Original subtitles

During the day I have absolute faith

that John-Boy's alright.

But at night, it's a different story.

Is he alive? Is he a prisoner of war? Is he wounded?

We'll get some help. We should go to the Red Cross.

I can't promise anything at all. I'm sorry.

Thank you.

I know a lot of other families are going through this just now

but it doesn't make it any easier.

This is desperately important to us.

I know what it is to wait, Mrs. Walton.

We found out your son was missing

when we tried to contact him about his manuscript.

We knew John-Boy had been keeping a journal

but we didn't know he had enough material for a book.

It's powerful stuff and very marketable right now.

(John) 'What do you want from us?'

Our attorneys feel that you and Mrs. Walton can sign for him.

- Sign for it? - As next of kin.

You're making it sound as if he's dead.

Liv, I'm just telling you how it is.

We have to find a way to go on living.

I'm getting tired of you trying to calm me down.

Now, look, Liv--

Seems like your answer to everything is to hug me

and tell me that everything is gonna be just dandy.

- Liv, listen to me-- - I don't wanna listen to you!

[theme music]

[music continues]

(John-Boy) There is something in a mountain

which gives strength and stability

to those who know it well.

Its timeless slopes make troubles seem smaller.

We were to draw on that strength many times

during the anxious years of World War II.

But those years brought troubles of a kind

we had never known before.

The pain of separation from loved ones

who were sent overseas

and who might have become casualties or prisoners of war.

The agony of waiting.

[melancholic music]

Liv, come to bed.

I'd just keep you awake with my tossing and turning.

Honey, you got to get some sleep. Come on.

Every time I close my eyes

all I see are young boys being killed.

Liv, missing in action can mean all kinds of things.

During the day I have absolute faith

that John-Boy's alright.

But at night, it's a different story.

Is he alive? Is he a prisoner of war?

- Is he wounded? - Honey.

You're just gonna have to be patient till we find out.

I keep having this horrible dream

that John-Boy's lying wounded in a field somewhere

waiting for help that never comes.

I can't keep sittin' on my hands waiting for another telegram.

Well..

We could try to find some help.

We can go to the Red Cross.

I've done volunteer work with the ladies in Rockfish.

All they do is roll bandages.

There's a bigger chapter in Richmond.

Why don't we go there?

- Tomorrow? - Liv, it is tomorrow.

Let's get a couple of hours sleep, we'll get an early start.

[melancholic music]

Last call for breakfast.

Darn it. I dropped a stitch.

[tongue clicking]

Girls who saygolly andgoshanddarn

will wind up living alone in a barn.

Oh, swell.

How are you this morning, Erin?

Oh, tired of being tied to a desk week after week.

- 'Excuse me.' - I know just how you feel.

Can't be worse than riding around on a horse

in the hills all day.

(Elizabeth) 'When do you go back?'

Depends how soon I get the things I need.

The medical supplies are being shipped

you know how the mail is.

- Mornin', everyone. - Hi.

Sorry we're late. Cindy wasn't feeling too well.

I've indigestion, something awful.

Cindy, heartburn's a very good sign.

I had it bad.

And no woman ever had an easier time

giving birth to a baby than I did.

'Hey, did mama and daddy already come down?'

They left for Richmond at the crack of dawn.

They won't be back until late.

Daddy didn't mention anything about business there.

They went to the Red Cross.

(Rose) 'They're looking for news of John-Boy.'

I sure hope they find out what happened.

I'm not sure I want them to.

Cindy, Elizabeth is teaching me how to knit

'and I'm gonna make a baby blanket.'

Or would you rather have booties?

(Cindy) 'Oh, no. Blanket's just fine.'

How you comin' with your sweater?

- I keep dropping stitches. - 'You'll get the hang of it.'

Just wish I knew Albert's exact size.

(Jim-Bob) 'That should be a cinch to figure out.'

When he bends down to kiss you, how far does he have to lean

before his lips press passionately against yours?

(Serena) 'I was in love with a boy once.'

He kissed me..

...and that ruined it.

I hardly know Albert.

We just danced once at the Home Front Canteen.

Why are you putting so much time into that sweater?

He's going overseas.

You're supposed to do things for boys that are going overseas.

- Uh-huh. - Go swallow a frog.

Did you feed Reckless today?

Hm. She won't eat. I think she's sick.

