All language subtitles for S01E24

[Car horn blowing]

(John-Boy) when we were
growing up on Walton's mountain,

Sundays were very special.

6 days a week, overalls and
sneakers were the family uniform.

But on the 7th day, we got out
our sunday-Go-To-Meeting best,

Shined and scrubbed
and brushed and polished.

Getting ready to go to
church was as much of a ritual

As the services
once we got there.

I remember one february
sunday that began like any other

But ended in the gravest
crisis our family ever faced.

A crisis that threatened the
sheltered life we'd taken for granted

And tested our
belief in god's mercy.

You can get just anything
to grow, can't you, mama?

Aren't they lovely?

It's so nice to see them inside
here, green and blooming

When it's winter outside.

They're just lovely, mama.

This bug thinks so, too.

Jim-Bob, you get that
bug away from me.

- It's just a little bug.
- Get it away!

Jim-Bob, leave Erin alone.

[Door shuts]

™ªâ™ª[Jason playing lively tune]

That's nice, Jason.

You really like it?

Uh-Huh.

(Grandma) well,
shouldn't we be going?

I can't abide people
who straggle in late.

But, grandma, that way,
everybody gets to see

The new hat or the new coat.

(Grandma) turning the lord's
worship into a style show?

Livie, you look flushed.

It's winter aches and pains.

It's this weather.

Sometimes it seems like
spring will just never get here.

Jason, that's not exactly

what I'd call sunday music.

™ªâ™ª[playing slow tune]

Now, that's more like it.

I liked the other one better.

™ªâ™ª[switches to lively tune]

What do you call it?

I don't know. I
haven't named it yet.

You mean you just made that up?

Uh-Huh.

Well now, don't I just have
the most talented children?

You sound just like daddy.

(Grandma) will you
get your boots on?

Yes, mother.

Come, go with us.

Maybe next week, honey.

You've been saying that every
sunday since I married you.

You keep trying.

It'll do you the world of good.

Raise your spirits.

If my spirits got any higher,

They'd go right
through the roof.

We'll pray for you, daddy.

You do that, honey.

personally, I go mostly

For the music and the singing.

[Sighs]

媻 Oh let's be the
tie that binds ♪♪

You have a grand voice, pa.

Well, I keep all that
music pent up inside,

Go to church and
let it come forth.

Gives me pleasure.

Anything that gives a
man my age enjoyment

is something to be encouraged.

You can even make going
to church sound wicked.

That's one way of
bringing in the sinners.

媻 Bringing in the sinners
Bringing in the sinners ♪

™ª we should come rejoice ♪

Hurry up, everybody.

John-Boy's got the truck ready.

Mary Ellen!

媻 Bringing in the cheer
we should come rejoice ♪♪

It's such a pleasure
to see you in a dress.

You look real nice.

I feel like a scarecrow.

You're a very
attractive young woman,

If you'd only cooperate
with nature a little.

What you got behind your back?

Mary Ellen, you are not
taking a baseball mitt to church.

- But, mama, if G.W. Wants to...
- No.

[Mitt thudding]

My best to the reverend.

[Car horn blowing]

[All chattering]

(Grandpa) hurry along.

(Ben) I've got my neck
warmer right here.

(Grandpa) come along, Livie.

(All) ♪ Oh, Beulah land,
sweet Beulah land ♪

媻 As on thy highest
mount I stand ♪

™ª I look away across the sea ♪

媻 where mansions are
prepared for me ♪♪

™ªâ™ª[all humming]

[Children chattering]

Hello, sir.

It's always a pleasure
to see you, ma'am.

My very best to your wife.

I'm so pleased you all could
come worship with us this morning.

Fine service, reverend.
Thank you, ma'am.

I sure enjoyed your sermon,
reverend. Thank you, Mr. Walton.

Come have dinner
with us real soon.

Thank you.

Goodbye, reverend. Bye.

(Livie) Wasn't that a
comforting sermon?

Oh, splendid. He
was just splendid.

How'd you know? You slept
through the whole thing.

I was not asleep.

Your eyes were closed,
and your mouth was open.

I was meditating.

Mama, Ben got another
star for saying bible verses.

"Happy is the man
who finds wisdom,

"And the man who
gets understanding.

"For the gain of it is better
than the gain of silver,

And its profits are
better than gold."

Well, it looks to me
like we could have

A young minister
in the Walton family.

2 ministers, mama. I'm
gonna be a preacher, too.

Don't laugh.

No, I think that's
a lovely ambition.

Mama, are you all right?

What's the matter?

Did you turn your ankle?

