Original subtitles

In today's troubled world, it isn't unusual to hear...

that a member of a family has packed up and left...

gone off on his own, feeling rejected and misunderstood.

When I was growing up on Walton's Mountain...

it never occurred to us...

that such a thing could happen in our family...

and yet, it did.

See you tomorrow. We'll beat the pants off you this time.

Fat chance. Johnny's pitching.

-Just wait. You'll see. -Yeah.

Hey, come on, everybody. Let's go!

We're coming.

Okay, now remember, he needs lettuce to eat, and water.

Don't forget the water, 'cause it's real important.

-And you gotta talk to him. -I know.

You're not the only one who knows.

Took care of him when Miss Hunter was away.

If anything happens to him, boy, will you be sorry.

I'm telling you, Ben, there's a white deer up on the mountain.

Grandpa told me.

-You believe everything he says? -Of course.

Jason, come on, you gotta admit, he stretches the truth a lot.

-Well, maybe-- -About that much.

-Every time he tells a story. -Like that fish he caught!

-The dog that stopped a train? -The catfish with long whiskers?

Come on, Jim-Bob! Step on it!

Elizabeth, put your sweater on. You're gonna catch a chill.

I'm hot.

It's not hot, it's cold. Now stop coughing.

I can't. I don't feel well. Carry me.

Oh, come on, you're just being a baby.

I feel funny and I'm tired.

You're the mother hen now. You carry her.

What's that supposed to mean?

Well, it used to be John-Boy. Now you're the lucky one.

Hold my books.

Come on, honey. Pick up your sweater.

We'll be home in a minute.

I'm gonna make you feel better, alright?

Keep away from me and Porthos, Elizabeth.

I don't want him to catch your disease.

You know, Porthos is just a dumb guinea pig.

You're just jealous 'cause I get to keep him.

I am not. Who cares about him, anyway?

He's the little kids' mascot, not ours.

Don't worry, Porthos. You're gonna have a swell time.

One, please.

May I see your student ID card?

I'm not a student. I work in the university bookstore.

The lecture is only open to Boatwright students.

I'm sorry.

I was a student last semester.

I'm coming back in the spring.

I've read everything Bennett Holmby ever wrote.

He's my favorite author.

I'll pay for one.

The tickets are only available...

to currently registered students.

Could a registered student get more than one ticket?

Yep. Two to a customer.

Would you take me to the lecture? Please?

Yeah. Sure, of course.

Two, please.

Yes, I am a student.

Okay. Thank you very much.

I hope you two will be very happy together.

Thanks.

You don't have to sit with me.

The seats aren't assigned or anything.

You could sit wherever you wanted to. Here.

Well, unless you don't want to sit with me, you keep it.

-Okay. -See you here at 12:00 tomorrow.

-Sounds fine to me. -Okay.

This is my car right here. I'm just going home.

I'll drop you home, if you'd like. Where you going?

Thank you. I live at Mrs. Ward's Boarding House.

-Alright, where's that? -At the end of Beaumont.

-Hi. -Better not come too close.

Why not? I just want to see how you are.

Porthos might catch my disease.

I was only kidding this afternoon.

He's nice and I like him a lot, but you're my sister.

I know.

I just didn't want you to think I like Porthos more than you.

Okay.

Lots of people like you, but all Porthos has is me.

You'd figure coming to a new place with everyone around...

he'd be real nervous.

How can you tell when he's nervous?

He jumps around and squeals.

I'd like to see that. Make him nervous.

I'd rather not.

If he gets too nervous, he might have a heart attack.

That would be awful.

Did you ever look at him close up?

Ears are real interesting.

I better wait till I feel better.

I'm glad you understand.

Ben and Jason don't even try to be nice to him.

Maybe that's because they're not small anymore.

Probably.

It must feel funny, being real small.

Hardly anyone even notices you.

It does.

If you feel better tomorrow, you can take a good look at him.

Okay.

Better stay in bed and rest.

I'll come and see you tomorrow.

Well, how'd you get interested in Bennett Holmby to begin with?

I've been reading his books since I was a child.

He writes about travel and foreign places

better than anyone.

True. Did you read his book about the Greek islands?

It's my favorite one.

