Original subtitles

Oh, here, let me get out of your way.

Yeah. Just put these right here. That's fine.

Mr. Perkins.

(SINGING) Blue moon

(HUMMING)

Have you thought about me, Miss Rose?

Oh, my, yes. Oh, those postcards from all over...

No, I mean, really thought about me.

- What's that thing? - That thing, young man, is my crown.

Don't you remember when I was Queen of the Blue Moon Ballroom?

I've been to Chicago, where the weather gets so cold, it'll steal your breath away.

Des Moines, St. Louis, on down to Mississippi to New Orleans.

I just don't know if I could get used to going to all those places by myself.

Well, it's fine till nightfall.

Then it's time to face another empty hotel room.

Rose, what are you talking about?

Mr. Perkins has asked me to marry him.

JOHN-BOY: There were times when the war seemed further away,

and life on the mountain went about its ordinary business.

My father often said that he didn't ha ve to sail the seven seas,

or swim the Hellespont, or soar with eagles if he wanted high adventure.

All he had to do was wake up in the morning,

and his family or his friends or a total stranger

would ride up the road and hand it to him.

(GROWLS SOFTLY)

(BARKS)

Cut it out, Nick. You've ruined enough of my stuff already.

Come on, Nick, give me my sweater.

(GROWLING)

You come back here.

- What on earth? - BEN: Everything all right up there?

- JEFFREY: Somebody sure scared Nick. - Well, I know the girls have gone.

- But there's nobody up there but Jim-Bob. - Jim-Bob?

- Did you fall down? - Wouldn't you?

(LAUGHS)

Out, out.

(BARKING)

ROSE: Oh!

That's just awful. Look at that, Jeffrey.

Well, things are bound to rip when you pull them away from him.

- Well, maybe I could fix it. - No, no, that's my responsibility, Cindy.

Why don't you sit down and have something to eat, Son?

No thanks, Daddy, I'm not hungry.

You know, that dog's not going to learn anything unless you teach him.

How much did you know when you were only three months old?

Mind your tongue, young man.

I'm sorry, but all he's got to chew on is that ball.

Well, why don't you give him something of yours?

Jim-Bob, you know you got a big hole in the back of your pants?

I got a hole in everything.

(ALL LAUGH)

Well, he's just a puppy.

Well, maybe you can make him into a nice dog by the time I get back, huh?

- Is it time for your bus already? - Yes, it is, Rose.

- We'll take good care of your women, Son. - Thank you, Daddy, I count on it.

We're going to say our goodbyes outside on the porch. Ben gets very emotional.

I do? Bye-bye, everyone.

- Bye. - Bye.

Four, six, eight, ten, twelve, fourteen...

Make that fifteen Number Three green beans.

Mr. Godsey, I cannot keep pace.

Well, do you want to switch places for a while?

I want to stop awhile.

Corabeth, we've got to finish this before noon.

(DOOR OPENS)

Morning, Ike, Corabeth. I haven't missed the bus yet, have I?

Morning, Ben. No, it's not here yet,

but I'm sure it's going to be along any minute.

Hey, while you're waiting, why don't you take Corabeth's place?

And why would I want to do that?

How dashing you look.

I declare, Ben Walton, there is something about a sailor's suit.

Corabeth, that is not a sailor suit, that is a "See Me" suit.

Let her alone, she's doing fine. Save some of that for next time, Corabeth.

Well, hi, is the bus out there?

I just passed it. Ought to be here in a second.

- Great. Thank you. Bye-bye. - Bye, Ben.

- Good morning, sir. - Morning.

Is there something I can do for you?

What a nice store. What a good feeling it gives you when you come in here.

I'm afraid we are in somewhat of a disarray.

Yes, we are right in the middle of inventory.

Well, I've taken inventories the length and breadth of this land.

I want to tell you, this is the finest book of instructions that I've ever seen.

- No charge. - Well, thank you very much.

Stanley Perkins at your service.

- I'm Ike Godsey. My wife, Corabeth. - Dear lady.

What brings you to this somewhat remote area?

I was told there is a very nice boarding house hereabouts.

Do you know there's not a room to be had in Rockfish,

or in Westham, for that matter?

- Is that a fact? - Yeah.

Zuleika does run a very nice, clean place.

