Original subtitles

The Depression years were hard ones

for just about everybody in the country.

Our family had little money and few luxuries...

but we did have food on the table

and clean clothes to wear

even if they were mostly hand-me-downs.

And a bountiful supply of love to sustain our household.

Other families were not as fortunate as we were...

and I remember how my mother and father...

occasionally invited a child

from the Jefferson County Orphanage...

to share our life on Walton's Mountain.

They're here!

-Hey, everybody. -Hello.

Well, now, what do we got here?

Come on, Stevie, we're here.

-Hello. -Stevie, say hello to Grandpa...

Grandma, John-Boy...

Elizabeth, Jason....

You'll learn the rest later.

Powerful lot of people to remember, isn't it?

What's the matter, boy? The cat got your tongue?

Now, just a....

Come on out here, young man.

Got a lot around here to show you.

-Can I show him the tree house? -I want to show him Chance.

Who wants to see an old cow? Let's go to the swimming hole.

-I don't want to. -Don't want to what?

I don't think Stevie wants to do anything right now.

We first need to get him settled.

John-Boy, take his bag up to the boys' room, please.

-Come on, Stevie, let's go. -No, it's mine!

Alright then, take it if you want it.

Come on, let's show him upstairs and make him feel at home.

Right up these stairs.

There you go.

Stevie, here's your room and there's your bed.

Stevie, if you'd like, I'll clear some room

in the closet for your clothes.

Here, I'll clear half of my drawer for your stuff.

Don't want one. Stuff's safer in here.

What all you got in there, anyway?

None of your business.

Fellows, why don't you go on downstairs?

We'll meet you down there in a minute.

See you around, Stevie.

See you, fellows.

Stevie, I know how you feel, I think.

You probably feel kind of lonely, strange, and new...

but I'll bet you're going to like it once you get used to it.

I never stay anyplace long enough to get used to it.

While you're here, I want you to feel at home.

I don't want to be here with all of them. They're just kids.

That's true, they are. But you are, too.

So why don't you try to get along with them?

They're next to nothing to me.

They really do want to be your friends.

Why don't you just give them a chance?

Yeah, sure.

I've got some work at the sawmill. You want to come?

-Do I have to? -No.

-I don't want to. -Okay. See you later.

-Hey. -Hi.

-Is Stevie okay? -Well, he'll....

He'll be okay as soon as he figures out where he is.

He ought to get along real fine. It'll take him time to adjust.

Must be hard to get along with all that gaggle of geese.

Daddy, I'm a little behind.

Can I borrow the truck to go the Nortons'?

How is Curtis?

Not too well. His hand's still bothering him.

Doctor says the bandages have to be on for a week or two.

-Must've burned his hand bad. -Second-degree, the doctor said.

-What about the truck? -Alright.

-Thank you. I'll see you later. -Uh, drive careful.

Sorry I can't give you more of a hand.

That's alright.

I really like it when the shoe starts to change shape.

Well, I'm back!

I can see that, honey.

Were you wearing them clothes this morning?

No, isn't that beautiful?

It's a genuine copy of a dress Janet Gaynor wore

in her latest picture.

I'll take those.

Curtis, don't leave the driver waiting.

-How much is it? -$2.25, but give him $3.

He's been real nice. We just chatted the whole way out.

A taxi all the way from Charlottesville?

Couldn't you take a bus to Hickory Creek?

With all my bundles?

That's another thing, Ann. That dress, we can't afford it.

Curtis, please, not in front of strangers.

If you have more to discuss with me, Curtis Norton...

please do so in the privacy of our home.

Ann, I want you to be happy.

I'd be purely willing to give you anything your heart desires.

But at the same time, money doesn't exactly grow on trees.

I thought it did.

Curtis, what's the matter?

I'm real worried, John-Boy.

It's the same kind of feeling I had when Ann first came here.

It looked like she wasn't gonna stay.

Things are different now.

Yeah, I thought so, too.

But here lately...

she's moody all the time. You know what I mean?

Taken to reading them movie magazines again...

talking about fixing herself up to look like Claudine Colbert.

-Claudette Colbert. -Yeah.

Buying all kinds of foolishness for the house.