- Let's go have a look at her. - Thank you.

How long has she been like this?

She acted pretty sad yesterday, but she ate all her food.

Her nose is dry.

So is mine. Is that bad?

You'll live.

It means Reckless doesn't feel too good though.

Go get it, girl! Get it!

She doesn't even wanna play.

She's been through this before.

Maybe we ought to take her to a doctor.

We got some medicine that always makes her snap out of it.

I'll go get it.

[instrumental music]

Attagirl, Reckless.

You're the best dog I ever had.

(John) 'Two days after the telegram from the War Department'

we got this letter from the adjutant general.

We haven't heard anything since.

We weren't told where he was before he was reported missing

or any other details.

Where was he the last time he wrote you?

We think it was Sicily.

All we know is that he was covering the invasion

for the army paper The Stars And Stripes.

We have this article, he sent us a copy of it.

Maybe there's a clue in here we missed.

It seems to have been written weeks

before he was reported missing.

I'm sure the War Department has looked into all this.

Anything else you think I should know?

That's about it.

Many persons listed as missing in action

are subsequently reported as prisoners of war.

'Since this information is furnished by the countries'

'with which we are at war'

the War Department has no way of expediting these reports.

'However, the Red Cross maintains strict neutrality.'

We have access to all military hospitals

and prisoner of war camps.

'I'll ask our Washington office to cable'

'our Central Tracing Agency in Geneva'

'and a search will be launched for your son immediately.'

Are there any questions?

Have any idea how long it will take?

I can't promise anything at all. I'm sorry.

Thank you.

I know a lot of other families are going through this just now

but it doesn't make it any easier.

This is desperately important to us.

I know what it is to wait, Mrs. Walton.

[instrumental music]

[bell ringing]

Hey, Jeffrey, what can I do for you?

- 'Can I just look around?' - 'Yeah, sure.'

I'd buy something, but I don't have enough money

to buy what I want.

Hmm. What is it that you want?

Well, Reckless is sick

and I just wish I had some type of dog toy

that could cheer her up.

Well, maybe we got something here that might work.

Let's take a look.

Hey, how about this?

- Hey, she'd like that. - Now, wait a second.

How much you got in your pocket?

A nickel.

Well, I'll be darned. That's exactly what it costs.

I'll take it. Thanks.

[bell ringing]

Mr. Godsey, how can children be expected to learn

the values of life if adults deceive them?

Oh, come on, Corabeth. He didn't want the ball for himself.

'He was trying to be generous and thoughtful'

for somebody else.

I believe that children should be taught

to face the realities of life.

Once again, you've made the same mistake

that you've made time and time again with Aimee.

If I've been such a bad father

then how come Aimee has grown up to be such a lovely young lady?

Ah, but who knows what heights she might have scaled

had she received firmer guidance?

'Why, this very moment she might be on her way'

'to becoming a, a fine artist, a writer'

a world-famous concert pianist..

[bell ringing]

Hi.

- Hey, Ike, Corabeth. - Hi, kids.

Here are some things Rose needs for supper.

- And I need some more yarn. - You know where it is.

Aimee, Elizabeth's here!

Mr. Godsey, please, I wish you wouldn't shout.

It sets such a bad example for the young people.

I didn't get quite enough, I guessed wrong.

I've got enough for two sweaters and I'm just making a muffler.

Then maybe we should switch soldiers.

- Not on your life. - I can't say that I blame you.

Philip's dreamy, isn't he?

Well, Albert's not that bad, it's just he's kind of immature.

Ike, can I have three of these?

Yeah, that's 75 cents.

- Add it to that, Ike. - Yeah, sure.

[bell ringing]

Tell me, Ben..

...have I been a bad father?

That's a dumb question, Ike.

- Come on, tell me. - Of course not.

'I think you're a very good father.'

Well, I just worry that I'm letting Aimee down.

What's gotten into you, Ike?

I tell you, Ben

wondering whether you've been giving the girl

the right kinda guidance, it really shakes a man.

Uh, you wouldn't know what I'm talking about.

Well, I've taken care of little kids before.

You just gotta do what you think is right and that's that.

But it's different when it's your own daughter.

Hey, you're gonna be figuring it out

pretty soon yourself.

No, I'm not. I'm gonna have a son.

Bye-bye.

