Original subtitles

One of the things that I find distressing about life today...

is that people don't really seem to enjoy their work anymore.

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

my father and my grandfather loved their work.

And they instilled a respect for work in each of us.

But I recall, when my brother Jason had to make a choice.

A choice that was difficult for him...

but even more difficult for my father.

It's the fourth time he's played that song.

It's getting monotonous, isn't it?

He has to practice for this afternoon.

Why, what's so special about this afternoon?

Oh, it's show and tell.

Miss Hunter asked the upper-grade kids

to bring in something...to show what they're interested in.

I see, so Jason's showing a song.

Yeah, he's so dumb.

Everyone's bringing stuff like soap carvings and ant farms.

Just my luck to have a brother who stands up

in front of everyone and sings.

Mary Ellen, your brother who has a special talent.

-You should be proud of him. -Wasn't one enough?

It's hard having someone in the family who's better than me.

John-Boy's always been the best in composition and...

Jason's the best in music.

You're young yet. You'll find your way.

John-Boy and Jason are boys and--

Grandma, I'm going to scream if you finish that sentence.

I think you'll be sorry if you do.

Mary Ellen, who told you could hog the blue ribbon?

No one did. It's first come, first served.

-Why're you mean? -Let me have it.

Never mind all that. You've been dragging your feet all morning.

Elizabeth was the only one who helped with breakfast dishes.

It's good practice for her.

You're not the only one who doesn't wanna be tied to stove.

Elizabeth might want a career, too.

I do want a career. I wanna be a....

A....

Well, I haven't decided what I wanna be just yet.

But I'm gonna be a something.

I hope you do better this afternoon than this morning.

Me, too.

Thanks. It's sure nice to have the support of your family.

They're just teasing, Jason. You were wonderful.

Yeah. Real cheerful.

First thing in the morning, hearing you twanging away.

-Flat. -What do you know?

You couldn't carry a tune in a bucket.

-Is that your bucket? -Alright.

That's enough of that. Get ready and go.

-Bye. -Bye-bye, Mama.

-Bye-bye. -Bye-bye, Grandma.

And Jason...

-...Good luck this afternoon. -Thank you, Mama.

Bye-bye, Daddy.

-Grandpa! -Bye.

-Have a good day. -Study hard.

-Bye, honey. -Bye.

There goes that long-legged Jason.

It seems only yesterday he was no bigger than Elizabeth.

That was ten years ago, Pa. Come on, let's get moving.

Oh, yeah, we got plenty to do. You know Lucius Fenton?

Paul Lowell says he wants his order out by Monday.

We got so much to do, pa. We have to turn him down.

Walter Winchell was saying on the radio

that the Depression is about over.

Pretty soon, folks here won't have any excuse for not working.

I don't know about the Depression being over, pa.

But things are easing up.

Maybe it's time we went into business in a bigger way.

Bigger and better mill for it, huh?

-Got the space right over there. -That's good drainage, there.

-Oh, but we'd need a new motor. -Well, maybe we'd need two, Pa.

We'd have our own lumberyard, get rid of this makeshift thing.

-Hey, I think we could do it. -Why not?

Jason will be out of school soon, it'd be a cinch.

How much is left on Stevens order?

We got an hour and half's work.

Let's get cracking. We'll make this delivery to town.

We'll price some equipment. Just for information's sake.

Hey! Something to dream of.

Walton and Sons Lumberyard!

* I'm looking over a fall leaf clover *

* That I overlooked that I overlooked *

* That I overlooked before *

Miss Hunter, can Jason sing the song he wrote about the soldier?

Go ahead, Jason.

* There was a fair maiden lived over the hill *

* In a little log-cabin that' standing there still *

* And each morning she'd rise *

* with the coming of dawn *

* And all through the valley you could hear her sweet song *

* In the spring there came Corton a farmer's young son *

*And soon they were married and enjoined as one *

* But her young man was called to serve his country *

* So he joined in the ranks under Robert Eeling *

* The letter that came one cold winter's day *

* Told how he'd died *

* As a hero in grave *

* But her poor heart was broken to think of him gone *

* And she too died soon after to join her loved one *

* And to this very day *

* You can stand on the hill *

* Where the sound of her singing *

* Is echoing still *

I'm afraid you have to wait till next Wednesday, Jimmy.