You can almost smell those olive trees and feel the sun.

It's wonderful.

Did you used to go to Boatwright, or what?

Yeah, I had to drop out temporarily.

I'm working in the university bookstore.

I'm trying to save enough money to go to school again.

Yeah. Everybody's trying to save up money these days.

Yeah.

I'll get it. I'll get it.

I'm sorry, this door's a little embarrassing.

You do have the best manners.

Well, what's so funny about that?

It's not that.

It's....

Well, here we are.

-You just drove me home. -Yeah.

And we're going to the lecture tomorrow.

I'm sorry! My name is John Walton.

-Amy Partridge. -How do you do?

Partridge? What kinda name? She have feathers or something?

It's a name like any other name, I wasn't speaking to you, Ben.

Amy Partridge is a nice name.

There's a nice old-fashioned ring to it.

When are you bringing her home so we can meet her?

I'm not bringing her! I don't know her.

-You don't have to be so growly. -I just said I met a girl.

-Suddenly, it's a federal case. -That's right.

She sounds like a mighty forward girl to me.

Imagine asking a strange man, straight out,

to take you to a lecture.

The squeaky wheel gets the grease.

You want anything in this world, you gotta ask.

Jason! Hey, don't gobble up all those strawberries.

-Hand them over. -Mama, I'm lonesome.

I'll be right there.

Livie, the best thing I know of for Elizabeth's cough

is a little honey and whiskey.

I will resort to that, Grandpa, only if I have to.

Mama.

Daddy, can Jason and I be excused?

"May Jason and I be excused?"

We want to practice before it gets too dark.

We're playing against Johnny Purvis' team tomorrow.

I'm gonna need you around here tomorrow.

-The whole day? -You've got extra chores to do.

We got an extra-big order for a new customer. Mr. Elwood Dobbs.

He's a builder and he'd be gold to us...

if we get that order done in good time.

-Daddy, this game-- -Get up early, do your chores.

You might still have time for that game.

If you wanna go out and pitch a few, go ahead, I'll join later.

Thank you, Daddy.

I'm gonna take my strawberries with me.

You still got that thing in your overalls?

He's not a thing, he's a guinea pig.

-Good Lord. -Well, now.

-He's nice, Grandma. Look. -I see him.

-He could be covered with germs. -Jim-Bob, get him out of here.

Since when do we have animals at the dinner table?

He's lonely. He's used to lots of company at school.

He's their class mascot, Daddy.

Personally, I think he's revolting.

Porthos thinks you are, too.

Porthos, eh? Where are the other two musketeers?

Or should we call them guinea pigateers?

Athos and Aramis? They dropped dead.

Miss Hunter pronounces it "Arami." Without the "S."

-I can't say it that way. -How come they dropped dead?

No one watched over them during vacation.

Porthos will be alright, 'cause I'm taking care of him.

What is that?

It's just Porthos, Mama. He's our mascot.

Looks like a guinea pig to me.

John-Boy, can me and Porthos sleep in your room tonight?

-Where am I gonna sleep? -We'll sleep on the floor.

Don't want him near Ben and Jason. They're mean to him.

No, no.

-I thought you'd understand. -I do. No.

Well, why not?

Gotta do lot of reading tomorrow before this Holmby lecture.

Holmby. I wish I could be at that lecture with you, John-Boy.

I remember I wanted to be an explorer myself...

when I first read about all those goings-on in Tibet.

Tibet. You and your heathen notions. Stop it.

Well, I'll tell you all about it tomorrow, Grandpa. Goodnight.

Sorry, Jim-Bob.

Will you get that thing out of the kitchen?

I'd like to have my coffee in peace.

I think I'll go pitch a few with Ben and Jason.

That's a great idea.

With all that timber I gotta get out tomorrow...

my old bones are telling me I'm going to bed.

First sensible thing you've said tonight.

Coming up with me, honey?

Goodnight!

-Hey! Leave us alone! -You two make a lovely couple.

A four-footed pig and a two-footed one.

Guys, cut that out before I crown you.

Come on, cut that out, Jim-Bob.

How's anyone supposed to do any work around here? Shut up.

Please.

Are you gonna kiss him goodnight?

You're jealous 'cause he likes me best.