[melancholic music]

[car door closes]

Rose. What are you doing? Waiting up for us?

Is everything alright?

You had a long-distance call from Washington this evening.

- Say who it was? - It was a Mr. Henshaw.

Now, he said it had to do with John-Boy

and that you were to call no matter how late you came in.

The number's over by the phone, John.

Yes. Mr. Henshaw?

Yes.

You've heard from our son?

Oh.

Yeah, we could talk to you tomorrow.

Yeah, I'll be here all day.

Bye.

It's John-Boy's publishing house.

- He's written another book. - John--

No, Liv, he sent the manuscript long before

he was reported missing in action.

I just know they're going to find him soon. God love him.

Now, you come in the kitchen and let me fix you a snack.

I'm not hungry.

No, thank you, Rose. We'll just go to bed.

[melancholic music]

Come on, put the ball in your mouth.

Come on, come on.

[toy squeaking]

Sometimes a dog just likes to be left alone.

She's sick, real sick.

I don't think the medicine did any good.

Oh, she'll be alright. Besides, you better get going.

All the kids are ready to go to school.

- Come on, Jeff. Get going. - You're not the boss of me.

Mary Ellen, how do you handle a little kid

that doesn't listen to you?

You havin' trouble with Jeff?

Everything I say to him, he does just the opposite.

Bet he and Serena were real devils

before Aunt Rose got a hold of them.

Sometimes they still are.

I can't blame them with a father like that.

We just have to be very careful with them.

You're right.

I guess, I've been just going about it all wrong.

Thank you.

What you got there? Can I have it?

It's still dry.

Actually, you can tell more by looking into the dog's eyes.

Nothing to worry about. She's already doing much better.

Are you sure?

She'll be fine by the time you're back from school.

I sure hope so.

'Now, you run along or you'll be late.'

I guess so.

Here, you might feel better

before I get back from school. So..

I think I ought to give lessons on how to make children obey.

What if she isn't better when he gets home from school?

I wasn't kidding.

You really can tell by looking into the dog's eyes.

'Maybe a vet can.'

Well, grandpa did. I do what he told me to do.

You just shouldn't build up his hopes

unless you're absolutely sure.

'You ready to go in? Come on.'

Reckless?

Hey.

Any reason why you're out here in the middle of the day?

Same reason you keep coming to the house for a drink

when there's a bucket of water at the mill.

- No sign of him yet? - 'Not yet.'

We probably know more about what happened to John-Boy

than Mr. Henshaw does.

It'll be a chance to talk about him.

I'm hungry for every detail I can get.

Does that look like a publisher's car?

[instrumental music]

[birds chirping]

- Mr. Walton? - Yes, sir.

I'm Paul Henshaw.

Henshaw. This is my wife, Mrs. Walton.

- How do you do? - How do you do?

- My son, Jason. - Glad to meet you.

- Furlough? - Three-day pass.

Come in. We have a lot to talk about.

Thank you.

Can I get you anything? Some coffee or something?

No, thanks. I'd like to get right to business.

- Have a seat, Mr. Henshaw. - Thank you.

We found out your son was missing

'when we tried to contact him about his manuscript.'

Do you know our John-Boy?

I'm in the business department.

I've never met him, but I feel like I know him

through his writing.

- Tell us about the book. - It's calledG.I. Journal.

His impressions and observations of the war.

Talks with pilots, GIs in foxholes and in tanks.

It's powerful stuff and very marketable right now.

We knew John-Boy had been keeping a journal

we didn't know he had enough material for a book.

The manuscript has a flavor all its own.

- Do you have it with you? - No, but we'll get you a copy.

(John) 'What do you want from us?'

I have a letter here from your son

and, uh...I'd like you to read it.

As you can see

he was hoping that our firm would be the publisher.

We sent him a contract.

The unopened envelope came back stamped,"Missing In Action."

You can't publish it?

Our attorneys feel that you and Mrs. Walton

can sign for him.

- Sign for it? - 'As next of kin.'

Next of kin?

You're making it sound like John-Boy's dead.

Sorry, Mrs. Walton, I didn't intend that at all.

- What did you intend? - Nothing, honestly.

We just want to get the book out as soon as possible.

Mama, John-Boy wouldn't have sent them his book

unless he wanted them to publish it.

Jason, will you stay out of this, please?

(John) 'This has come on us kinda sudden.'