Remember, there's a spelling test tomorrow. Class dismissed.

-Would you help with the chair? -Bye-bye, Miss Hunter.

Bye-bye.

Jason, Jason, could I speak to you for a minute?

Yes, ma'am.

I think it's time for you to take music lessons.

Well, there's nothing I'd like more.

Why don't you talk to Mrs. Breckenridge about it?

Why her?

She taught music at the high school in Charlottesville...

before she was married, and now she's giving private lessons.

Why don't you stop by her house on way home and talk to her?

I will. Thank you.

-Miss Hunter. -John-Boy.

-How nice to see you. -How are you?

I really wish you'd been with us this afternoon.

-Something special? -Jason played and sang for us.

He was absolutely wonderful.

He was nervous about it this morning. I'm glad he did okay.

Oh, it was better than okay.

-Can I give you a lift? -I'm going up to Ike's.

-Good. Hop in. -Thank you.

-How's things at Boatwright? -Oh, they're fine, thank you.

-Was it difficult at first? -It still is.

I never dreamed I'd have this much work.

And homework! Tons of it, tons of it.

-I'm up all night, every night. -How is your writing class?

That's the best part of all. We have a Professor Parks.

He's very tough, but he just makes me work harder.

You're enjoying it, aren't you?

Every bit as much as we both knew I would.

Only thing I'm having trouble with is I gotta think of a...

project for my writing class, I can't think of anything...

that excites me for it.

What have you tried?

Oh, I've written a one-act play and character sketches, but....

Why are you dissatisfied with them?

Well, I'll tell you. They don't seem important enough for this.

-Why don't you try a novel? -A novel? Oh, no!

-Why not? -A novel!

Novels are written by people like Proust...

and Thackeray and Dostoyevsky...

not boys from the backwoods of Virginia.

What about boys from the hills of North Carolina

like Thomas Wolfe?

Thomas Wolfe is a genius. Didn't matter where he came from.

Besides, he said everything there is about this country.

Some of your short stories I've felt were cramped...

like you're constricted by the form.

It's like you have more to say than the story can encompass.

Don't think I'm ready for that. I haven't been any place.

Haven't seen anything important to write a novel about.

Maybe you don't have to travel. Maybe the novel's right here.

-On the mountain? -In the people.

These are just ordinary people.

I mean, they're fine for short stories, sure, but...

I don't think there's anything big enough here for a novel.

Well, I don't know.

Maybe what's extraordinary is in ordinary people.

Well....

That's quite a suggestion, Miss Hunter.

I don't know if I'm up to that yet.

Well, good luck, whatever you choose to do.

Thank you.

-Thanks for the lift. -Oh, you're welcome.

-Bye-bye. -Bye-bye.

* But her poor heart was broken *

* To think of him gone *

* And she too died soon after *

* To join her loved one *

* And to this very day *

* You can stand on the hill *

* Where the sound of her singing *

* Is echoing still *

That's very lovely, Jason.

-Have you studied composition? -No, ma'am.

-Do you play the piano? -Well, a little bit.

Sort of picked it up by ear, listening to songs on radio.

It's a lot easier to learn scales and harmony...

on the keyboard than on the guitar.

Do you have a piano you could practice on?

Yes, ma'am, we have one at home, but...

it's nothing like that one.

Good. I'll write the first five scales for you...before you go.

Do you read music?

-Just a little bit. -That's alright. I'll explain.

I sure have a lot to learn.

Most of it is not really that difficult.

You have a natural gift. That can't be taught.

Yes, I think you could become a fine musician.

Are you familiar with the works of Mozart?

No, ma'am. Not really.

He was a famous composer who lived many, many years ago.

Here, let me play something for you.

-Supper ready? I'm hungry. -Me, too.

-Soon. -You missed lunch.

I couldn't figure what happened to you.

Mysterious errands.

Well, you do look like you ate the canary.

John, you look different, too.

Pa and me have something we wanna tell you, but...

it's a surprise. We'll wait for others to get here.

Can we have a hint?