I don't want him to like me.

I don't even want him in the same room.

Me, neither. Let's put them both in the barn with Chance.

-Come on. Here we go. -Daddy! Mama!

-You'll spend the night there. -Daddy! Help! Mama!

Alright now. Get in bed and settle down.

-Where's that animal sleeping? -Right here, with me.

No, I want you to put him in something...

so he doesn't go traipsing through the house.

-But, Mama.... -Jim-Bob, do as I say.

-Alright. -Get in bed.

You got a tough day tomorrow. Goodnight.

-Goodnight. -Goodnight.

Poor Porthos. Probably won't sleep a wink.

He'll just be crying all night.

-Sleep well. -Goodnight, Porthos.

Sweet dreams, Porthos.

Goodnight, you skunks!

Come on, John-Boy.

Rise and shine, you boys.

Rise and shine, there's chores to be done.

I'll rise, but I sure won't shine.

Girls, now you get a move on.

Morning, Porthos.

It's not "Good morning, Porthos," it's "Goodbye."

What's that supposed to mean?

Looks like old Porthos has flew the coop.

Porthos?

-Morning. -Morning, Mama.

Mary Ellen, you better make your bed.

And then both of you feed the chickens.

-Okay. -How are you feeling?

Not too good, huh?

Let's see how your temperature is today.

Porthos?

Hey, Porthos.

Porthos?

What are you doing sitting in the middle of the floor?

-Porthos is-- -Porthos, Porthos.

That's all you've been talking about.

We've got stuff to do for Daddy.

-Porthos is-- -Never mind, Jim-Bob.

You gonna sit there all day? Come on!

Hurry up!

What's the matter with you?

Look like you've been shot through an orchard...

and hit every tree.

Porthos is dead.

Well, how'd that happen?

It's my fault.

I'm really sorry about that, Jim-Bob.

Listen, let's talk about it, alright?

But I'm late for school. I have to run.

I'm really sorry about that.

You're really feeling awful, aren't you? Come on.

We're gonna give you a little steam here, see if it helps.

Let me fix this pillow for you. There you go.

Don't be scared. Leaned over and breathe in some of this steam.

It'll loosen up that cough a little.

That's a girl. Take deep breaths.

Mama?

Jim-Bob, go on downstairs and get your breakfast, honey.

It's about Porthos.

Don't bring that animal to the table.

-Come on, now breathe deep. -But, Mama....

Don't wiggle that. It's gonna spill, sweetie, and it's hot.

Jim-Bob, go on downstairs!

Just breathe deep.

You alright?

That's a girl. Take a deep breath.

That's it, you've got it!

Good.

Daddy!

Daddy!

Jim-Bob, don't ever touch me when I'm running the saw!

I could have a bad accident.

Son, that's nothing to cry about. Now run along.

I gotta finish this order for Mr. Dobbs.

Morning, Jim-Bob.

No, I can't go fishing with you today.

Best thing to do is just clear out and keep out of the way.

Run along, son!

How's your little beast enjoying his vacation?

Well, I hope he decided to spend it somewhere else.

Sorry, Porthos.

Watch it. Watch it.

And I think that'll do.

I might have to come back for the other load after dinner.

-Can you have it ready by 3:00? -Yes, siree.

Better make it about 4:00. Still got a heap of lumber to cut.

Okay. See you then.

-Alright. -So long.

I think I could do with another cup of coffee.

-You'd better keep going, Pa. -We deserve a break.

There's nothing like having two breakfasts.

Just like the old days, huh?

How much is the gas?

Eighteen cents a gallon.

Eighteen cents a gallon. That's highway robbery.

Well, it's the same price as you pay anywhere, mister.

I'm not blaming you. Let me have a dollar's worth.

Just this country's going to the dogs.

Eighteen cents. You'd think people were made of money.

Hey, there, Jim-Bob.

We got some mail for your mama. A package from Sears Roebuck.

You talking to me?

No, just saying hey to a neighbor child that went by.

There you go.

Okay. You come back, now.

Thank you.

Can I get a ride, mister?

Sure, hop in.

Esther, I could do with a couple more of your lovely flapjacks.

You'd do better without a couple more of my lovely flapjacks.