We're gonna have to have a little time to talk this over.

There's nothing to talk over.

I'm not signing anything

as though John-Boy's not coming back to do it for himself.

I didn't intend to upset anybody, please believe that.

Your son has written a fine book

and we're anxious to get it into print.

Forgive me if I've acted too hastily.

She's been through a lot lately, Mr. Henshaw. We all have.

Right, uh, alright if I get in touch with you later

in case you've changed your mind?

- Just give us a little time. - Alright.

[dramatic music]

Bye.

[instrumental music]

Just thought I'd drop by for these fabulous pickles.

How'd you know they're fabulous?

I read John Walton Jr.'s book, Walton's Mountain.

Ooh, he described this store to a T, didn't he?

He sure did. The place and the proprietor.

And how did he describe the proprietor's wife?

To a T.

You know, uh, John-Boy is missing in action now.

Yes. I'm with the company that published his first book.

Came down here to talk to his parents

about a new one we wanna publish.

- Still a nickel? - A nickel a pickle.

Oh, uh, just a minute.

It-it just, it just so happens that I've got a photograph

of John-Boy and I standing out in front of the store.

It'll be marvelous to use as an illustration in your book.

There aren't going to be any illustrations.

You could use it on the cover. All the books have it now.

I hardy feel that a picture of you in your shirt sleeves

with John Walton Jr. at the age of 12 would be appropriate.

Sir, I myself am an authoress, a poetess.

Perhaps you would like to glance at some of my verse?

I wish I had the time, but I'm very busy.

"Hark, now that spring is here, oh, what lovely sounds we hear.

"'Whispering breezes, babbling brooks'

birds singing in secret nooks. Bees are buzzing--"

I'm terribly sorry. But I do have to leave now.

Well, perhaps you would like to take some of my verse with you?

- We don't publish poetry. - 'Ah, but you should.'

Remember, in the words of the immortal Shelley

"Poetry is a record of the best and happiest moments."

Excuse me, I have an appointment. I'll be late.

[bell ringing]

Too bad he didn't publish poetry, Corabeth.

This could've been your big chance.

Oh, well, I doubt that I'll go with him anyway.

I would be interested in an older

and more distinguished publishing firm.

Yeah.

[water gushing]

Remember that summer we went camping up on the mountain?

Just the two of us?

As I recall, it was our anniversary.

One month.

I caught a beauty of a fish and you cooked it.

- It was a wonderful day. - It was a wonderful night too.

I laid awake for a long time after you went to sleep.

Looking up at the stars and thinking..

...there's some kind of miracle happening inside of me.

Liv.

There's no way you could've known that.

I know I couldn't have known it, but I did.

With you next to me breathing so slow and deep

and the sky talking down at me. I knew.

Now you're gonna tell me you knew it was a boy too.

You wouldn't believe me if I did.

So many memories.

All those years watching him grow.

Going out on his own..

...and becoming somebody we not only loved, but were proud of.

[melancholic music]

Now I'm talking about him as if he's part of the past

and I don't wanna do that.

Oh, honey.

[sighs]

It's so hard not knowing.

Not being able to do anything about it.

Signing or not signing that contract

won't change what's happened to him, will it?

No. We ought to think about it, Liv.

[music continues]

Mufflers take so long. I should've done socks instead.

Try knitting a sweater sometime.

Baby blankets are hard too.

You're doing fine, Serena. You're all doing good.

Still trading sweaters for kisses, Elizabeth?

Do you think I should embroider my name

and address on the muffler?

So Philip remembers who knit it for him?

And writes me all during the war.

Maybe when he gets back, we'll fall in love and get married.

I've been looking all over for Reckless. Has anybody seen her?

She probably just strayed off. She'll be back.

- Reckless is missing. - Well, here she is.

Hey, Reckless, I'm sure glad to see you.

I had to go to Rockfish and she wanted a ride.

- Is she feeling better? - She chased a squirrel.

[Reckless whimpering]

Why'd she cry?

Uh, you must've touched a sore muscle.

I took her to the vet. He says there's nothing he can do.

He says we oughta put her to sleep. Says she's suffering.

She can't be. She's not that old.

We've had her for seven years

we don't know how old she was when we got her.

You wouldn't let the vet put her to sleep, would you?

(Mary Ellen) 'We may have to.'