I'll wager that's a Beau Brummell cravat.

Reinhart Tie and Novelty Company. Potwin, Kansas.

Well, I'll be darned. Corabeth, he's right.

And the lady is wearing a Miss Matron,

and that's from the Cornish Company in Linville, North Carolina.

- Let me see the label, Corabeth. - Mr. Godsey, please.

We will take Mr. Perkins' word for it.

Forgive me. But in my lifetime, I've sold everything from soap to chiffon,

from screwdrivers to headstones.

I'm afraid a salesman is always a salesman.

Anyway, about that rooming house?

Sure, well, it's not far from here. I'll show you where it is.

Fine. Very nice to meet you, Mrs. Godsey.

Now, you're a traveling salesman.

You must have some marvelous stories to tell.

"Miss Matron. The Cornish Company."

I wonder if he gets samples.

(MACHINERY WHIRRING)

- Jim-Bob, supper's ready. - Okay.

- Where's Daddy? - Had to go to Rockfish.

What are you bothering me for?

You know you got a hole in the seat of your pants?

Well, of course I know, I can feel the draft.

Well, why don't you change into another pair? I'll patch them for you.

- Well, problem is, they're all like this. - Nick?

Yeah, I don't know what I'm going to do about that darn dog.

He's eating his way through my clothes, my bed.

Well, he should live outside. Reckless did.

That would solve part of the problem. It's just I don't have a place that's mine.

- I know. - I guess you don't either.

No, but it's different. You're a lot older than Jeffrey.

Serena and I are closer in age.

No, it's not just Jeff. I got to have a place that's mine.

I got things I want to do, think about, work on.

Well, we're fresh out of rooms. If you want one all to yourself, you got to move out.

- Yeah, I know. - I'm kidding, you know that.

Yeah. I'll be along, Elizabeth.

Corabeth, I certainly hope you have something to match this.

- Well, what in the name of heaven? - I hope you have some yarn to match that.

Jeffrey's puppy is eating Jim-Bob's clothes right off his back.

Please don't just shake your head, Corabeth.

Well, I have to. I don't believe we have anything this color.

Unless I have some in my private stock.

Rose, find everything you need?

Well, I'd just as soon you took over, Ike.

Okay, Rose.

Here, let me get out of your way.

Yeah. Just put these right here. That's fine.

- You were never in my way, Miss Rose. - Mr. Perkins.

(SINGING) Blue moon

(HUMMING)

(BOTH CHUCKLING)

You two know each other?

You remember I mentioned the Blue Moon Ballroom in Baltimore?

We were dancing partners together.

Oh, yes.

(BOTH CHUCKLE)

I'm sorry, Rose, I just can't seem to find a sign of that color yarn.

You know, there was not a soul at the Blue Moon who knew where you'd gone.

Well, I'm not one for goodbyes. Just the idea of the word and I tear up.

I think of those times, Mr. Perkins, and those dear people.

- Good friends, Miss Rose. - The very best.

You remember Hattie Hargreaves?

I should say I do. Always so much fun, Hattie was.

Well, she's the current Queen of the Blue Moon Ballroom.

Well, I declare...

- Surprised, aren't you? - Oh, I don't know...

Shocked then? I was frankly shocked, Miss Rose.

Well, I'm glad because I'm shocked.

She was always inclined to lead. A man doesn't like that, you know.

And she had none of your easy grace, Miss Rose. None at all.

Have some more cake, Mr. Perkins. Have the whole cake, Mr. Perkins.

It's hard to believe we're here together.

I tell you, when you looked at me over those brooms, I nearly gave way.

Walton's Mountain. I never even heard of it until this morning.

- It beats all, it really does. - Kismet, Miss Rose.

You always could pull those words right out of thin air.

I don't recognize that car.

Wait a minute, I'll bet that's Nana's Mr. Perkins.

- He drove a car like that. - Nana's Mr. Perkins?

He used to take her dancing a lot when he was in town.

- I think Nana was in love with him. - She was not.

You don't even remember him.

Half the time when he called for her, you were already in bed.

I've never heard her talk about him.

That's because she's not in love with him.

Just ask her about him sometime.

Her face changes. She smiles in a different way.

She doesn't either!

Serena. Serena, you remember Mr. Perkins.