No, my knee just
seemed to give out.

You better come
back to the church.

Oh, I'll be all right.

Mama, can I walk home
with G.W.? If you like.

- We'll come with her.
- No, you will not.

Why not?

I'll explain that to
you in a few years.

In a few years,
you won't have to.

It feels like my legs suddenly
don't have any strength in 'em.

Sounds like you're
fighting the grippe.

Well, we'll get
you home in a hurry.

All right?

Mary Ellen, I've got
to ask you something.

Go ahead and ask.

Promise you won't
say no right off?

You want to borrow
my baseball mitt?

8th grade's gonna
have a spring dance.

I know that.

Well, do you wanna go with me?

No.

I asked you not
to say no right off.

I can't dance.

Neither can I.

So what are we gonna do,
sit around looking dumb?

People can learn how to dance.

Not me.

Won't you think about it?

All right. But I'm not
gonna change my mind.

[Laughing]

[Indistinct talking]

We're gonna get
you right into bed.

Well, here they come right now.

Hey, y'all, look who's here.

Oh, good morning.

(All) good morning.

Well, we were on our
way home from church.

I didn't see you at church.

Oh, no, dear. Sister
and I are members

Of the episcopal congregation.

The Baldwins have always
been of that persuasion.

Papa was a deacon.

Anyway, we were
passing so close by,

We just had to stop
and pay our respects.

That was very thoughtful of you.

Somehow the idea of going home

to face another quiet sunday

Was not appealing.

Children, take off your boots.

Come on, before
you catch a cold.

[All chattering]

I'm so glad we stopped.

I'll treasure the memory of
you all in your sunday best.

It's such a treat.

Oh, Liv, look,

The ladies have brought
you along a little present.

Nothing very extravagant.

Mamie's mint jelly.

It's delicious with lamb.

Thank you.

Livie, you all right?

No, she isn't.

She's feeling poorly.

Oh, dear!

And here we are,
chattering away.

What is it, honey?

Grandma says it's the grippe.

Oh, sister, we must be going.

I'm sorry to spoil
your visit, ladies.

Well, now you take
care of yourself, dear.

Thank you for the
tea and hospitality.

- Thank you, John.
- You come back soon.

I'll see the ladies to the car.

Bathe your temples
with lilac water, dear.

There's nothing more soothing.

Thank you.

Goodbye. Goodbye.

Take care.

Liv, you look feverish.

Did this come over
you in church?

No, I woke up this morning

with a backache
and a stiff neck.

You've got a chill.

You shouldn't have
gone out this morning.

Don't fuss. An afternoon in
bed and I'll be good as new.

Then I'll fix you some
hot chamomile tea.

Now you get yourself to bed.

What are we gonna do
with this dab of mint jelly?

Save it.

Maybe next time the ladies
will bring us some lamb.

Come on, now, let's
get you upstairs.

[Moaning]

Liv, what is it?

I don't know. My legs just...

I feel so strange
all of a sudden.

Oh, honey, come
on, I'll take you up.

(Jason) be sure you
save the corn silk.

Well, I am, Jason, I am.

Shelling corn is almost
as fun as popping it.

Or eating it.

John-Boy, do you
know how to dance?

Some, yeah.

How much is some?

Oh, I don't know.

I guess I know enough

to keep from stumbling
over a girl's feet

once the music starts.

Don't you feel like a fool,
hippity-Hopping around

while everybody's watching?

Like a fool?

Yeah, I guess sometimes
I feel a little foolish.

Then why do you do it?

Feeling foolish can be fun.

John-Boy.

Your daddy wants you to
fetch Doc. Vance right away.

Is mama worse?

Will you just tell him that...
that she's talking out of her head

And that she can't
seem to move her legs?

Can't move her legs? What...

Will you just tell him that?

(Mary Ellen)
Where is he going?

[Engine sputtering]

[Livie moaning]

Oh!

Aah!

It's your turn, Erin.

I don't want to play anymore.

Me neither.

Why don't you turn on the
radio? I think it's about time

For Edgar Bergen
and Charlie Mccarthy.

Why doesn't daddy come down

and tell us about mama?

I don't know what the doctor

could be doing up
there all this time.

Excuse me, John-Boy.

Don't you worry
none about Doc. Vance.

He's one sawbones that
really knows his business.

John-Boy, could you
possibly see how mama is?

I don't want to keep
pestering daddy about it.

I believe it'd be a
satisfaction to have

some good news to
help us pass the evening.

All right.

Daddy, the children are worried.

John-Boy, uh, your
mama's very sick.