Look at that stomach. Bet you can't even see your own feet.

Pa, we'd better get back.

John, would you go up and see Elizabeth?

She's really feeling poorly.

Sure, honey.

Daddy, look! It's a note from Jim-Bob.

He's run away and he says he's never coming back.

"I'm running away forever.

"Everyone's too busy to care that Porthos is dead.

"So don't waste time looking for me.

"Love, one of your children, Jim-Bob Walton."

Jim-Bob? He wouldn't run away. Not that boy.

He's probably off crying behind some tree.

No, Grandma. His aviator cap and goggles are gone.

Came up to me this morning and I put him off.

-I did, too. -Yeah.

Let's look for him.

I'll bet I know where that boy is.

Nowhere they think.

I don't understand your folks, letting you out this far alone.

I was supposed to take a bus, but I missed it.

Well, if you was mine, you wouldn't be out wandering.

I'm not wandering. I'm going to town to see my uncle.

He's real sick and he was asking for me.

Well, we'll be there. No time flat.

The sooner, the better. He may not last.

-He's nowhere out back. -I looked all around here, too.

Hope he turns up soon. I gotta get that lumber cut.

-I know. -This Dobbs is a good customer.

I lose him, I'm gonna lose a lot.

Right now, I'm concerned about Jim-Bob.

Such a little man.

Thinks he can take care of himself.

Wonder how that animal died.

I don't know.

I hope Jason didn't step on him or something.

I've just been standing here, thinking about those....

Those moments that go by.

It's nobody's fault, but...

I sure wish we could have him back again.

Honey, kids have been running away ever since time began.

Pretty soon Elizabeth's gonna be running away.

Lord help us when that happens.

Just don't you ever run away, huh?

Don't count on it.

-Daddy. -Here they are.

-Any sign of him? -We can't find him.

Daddy, we looked all over.

He's not over at Chester Pruitt's.

He's not over at the pond, either...

and Charlie Prescott says he hasn't been there all day.

I think we ought to call Sheriff Bridges.

-I'll go to Ike's and do that. -We'll look around some more.

We've looked about everywhere there is to look.

-Oh, for heaven's-- -Elizabeth.

Honey, you've got to get back to bed. You're running a fever.

I can find Jim-Bob. I know all his places.

We looked everywhere you told us he might be.

He said he's not coming home. I heard you.

He'll be back. Don't you fret.

Come on up to bed so you'll be all well when he gets home.

-Afternoon, John. -Ike.

-Have you seen Jim-Bob? -He wandered by sometime ago.

I hollered at him, but he kept right on going.

-Which way was he headed? -Toward town.

He left us a note saying he was running away from home.

I bet he'll be home right about suppertime.

Probably.

-I wanna call Sheriff Bridges. -Sure. John, here's a thought.

There was a guy here a while ago filling up gas

with a load of lumber. Looked like he came from your place.

Elwood Dobbs. What about him?

Well...

he would have had to have passed Jim-Bob on the way to town.

Yeah, he's headed for Westham, too.

Maybe it's not Sheriff Bridges I need, after all.

If they're headed for Westham, John-Boy can help.

Excuse me, ma'am. I'm John Walton.

I was told that there was an emergency. Thank you.

Hello, who's this? Hello, Daddy? What's wrong?

Run away?

Alright.

Oh. Yeah, okay. Sure.

Yeah, as soon as I can. Elwood Dobbs.

Right. Alright, I'll call you in an hour.

Okay, bye.

Excuse me, ma'am, may I use this phone again?

This is a business phone.

We cannot permit personal calls to be made.

But this is an emergency.

You see, I have to meet a girl.

I have to meet a girl for the Bennett Holmby lecture...

and I'm not sure that I'll be able to get there, so....

I'm sorry, Mr. Walton... but it's an ironclad rule.

Yes, ma'am.

Excuse me, excuse me. Excuse me.

Can you give this to a girl? If I'm not here.

If I'm here, I'll be here, but if I'm not here...

there'll be a girl coming to meet me before the lecture.

And would you please tell her, if I'm not here...

I had an emergency and couldn't make it, and I'm sorry.

Please. Thank you.

Oh, excuse me, her name is Amy Partridge.