Something's bothering her, I just know it.

Maybe she spends too much time alone.

There's truth in that, I guess.

Only people she sees are me and my dog, Earl.

Don't get along too well with him.

Women. Mysterious creatures.

That's the truth.

Stevie's had at least eight helpings.

He can have eight more if he wants.

-Stevie, would you like more? -No.

Well, I'm going to have some more.

These are the best beans I've had in a long time.

There's a little bit left. Sure you don't want the rest?

Well, okay.

Erin, you and Mary Ellen clear

while Grandma and I get the dessert.

Why does it always have to be us?

Because you are misused and mistreated. Now clear.

How are things up at Curtis'?

-We didn't get much work done. -His hand still hurting him?

That's no help.

But his wife is bothering him more than his hand.

-Is she alright? -No, she's not.

She's running off to Charlottesville

and buying expensive clothes...

and she's coming all the way home in a taxicab.

The thing that's worrying him the most...

is she started talking about those movie shows again.

Little pitchers have big ears.

Don't be piggy.

Alright, now. No strong-arm stuff there, Stevie.

She started it.

She didn't mean anything. Everybody, eat your dessert.

Was that Ann Norton you were talking about?

Yes, that's right.

Remind me to take that salve of Grandma's over there.

Best thing there is for burns.

Stop it!

Now, what is going on?

-Stevie was taking my dessert. -I am not.

You were, too. Your hand was moving toward her plate

90 miles an hour.

Alright, listen you two.

That's enough. Jim-Bob.

Stop it, you two.

Finish your dessert and don't say a word

till you're excused from the table.

Go ahead. Eat.

Stevie, come back. Come here.

I'll go.

Go away.

Why don't you come downstairs and finish your supper?

They don't like me.

You haven't given them much of a chance.

Why should I?

Because they're nice people when you get to know them.

I don't want to know them.

What's that for?

Just brushing the chip off your shoulder.

Just leave me alone.

No, Stevie, I'm not gonna leave you alone.

Look at me.

While you're here...

I'm gonna treat you and talk to you like you're one of my own.

I want you to march back down and finish your supper.

And I want you to mind your manners.

No more stealing anyone's dessert...

and no more fighting.

-You understand? -Yes, sir.

Let's go.

Can't believe it's only 9:00. Feels like 4:00 in the morning.

It's been a long day, Liv.

And I've been on my feet every minute of it.

I'm glad those children are in bed.

Jason feels that since he's second oldest...

he should go to bed at a different time than the rest.

Mama, I just feel that I should get to stay up a little longer.

-Sounds reasonable to me. -Really?

Alright, Son.

I think I'll get me a glass of water.

-Grandpa? -Hey, Jason.

That old catfish tore everything apart.

What'd you say?

Nothing.

What are you doing up so late?

Jason, will you quit thundering around out here and go to bed?

I guess I'll go back in the house.

Where's John-Boy?

-What's that, Son? -Is John-Boy around?

He's upstairs in his room.

Good night, everybody.

-Good night, Son. -Good night, Jason.

-Hey, Mama. -John-Boy, Curtis.

I brought this salve for your burn.

Grandma made it and it does wonders.

I appreciate that, Livie.

Tell old Mrs. Walton I appreciate it, too.

-Olivia, how nice to see you. -Hello, Ann.

Brought some salve for Curtis' burn.

And some peach preserves

that Verdie Grant and I made last summer.

Thank you. It's good to see you, Olivia. Come in, please.

Children, want some refreshments?

No, that's okay. We want to watch Curtis make horseshoes.

Don't get in his way now.

Oh, wait.

Well, no wonder we never see you.

You must be working night and day to get so much done

in such a short time.

-Do you like it? -Beautiful.

Did you see a movie where Mary Astor goes to the country?

She has this living room.

-What an unusual lamp. -It's like the one in the movie.

And so are the curtains...

and that clock.

It's an ormolu.

Mary Astor, she was a concert pianist in the movie.

I'm afraid I don't get to the movies much.

Whenever there's the time, there isn't the money...

whenever there's the money, there isn't time.

I know.

I don't get to go very much myself lately.