Does the doctor know what it is?

Yes, it's polio.

Polio?

Infantile paralysis.

Is it very bad, polio?

It's bad.

She'll have to go
to the hospital, eh?

Well, we can't move her tonight,

But, uh, tomorrow we'll see.

Let's not say anything
yet to the children, son.

Let's, uh,

Let's just say the doctor's
taking good care of your mama.

Ok. Sure.

The children.
John, the children.

The children are fine, Liv.

I'm really sick.

That would be you, honey.

My plants. I forgot
to water my plants.

Shh.

The plants are
perfectly all right, Liv.

Liv.

Are we gonna be able to
see mama after school?

Probably not today, darling.

Tomorrow?

I don't know. Maybe, Jason.

[G.W. Whistling]

That's G.W.

Is he whistling for you?

(Erin) it's so unladylike

Being called for like that.

So who's a lady?

You don't catch me jumping
up and racing out of the house

every time a boy whistles.

I don't hear any boys
whistling for you.

Your slip's showing.

Grandma.

Doc? You're still here?

I've gone and come back, Livie.

Delivered a baby and set a
broken arm since I saw you.

I've lost a day.

Don't you worry about that.

I'm so weak I can't
even lift my head.

Still in pain?

It comes and goes.

Mostly I seem to have worn
it out, or it's worn me out.

Now I don't want you
to move around, Livie.

You just rest.

I won't give you an argument.

What was it? Influenza?

We'll talk about that later.

Right now the important thing is

that you get your strength back.

Well, I'm... I'm due at the
Fasnaughts right this minute.

- Who's sick over there?
- Nelly.

Laryngitis. Can't say a word.

Jim says it's the best
vacation he's had in 27 years.

I'll see you again
this evening, Livie.

Grandma.

What's the doctor
holding back from me?

How would I know?

I'm just the
fetch-And-Carry lady now.

I'm gonna have to tell her, doc.

I know, John, I know.

Let's let her have
a few more hours.

How bad is it?

Well, there's
considerable nerve damage.

The paralysis seems to have
moved down the lower spine

into both legs.

Will it pass?

I don't know.

That's the hellish
thing about polio.

We just don't know.

In a day or 2, if the
feeling doesn't come back,

I'll have to put on splints.

Splints?

Well, the theory goes that
the affected muscles are weak.

That being the case,

the other healthy
ones are likely to pull

the weak ones out of
shape, cause crippling.

Is she going to have to
wear these splints long?

Well, I...

I've got to say it
again. I don't know.

[Children laughing]

(Mary Ellen) I wish you'd
closed that window.

How's mama?

- When can we see her?
- Shh. Quiet.

I drew a picture for her.

Quiet. Well, I'll
show it to her.

Just keep quiet
around the house now,

Because your grandma's
trying to have a little cat nap.

- Is grandma sick, too?
- No, she isn't.

But she's wore out from taking
care of your mama all night.

I didn't know you peeled
potatoes, grandpa.

Lot of things about me
you don't know about.

And there're lots of new things

You're gonna have to learn to do

before your mama gets
up and on her feet again.

When will that be?

Oh, I don't know.

But in the meantime,
I'm gonna keep busy

And when I'm busy,

I like to see everybody
around me busy, too.

(Jason) Well, I'll
take the hint.

Shh-Shh, tippy-Toe, tippy-Toe.

If your grandma wakes up,
she'll give me the dickens.

Is daddy upstairs?

He hasn't left her side all day.

Careful now, honey.
Don't cut yourself. That's it.

I'll watch for a while, if you'd
like to get a breath of fresh air.

No, thanks, son.

It could help, though,

If you and Jason finished up
those timbers for halvorsen.

Oh, sure.

Now get me some fresh coffee.

John.

John.

(Livie) John!

My legs.

I can't move my legs.

I can touch 'em,

But it's like they
belong to somebody else.

Polio.

That's what it is. Polio.

John?

Yes, Liv.

The children, are they...

The children are
just fine, honey.

Just fine.

Liv, it's gonna be all right.

(Roosevelt on radio) Regard those
who work with hand or brain

as different from
or inferior to

those who live from
their own property.

We insist that
labor is entitled

to as much respect
as property.

But our workers
with hand and brain

deserve more than
respect for their labor...

I guess it's time we
all had a little talk.

I've been waiting till we
were 100 percent sure

before I said anything.

But now there's,
there's no doubt.

Your mama's real sick.

She's got polio.

Polio? Mama?

What's polio?

It's a disease that
happens mostly to children.

