this.

Look at me. I'll get this for Halloween. It costs a nickel.

Wait, anything you buy has to have a deposit on it,

otherwise I can't hold it.

Nickel and dime deposits only,

until Grandma's money comes through.

-Penny deposits? -That depends on what you buy.

We'll decide what we want, and then be back

later with our deposits.

Come on, everybody, let's go.

-Look at this here. -See you, Ike.

-See you later. -Bye-bye.

Come on, Jim-Bob. Now.

Use some company?

Come sit.

I've just been thinking of Fern Potter

and the joy she's made possible for this family.

Grandma

you're the one who's making everything possible for us.

I just wish there was something I could do for you.

John-Boy, just being able Monday to help you with your schooling

is more than I ever expected to get out of this life.

I got it. I got an idea.

I've got a surprise for you. I'm gonna take you someplace.

You're gonna love it. It's a surprise.

Let's see, we can't do it on Sunday

because we've got church on Sunday.

I've got a half-day of school Monday. We'll do it then.

If we can get the truck, I'll take you there. You'll love it.

-You've got my curiosity up. -It's a great idea.

What is it?

I'm not telling you, it's a surprise.

You're gonna love it. We're gonna go someplace.

I'm very excited about it.

I wish it was Monday already.

All those children can talk about is the money they'll get.

-To them, $3 is a fortune. -I know.

Let them enjoy it, Liv.

They're so greedy about it.

"I want this, I want that."

I thought we taught them better than that.

What we didn't teach them is what to do if they got rich.

Why should I give you $1?

Because I need to buy a lot of supplies for my guitar.

If you loan me the money, I'll teach you how to play.

I don't want to know how to play the guitar.

Besides, I have my eye on a magic set and a sled.

-Let Jim-Bob give you the money. -He asked you.

I'm not giving him the money.

You're gonna spend it on baby stuff, like a toy magic set.

-Look at the baby, Jim-Bob. -I'll show you who's a baby.

Come on, Jason, knock him out! Knock his block off!

-Jim-Bob, grab his other arm. -What's going on in there?

Alright now, stop that.

-Dad, he was picking on me. -Come on. Stop.

What's happening here?

-It's Ben's fault. He started. -It's not.

Come here, now. Stop it!

Jason wanted me to give him money.

Just part of it. Just a loan.

-Ben told Jason to take mine. -You're gonna get--

Ben, stop it. That's enough.

Go back to your bed. Go to bed and stop it.

-Go ahead. -We've won, Ben.

I don't want any more fighting tonight.

"The seed also of his servants shall inherit it

"and they that love his name shall dwell therein."

Let us silently pray together.

This concludes our service. But before we leave

I have news of the utmost importance.

As we all know

$51 has been standing between us

and our safety under the church roof.

As many of you possibly know

one among us has been favored this week

by the fortuitous hand of fortune.

In her gratitude, and out of her devotion

Mrs. Esther Walton has turned to her church

and pledged the entire sum we need

to provide us with a new roof.

Mrs. Walton, we humbly thank you.

Here it is. Congratulations, you found it.

-Grandpa, will you drive? -Yes, I've got my license.

Thank you.

Come on, let me play with your ear.

Look.

That's pretty, honey.

Daddy, what can we do?

We'll think of something later.

I still wish I could find out something to use my $3 on.

Alright, let's look in the wish book

and see what you find, okay?

Where's that Sears Roebuck catalog?

-In the drawer in the desk. -Come on.

$3 you got, huh? Alright.

Let's see. Here it is.

Now calm down, everyone. Let's look. You got $3, you say.

-Yeah. -Let's see.

-Let me see. -Look at that Victrola.

That's beautiful. $21.

If we got one of those then we can buy

Gene Autry and Nick Lucas records

and hear them play their guitars and sing.

-Who's that there? -Let's see more of the records.

-There they are, right there. -Here's some.

The Boswell Sisters singing Shine On Harvest Moon.

Grandma.

there's Lead, Kindly Light by the Collegiate Choir here.

$21 for a Victrola. That's nonsense.

Look at that horn there.

See if there are any magic sets in here.

-Hold on! -Now, wait a minute.

I'll be out in a minute.

Mary Ellen, are you alright?

Sure, I'm fine. I'll be right out.

You ought to be asleep by now.

-You sure you're alright? -Sure.

Do I smell ammonia?

I smell it, too.

Grandma must have used some in the wash water

when she was cleaning.

Mama, how do you think I'd look as a blonde?

Not like you. Now go to bed.

It's real easy to dye your own hair.

May be easy, but it's not always safe.

Juanita Simmons tried it once and turned her hair green.

-Now go to bed. -Good night, Mama.

Easy now. She's our baby.

That's it. She's a beauty, I'm telling you.

-Okay? -Alright.