The man that wrote this music...

is considered one of the most important composers...

in the history of classical music.

His name was Felix Mendelssohn.

And when he wrote what you just listened to...

he was 17 years old.

I don't believe it.

If I lived to be 1000, I couldn't write music like that.

Oh, maybe not.

But if you aim for best, you're on the right track.

Could you explain how all the sounds work?

Well, those are the things I want to teach you.

Makes guitar playing seem....

Even playing with Bobby Bigelow, it makes it seem kind of silly.

Jason, you must never look at what you do that way.

Never minimize what you're doing at any particular time.

Just recognize it for what it is.

A stage in your development.

And remember...

every experience is valuable to an artist.

We thank thee, Lord, for the bounty of this table...

and pray for the health and happiness of this family. Amen.

-Amen. -Amen.

I like these pitching tomatoes.

I saw you picking 'em in the garden the other day...

my mouth started watering before they was....

Sorry I'm late, everyone.

-Where were you, Jason? -You're always late.

I had an errand to run.

Seems like the whole family was off today running errands.

Alright, I can't wait another minute.

John had something to tell and was gonna wait...

till the family was at the table together. John?

I'm gonna announce the formation of a new company.

We're expanding our business. Walton and Sons Lumberyard.

Hey, that sounds great!

-What about the girls? -Good Lord!

I have a feeling you're behind this scheme, old man.

Just want to send us to the poorhouse.

Don't be a wet blanket, Esther, we might get ourselves rich.

-A lumberyard? -Let me explain.

Things are easing up around here now...

and the banks are willing to make loans.

Loans? John, you know how I feel about loans.

Liv, will you let me explain?

Pa and me went by the Dawkins'. They're selling their equipment.

We can pick up some fine equipment, dirt-cheap.

The banks are willing to finance us...

and the interest rates are low.

Grandma's right.

Sounds like we're going from being poor

to what's worse than that.

Liv, we can have a bigger mill...

and we can get good equipment to make fine furniture.

Won't that be something? Fine line of chairs and tables.

Walton and Company.

Walton and Sons Lumberyard and Fine Furniture.

That sounds great, Daddy. I can work with you full-time.

Jason, when you graduate, you'll have a trade.

You won't have to cut fence posts.

You can be a furniture maker.

If you draw the line catty-corner, there...

you can have a fine view from the house, too.

Really nice, Pa.

We gonna have to make this road here wider.

We can borrow Luke Morgan's tractor, get it done in a day.

With the children helping, you ought to do it in an afternoon.

We gotta have room for the trucks to turn around.

-You really like it, Pa? -Oh, I sure do.

I can just see Jason stacking lumber over there.

And you over there working the new machine.

And me sitting right here...

rocking away and admiring the beauty of it all.

Too bad we didn't do this years ago, when we first had the idea.

Oh, we couldn't. The Depression got in our way.

No one in our way now, Pa.

Feels like if we ought to start next week.

-I don't know if I can wait. -Me, neither!

We can put the office right here, Pa.

We can have a door leading into the work area...

and another door with direct access to the road.

Don't forget to give her some plumbing.

I know. If we can run those pipes....

Jason, could you stop that for a while?

We're trying to figure out the new working arrangements.

Daddy, I'm practicing.

Mrs. Breckenridge says I have to practice two hours a day...

or the lessons aren't gonna be worth it.

Well, Mrs. Breckenridge doesn't have to sit around...

listening to you play that thing over and over again.

It's not a thing.

It's an important beginning piece for a musician

and I want to get it just right.

Never mind, I'll do it another time when it doesn't bother.

Jason, come on over here and see how the new mill is shaping up.

No, thanks, Grandpa. Some other time.

Skyline right here, Pa....

I never thought you'd stop that racket.

Yeah, Jason, can't you play something a little more catchy?

Why can't you leave me alone?

-Jason. -What do you want?

You'd better spill it before you explode.

John-Boy...

I can't stand everyone acting as though my lessons

with Mrs. Breckenridge... was just some dumb, kid thing.

I know exactly how you feel.

-No, you don't. -Oh, yes, I do.

You're learning about music for first time and what it is.

You wanna share it with everybody.

And you want to play everything perfectly.