We miss you at church.

I sort of got out of the habit of going.

Sunday seems such a family day, and I feel out of place.

In a minute. Let me go.

All of you have so much in common.

children, school....

I've only got Curtis...

and this house and that dog.

Ann, you've only been married a short while.

Give yourself time.

What is it?

I've been going to a doctor in Charlottesville.

He took some tests.

Olivia, he told me that I can't have any children.

Okay, you're it.

I think I spy Elizabeth climbing up the tree.

You count too fast.

I also spy Jim-Bob and Ben. You can come down now.

Elizabeth, you gave us away.

You can't follow wherever me and Jim-Bob go.

-You can't count so fast. -Quit picking on Elizabeth.

-I'm not going to play anymore. -Just because you're it.

I'm not it.

Stevie, why aren't you playing?

It's a kid's game.

Looks like fun to me. I wouldn't mind playing myself.

No, not me.

Alright, what would you like?

I don't want to play any damn games.

Stevie, we told you we'd treat you like one of our own

and we meant it.

If you use that word again

I'll do what I'd to Jim-Bob and Elizabeth...

and that's turn you over my knee.

-You lost? -None of your business.

Want a ride?

-I can take care of myself. -Okay. Here.

Hey, mister!

Hop in.

-You live around here? -No.

-Where you headed for? -Just traveling.

What's that?

It's a horseshoe. I'm a blacksmith.

What's that?

I make shoes for horses.

Horses don't need shoes.

Sure they do.

You're lying.

Where is this place?

This here is my house and that's the horseshoe factory.

I've gotta go.

Don't you want to look around before you head off?

-Come on. -Okay, sure.

Hey, Stevie, what's--

Hold it here, hold it.

You know each other? Easy.

We sure do. Stevie's staying with us.

Calm down. Come on, now.

You wear my favorite hat. It'll help calm you down.

There. See, what did I tell you?

-What's the matter, Stevie? -I didn't mean to drop it.

Something happen at the house?

-I didn't do it on purpose. -Do they know you're gone?

-Who cares? -They'll be worried about you.

-I'm taking you home. -No.

If you're staying with them, you'd better get back.

You take me. I don't want to go with him.

Alright. I'll tell you what. I'll take you in the truck.

-I don't really live there. -Well, anyway....

-Let's go. -Okay.

See you later, John-Boy.

In you go.

There you are. Don't let him get away, Zeb.

-What's going on here? -Bring him here.

-Got you. -You gonna let her kill me?

Esther, is that what you had in mind?

You just give me that boy. Come on. Right over here.

-Oh, dear. -Now you sit.

Sit. You see he doesn't get away.

Esther, what crime has this young man committed?

Dish of my freshly peeled apples.

Here. Proverbs.

Let's see. Here's the one.

Now you start reading that, and don't stop until I say so.

"Salem, XCXLI.

"Conducts of May trial.

"Lord, I cry unto thee...

"make haste unto me...

"give ear unto my voice...

"when I cry unto thee....

I can't thank you enough, Curtis.

Lord know what would've happened if you hadn't run into him.

He sure is a cute little fellow. Looks good in my hat, too.

Not a thing wrong with that boy.

He's had a hard life, finds it difficult to trust anyone.

Where did you get him?

From the orphanage at Jefferson County.

Hobie Shanks sent him for a week or so, like we used to do.

Hobie thought it might be good for him to spend some time away.

-Is he sick? -No, nothing like that.

Just thought he could use a taste of family life.

Spunky little kid. I like him.

-See you. -Alright, Curtis.

"Let the righteous spit me...

"it shall be a kindness.

"Let them.... Let him..."

Keep reading.

"...reprove me...

"it shall be...

"an excellent oil...

which shall not break...."

Bye, Reverend.

Can I wear your hat?

I don't have it with me today. This is my Sunday hat.

-I like the other one better. -Me, too.

And who is this little man?

Stevie's staying with us for a while.

Stevie, this is my wife, Ann.

-How do you do? -Fine, I reckon.

How come you've met Stevie and I haven't?

He came by one day. I think you were in Charlottesville.

Why don't you and Curtis come over and have Sunday dinner.