The ladies are gonna love this, I'll tell you right now.

-Their day is made. -Watch your hand there.

Got it?

Here we are.

This is gorgeous. I love it.

Isn't that beautiful!

-John-Boy, don't get squished. -I gotta get out.

Be careful.

Imagine, 20 gallons of hot water at a time.

Maybe we'll see a few clean necks and wrists around here.

If you're referring to me, Esther Walton,

I'll thank you to stop casting aspersions.

I'm naming no names, but if the shoe fits....

I could be persuaded to take a bath when we got home tonight.

-Are you ready? -I've been ready.

Sorry, I'm gonna go change now.

Mom, we're gonna take the truck. We'll be back by dinner, okay?

I'll be right back.

John-Boy's taking me someplace, but I don't know where.

I'll go in and get that for you, if you want.

I can take care of it. I want to make sure it's done right.

I'll only be a minute.

I'll be out here.

The nice man took the watch, looked at it.

Said he could put all new parts and it would run as good as new.

Grandpa's gonna love that.

-He better. It's gonna cost $10. -$10?

Now, what's it all about?

You'll find out in about five minutes.

-They sure do look collegy. -Hey, it's me.

I'll tell you, I don't see too many of them wearing knickers.

-You look collegy. -Thank you.

It's going to open up a whole new world for you, John-Boy.

I know it is.

It's so strange to think of myself in the future.

Being here in another year.

Grandma, when I'm not here, when I'm at home, I have doubts.

I wonder if this can ever come up to my expectations.

But when I come here, when I'm standing on this campus

I just know everything is gonna come out the way I picture.

I know it, too, John-Boy.

Come on, let's go inside.

You're gonna have to come back, okay?

My grandson and I would like to see your college.

-Student here? -He will be.

My name is John Walton.

This is my grandmother, Mrs. Walton.

I believe I met you last Easter when I came up here.

-You came to pick up a catalog. -That's right.

-How are you? -Fine, thank you.

You'll be joining us?

I got a scholarship.

-Congratulations. -Thanks.

There are some classes being held.

If you don't go into the rooms where class is in session

it should be perfectly alright.

Good, then. Thank you very much.

This is a science laboratory.

You gotta take science here.

There's a good class.

"The Bible as literature." I never thought of that before.

I could help you with your homework on that one.

I'll count on it.

That's a good idea for a course. I'll take that one.

-Is it alright to look around? -Yes, of course.

My grandson will be coming here shortly

and he wants to show me everything.

Of course you may look around,

but please be as quiet as possible.

We will. Thank you.

They must have all the books in the world here.

I'm gonna read every one of them.

I tell you

I feel smarter just being here.

Don't you be timid.

-You speak up. -I will.

-Have confidence. -I will.

Mama told me she wants two pounds....

What are you grinning like a Cheshire cat for?

"Simon, Brentnor and Colby."

Thanks, Ike.

-I don't want to look at that. -No, I want to see that.

-We wanna see the doll's bed. -No.

Everybody, it's here! We got the letter.

-It's here! -What's here?

-The letter. -Here it is, right here.

Open it, Mama.

You think they put the money in the envelope?

-No, they probably put a check. -Open it, Mama.

Calm down, This letter is addressed to Grandma

-She'll open it when she's back. -Couldn't we peek?

Everybody, go back to what you were doing.

Maybe we can steam it open.

You'll hear the letter and see the check soon. Now scoot.

Go on.

-Jason, where's the flour? -Yes, Mama?

I'm sorry, I forgot about it. I'll go back and get it.

It'll just take a minute.

That woman's gonna be surprised the money got here so quick.

Grandpa.

Here we are.

-Hi, honey. -It's here, Grandma!

-Come on, Grandma. -The money's here.

The check! Grandma, come on!

The money's here. You gotta open it.

I think I'll send my order to Sears tonight.

-You better do it. -Come on, Grandma.

-Hurry up. -Hurry up.

Here it is, right here.

-Open it. -Come on.

-Grandma, hurry up. -Come on.

"Dear Mrs. Walton

"Fern Potter spent the last three years

of her life in a hospital."

When are they going to send the money?

"In settling her accumulated medical bills

"we discovered that the estate's debts exceed assets.

"We therefore regret to inform you

"that Mrs. Potter's bequests cannot be honored.

"Very Truly Yours."

Does that mean we don't get the money?

You did it. You can do it, John.

Livie, this man of yours has all

the natural-born ability of an engineer.

He could have built Brooklyn Bridge.

-So that's where you've been. -Sorry we're late.

Yes, sirree!

That boy of mine has the natural ability

to construct the new church roof.

It just takes a little figuring out the structure, Pa.

We went down to see Rev. Fordwick.

He's offered to bring a couple of deacons.

Went down to see Ike. He's gonna to bring some tarpaper for us.