That's right. You're absolutely right.

I can't stand it when I make a mistake.

I just have to play everything over and over again

till I get it absolutely perfect.

I recognize the signs.

-What signs? -Oh, yeah.

When I decided I was gonna be a writer, I was awful.

I just wanted everybody to read whatever I was reading...

and I'd carry around a book by Thomas Wolfe...

and I'd grab onto people and I'd make them listen to me.

And all I really wanted was to say...

"Someday I'm going to write words like that."

Mrs. Breckenridge played me a concerto by George Gershwin.

Now, there's a real genius.

You know how you wanted to write like Thomas Wolfe?

Well, someday...

I think I'd to like to compose like George Gershwin.

And I don't think I want to be a part of Daddy's new mill.

That's wonderful, Jason. You've really learned that beautifully.

Thank you.

Mrs. Breckenridge, listen to this.

What is that, Jason?

I was just sort of playing at home, and that's what came out.

You actually composed that variation?

-Yes, ma'am. -It's very good. Very.

You're graduating from Miss Hunter's school this year?

Yes, ma'am.

Have you made any definite plans about going on to college or....

Well, my daddy's planning on me working for him full-time.

I see.

-Do you want to study music? -Yes, ma'am. I really do.

You know...

Kleinberg Conservatory offers scholarships in composition.

Jason, I think you should apply.

-What would that mean? -Well, it would mean...

like going to college, except all your work would be in music.

-Full-time? -Yes.

They'd pay your full tuition, and you'd get some money...

for books and supplies.

-I'll have to talk to my father. -Of course.

But if you're interested, I'll get an application for you.

And we can fill it out the next time you're here.

Are you interested, Jason?

Yes, ma'am. I really am.

I'd appreciate it if you'd get the forms for me.

Daddy?

Jason, I was hoping you'd get here earlier.

-Daddy, can I talk for a minute? -Sure.

You know those lessons I've been taking with Mrs. Breckenridge?

Know about it?

Everybody in the family knows, the way you been practicing.

She says I'm doing real well.

That's nice, Son.

Daddy, she's teaching me all about classical music.

She's been playing me these Victrola records...

of music written by a man named George Gershwin.

-He's an American composer. -Good.

Daddy, I want to write music, too.

Sure, Son, keep on studying as long as you want.

No, that's not what I mean.

Mrs. Breckenridge thinks that I oughta try for a scholarship...

so that I could go to Kleinberg Conservatory of Music.

-What does that mean, exactly? -Well, that means if I won it...

then I'd be going to school full-time, like John-Boy.

It would be all paid for, I could study composition.

What good would that do you, Son?

Well, then I could go on to become a working composer.

Well now, Son, music is all well and good, but...

you got to learn a trade. You gotta support a family someday.

Isn't that just like John-Boy wanting to be a writer?

No, it's not like that at all.

John-Boy's learning a trade.

He is gonna be a journalist or a teacher.

What are you gonna have?

Well, I....

Well, I'd be doing the thing I want to do.

No, Son...

I appreciate your interest in music, but full-time?

No. I don't want you to do that.

If I had to describe my father, I have to start with his hands.

What they do.

The toil they are engaged in during day reflected in them.

The skill with which they work

has shaped 'em in a different manner...

than I'm sure a stonecutter's hands would have been shaped.

John-Boy?

-Oh, I'm sorry. -No, no, it's alright. Come in.

Just a second.

What's the matter? Never mind, I can guess.

Did Daddy say anything to you?

He didn't. You hardly looked at each other through dinner.

He said I shouldn't apply for scholarship at Conservatory.

I was afraid of that.

Were you calm or did you get emotional about it?

-I was calm, John-Boy. I was. -Well, Jason...

This mill's an important thing for daddy and grandpa.

It means a lot to them.

They're proud men and are proud of their work.

I know.

You gotta understand. First, I come along, say to father...

"Daddy, your work is not for me."

Before he gets used to that, you come along and say the same.

You've got to give him time to get used to the idea.

You do think he'll get used to it, don't you?

He's a reasonable man, Jason.

I think deep inside he wants us to have what we all really want.

It's just that I don't think he really sees...

music as a serious occupation...

the kind of thing that can help you support a family.