Well, any sickness can be treated.

If she's in pain then treatment would only drag it out.

(Mary Ellen) 'You wouldn't want her to suffer, would you?'

You shouldn't have told Jeff she was better.

I didn't have the heart to tell him the truth.

You're not doing the boy any favors by giving him false hope.

'Someone has to tell him.'

[melancholic music]

(Mary Ellen) 'When a dog's suffering and having no fun'

'it just doesn't wanna go on.'

But maybe she can start having fun again.

We'll watch for a few days and hope for the best.

(Mary Ellen) 'Sick dogs are like sick people.'

Sometimes they get better when doctors think they can't.

- Do you think Reckless will? - I don't know, Serena.

You said you could tell by looking at her eyes.

Jeff.

Being a father is not as easy as I thought it would be.

Whatcha doing?

I'm rereading this letter

from the adjutant general's office.

"Dear Mr. and Mrs. Walton.

"The personal effects of an individual missing overseas

"are held by his unit for a period of time

"and are then turned over

"to the effects quartermaster for disposition

as designated by the soldier."

It's all so cut and dried. Personal effects, disposition.

Honey, getting his effects isn't gonna make any difference.

It'll mean the army's given up on him.

They do that in every unit.

They keep the belongings for a set period of time.

I'll tell you what.

Let's call the Red Cross right now.

Miss Fisk, would you come in here a moment please?

(Miss Fisk on intercom) 'Yes, Mrs. Denman.'

[phone ringing]

Red Cross, Mrs. Denman.

Yes, this is John Walton. I'm here with my wife.

We just wondered if you'd heard anything yet.

Mr. Walton, your boy was a reporter

for Stars And Stripes, is that correct?

That's right.

'I'm sorry, but we've had no word.'

'We're still waiting for a reply to our cable.'

(John) 'You haven't heard anything at all?'

Here, let me talk to her.

Mrs. Denman, this is Olivia Walton.

Isn't there something we can do?

Uh, make phone calls, write letters, something?

You can help by waiting for us to notify you.

Trust us, we're doing everything we can.

Thank you.

They're doing everything they can.

We're doing everything we can

and nobody's doing anything at all.

I guess these things just take time.

You're beginning to sound like Mrs. Denman.

Liv, I'm just telling you how it is.

We have to find a way to go on living.

I'm getting tired of you trying to calm me down.

Now, look, Liv--

Seems like your answer to everything is to hug me

and tell me that everything is gonna be just dandy.

- Liv, listen to me-- - I don't wanna listen to you!

I'm sick of it.

I'm sick of listening to you and Rose and Mrs. Denman

and everybody else, I'm sick of it!

Don't you think I care? He's my son too!

[sighs]

Will you listen to us?

I'm sorry, John.

I love you.

Honey, we keep this up, we'll both be out of our minds.

Now, listen, we'll keep after Mrs. Denman.

We'll go to Richmond twice a week if we have to.

Time for bed, Jeff.

I think I'll stay here and sleep.

Can I get you a blanket or something?

Nah. Reckless seems to be okay.

I don't think so.

Did she have any of her supper?

Just a piece of chocolate fudge cake.

Don't give her any more of that, okay?

Why not?

That stuff is a little rich for a sick dog.

You told me she'd be well when I got home from school.

That just shows how much you know about dogs.

'So why should I listen to what you say?'

Jeffrey, I really thought she'd get well.

Then why did you take her to the vet?

Because she got worse during the day.

'I kept an eye on her'

''cause I knew you were worried about her.'

You're keeping her awake, she needs to sleep.

Goodnight, Jeff.

[Reckless panting]

Don't worry, Reckless.

They're not going to put you to sleep.

I know a nice, cool cave where you can rest

and I can visit you every day.

Until you're better enough to even chase rabbits.

I was out this way and I dropped by to apologize for any offense

I may have caused you the other day. Thank you.

I'm often told that I'm too enthusiastic.

Sometimes it gets me into trouble.

But I certainly didn't mean to hurt anyone's feelings.

I'm sure you meant well, Mr. Henshaw.

I guess you came by to see if we've changed our minds?

Well, I'd be lying if I tried to deny that.

(John) 'Mr. Henshaw, we've been talking about this and..'

...we feel it's what John-Boy wants.

Well, good. Sign for him then.