- Nice to see you again, Serena. - Hi, Mr. Perkins.

And this is my niece, Elizabeth Walton. Mr. Stanley Perkins.

- Pleasure to meet you, Elizabeth. - It's nice to meet you.

- Where's Jeffrey? - ELIZABETH: He was right behind us.

So, you just got home from school? What grade are you in?

Ninth.

Jeffrey, we have company. Come along.

- Can't I stay out and play some more? - No, you cannot. Now, come on.

Jeffrey, go shake hands with Mr. Perkins.

I don't think that that is such a good idea, Nana.

Do as you are told, please.

(BARKS)

(GROWLING)

Uh-oh.

- A dog that hates salesmen. - I'm sorry, Mr. Perkins.

I tried to tell you, Nick doesn't like strangers.

It's all right, Miss Rose.

I'm used to unfriendly dogs. Me and the postman.

Well, it's unfriendly children I'm worried about.

STANLEY: Jeffrey's bark is worse than his bite.

You were always a good sport, Mr. Perkins.

(CAR DOOR SLAMS)

Oh! That must be John.

And the girls, too.

It's that time of day. The gathering of the clan.

And I want you to meet them all.

(GIRLS GIGGLING)

John, this is my friend, Stanley Perkins.

- How do you do, Mr. Perkins? - How do you do, John?

From my old Baltimore days. And this is Mary Ellen.

- Hi, nice to meet you. - Mary Ellen.

- And Erin. - Nice to meet you.

- Erin. - And Jim-Bob.

Hey, Jim-Bob.

- And that's about most of the family. - Here's some more family right here.

I want you to meet my grandson, John Curtis. Come on, son.

Meet Mr. Perkins here.

- This is my grandson. - Hey, John Curtis, nice to meet you.

- And here's Cindy and little Virginia. - Hello.

Everybody, I have an announcement to make. Virginia is cutting a tooth.

(ALL EXCLAIMING)

Miss Rose, I have an appointment in Rockfish, Miss Rose,

and I just wanted to ask you something before I leave.

I can't hear you, just a minute.

Would you all mind cutting it down to a quiet roar?

I just wanted to ask...

Would you go dancing with me tomorrow night?

- Why certainly, I'd be delighted. - Thank you.

Well, it was very nice to meet all of you, John, John Curtis, Mary Ellen, Erin,

Jim-Bob, Cindy, little Virginia, Elizabeth. And nice to see you again, Serena,

and, of course, Jeffrey. I hope I'll see you all again soon.

ROSE: I'm sure you will. Of course you will.

- Nice seeing you, Mr. Perkins. - Bye-bye.

STANLEY: Bye-bye.

- He someone special, Rose? - No, mercy, no. Just an old friend.

How long it's been since you went dancing with him?

About an hour ago at Ike's.

He hummed our song, John. What was I supposed to do?

(ROSE CHUCKLING)

- What's that thing? - That thing, young man, is my crown.

Don't you remember when I was Queen of the Blue Moon Ballroom?

Serena said that I slept through all that.

Well, I didn't. Your nana was wide awake that night.

Jim-Bob said that I got to get so that I can hit Nick.

Hit him? Jim-Bob said that?

You know, with a rolled up newspaper. He showed me how.

He said that if I don't, then nobody will like either one of us.

Well, that's probably true.

You know, you had to be punished when you misbehaved.

But you always said that it hurt you more than me.

It probably did.

- Can I have them? - No, you can't, but I'll show them to you.

Now, look, that's the New York City skyline.

And there's the mighty Mississippi River.

- Oh, Jeffrey, look, Niagara Falls. - Wow.

I'll say, wow.

- Where'd you get these? - Mr. Perkins sent them to me.

New Orleans. The Mardi Gras.

Daddy, I'm going over to Jake Healy's to study.

Strange time of night for that, isn't it, Son?

Well, I figured his history book probably has pages 119 to 136.

- Nick? - Well, I didn't eat them. See you later.

(DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES)

- Did Daddy say you could take that? - Yes, he did.

I was wondering if you were going to drop in.

Sorry, Daddy. I've been talking things over with Jake.

I was thinking I might move in there for a while.

What do you mean "a while"?

Well, Billy Healy's gone into the army, so they've got a spare room now.

It's all right with me for a day or two, just don't get in Mrs. Healy's way.