It's that music, to him, is something that comes on radio.

And something you dance to. That's all. It's not serious.

-Well, that's silly. -Of course it is.

Maybe he'll come to realize that, but you gotta give time.

I feel a little better just getting it off my chest.

What are all those little pieces of paper?

These are stories and outlines...

and compositions and poems and I don't know what all.

What are you gonna do with all of it?

Miss Hunter thinks I ought to write a novel.

Well, that's a good idea.

No, no, no, really. Suppose you did and it was published?

You'd be a famous writer, living in New York City.

You just say that 'cause you'd want to come and live with me.

No, no. I could go to some fancy music school during the day...

-and nights I'd sit and write... -Oh, wait a minute...

-...symphonies and concertos. -Wait a minute. Wait a minute.

I can just see the family, one winter night

all traipsing into Carnegie Hall...

-dressed up in our overalls. -In our overalls!

Wait a minute. To hear the first performance...

of the Rhapsody of the Blue Ridge, by Jason Walton!

With me conducting the orchestra.

Can't you see the truck parked in front of the hall?

I tell you, Brother, You and I got a lot to look forward to.

Yeah, we sure do.

All of a sudden, I can't wait.

Neither can I.

Okay. I can take a hint.

John-Boy?

Thanks.

Jason?

-What do I put here? -Where?

-"Previous training." -Well, let's see.

Put down, "Music appreciation in high school...

"music composition lessons with Mrs. Mary Breckenridge...

"band experience...

with Bobby Bigelow and the Haystack Gang."

It doesn't sound like much.

It's a lot for a boy of your age.

What do they mean here by financial need?

You ask your father what his yearly income is, and fill in...

all the people that he supports, here, every year.

Should I include my grandmother and my grandfather?

And your mother, your father, all your sisters and brothers.

-What's the matter, Jason? -Nothing.

Well, that just about does it.

All you have to do is find out your father's income.

-I can't. -Why not?

-It's nothing to be ashamed of. -No, it's not that.

He doesn't know I'm applying for the scholarship.

Oh?

He's planning on expanding the mill, expects me to be there.

Well, perhaps you could work something out so you could...

be in the mill only part-time.

No. I don't think so.

He wants me to be there full-time.

Anyway, he thinks of music as some kind of hobby...

not something I can make a living at.

Jason, are you saying that you've changed your mind

about applying then?

No, ma'am. No, I want to.

Would you like me to talk to your father?

No.

That's something I have to do.

Alright, then. But remember...

that application be in the mail by tomorrow evening, latest.

-How was your lesson today? -It was fine, just fine.

You're not being very talkative. Is something wrong?

Mama, I wasn't just walking by the store.

I had to mail in my application for that scholarship audition.

Did you tell your father?

Jason?

No, ma'am.

You have to tell him.

He told me I shouldn't apply.

That's exactly why you have to tell him.

Mama, there's probably gonna be thousands of people...

auditioning for this thing.

-I probably won't get a chance. -Jason, you've to tell father.

Couldn't it wait till I find out if I got an audition?

When will that be?

Well, I guess they notify in about a week's time.

Mama, please.

We've just come from the bank. They approved the loan.

We can go to Mrs. Dawkins, pick equipment by the end of week.

A new truck for the mill, a family car, maybe a LaSalle.

Not so fast, Pa. Come on, get in. I'll give you a ride home.

Come on, Jason.

No thanks, Grandpa. I'll walk.

Alright, Son. Hurry home.

Bank says I can come Thursday morning and get the money.

That means before long, there'll be a sign that reads...

"Walton and Sons Lumber Company."

Are we gonna be rich and have things like fur coats?

-Right. -I want a bunny-fur one, Daddy.

Martha Rose Coverdale has one. It's so cute, soft and cuddly.

-So are bunnies. -Ben, that's disgusting.

For once in her life, Erin's right.

-Rabbit scratch, they're nasty-- -Mary Ellen.

I don't think this talk is necessary at the supper table.

-For once, I'm on your side. -And further more--

About the rabbits.

Don't count your chickens before they're hatched.

I don't agree, Esther. We got a fair chance with that mill.