(Mary Ellen) Like that little
Marlowe girl at school, remember?

The one with the crutches

and the wires in her legs?

Mostly it happens to children,

But it happens to adults, too.

When will mama be over it?

Son, it's gonna
take a long time.

Can she walk?

No. She's too weak right now.

Will mama have to use crutches

and have those
wires in her legs?

It's too soon to know, honey.

I wish we could see her.

You're gonna see her.

You'll see her soon.

Soon as the doc
says it's not catching.

She wants to see you
real bad, you know that.

Daddy, what if mama
can never walk again?

Oh.

Nonsense.

Franklin Delano
Roosevelt, our president,

had polio when he was
about your mama's age.

Hasn't stopped that
fellow none yet, has it?

Not so as you could notice.

It'll be kind of tough
around here for a while

but we're gonna
get by real good.

There are gonna be a lot
of things you can do to help.

I'm gonna get back
to my homework now.

That's a good idea.

Why don't you all
finish your homework?

Daddy?

What is it, honey?

There's one thing i
don't understand.

What's that?

How come it had
to happen to mama?

Well, you know, baby,

that's kind of hard for
me to understand, too.

How'd they take it?

Oh, they're our children, Liv.

It's gonna be hard for 'em.

As soon as I can see 'em,

I've got to show 'em that
they can depend on me,

Same as always.

(Elizabeth)
Good night, mama.

Good night, Elizabeth.

(Ben)
Good night, mama.

Good night, Ben.

(Jason)
Good night, mama.

Good night, Jason.

Good night, mama.

(Livie)
Good night, jim-Bob.

Good night, mama.

(Livie)
Good night, John-Boy.

Goodnight, mama.

Good night, Mary Ellen.

Aren't you going to
say good night, Erin?

Good night, mama.

Good night, Erin.

Ok, come on.

Good night, John-Boy.

John, could I have some of
my plants Up here tomorrow?

Of course, honey.

It'll remind me that winter
doesn't last forever.

[Knocking on door]

You up to company?

Guess so.

Reverend Fordwick.

We've all been extremely
concerned about you, Mrs. Walton.

How are you feeling?

The doctor says I'm improving.

Well, I'm certainly
relieved to hear that.

Uh, I'm here as an emissary
from the ladies' aid society.

And they asked me
to present this to you

as a token of their affection.

My goodness, such
a large packet.

Do you want me to
open it for you, Livie?

Thank you, grandma.

How nice of everybody.

I do hope they haven't gone
and spent a pile of money.

I was assured the
cost was minimal.

Livie, would you look at this?

I do vow.

Why, it's... it's a
signature quilt.

I've never seen one before.

"Get well soon. Evelyn."

"Courage, from
alma." Good old alma.

"Best wishes from Tibbie."

They've been working on that

Ever since you were stricken.

"Thinking of you. Myrle."

Oh, grandma, put it over me.

It's like having all my
dear friends around me.

Reverend.

Would you tell 'em i
consider myself a lucky woman

to have such good friends?

I certainly will.

God's blessing be on you, ma'am.

Thank you.

I'll see him out.

[Door closing]

How are the
children taking this?

Oh, well, it's hard for
them to understand.

It is for all of us.

Even you? A man of god?

I accept his ways, ma'am.

I don't always understand them.

Good day.

Will you stop? Ben,
get off of there!

Jim-Bob! Who started that?

- I don't know.
- He did.

Well, what was it about?

I don't know. Something
just came over me.

- I'm sorry.
- Me, too.

This is the wrong
time to fight, you know.

Just get back to bed.

Where did you get that?

I got it in a trade.

Well, what did you trade for
it, and who did you trade with?

That's my business.

You know, you're
getting more picky

than mama and
daddy put together.

You just stop picking on me.

I'm not picking.

I'm sorry, I'm not picking.

Elizabeth, I thought you
gave that up for good.

I thought so, too.

Big girls don't
suck their thumbs.

I don't feel very big tonight.

All right, go... go back to bed.

Can't we stay, John-Boy?

No, you can't.

Just a little while? Please?

I promise not to suck my thumb.

Hey, what's going on here?

- We're getting into your bed.
- No, you're not.

You've got beds of your own.

So have they.

All right. Let's just
get one thing straight:

This is special.

This is not a regular
arrangement.

John-Boy.

Hmm?

You've seen mama, haven't you?

Only from the door.

Does she look very different?

No, of course she doesn't, Erin.

Who put a thing like
that into your head?

I don't know.

But I just couldn't stand
to see mama different.

That hurt?

No. I can't feel a thing.