We'll have the Sheriff and one of his deputies.

And with your know-how

we're going to have the finest church roof

in this here part of Virginia.

-How about that? -Are you going to church, Daddy?

How are they going to do without their number one craftsman?

Grandma will be relieved, she feels bad about all this.

There's one thing I haven't the heart to tell her.

What's that?

Ike Godsey got a call from the jeweler. The watch is ready.

Don't tell Esther.

They'll sell it if it isn't picked up, Grandpa.

Don't you say a word to that old woman.

From now on in, just let me handle this.

I'm worried about her. She's been in her room all day.

I'm going to talk to her.

She especially doesn't want to see you, John-Boy.

Her way of looking at it, she ruined everything.

Excuse me.

Grandma?

I'm ashamed to even look at you.

That's silly.

Grandma, I came in here to tell you

that you're not to feel bad.

I understand that because of the promises you made

and everything.

It just didn't work out.

What's the difference?

You're just trying to make me feel better.

Of course I am.

Someday I'll tell you about a foolish old woman

who let the promise of money go to her head.

Acting like a rich person,

giving away dollars right and left.

Insisting that they use your fund money to buy that heater.

And now you've got nothing.

I guess you just have to look at it

as one of those little jokes that gets played on people.

You have to look at it that way.

I can't.

I wish you'd practice what you preach.

I've always felt that this family was rich.

We've never had any money.

Nothing's really changed, has it?

You know what I'll remember most about this whole thing?

Can't imagine.

You and I spent a very special day together.

I had a wonderful time.

And I think, maybe now, I understand a little bit more

about how much my growing up means to you.

Come on, let me hear you smile.

Come on.

-Hi. -Hi, Mary Ellen.

How would you like to take part in a scientific experiment?

You mean, with test tubes and things that bubble?

Something like that.

-When do I start? -Right now.

How much does it pay?

Remember that bullfrog I sold you a month ago

for a quarter and you never paid up?

Okay.

Okay. In here.

Sit down.

Here, hold this. Put your foot in.

I'm gonna put some of this goop on your hair.

Why don't you put it on your own hair?

I told you it was a scientific experiment.

What's it gonna turn out like?

That's what we're going to find out.

-Hold still. -You know what your doing?

-Where's Jim-Bob and Mary Ellen? -They're upstairs, I guess.

-I'm not very hungry right now. -Come down to the table, please.

We'll get a sandwich later, Daddy.

I want you to come to the table now.

Jim-Bob, what happened to you?

It was sort of a scientific experiment. Mary Ellen said so.

Mary Ellen, are you at the bottom of this?

Yes, ma'am.

John, what am I gonna do with that child?

Maybe you ought to let Jim-Bob do the same thing to Mary Ellen.

It was supposed to turn blonde.

Looks more like a pumpkin.

Should I go out in public like this?

Don't think so, but I think you ought to come to the table now.

It's all your fault.

Shut up, Ben.

Eat your dinner, Miss Harlow.

You're almost as pretty as Martha Rose.

Alright, Jim-Bob, settle down.

Lord, thanks for this food and....

Got it?

Father, we know that all we desire

is already ours

if we but experience thee within ourselves.

Forgive us our doubts

and our moments of weakness in our earthly lives

when we do forget thee.

We give thanks to thee for our new roof.

And to one other.

It was in her name

that the men of our church donated their labors.

We give thanks to Mrs. Esther Walton, Father

who was thy instrument.

Please turn to Page 120 for our final hymn.

* We gather at the river **

Come on in.

Let's have a little old family conference.

Ain't you got anything to drink for a wore-out old man?

-You've been gone all day. -Charlottesville, the jewelers.

You know that watch of mine you were tired of hearing ticking?

It got fixed.

I have made an arrangement with the jeweler.

He has got that watch

and I've got $11 to be contributed in your name

to the start of John-Boy's new college fund.

There'll be no contributing

in one person's name, especially mine.

This is from all the Waltons, young and old.

You're really quite a pair, you know that?

To their surprise and to our grief

time crept up on those two

vigorous old people.

I remember that my grandmother, at 94, was still beautiful

and wore violets in her hair.

And as long as he lived

my grandfather insisted that he be kissed

by every pretty girl who happened to come by our house.

How innocent were those days.

How rich we are to have known them.

-Grandpa? -Yes, Ben?

Why did you marry Grandma?

-I think it was her idea, Ben. -Was it really, Grandma?

I helped it a bit, as I recall. He was shy in those days.

I was not.

-Was Daddy shy, Mama? -Never.

Old woman, where do you get off telling such tales?

I've not got a shy bone in my body.

-You did. -I did not.

-You did, too. -Is he shy now, Grandma?

Sometimes I wish he was. Good night, now.

-Good night, John-boy. -Good night

Good night, mama.