With John, Jason, me working there, and the rest of you...

helping on occasion, I think we could all be lumber barons.

-Daddy? -I don't know about that, Pa.

-There's a lot of work to do. -Daddy...

I filled in that application...

for the scholarship audition at the Kleinberg Conservatory.

-What's that? -And I mailed it.

Are you going to college?

I thought I told you I didn't want you to do that, Son.

Well, it's done.

I don't see any harm in just mailing in an application.

Daddy, I can take Jason's place.

There's time for that, Son. You're too young now.

I'm not. When are you gonna stop treating me like a baby?

I'm as strong as he is.

Ben, you heard your father.

Daddy keeps saying it's gonna be Walton and Sons Lumberyard.

-Well, I'm his son, also. -Quiet down.

Let me tell you something.

I'd like you all to be able to do exactly what you wanna do.

But I'm not gonna let you make choices that are gonna hurt you.

Now, you're gonna finish school, Son.

And as for music, Jason...

well, you can keep that as a hobby, but...

it's not gonna get a job, not gonna help you raise a family...

I'm offering a chance to learn trade, to be part of this mill.

Now, you keep this music composing...

for after-hours or for a hobby.

Daddy, you know I don't want that.

I'm not gonna let you run before you even give this a chance.

I don't wanna give it a chance.

And if the only other thing I can do is run off, then....

Then that's what I have to do.

You want company?

They say misery loves it.

You okay?

Little down. I'll be alright.

Guess you've gotten over it once before, haven't you?

What do you mean?

Oh, you remember when I was 16...

and you were working over in Waynesboro?

You had all kinds of plans for me.

You introduced me to the foreman, was gonna make me...

an apprentice as soon as I got out of high school.

When I told I had plans of my own, you got a upset about it.

I got over it.

Daddy, I know how Jason feels.

It may seem defiant to you.

But believe me, he's every bit as angry...

and frustrated with himself as he is with you.

It's not an easy stand for him to take...

'cause he loves you very much, I'm sure he feels guilty.

And it's easy for me to understand how Jason feels.

And I'll tell you...

watching you two...

I think I'm just beginning to understand how you feel.

And the kind of troubles you're going through with all this.

It's just your luck, isn't it?

You raising us kids to go off and hurt you.

John-Boy, I'm not sure I understand what you tell me.

I mean that...

from the time we were little, you were drilling into our heads

to make something with our lives to do something, be somebody.

And you give us so much love and so much security and...

such a feeling of strength about ourselves that...

we're just running off and doing things you never thought of.

I just wanted you always to grow up independent.

To be able to take care of yourselves.

-Take care of your families. -We will.

Believe me, 'cause of you.

I don't know what the answer is.

I just want you to know that I'm beginning to understand you...

as a father.

Jason was wrong, you know.

Going against John's wishes.

Applying for that audition without telling him.

I'm not worried about Jason.

He's a pretty sensible fellow, if he did fly off half-cocked.

You know, in the light of day he'll see things clearer.

But it is John that I'm worried about.

Yeah, I know, he's not acting like himself.

-Don't know why he's acts so.... -Stern.

Yeah, stern toward Jason.

Oh, of course you know.

You know, I treated him the same way when he was a young'un.

You never did.

Remember the time when he came back from the Army?

He was all set going off to Norfolk or Newport News...

or somewhere to get a job?

He just couldn't stand the idea of working alongside of me.

I remember. You were awful.

And you were mean, and I just couldn't understand why.

-I was scared and angry. -Scared?

Because he didn't want the same things that you did?

No, because I was afraid we'd lost him.

He'd go away and he'd no longer be our son.

I was angry, because he didn't think the things we liked...

were important to him.

Yeah, well, I know one thing.

I know that he's glad that he decided to stay here.

He likes the mountains and the land just as much as we do.

And he always has.

He'd come back here that time, even if he had gone away.

I wonder if Jason and John-Boy will be leaving someday.

I suppose they will.

You know, those two boys, they're kind of artistic-like.

That's the way they love our land.

But me and John, we've got to have the feel...

of the wood and the earth between our fingers.

That's what we need.

Do you think John will let Jason try for that schooling?

Yes, in the long run he will.