Now these splints are
supposed to protect the muscles.

Aren't there some
exercises I can do?

The only exercise you'll be
doing is maybe trying to sit up.

Of course I'll sit up.

That's not gonna be
as easy as you think.

Who said it's going to be easy?

How am I gonna get the
feeling back in my legs

if I don't do exercises?

Well, in time you may want
to be fitted with braces.

No, I want to do
something now. Today.

I'm sorry, Livie, but I don't
think you've got a choice.

There must be
something she can do, doc.

Some... some kind
of medicine, maybe.

Not that I know of.

But you've got time
on your side, Livie.

You're a young woman,
you're determined,

And I think you'll
make a good recovery.

I'll look in 2, 3 times a week.

If the pain should get worse,

or the fever come back,
why, you send for me.

Is it safe for the
children to come in now?

Oh, yes, I think
you can see them.

Now?

If you like.

I'll go get 'em. Be right here.

I'll let myself out, John.

All right, children, you
can see your mama now.

(John-Boy)
Slowly, Ben, quiet.

Come on, Erin.

[Door slams]

Mama!

This is my medicine.

Mary Ellen,

Why, I hardly recognize you
without your baseball mitt.

Jim-Bob, if you
don't get a haircut,

Somebody's gonna
mistake you for a sheepdog.

Ruff, ruff!

[All laughing]

And miss Elizabeth,
what's this I hear

about your
rediscovering your thumb?

I've stopped again,
mama. For good.

I'm glad to hear it.

Can you feel this?

No, Elizabeth, I can't.

Where's Erin?

She was downstairs with us.

I'll find her.

Jason, you got your harmonica?

Yeah.

Play us a tune.
Something lively.

[playing turkey in the straw]

Come on.

[Harmonica playing continues]

Grandma, where's Erin?

She ran outside.

[Door closing]

Erin!

Erin!

[Sobbing]

Erin.

What are you
hiding out here for?

Your mama's asking for you.

John-Boy, I'm afraid.

You've got nothing
to be afraid of.

I don't want to see mama sick

like a different person.

Erin.

John-Boy, I don't
want mama to change!

Erin, quiet, now. Hush, honey.

Erin, you listen to me.

The important things about
your mama haven't changed.

They never could.

The way she feels
about you and me.

Maybe now she can't walk,

but she's the same person,
and she wants to see you.

I'm ashamed.

Erin, you've got no
reason to be ashamed.

It's a very natural thing
to want the people you love

to stay the same.

Now come on, she's
waiting for you.

Here.

Shh.

™ªâ™ª[playing swanee
river, by stephen foster]

Here's your stray lamb.

Erin.

Mama!

Oh, sweetheart.

™ªâ™ª[playing lively tune]

[Livie and John laughing]

(John-Boy) mama's room has
become the center of the house.

Every day she talks with us

Telling us of the hopes and
dreams she has for each one of us.

"He leadeth me beside
the still waters.

"He restoreth my soul:

"He leadeth me in the paths of
righteousness for his own name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through
the valley of the shadow of..."

That's lovely, Ben.

But would you do me a favor?

Would you read from
the song of solomon?

I just love chapter 2, verse 11.

Sure, mama.

Here it is.

"For, lo, the winter is past,

"The rain is over and gone.

"The flowers
appear on the earth,

"the time of the
singing of birds is come

and the voice of the
turtle is heard in our land."

Isn't that beautiful?

You read it with such feeling.

You really want
to be a minister?

If that's what you want, mama.

What do you want?

Well, preaching would be fine,

I'm kind of interested
in being a salesman.

A salesman?

Well, remember that
big fish that I caught

and daddy said it
would be ok if I sold it?

I sold it to Mr. Godsey
for 15 cents,

And he doesn't even like fish.

Well, he said at the time

I'd make a crackerjack salesman.

You ought to try it.

Well, what would I sell?

There doesn't seem to be
much future in fish around here.

How about magazines?

LikeCollier's and
Saturday Evening Post?

I hear some boys are
very successful at it.

Why, I'd sure like
to give it a try.

(John-Boy) it seems that mama is
anxious to see us make a start

Toward fulfilling the
possibilities she feels we have.

I want you to go to
that dance with G.W.

Mama!

I wanna see you looking pretty
and girlish in a frilly dress.

I don't have a frilly dress.

I know.

And that's why we're
gonna make you one.

Go get the ladies'
home journal. Go on.

(John-Boy) we all try to
carry out mama's wishes,

to please her and ourselves.

[playing]

She encourages Jason
to work on his music.