-Amy Partridge. -Amy Partridge.

She's blond and she comes up to about here.

I'll try, but if I can't, give her that. Thank you.

Well, that's the end of the line. Westham.

Westham!

Well, come on. You're just wasting time sitting there.

I thought we were going to Charlottesville.

You said you wanted the first town down the road. This is it.

That's okay, thanks.

Excuse me, sir, are you Mr. Dobbs?

-Yeah. What's it to you? -Well, I'm John Walton's son.

Your father send you to say he couldn't finish the order?

No, no, nothing like that.

Mr. Dobbs, when you were driving away from our place...

did you pass a little feller on the road?

Blond, comes up to about here on me.

Probably wearing an aviator's cap.

-Yeah, I gave him a lift. -You did?

-Where'd you drop him off? -Right here.

Just a couple of minutes ago. Is he in some kind of trouble?

No. No, he....

He's run away from home.

Why, I should have guessed it.

He gave me some long-winded tale about a sick relative.

Oh, Lord.

Well, where did he go?

He took off across the street there somewhere.

Okay, thank you very much.

If you see him again, would you hold onto him?

Even if you have to hog-tie him.

-Sure. -Thank you very much.

Here comes John.

-Any news, Son? -Yeah.

-Did you find Jim-Bob? -I think we're on the trail.

You still haven't found him.

Ike thinks that Dobbs gave him a lift, he was headed for Westham.

I took a chance and called John-Boy.

You don't know for sure if he's there.

John-Boy's talking to Dobbs now. He'll call back in an hour.

-You still called the Sheriff? -Yeah, I did.

He said to let him know what John-Boy said, meantime...

he's out looking.

That poor child.

I just know that he's wishing he were here right now.

How's that machine work?

Is that what you come here to ask?

-No. -Well, what is it then?

-I wanna buy a ticket. -Okay. Where to?

Do you have any for Japan?

What state's it in?

I forget, but it's where all the Japanese live.

You mean Japan, Asia?

Son, you can't get there from here without getting on a boat.

How about Washington, DC? Can you get there from here?

You're not too definite about where you're going, are you?

You live around here?

Yeah. I'd better be getting home for supper.

Where is that child?

Oh, well.

There goes the lecture, and there goes the date.

Are you Amy Partridge, by any chance?

How did you know?

A guy came running in here about an hour ago...

and said to give this to a girl named Amy Partridge...

who'd be waiting here.

Yeah.

Did he say anything else?

He said he wouldn't be able to make it.

Yeah. Well, thank you.

Now, I want all this food finished up.

Starving yourself isn't gonna help anything. Come on. Eat up.

I could do with another sandwich.

You're the one that could do with a little starving.

Esther, we've got to keep our strength up.

Strength?

I should think you'd get weak just carrying that around.

I guess we should've been nicer to Jim-Bob.

I mean, he's not that bad.

-Did you hear from John-Boy? -John-Boy called.

Jim-Bob's in Westham, he's out looking for him.

-Have you talked to the Sheriff? -The Sheriff's out driving.

John-Boy thinks he can find him.

There's only so many places a boy with no money can hide.

We're going to Westham. John-Boy will meet us at the college.

-Can I go? -No, no.

Somebody has to stay and take care of Elizabeth.

-Dobbs is coming by at 4:00. -You go right ahead.

The boys and I have already cut the lumber...

and I'll help Dobbs load it.

Did Elizabeth have any lunch?

She said she wouldn't eat until Jim-Bob gets home.

-I'd take something up to her. -I'll take care of Elizabeth.

-And I'll take care of you. -Alright, then. Come on.

-Let's go. -Let's go!

Okay, help yourself.

Excuse me, are you lost?

Come on. You've got some people worried about you, son.

Come on, get out of the barrel.

-Go away and leave me alone. -Come on, get out. Out.

You're not the boss of me. I'm taking care of myself.

What will you do? Spend entire life standing in the trash?

I'm running away. I'm gonna join the Army Air Corps...

they'll teach me to drive an airplane and I'll fly far away.

Okay, good. Come on, let's go.

-Where are we going? -Recruiting office.

-What for? -I wouldn't miss this.

Come on, let's go. Out.