He wants them to have what they want.

And he'll let them go, one by one...

if they want to.

Come on, old girl, let's get ourselves to bed.

Zeb, that's not nice.

Sounds like Grandma and Grandpa. You think they're alright?

-Restless, I guess. -Like us.

Sorry if I'm keeping you awake.

-Maybe I should go for a walk. -You go, I'm going with you.

I don't feel like getting up anyway.

You think I'm being unfair to Jason?

Some.

He's known for years I've wanted him with me in the mill.

If he was dead set on this music business...

why hasn't he said anything before?

Because I think it's only recently...

that he's realized how much his music means to him.

Besides, if he told you before, would you've felt any different?

Liv, a man has to have a trade.

I can't stand to think of Jason going through life struggling.

Trying to keep himself and his family together on nothing.

-Is that what's bothering you? -It's really bothering me.

John....

How would you feel if you planned, planned and planned...

to give your kids good things, have a decent life....

When they get old to take advantage, turn you down flat?

Jason doesn't appreciate what I'm trying to do for him.

All he's thinking about is some scatterbrained idea...

of being a fancy musician.

John Walton...

you taught your children if they wanted something, reach for it.

That doesn't mean they're gonna want the same thing you do.

Jason's doing exactly what you hoped he'd do.

He's being his own separate person.

I just don't want life to be hard for him, Liv.

No one does.

But he's got to work that out for himself, doesn't he?

I guess so.

Goodnight, John. I love you.

What do you love me for?

I can't write, can't do music, can't do nothing.

Go to sleep.

-Who is it? -It's me, Son.

Yes, sir.

You're going?

I was going to talk to you before I left.

I shouldn't have mailed that application without asking you.

-No, Son, you shouldn't. -I'm sorry.

But, well, I figure...

things are only gonna get worse, so...

I might as well leave now.

Jason....

How are you going to take care of yourself?

I reckon I'll work with Bobby Bigelow as much as I can.

You'd be traveling all around.

You won't have time for the Conservatory.

I'll just have to figure out a way to do both.

Would you consider a part-time job at the mill?

Yes, I would.

Can it still be Walton and Sons?

I'd like that just fine.

You know, I might not even win that scholarship.

Then you try somewhere else.

Thank you, Daddy.

You're an incredible man.

You're an incredible man.

Jason just told me what you've done, I think it's wonderful.

I'm going to write that novel.

John-Boy. You been dipped in the recipe?

No. But I'm intoxicated.

-Don't let mama know about it. -She's gonna know about it.

Everybody's gonna know about it.

For days Miss Hunter was telling me....

Do you know what it's gonna be about?

-What's it gonna be about? -About an extraordinary man.

-Who? -You.

-Me? -Yes, you.

And the extraordinary things you do...

so that your children grow up and have the lives they want.

And it's gonna be about Mama.

And it's gonna be about Grandpa.

And it's gonna be about Grandma and Mary Ellen...

and Jason and Ben and Elizabeth.

I wonder how's it gonna end?

-What? -Was wondering, how does it end?

I don't know.

We're still living it.

Okay.

Pa, I think we should put the office right here.

Daddy, I'd like to have the desk space at the back...

so I can look at the view while working. Here.

Ben, if you were working, you won't have time for looking.

Grandpa, a man needs to have time to think while working.

-Come here, Son. -Yeah?

Almost all of us chose careers

that took us away from Walton's Mountain.

But no matter how far any of us traveled in later years...

we always came home.

And while we were away...

my mother and father were always with us...

in our hearts...

and more importantly, in our attitudes toward life.

Jason, you gonna keep that racket up all night?

Sorry, Daddy.

I just started playing and I forgot all about the time.

One more minute?

That's all.

-Goodnight, Jason. -Goodnight, Jason.

-Goodnight, John-Boy. -Goodnight, Mary Ellen.

Goodnight, Erin.

Goodnight, Jim-Bob. Goodnight, Ben.

Goodnight, John-Boy. Goodnight, Erin.

Goodnight, Ben. Goodnight, Mary Ellen.

Goodnight, Mama. Goodnight, Daddy.

-Goodnight, everybody. -Goodnight, everybody.