I wouldn't want to inconvenience you, Olivia.

I'm cooking for so many now.

Two more ain't gonna make a difference.

That's real nice of you, Olivia.

Then I guess we accept your kind invitation.

Can I go with you?

That alright, Curtis?

Well, you bet you can come with me.

Might even let you drive the truck.

This your first time driving a truck?

-Yes, sir. -You're good at it.

Let's go faster.

This is about as fast as the old girl will go.

-You alright, Ann? -Fine, thank you.

I was thinking this is the first time

I've ever been driven to Sunday dinner by two gentlemen.

Seen the way that boy shines every time he's with Curtis?

So does Curtis.

I wonder if he told Ann

that the child didn't have a home.

The three of them would make a fine family.

I hope nobody talks about that while they're visiting.

Why not? It's the truth.

If the idea does come up, I hope it comes from them.

-I feel guilty enough about Ann. -How so?

I sort of played matchmaker

and talked her into marrying Curtis.

There's nothing wrong with that.

I'm not sure if it was any of my business.

Curtis Norton is a fine fellow.

It's not as if you got her married off to Yancy Tucker...

much as I appreciate Yancy.

Yancy Tucker. Now there's a man that needs a wife.

Yes, Esther. That would take care of everything.

Listen, everybody. Dinner in an hour. Go change your clothes.

-Okay. -Watch out.

-Ann, good to see you. -Hello, John.

Hello, John, how are you?

-Good to see you. -Curtis, want to play some ball?

Look here, Stevie...

you go and play with the other kids.

I'll play some ball with you later.

-Oh, Curtis. -Now, go change your clothes.

Okay.

Boy's really taken a shine to you, Curtis.

His parents have sure got a boy to be proud of.

-He doesn't have parents. -Jackie Cooper.

I've been trying to remember

who that little man reminds me of.

-Jackie Cooper. -Jackie who?

He's an actor, in the pictures.

No, Stevie's a real boy.

Are they always so energetic at that age?

He's quiet compared to Jim-Bob and Elizabeth.

-Livie, how old is Stevie? -He's 8 years old.

-He seems older somehow. -He's a little independent.

He has to be, coming from where he had.

I thought he was a member of your family.

I guessed him to be a visiting cousin.

No, he's no kin of ours.

He's from the county home, just here for a visit.

You mean, he's an orphan?

Yeah. He's just getting comfortable here, too.

It's a shame he's gotta go back so soon.

Go back?

He's just here for a while.

The home probably figured that we'd adopt him.

And you're going to?

I wish we could...

but times being what they are, we just can't afford to.

My dear lady, you mustn't feel too sorry for him.

He's learned how not to get his feet

too firmly planted in one place.

He's used to going from here to there.

-Livie, I could use some help. -I'll be right there, Grandma.

Stevie's pretty careful about that.

He stays outside of the family

as much as the kids will let him.

I'd better go help Grandma in the kitchen.

Honey, why don't you help out?

I promised Stevie I'd play ball with him.

What's the matter, honey?

-I have a splitting headache. -Some food'll fix you right up.

-Would you like to rest awhile? -No.

Really, thank you all, but I think I'd better go home.

-We can't just.... -Curtis, I suddenly feel weak.

I'm sure sorry, folks.

-You gonna play now? -Stevie, I'm....

I'm sorry, I gotta get on home.

-You promised. -I do promise.

I'll tell you what.

You have John-Boy bring you to the horseshoe factory tomorrow.

Alright, I'll see you later.

I have a feeling Ann thought we were arranging something.

John-Boy, I asked them here for dinner because I wanted them.

Arranging something was the last thing on my mind.

Did you know she can't have children?

Yes, I did.

Did Curtis tell you?

I guess she keeps insisting that the doctor is wrong.

She's determined to have a family of her own.

I can understand that.

I guess not being able to have children

makes her feel unwomanly.

She has to keep pretending.

-Doesn't help anybody, does it? -No, it doesn't.

Guess I'd better see about dinner.

Well, now, what do we got here?

John-Boy's gonna give us a nickel

to shovel coal into the fire.

I need money because I'm gonna buy an airplane.