Don't run.

Hi, men. Is there something I can help you with?

I wanna join the Army Air Corps and learn to drive an airplane.

Oh, well, sure thing.

That's if you qualify.

How do I do that?

Well, first I have to ask you some questions.

That's right. What's your name?

Jim-Bob Walton.

Well, I need your last name first and first name last.

Walton, Bob-Jim.

Okay. And your home address?

We don't have one.

Walton's Mountain, Virginia.

Okay.

And what is your birth date?

June 13, 1924.

Okay. Height?

Well, I'd say about 60 inches.

How much do you weigh?

Eighty-five pounds ought to do it.

Have you ever been arrested?

No, sir.

Good, good.

Okay. Marital status?

He wants to know if you're married.

No.

Single.

Okay. Now, how much schooling do you have?

I'm in the fifth grade.

Oh, well, you....

You have to have a high school diploma

before you can join the Air Corps.

It takes a good education to learn to fly an airplane.

But I'll tell you what.

You go finish your education, and then come back...

and we'd be more than happy to have you in the Air Corps.

Thanks.

Thank you for you time, Sergeant.

No trouble. That's what I'm here for.

-Still gonna run away. -Well, it's time we had a talk.

I'm not changing my mind.

I spent a lot of time looking for you...

and I missed that lecture.

-Now, you're gonna listen to me. -Then can I go?

There's a hotel down the corner. We'll go there.

-Can I have something to eat? -Maybe.

I've gotta phone Ike's and tell Daddy I found you.

-He's waiting for my call. -They won't let me go.

If you ran away from there...

because you're so all-fired sure that nobody cares about you...

then what makes you think they won't be happy to see you go?

Okay. Let go of my arm.

-You promise not to run away? -Yeah.

Okay, come on.

Jim-Bob!

-That hurts! -Yeah?

You're gonna have something that hurts in a minute. Now walk!

Walk!

Hello, Ike? Ike, this is-- Will you just hold still?

Excuse me, Ike, this is John-Boy.

Look, is my daddy there?

He is?

Yeah, I got him.

-Okay, okay, thank you. -What'd he say?

He said that Daddy is already on his way to the university.

-He must be pretty mad at me. -Yep. I reckon he is.

Come on, we've got some time to kill.

-Can I have some ice cream? -We can have anything...

as long as the total doesn't exceed 25 cents.

-Including the tip. -Your menu, sir.

Thank you.

I want one scoop of strawberry ice cream.

I'd just like a cup of tea.

-Fine. -Thank you.

Okay, now it's my turn to want something.

I want to know what started all this running away foolishness.

'Cause nobody cared. I needed someone to talk to.

Everyone was running around being busy.

No one gave a hoot about Porthos dying.

It's all my fault.

No one thought it was important enough to listen to.

You're absolutely right, Jim-Bob.

I am?

About today, anyway.

I was all wrapped up in going to that lecture...

and seeing that girl, I didn't pay attention.

Daddy was worried about filling that order for Dobbs...

and Mama had to tend to Elizabeth.

You're absolutely right.

We should've been there to listen when you needed us.

Thank you.

So I was right to run away.

Well...

that still does seem like a pretty big move to make.

Maybe it would've been better if you'd just said:

"Please, listen to me. I'm in trouble, I need your help."

I didn't exactly hear you say that.

They should have known.

People don't know everything. We're just people.

We have to be told straight out, or asked straight out.

If you don't tell what's bothering you...

you can't expect to be mad at us...

for not knowing what's bothering you.

I guess you're right.

-That means I can't run away. -Well, that's your decision.

There are few things you'll have to figure on...

if you plan to go through with it.

Like what?

Well, you're gonna have to learn how to sew.

Ben says sewing is sissy.

You'll have to learn anyway. You'll be ripping your clothes.

Mama won't be around to mend them for you.

And you are gonna have to get a job, you know.

And, of course, there's the family.

I mean...

it's not gonna be easy for us to get over your just running away.

And it'll be especially hard for your mama.

You'll have no way of knowing what becomes of us children.

Or Grandma and Grandpa.

I reckon you'll miss us.

Anyway, I hope you'll miss me.

I know I'd miss you.

We could always write to each other.