Says he should try out for the
amateur show in charlottesville.

With me, she seems
most to enjoy talking

about college and
what I'll be doing there.

The university of virginia.

I can just picture you there.

In my raccoon coat
and my porkpie hat?

What you'll wear
doesn't concern me

half as much as what
you'll be learning.

What courses are you gonna take?

I don't know.

I just hope I can get in.

They've got so
many requirements.

I want to get it
all fixed in my mind.

You know, mama,

The campus is only
about 25 miles from here.

Maybe I could just drive down
and pick up some catalogs.

We could plan out the
whole thing right here.

I'd like that.

I would, too.

I'm gonna ask daddy when
he can spare the truck.

John-Boy. Hmm?

Do you think I'm being foolish?

No, mama.

[Bell tolling]

Oh, good morning.

Good morning.

You're new.

Well, I'm not really here.

I mean, I'm not...
I'm not here yet.

I'm here, I'm here. But
I just want to talk.

About what?

Oh, how you register, and
how much everything costs,

and what courses you
have, and everything.

Well, most everything's
in this brochure.

Fees, tuition cost,

schedule of classes, and
an entrance application.

Will you be applying this fall?

Well, no, this is sort
of long-Range planning.

Also, could you direct me
to the school of medicine?

I would have thought that you were
more the arts and humanities type.

Well, you're right. I am
interested in a career in journalism.

But my mother's sick,

And I was wondering if there
was someone I could talk to.

Your mother's sick how?

With polio.

Then you should see dr. Miller
in experimental medicine.

Over in jefferson
county. Walton's mountain.

Yes, I know. I come from
up around crabtree falls.

Uh-Huh.

Are you in your freshman year?

No. No, I'm still
in high school.

I'd like to come here
someday, though.

If we can get the
money together.

I see. Please sit down.

Thank you.

Doctor, one of the reasons that
I came here today was to see you.

I wish I could
examine your mother,

But i, I never seem to get
very far away from this lab.

Well, I hoped maybe
there was something

You could suggest for us to do.

Well, there's no vaccine
to stop the damned crippler

and no medicine to repair
the damage once it's been done.

But we're working on it.

I gather you've noticed
I've got a personal interest.

I was 18 years old, a pretty
good football player.

Then one saturday I had
these strange pains in my back,

And sunday I was
completely out of my head,

And by monday I was
paralyzed from the waist down.

Just the same way with my mama.

And that's the pattern. We
stand by helplessly and just, uh,

Hope for the best.

Now, our doctor, Dr. Vance,
has put splints on her legs.

That's the accepted approach.

Nobody knows
whether it really helps.

Well, I was reading in the
newspaper about Sister Kenny, is it?

And she's worked out
her own treatment?

Yes, she's an australian nurse.

We're now checking
into her methods.

She claims an extraordinary
rate of recovery.

But she's also attracted
a lot of controversy.

I'd like to find out
more about her.

Nobody knows too much yet.

Well, I mean...

maybe there's just some place I could
write to, in australia or something.

I'll tell you what: you leave
me your name and address,

and I'll see if I can get a hold

Of some of her pamphlets
that detail the procedures.

I'll mail them to you. You
can show 'em to your doctor

and see what he thinks.

I sure would be
grateful to you for that.

Why, it's no
trouble at all, son.

Isn't that something, doc?

It certainly is
remarkable, Olivia.

Never thought a few weeks ago,

I'd be proud as a peacock
at just being able to sit up.

You've got quite a nurse here.

(Livie)
Isn't she a wonder?

I may steal her away from you.

I'll get mama some fresh water.

Erin's different.

You never know
what a person might be

till she's put to the test.

Well, now that
you're able to sit up,

I'd say a wheelchair
might be next.

I don't need the
wheelchair. I'm going to walk.

Now you're a stubborn woman.

And for a stubborn
woman, anything's possible.

You keep up the
good work, Olivia.

Mama, what's the use of making
the frilly dress? I can't dance.

We'll get to that.

Let's see.

Yes, I, uh, I heard
of Sister Kenny.

Is she a nun?

Uh, no, grandma.

I think in australia they
call any nurse "sister."

As far as I remember,
she was working

in the back country down there

And she came up with her
own treatment for polio.

The doctor at
the university says

that she claims a really
high recovery rate.

Do you know what she
does different, doc?

No. No, I don't,

but if you get the
pamphlets, I'll study them.

Ok.

But don't get your hopes up.

Most times these quick cures

turn out to be some
kind of quackery.

I could use your
help out back, son.

Ok, I'll get my coat.