Well, they've got this room. I was thinking about renting it.

- You've got a room. - Well, it's not the same.

Jim-Bob, I don't know what your problem is,

but just remember, you were the little guy in that room once.

I know you don't think so, Daddy, but I am growing up.

Well, I know you are, and I understand. But you're 17 years old.

Pretty soon, I expect you'll be going in the Air Corps.

I'm not going to stand in your way.

But until then, you're going to live under my roof.

I thought you'd be fair about it.

(MELLOW JAZZ MUSIC PLAYING)

Don't tell me you've not been out dancing. You're better than ever.

All due to my partner. This is a lovely place, Mr. Perkins.

Have you thought about me, Miss Rose?

Oh, my, yes. Oh, those postcards from all over...

No, I mean, really thought about me. Remembering, warmly, kindly.

'Cause I thought about you so much.

Seeing you again, well, it's like your dancing.

It's even better than I remember it to be.

It is no wonder you are the salesman you are,

the way you have with words.

(MUSIC STOPS)

(ALL APPLAUDING)

You thought of me just when the postcards came, Miss Rose?

Oh, those postcards, Mr. Perkins.

I could just imagine you standing there at Niagara Falls, in real life,

and drifting down the Mississippi River on a big paddlewheel boat.

Yeah, well, then you did think of me kindly?

Oh, my, yes.

And sadly, too.

I didn't think I'd ever see you again. I thought you'd be out West,

working that prime territory you were always talking about.

Well, I was passed over in favor of a younger man.

I vow and declare, doesn't experience count for anything anymore?

Well, you'll get there yet, Mr. Perkins. There are other companies in the world.

I believe my traveling days are behind me.

See, I've been giving a great deal of thought to settling down in one place.

- Some of that is your fault. - Well, I can't imagine why.

Well, I find I envy you,

that family and this lovely country.

A kind of life I've never known. I've never had people, Miss Rose.

I've just had my products and a bunch of road maps.

Well, I never thought of it that way.

Yeah, I never had time to make friends with children.

I just don't know how to talk to your Jeffrey.

- Oh, now... - No, truly.

Once I get past, "How's everything at school?"

and, "What would you like to be when you grow up?"

I'm at the end of my rope.

Well, Jeffrey hasn't made it any easier and that's my fault.

I've tried to be mother, father, and nana all at once,

and I guess I overdid it.

But think how he cares for you and so does Serena.

That great hearty Walton family, they love you, too.

Oh, my, I love them. They gathered us in when we needed them most.

There's nobody to gather me in, Miss Rose.

(BAND PLAYING BLUEMOON)

That Mr. Kismet just doesn't know when to quit, does he?

I asked them to play that to give fate a little nudge.

And to give me the courage to ask you to marry me.

- That's just the music talking. - Will you marry me, Miss Rose?

STANLEY: I'm afraid I spoiled the evening.

I can't have you thinking anything like that.

I just never in the world expected the question.

Well, I've thought about you so much, Miss Rose,

and when I found you again,

well, I just kind of took that as a sign that it was meant to be.

You're alone, you can speak for yourself.

I have those two dear children, and I can't answer for them without asking.

Sure.

You say a good word for me.

Isn't that pretty?

It's a train crossing the trestle into Rockfish.

Yeah.

- Good night again, Mr. Perkins. - Pleasant dreams, Miss Rose.

(CHICKENS CLUCKING)

The loft? Why the devil would you want to move up to the loft?

Nobody else wants it, I guess.

- You're not using it, are you? - No.

You'd have to fix it up, make it livable.

Well, I'll fix it up. I'll make a real room of it.

- It's all right with me, Son. - Thanks, Daddy.

Going to have to fix it up on your own time, though.

Sure.

Okay, now get to work. Do some work for me now.

(RATTLING)

- Hey! - Hi.

You must be lost.

That's the first "For Sale" sign I've seen.

But I must say, this place is in dreadful repair.

Yeah, this is a case of aggravated neglect. I mean, it's just stood here for years.

Yeah.

You're not really serious about settling down, are you?

I never thought I'd say so, but I look forward to it.

- An old fire horse like you? - Yeah.

- Wouldn't have believed it. - It's lonely, Ike.

Nobody waiting for you. Nobody to care if you get home or not.