Yeah, we could...

but somehow, I don't think it would be the same.

It most certainly would not.

I assure you both, it would not.

Do you know us?

Yes, I think I do know you. Both.

Now, you, young man, are feeling put upon...

because attendance wasn't danced upon you...

at the exact second that you needed it.

And you, sir, are perfectly right.

How people should listen to each other.

At all times, if possible.

Now, patience isn't easy for a person your age.

But I'm willing to wager...

that if you hadn't flown off the handle, and had waited a bit...

time would have been made for you.

Now, as for writing letters...

if you'll just look carefully....

Wow!

Wow! Have you been to all those places?

At least twice.

And they are grand.

Each place is a unique experience.

Now, the sights and sounds and smells...

renew my spirit.

But arriving at each one of these places is always

a bit of a disappointment to me.

It wouldn't be for me.

Now, you hear me out, young man.

I feel a sense of disappointment because...

there's never anyone there to talk to...

who cares like a family would.

-Don't you have any family? -Not any longer.

And when I did...

it wasn't the kind of a family that could be...

described in any of the ways...

I just heard you speak of yours.

You have a way with words.

You must know it.

If you don't, take it from me.

I've made my life with words.

And I'm a shrewd assessor of talent.

Consider writing, sir.

I suspect that you have a talent for it.

-He is a writer. -No, no, I'm not a writer.

I plan to be one, though, someday.

He writes nice stories about me and my brothers and sisters.

He's real talented.

Well, that's what I'm talking about.

And your defense of your brother...

who is not in need of any...

leads me to know that I'm right.

Forgo your venture into the world, child.

At least for the present.

The small world that you inhabit...

sounds to me a warmer, richer one...

than most people ever get to know.

Well, good luck with your work, sir.

May I ask your name? I'll look for your books.

John Walton Jr.

Jim-Bob Walton.

Bennett Lawrence Holmby.

I know.

Well, Jim-Bob, did you know that your running away...

has made this one of the best days of my life?

So you want me to keep on running?

That man who was sitting here talking to us...

is the man I was supposed to go hear lecture.

Nothing that he said in that auditorium...

could've been better than what he said to you and me here.

Well, I guess we'd better be going.

Where?

Back to school. Daddy'll be here.

You can either say goodbye, or just go home with him.

I'd like to go home...

but how am I gonna explain to the kids about Porthos?

Did you kill him, or did he just die?

He fell off the dresser, so I guess he killed himself.

If you just tell them that, straight out and honest...

I'm sure they'll listen to you now.

-But they won't have a mascot. -That's a whole other problem.

Excuse me, ma'am? Could we have the check, please?

There's no charge.

The old gentleman said to tell you it was on him.

Bennett Holmby bought me a cup of tea.

But my ice cream cost more.

Yeah, it did. Come on, let's go.

John, are you sure this is the best place to wait?

It's where he parks his car. He's bound to show up here.

Hey, Daddy!

-Jim-Bob! -Jim-Bob!

-How are you? -You had us worried to death.

Am I gonna get a spanking?

As much as you deserve it, I'm gonna let you off this time.

I'm letting you off because I wasn't listening to you today.

That's okay. I'll make you listen next time.

Okay.

-Hey, Ben. -Yeah?

This means we're not gonna get the room to ourselves.

-I'm gonna run away this time. -Yeah, me, too.

-In the truck. All of you. -Okay, I'll see you at home.

That's Amy.

Could I be excused from supper?

Alright, Son, see you at home.

Jim-Bob, it was nice talking to you.

-Likewise. -Amy!

Excuse me, let me take those, alright?

-Look, I'd like to-- -Bye, John-Boy!

I often remember Jim-Bob saying to my father:

"It's okay. Next time, I'll make you listen."

I wish that it were in the power...

of all children to say that to their parents...

and to know that, indeed, they would be heard...

as we were in those wonderful days on Walton's Mountain.

Goodnight, Jim-Bob.

Goodnight, Elizabeth.

Goodnight, Jim-Bob.

You already said that once.

I know, but I want to say it again.

Elizabeth, you're crazy.

Mama, Jim-Bob called me a name.

Well, you call him a name.

Jim-Bob, you're a name!

What's so funny?