[Children laughing]

Mama, make 'em go away.

It's bad enough
without them watching.

There'll be people
watching you at the dance.

If they snicker, I'll slug 'em.

Just like the well-Bred,
Young lady you are.

Ok, Jason, strike up the band.

Ahem.

[playing the Blue
Danube, by Strauss]

- [Children chuckling]
- Quit pulling at me.

Mary Ellen, you gotta move.
G.W.'S not gonna pick you up

And carry you around
the dance floor.

- [All laughing]
- Shh.

- The tortoise and the hare.
- Yeah.

Not too fast.

Mary Ellen, what are you doing?

Mary Ellen, wait... you're leading
me. Remember what I told you?

You're the girl,
and I'm the boy.

[All laughing] she forgot.

Let's do it right,
ok? Last time.

[harmonica playing]

Looks like a tugboat.

[Imitating engine]

[All laughing]

It's the dumbest
thing I ever did.

That's better.

(Livie)
Smile.

I don't feel like smiling.

Smile anyway. 1, 2, 3.

1, 2, 3.

Very good, Mary
Ellen, very good.

Don't I get any
credit for my feet?

Oh, you're elegant,
John-Boy, just elegant.

Like your father.

Lift your feet a little
higher. A little higher.

™ªâ™ª[harmonica music continues]

Liv, you moved your foot.

Liv.

You're moving your foot.

[Gasps]

It's moving, Liv.

Your foot's moving, Liv.

John-Boy.

Children, look. Look,
I can move my foot.

You did it!

(Livie) I moved my foot.

Mama!

I'm gonna walk again.
You just wait and see.

I'll be walking by easter.

You're gonna walk right to
the easter sunrise service.

I can't believe it.
I moved my foot.

Here you go, John-Boy.

Thank you.

Is this it?

Yeah. What were you expecting?

A big check for one of
those stories you send off?

No, a doctor over at
the university of Virginia

promised to send me
some pamphlets on polio.

(Sheriff) Hi, men.

Hello, sheriff.

How's your mother, John-Boy?

Well, she's able to
move her leg. Thank you.

That's good news. That's good.

Am I too late, ike?

No, we got lots of time.

I tell you, it's like a day
without sunshine if I miss it.

John-Boy, maybe you better send
that doctor a note and remind him.

Yeah, I guess I'll do that.

Funny, though. He didn't seem
like the kind of man to forget.

Ike, time's moving right along.

We aren't gonna miss a word.

John-Boy, if anything comes in

from the university,
I'll bring it over.

Thanks, Ike.

- How do you turn this on?
- I'll turn it on.

John-Boy, why don't
you stick around

And listen to Ma
Perkins with us?

Not today, ike. Thanks
for the licorice.

My best to your mom.

(Man on radio) a woman
who's life is the same,

surroundings are the same...

On your way back
from Charlottesville,

don't forget to stop at ike
godsey's for my stew beef.

About 15-Cents worth
will do just fine.

And I need 15 cents of blue sash

for Mary Ellen's
new dance dress.

15 cents for a piece of ribbon?

I promised Livie.

Man does not live by stew
beef alone, old woman.

Don't you misquote the
scriptures to me, old man.

15 cents for a piece of ribbon.

Well, you tell ike godsey to
throw in a large soup bone for that.

I'll try, ma.

How do you feel about
the audition, Jason?

I guess I'm ready.

He should be. He's in
the barn half the day

worrying that guitar to death.

Now you've got
nothing to worry about.

You got a way with
music like nobody else.

Can we come with you, daddy?

Now what would you two
be doing in charlottesville?

We could do something for mama.

Everybody else is.

Your mama did ask me to bring
back some springtime with me.

Where can you find that?

Can't find that in any
catalog I've ever seen.

I think I have an idea how you
can do something for your mama.

What is it?

Come on with me and
I'll tell you on the way in.

Take those gloves
out of your pocket now.

Here we go.

You want to go to
Charlottesville, son?

I can't. I got too much work.

(John-Boy)
Bye, Ben.

Bye, good luck.

(Jason)
Thank you.

- He doesn't need it.
- Oh, yes, I do.

In you go. Don't put
your feet on the seat.

(John-Boy)
Ok, daddy.

[Engine revving]

(Jason) Bye.

(John) Pick you up in
about a half an hour.

(Jason) Ok.

(John) Good luck.

(Jason) Thank you.

(Jason) John-Boy, I don't know.

(John-Boy)
You don't know what?

Well, playing for
the family is one thing,

But playing for a man
like Osgood Tennyson

who's used to hearing
the best, is something else.