Now, here's the contract.

It's a standard contract, much like the one he signed

when we published, Walton's Mountain.

- What do you think, Liv? - There's nothing to it.

It just authorizes us to go ahead with publication.

We take care of all details, rights, promotion, distribution.

What do you mean by promotion?

'You see, this project has tremendous possibilities'

magazine rights, radio spots, personal interviews.

After all, we're dealing with an author who's missing in action.

(Henshaw) 'He may even have given his life for his country.'

'It's a very dramatic situation.'

Yes, it is.

Are you planning to use the fact

that our son is missing in action to sell books?

Exactly.

'We're thinking of getting Life or Look Magazine'

'to do a pictorial on your family.'

'Your, uh, sacrifice for the war effort.'

Oh, I assure you our company doesn't go in

for...tasteless exploitation.

Sounds to me like what you're talking about

is tasteless exploitation.

Well, there's no harm in promoting a good book.

Look, let me tell you how our business works--

(John) 'We don't care about your business, Mr. Henshaw.'

I don't think I wanna sign this, John.

(John) 'We're not gonna sign this thing.'

That's final, so no use dragging this out.

I'm sorry.

[dramatic music]

[rooster crowing]

[instrumental music]

[birds chirping]

[rooster crowing]

[cow mooing]

Attagirl, Reckless.

And no barking or we're sunk.

[rooster crowing]

[music continues]

We're almost there, Reckless.

Yeah, I know you're tired.

I'll tell you what.

When we get to the cave

you can sleep for the rest of the day.

You're gonna be fine, girl.

Pretty soon you're gonna be well enough to come home.

You're feeling better already.

You like it out here in the woods, don't you?

[leaves rustling]

Hey, a rabbit.

[Reckless barking]

Reckless, slow down, girl.

You'll knock yourself out.

Stay, girl, stay.

Reckless, wait for me.

[barking continues]

Reckless, where are you?

Hey, Ike.

Oh, the ladies' hearts must flutter

as they watch that handsome sergeant come waltzing by.

I've gotta beat 'em off with a stick alright.

[Ike laughing]

Ike, I'm looking for something for Mary Ellen.

She's going up on the mountain pretty soon.

Thought I'd get her a little present.

There's something else you can take along.

- A package came in a while ago. - For Mary Ellen?

No, it's for your mother and father. First class, registered.

Got eight bucks worth of postage on here.

Really looks like it must be important.

Got a little beat up, didn't it?

Yeah, the return address got torn off.

- I wonder where it's from. - I haven't the foggiest.

Well, maybe I better wait for your daddy to come by, huh?

Oh, I think I better take it, Ike.

He's not gonna be home until late.

Here's a dollar for the compact.

What do you think it is?

You think it might be, uh

John-Boy's personal effects?

The compact was 89 cents, Ike. I'd like my change.

[birds chirping]

(Mary Ellen) 'Jeffrey, where have you been?'

'Your grandmother's been calling everywhere for you.'

I was out in the woods with Reckless. She got lost.

I figured you were out with her.

Don't worry, Jeff. I'm sure she'll be back.

- How far from home were you? - Real far.

Let's go. I'll help you find her.

Cindy, will you look after John Curtis?

He's upstairs napping.

[dramatic music]

- Reckless. - Reckless.

Reckless.

Reckless.

Jeff, you stay with me or you'll get lost.

Reckless.

Reckless.

Reckless.

Reckless.

Reckless.

Reckless.

(Ben) 'Reckless. Reckless.'

(Jeff) 'Reckless.'

I found her, over here!

[instrumental music]

Reckless.

I was afraid we'd never find you.

But you had fun, didn't you?

[music continues]

I'm afraid we're not gonna have to put her to sleep, Jeff.

(Mary Ellen) 'She's dead.'

It's my fault.

I shouldn't have brought her out into the woods.

If she didn't wanna go, you couldn't have made her budge.

If it wasn't for me, she'd still be alive.

It's my fault.

I killed her.

[melancholic music]

Jeff...you shouldn't blame yourself.

A dog usually knows when it's gonna die.

So it goes off all by himself.

It dies alone.

Did you know that about dogs?

I never had one before her.

Reckless hasn't been having any fun lately

she's been in a lot of pain.

But you saw her today chasing a rabbit, didn't you?

That's what you wanna remember about Reckless.