No home.

- You don't know how lucky you are. - Yeah.

I guess other lives are greener on the other side of the fence, huh?

Something like that.

Listen. Who owns this place?

Well, it used to belong to a man by the name of Ernie Bender.

I expect the bank's taking care of it now.

- If you're really serious about this... - I am.

Well, I'd get a hold of John Walton

and have him tell you whether it can be fixed up or not.

You know, I bet it can be picked up for back taxes.

- Good. - I almost forgot. I got something for you.

- It's not bad news, is it? - It's amazing news, really.

I've just been offered the finest selling territory in the country, the Far West.

- You got a chance to go out West? Really? - Yeah. I never expected it.

I mean, they passed over me before, but this time...

I can't believe it.

(CHUCKLES)

I just can't believe it.

I've almost never been so nervous.

Imagine that, your nana being nervous about talking to the two of you.

Just because he wants to marry you?

Because I want you to want me to marry him, too.

I want you to know how I feel and why I feel that way.

Don't expect Jeffrey to understand about love, Nana.

- I know Nana loves me. - I love you and I love Serena

and Mr. Perkins too, but in a different way.

And I'd no sooner try to explain the difference to you now than I'd fly.

You'll just have to take my word for it. Now, can you do that?

- We want Nana to be happy. - Yeah, but...

No buts about it. Now, I want you to be happy.

When I say yes, I want it to be for all of us.

I could try, but what about Nick?

Mr. Perkins and Nick will simply have to become friends.

Now, that is all there is to that.

- Can I tell Elizabeth? - Not yet, now.

Mr. Perkins is coming to supper tomorrow night.

I think we ought to tell him first, don't you?

That is better.

- Don't you tell, Jeffrey. - I never tell secrets.

You know, we're the same age.

I just realized how much a part of this feeling that is.

We can talk about the same things and laugh about the same things.

Can you imagine how much that means?

I just can't believe it.

- Hey, Mr. Perkins. - Hey, Jim-Bob.

I want to ask you something before I take this in to Miss Rose.

Is that the right color?

Well, it sure looks like my sweater. Thanks a lot.

Sure.

What are you doing? Moving into the hayloft?

It's not a hayloft anymore. Do you want to see it?

Sure.

- You manage this okay? - Yeah, I think so.

Whoops.

Thanks.

(STANLEY CHUCKLES)

- Wouldn't a ladder be a little sturdier? - Well, I moved up here for privacy.

Ah.

- You did this yourself? - Well, I'm pretty proud of it.

It's the first room I ever had all to myself.

Yeah?

And before they started moving out, I had three brothers with me.

- Now I've got Jeffrey. - Yes, young Jeffrey. And his dog?

Yeah.

Yeah, but starting tonight, I'm all by my lonesome.

It's like that with me sometimes, you know, lonesome.

But the other times, when I'm out there on the road,

traveling from town to town, meeting new people all the time,

- then it's marvelous. - I'd kind of like to do some traveling.

Well, Jim-Bob, you're talking to a traveling man.

I've been to Cincinnati, where they got a wondrous train station

with a mural made out of thousands of bits of glass.

I've been to Chicago, where the weather gets so cold, it'll steal your breath away.

Des Moines, St. Louis, on down to Mississippi to New Orleans,

where I swear... Now you may not believe this,

but I swear that they live on crawfish and wine.

Yuck!

(STANLEY CHUCKLES)

I just don't know if I could get used to going to all those places by myself.

Well, it's fine till nightfall.

Then it's time to face another empty hotel room.

JOHN: We thank you for blessing this family.

And for this food that was made with such special care.

We ask you to bless all those loved ones who are not with us today,

and to help us welcome a new friend in our midst.

Amen.

I'm honored to be here.

I wonder if any of you know just how much a home-cooked meal means to me.

Oh, my goodness, this is nothing special. Just a little last-minute repast, you know.

Nana, you've been cooking all day.

Just put a piece of chicken in your mouth, Jeffrey dear.

Chicken looks to be perfection, Miss Rose, as I knew it would be.

How are things at Zuleika's?

They're comfortable enough. Of course, it's just a room, you know.

Corabeth says you're looking for a house.

Well, yes, I have been.

Well, you might tell a person, Mr. Perkins. A real house?