-If that's alright, Curtis. -Sure is.

We can use some extra labor here.

Where'd you get these two strapping youngsters, John-Boy?

-They're on loan from the W.P.A. -We'd best put them to work.

If they do a good job, might even throw in a nickel myself.

You, young fellow, can't work without a hat.

-Come on, get over here. -Earn your keep.

You crank that around. Jim-Bob, get the shoes.

John-Boy, could you come here a minute, please?

Yeah, sure. I'll be out in a minute.

John-Boy, what are you doing bringing that child here?

Stevie, he just tagged along, like Jim-Bob.

It's not quite the same as Jim-Bob.

Are you plotting?

To get me to take that orphan into this house?

Ann, that's not really fair.

He's gonna be here a few days, and go back to the orphanage.

While he's here, he's just here. That's all there is to it.

I don't believe you.

That's your privilege.

I am convinced that...

someday Curtis and I will have our own natural-born children.

I hope you do, Ann. I really hope you do.

And Stevie is practically a grown person.

It's not what Curtis and I want.

It's not what Curtis and I need. What we need is....

You know what we need.

Let's play horseback!

Personally, I'm too old for this game, Curtis.

Me, too. Let's keep going, John-Boy.

I've never had such a good time.

-You wanna have a heart attack? -No, I don't.

Sure is quiet around here tonight.

It's just like every other night.

Would you like me to put Enrico Caruso on the Victrola?

Today that Jim-Bob and Stevie...

just filled this place up.

Fun and sweat.

I tell you, Ann, I had me one good time.

You just wait, Curtis.

When we have our baby, there'll be plenty of life around here.

-Ann, what's wrong? -When we do have a child...

you're going to have to think about getting rid of Earl.

He'd just be so jealous, he wouldn't know what to do.

Don't sell old Earl short.

Had him in my sight longer than I've had you.

And probably are more attached to him, if the truth be told.

When are you going to stop fooling yourself?

What are you saying?

I don't want to hurt your feelings...

but that doctor at the University of Virginia Hospital

knows his business.

It's not so bad, not being able to have a child.

There's other ways to have a family.

I choose to wait until we have our own baby.

You're lying to yourself, Ann.

That's not true.

You're acting like life is a movie again.

Like some movie doctor is going to walk in here and say

"Mrs. Norton, I'm happy to announce you're having twins.

"Strapping baby boys by the name of Franklin Delano...

"and Cactus Jack Garner Norton."

I do not understand why your belief in me is so feeble.

It has nothing to do with my belief in you.

I love you...

and I do believe in you...

and I know you'd make a good mother.

That's why I wish you could see things different.

Well, I can't...

and I won't.

Now I'm going to bed, because my head is beginning to ache.

Go on, Blue.

Wait a minute, I don't think he wants to go. Why don't we--

Careful of that blade there, Stevie. It's sharp.

I like the blacksmith shop better.

If you become a good enough smith, you could help us here.

Doing what?

Old Blue could use a new pair of shoes, I reckon.

-Sure. -That's enough, Son.

We're going to Ike Godsey's for Mama.

Okay, coming.

-Curtis give you that hat? -Not for keeps.

Come on.

Come on. Let's play follow the leader. I'm the leader.

I'm the leader!

Daddy? What'd I say?

He's only got one more day left.

We've got to get him back to the home.

Kind of hate to see him go.

If Curtis asked that boy to jump off the church steeple

he'd do it in a second.

Shame it didn't work out.

Ann is just acting so foolish.

When she looks at that child, you can tell she loves him.

But she's just sticking to her own notion.

Evening, Johns all.

-We are going for a stroll. -Come along with us?

Esther, I was hoping to get you alone.

Zeb, you get more foolish every day.

Let's catch you some fireflies.

-You all look so dismal. -We don't want Stevie to go.

We're kind of getting used to him.

Maybe he can visit sometime.

-Stevie, come have breakfast. -I'm not hungry.

You want to go down to the pond with me and Jim-Bob?

No, thank you.

Jason and I are going to play catch. You want to?

No.

I think maybe Stevie has something in mind to do.

What is it, son?

I have to give Curtis back his hat.