She died a happy dog.

[music continues]

Thank you.

[instrumental music]

- Mrs. Denman? - Mr. and Mrs. Walton, isn't it?

Yes, we were in town doing business

we thought we'd drop by and see if you'd heard anything.

Oh, please sit down.

I've been trying to reach you all day.

I have some news.

(Mrs. Denman) 'Early this month, your son returned to London from Sicily.'

And on the seventh, he went along as an observer

on a bombing mission.

His plane didn't come back.

Do you have any idea what happened?

Well, it isn't official, but we learned from Stars And Stripes

that it was hit by anti-aircraft fire

'and went down over occupied Belgium.'

'Nobody knows whether the plane crashed'

'or made a forced landing.'

Is that all you know?

For now.

'But they're still checking hospitals'

'and prisoner war camps'

and as soon as we hear anything definite

we'll let you know immediately.

[dramatic music]

I wish you knew our John-Boy.

You don't know what it's like, do you?

Mrs. Walton... I got one of those

War Department telegrams last year.

My son went down on the Hornet.

His body was never found.

I'm so sorry.

He hasn't left us, has he?

No, Liv, he hasn't left us.

Whatever happened to the airplane, he hasn't left us.

[instrumental music]

[car door closes]

- We thought you'd be in bed. - We couldn't get to sleep.

(Mary Ellen) 'We were hoping you'd have some news.'

I do. But sit down.

It's been an awful hard day.

With worrying about John-Boy and having to bury Reckless

that sweet old dog.

Is Jeffrey alright?

He's alright now. They're sound asleep.

Jim-Bob gave a sermon and we all said a prayer for John-Boy.

We have some news.

John-Boy was on an assignment for Stars And Stripes

and his, uh...plane went down over Belgium.

Oh, my God.

- Is he dead? - No.

We don't know.

(John) 'We're not gonna give up hope.'

Daddy.

[music continues]

It's a letter from Henshaw.

"G.I. Journal by John Walton Jr."

There's some other stuff in here too.

- Chapter 11. - It's Chapter 12.

He wrote that his typewriter got smashed in Tunisia, remember?

He said he ran out of paper.

"Some of the bomber crews in Sicily

"had been on as many as 30 missions without a rest period.

"Though they were full of laughter

"and bantering good nature

"they knew that the law of averages was against them

"and they worried about it.

"The only clue to this was that they talked more

"about the folks back home.

"Childhood memories, anecdotes about families and friends.

"That's the way it is when you're secretly afraid

"your number is up... as I know from experience.

"Your thoughts go back to the past..

"...and to the people you love.

"Something I've been secretly afraid of for a long time

"finally came to pass.

"I was asked if I wanted to go along on a bombing run

and with a crew that had flown 27 consecutive missions."

Couldn't this be the mission that he didn't get back from?

No, honey. This was in Sicily.

His plane went down over Belgium.

Go on, daddy.

(John) '"I had seen many formations of bombers from the ground'

'"and tried to imagine what it would be like'

'"to be in one of the planes.'

'"I found out when I flew with them as an observer.'

'"We ran into a hailstorm of flak.'

'"Then came the fighters.'

'"This couldn't be happening.'

'"It was all like a bad dream.'

[dramatic music]

'"Memories of what I'd seen in the war'

'"began to rush through my mind.'

'"The Battle of Britain.'

'"The faces of the people in London.'

'"I saw again the GIs I had traveled with in Tunisia'

'"and in Sicily.'

'"And in all the faces that flashed before me'

'"there was that look of determination'

'"that will not let us give up until the war is over'

'and victory is ours."'

[melancholic music]

I think we should share this, Liv.

I think we have to.

(John-Boy) The book was published and brought comfort

to many who wanted an honest report

on their loved ones overseas.

And those were the people for whom

G.I. Journal was written.

(Mary Ellen) 'Has anybody seen John Curtis? He's not in his bed.'

(Ben) 'He was in here a while ago'

'I thought he went back into your room.'

- 'How could you lose him?' - 'I was brushing my teeth.'

(Mary Ellen) 'John Curtis. Everybody check around.'

'I'll look downstairs.'

[piano music]

'Oh Lord, another musician in the family.'

'Come on, John Curtis. Time for bed.'

(all) 'Goodnight, John Curtis.'

[theme music]

[music continues]