Well, I think so. Needs a little work, but...

Well, we won't mind that, all of us pitching in and helping.

- Is there room for all of us? - I believe there is.

Rose, what are you talking about?

Mr. Perkins has asked me to marry him.

And Serena and Jeffrey and I are proud to accept.

- ALL: Congratulations! - Congratulations!

- Such a surprise. - What good news.

(ALL CHATTERING)

(PLAYING BLUEMOON)

Come on. I have something to show you outside.

- Right now? - Yes, right now.

- Come on, come on. - Okay, I'm coming, I'm coming.

It's right around here.

- How do you like it? - You build this yourself?

While you were up there doing the hayloft, I built this for Nick.

It's a nice doghouse.

Uncle John says he's going to sleep in it tonight.

- He's got to learn to some night. - Well, I imagine it'd suit him just fine.

Now that he's got his own home, want to move back into our room?

We'd better go inside, they're probably wondering where we are.

(SONG ENDS)

(ALL CLAPPING)

Wonderful!

Now, Rose and Mr. Perkins have a lot to settle,

so why don't the rest of us turn in? Congratulations.

- Congratulations. - Thank you, John.

- Rose. - Congratulations, Rose.

ROSE: Oh, my. Thank you.

- Good night, you two. - Good night.

- Good night. - Good night.

- Well, Mr. Perkins, I'll see you. - Stanley. Please, John, call me Stanley.

Stanley, well, congratulations and good night.

Thank you.

You kept our secret just fine, and you, too.

- I love you, Nana. - I love you, too, both of you.

Well, I hope you enjoy your new home, Jim-Bob.

Thanks.

Hey, Rose, I was wondering if it's okay if Jeffrey

stays out in the loft with me tonight.

- I should say so. - Come on, let's go get your pajamas.

- Good night, Nana. - Good night, sweetie.

- Good night, Mr. Perkins. - Oh, Serena, good night. Thank you.

Well, my dear Miss Rose.

Isn't the silence noisy when they all leave?

You know, we were talking about something last night.

I wanted to take something up with you.

Well, before you do, let me show you something.

- You made this? - Oh, my, nothing as fine as this.

My mother made it for my trousseau years ago.

- Did you ever see such work? - Never.

It doesn't look as if it's ever been used.

I'm ashamed to say it hasn't.

All those years with Burt,

and I was always saving it for some special occasion.

And then Burt died, and it was too late.

I don't ever want it to be too late again.

Of course you don't.

Sundays, we'll use it Sundays, or special suppers when friends come.

Or any supper.

(BOTH LAUGH)

Now, you were trying to tell me something

when I so rudely interrupted you. What was it?

I don't remember now, Miss Rose.

Was it about the house? I do want to hear about that dear house.

Well, it's not exactly a dear house, Miss Rose.

Not yet anyway. It's not far from here.

I don't have the slightest idea how many rooms it's got.

Not many, I'm sure. But it is in a state of collapse.

It sounds just lovely.

(STANLEY CHUCKLES)

Rose, be careful.

Is this what you'd call a standard window, John?

No special size, if that's what you mean.

Well, Mr. Perkins said you looked the house over,

and I want to make curtains.

They're all about the same size, I guess. Careful now.

Well, I found this on sale in Rockfish.

Well, it's nothing special, but it's neat and clean.

It's nice. Well, he bought the house, did he?

Well, I don't know. They're talking about it, him and the bank.

But you've got to have curtains for a house sometime, you know.

- John, can you believe all this? - You mean the house, the curtains?

- No, the marriage. I'll tell you, I can't. - I can. You'll make a wonderful wife.

I guess I was a pretty good wife to Burt. But, Lord, we were so young.

You know how that goes. You own the world.

It's not so bad when you're older. I know.

I'm not just talking about age, John.

I'm talking about what you've had from life, what it's done to you.

And I know I'm no prize.

- Now, wait a minute, Rose... - Now, you wait.

Don't you give me any of your good Virginia soft soap, bless your heart.

I know what I am and I know what he is.

Well, he's a fine man, he's kind and generous...

A kind and generous man who wants to marry you.

- Is there anything wrong with that? - Nothing, I'd guess.

Oh, shoot. This stuff isn't supposed to shrink, anyway.

Well, there's Corabeth, shall I head her off?