I'm going over there now. You want to come along with me?

-Yes, sir. -Okay, let's go.

Came to return your hat.

It looks a sight better on you. Why don't you keep it?

It doesn't belong to me.

I'm gonna go in the house for a minute.

Hey, you're gaining some weight. Getting to be a real big boy.

I have to go away.

Yeah, I know, Stevie.

John-Boy, I didn't know you were here. I usually hear your truck.

We came up on Blue.

"We"?

"We" usually suggests more than one person.

All I am looking at is you.

Stevie wanted to give Curtis back his hat and say goodbye.

Is Stevie taking leave of us so soon?

I'm sure that sooner or later they'll find him a good home.

I wish I thought that were true myself, Ann.

Of course they will.

Who wouldn't want such a bright, appealing child?

That's what I can't figure out.

You're talking about me and Curtis again.

Understand, John-Boy.

If we weren't planning on having our own children

we would think...

about adopting Stevie.

Curtis is just flowing over with feeling for that child.

And I think you want to be, too.

If you got love to give, you ought to give it.

It's not like money that you can...

put in the bank, save it up, and take it out some time later.

You have to give it when you've got it to give.

I'm not sure I'm ready.

What's that?

Don't. That's mine.

Elizabeth wasn't going to take it.

It's a locket.

Where did you get it from?

My mama gave it to me.

Thought you said you never had a mama.

I don't.

If you never had a mama, then how could she give that to you?

When I got to the home. They found it in my clothes.

It was pinned to one of my shirts.

-That's dumb. -Shut up, Jim-Bob.

You're being dumb.

Everyone's had a mama sometime.

The thing is, Stevie never saw his.

She must have before she...

went away given him that to remember her by.

She had gold hair.

I gotta pack my clothes.

We can always be friends.

We could be pen pals. We'd write to you.

Me, too, when I learn to write better.

You all have too much to do.

You can have my penny I've been saving to buy a stamp.

You'll live with a nice family in a beautiful place like...

New York City or Chicago, Illinois.

I'll probably live in Jefferson County Orphanage forever.

-Probably. -I know I'd adopt you.

People like to adopt babies best.

They hardly ever pick the big guys.

You're not so big.

I gotta go.

Earl, you'll get your food.

If you'll just wait, I'll fix you something special.

Alright, Earl, settle down, you'll get yours when it's time.

Settle down now.

There is no need to raise your voice.

You're gonna hurt his feelings.

For pity's sake, you don't even like the dog.

Don't treat him like he's our baby.

Honey, I'm sorry.

Baby, I didn't mean that. It's gonna be alright.

In here...

there's some of those chocolate cookies you like, applesauce.

Here, put your finger there.

And Mary Ellen made a cake for you. Applesauce cake.

And there's a shirt in there.

All the children wrote their names on it.

And....

We're going to miss you, Stevie.

It's time to go, Stevie.

I'd like to come along, if it's alright with you.

-Forgot my keys. -I'll get them for you.

-In my jacket. -Okay.

Stevie, please can I talk to you for a moment?

I have to go.

It's alright, Stevie, we got time.

Curtis, would you mind if I talked to Stevie alone?

Come on.

I made a mistake.

This is going to be difficult to explain.

I want you to have this.

-It belongs to Curtis. -I know.

But he and I want you to keep it.

And we want to go with you now to the home...

to talk about your coming back to live with us.

To be adopted by us.

We want you to be our son.

Instead of a baby?

Instead of anyone or anything.

If you want us.

The Depression lingered on, hard times continued.

But somehow the love that was most important to us

on Walton's Mountain...

extended itself to others.

And love is what the Nortons gave to Stevie and he to them.

Everybody quiet down now and get some sleep.

Good night, everybody.

-Good night, Mama. -Good night, Ben.

-Good night, everyone. -Good night, Mama.

-Good night, Daddy. -Good night, children.

-Good night, Daddy. -Good night, Elizabeth.

Good night, John-Boy. Good night, Jim-Bob.

Good night, Jim-Bob.

Good night, Jim-Bob!

What's going on? I was asleep. What's everybody doing?

-Good night, Jim-Bob. -Go back to sleep.