- No. No, let me just regroup here. - Okay.

(KNOCKING ON DOOR)

- Corabeth, come in. - Hello, John.

Rose, I'm so pleased I found you home.

I think I'll leave you two ladies alone.

Well, I'm mostly home, Corabeth.

Well, I knew that you would be wanting to make curtains

for that darling little house of yours.

So I brought along some swatches

to show you a fabric that we have at the mercantile.

I'm sure that you will find exactly what it is you want among them.

Before you go any further, Corabeth,

I think I ought to tell you, I've already bought the curtain material.

Oh. Well, I don't believe we have anything like that.

Mr. Godsey and I are most particular about the quality of fabric

- that we carry in our establishment. - I'm sorry you went to all the bother.

Well, I do hope that in the future, you will come to us first.

We will do everything we can to accommodate you.

- Thank you, Corabeth. - And, Rose,

I do not believe there was a better match made in heaven

than between you and Mr. Perkins.

- I think that's just where it was made. - That poor, dear man.

I know Mr. Godsey considers it a wondrous opportunity,

but if you could hear Mr. Perkins describe that life.

What wondrous opportunity?

I thought he told you. That dream territory out West?

Well, Mr. Godsey says that it's been offered to Mr. Perkins.

No, he didn't tell me.

I knew he wanted it, all his life, I guess.

Not if you could hear him talk about it now.

Why, he describes a lonely, desolate life,

dreadful food, rude people, moving from dreary place to drearier place.

Makes you wonder why it's such a dream territory, doesn't it?

One thing about this house, anything we do will be a big improvement.

Well, now you just wait till you see it with curtains at the windows.

- What did John say? - Well, the roof...

I believe he thinks that a new roof is the major undertaking.

Paint, of course.

Oh...

- Little things really, you know. - A lot of little things.

(BOTH LAUGH)

I guess.

- Are you sure you want to do this? - The house?

Well, I could wish there were a better one. But it's quite possible, you know.

- Quite possible. - I heard about your job offer.

(SIGHS)

Well, I wanted to tell you about that, Miss Rose, I really did,

but finally I decided that it would be better if you didn't hear about it.

News doesn't stay in one place very long around here.

I'll say.

I know how you feel about that territory.

How I felt, Miss Rose.

See, if I were a younger man,

oh, I guess I could savor standing by the Grand Canyon,

taking a look at the Pacific Ocean.

Of course, it is prime selling territory, lot of customers, plenty of money.

- It sounds wonderful. - Perhaps.

But not for me.

You see, I'm a changed man, Miss Rose, since I found you.

There you go with those words again. I vow and declare, you do have a way.

That's true.

Let me give you a hand measuring that, huh?

Well, all righty.

I tell you, these windows are gonna look heaven-sent when I get through.

They are indeed.

Of course, it's not California, not by a long stretch,

but you'll like it here, you'll see.

I guess I was never meant to set foot in California.

I mean...

It's really nice here. I mean, I like it here.

I saw Burt try to retire. Oh, he quit the railroad all right,

but every time he heard the whistle of a train, I could see it in his eyes.

He wanted to be back out on that big locomotive, riding the open country.

It hurt me every time I saw that look on his face.

And it hurts me now to see it on yours.

No wonder I care so much for you.

I want you to take that territory.

I couldn't bear thinking that I was the reason you weren't fulfilling your dream.

- Well, then, come with me, please. - I belong with those children.

Well, I could go out, sort of establish myself, you know.

And then I could come back for you.

I could show you all those places that you've never seen, Miss Rose.

Goodbye, Stanley.

(SIGHS)

Goodbye, Miss Rose.

(CAR ENGINE STARTS)

(BLUEMOON PLAYING)

JOHN-BOY: Rose continued to present her very best side to the world.

Warm, laughing, loving.

If her heart was broken, it never showed in public.

After a time, the picture postcards began to arrive.

And we all wondered if the tra veling man would ever tra vel this way again.

JEFFREY: Jim-Bob? JIM-BOB: Go to sleep, Jeffrey.

JEFFREY: How come you're back sleeping in my room?

JIM-BOB: Because someone stole my ladder.

JEFFREY: Now, who would do a rotten thing like that?

JIM-BOB: Good night, Jeffrey.

English -SDH