You're one of the best.

Maybe I'm not.

You don't want to find out, eh?

No, I do, but... but I don't.

(John-Boy) I think this is it.

Shh!

What are you kids
doing back here?

We're looking for the place

to audition for
the amateur show.

Oh, ok, this way.

Are you Mr. Tennyson?

No. He don't get here
till the day of the show.

I'm his advance man, Snyder.

Well, what's your specialty?

Tap dance? Juggle?

Imitate Laurel and Hardy?

No, not me. My brother
plays the guitar and sings.

Sensational.

(John-Boy) Jason Walton.

Ok, let's hear it.

Right now?

Well, you're going
to audition, audition.

Hold this.

Uh, let's have the
entry fee first.

The entry fee?

Well, it didn't say anything on
the poster about an entry fee.

Uh, $1 in advance.

Well, then I guess
I can't audition.

I don't have $1.

Wait, kid.

Tell you what, for
you, I'll make it 50 cents.

Now everybody's got 50 cents.

Not me.

Come on, Jason. Let's wait
and audition for Mr. Tennyson.

Program will be set
when he gets to town.

Well then maybe the
manager of the theater,

or someone over
at the newspaper.

[Door opens]

Wait.

Mama, guess what?

You earned your first million.

My first 50 cents.
I've got 8 customers.

3 for Saturday Evening Post,

2 for collier's, 2 for
liberty,

And the Baldwins
took the $3 special.

[Laughing]

You're a salesman, all right.

You don't mind me
not being a preacher?

I'm proud of you.

(Jim-Bob) Oh, watch
out, Elizabeth.

- Is that daddy and the children?
- Yes, ma'am.

You made me drop
them. (Elizabeth) I did not.

What are they doing out there?

I can't tell. It's going
to be a surprise for you.

What do you call
these things, daddy?

Crocuses, honey.

Crocuses. That's a hard word.

I know. Well, it's one of
your mama's favorite flowers.

These things really
turn into flowers?

They sure do.

Sun shines, rain falls.

One day this is going to
be blooming with color.

How long will it take?

Well, they should
come in about easter.

Mama will be well
then, won't she?

I hope so, son. I sure hope so.

Now pat it down real good.

There you go, honey.

Drop it right in
there. Attagirl.

I've got to get that
order into town.

You're still at it, huh, Liv?

I try to add 5 minutes each day.

Now, don't overdo it.

There's no change, John.

What do you mean, no change?

Just look at the
way that leg's moving.

I could do that a week ago.

I want to swing my legs
over the side of the bed,

Stand up, walk to the
closet, choose me a dress,

Dash down the stairs,
and run out into the yard.

Healing takes time.

Do you think I'll walk again?

I think you will.

Dr. Vance doesn't think so.

Did he say that?

Not in so many words.

Every time he comes now

He talks about braces
and the wheelchair.

He's saying, "face it, Livie.

Resign yourself
to being an invalid."

Liv,

I told you as plain
as I know how.

I believe you're
gonna walk again.

How much does that doctor charge

every time he comes here?

That's no concern of yours.

Well, I can't just lie
here with an empty mind.

That's a good sign.

I don't follow you.

You're getting feisty.

[Car approaching]

Is that Dr. Vance?

(John) No. I don't
know who it is.

It, uh, sure was a
pleasant surprise

for you to come all the way
up here and make a special visit.

(Dr. Miller) It took a long time
to locate those pamphlets.

And I know how
important every day,

each... each hour can be

When you first start trying
to work your way back.

So I... [sighing]

I decided to deliver
them in person.

All right, children,

go on back to your homework.

Elizabeth.

How do you feel about this
Sister Kenny method, doctor?

Well, it's radically different
than our accepted procedures.

She said she doesn't
believe in using splints.

No, she insists that instead
of preventing muscle damage,

Splints can cause it.

Now, as I understand it,

She thinks the muscles
go into a sort of spasm

and need to be relaxed
by using hot compresses.

That makes good sense to me.

Yes, we can learn a
lot from folk medicine.

Sister Kenny uses wool blankets

wrung out in boiling water.

Then, once the muscles relax,
she starts massaging them.

The idea is to keep a path from
the brain to the muscles open.

That sounds simple enough.

Many of my colleagues
think it's too simple.

Now, understand,
I can't prescribe it.

But you can show it to your
doctor and if he sees merit...

Oh, I'll get these
to him right away.

Would, uh, would Mrs. Walton feel
up to seeing me for a few minutes?

John, I think she should.

Well, sure, fine.

I'll, uh, I'll tell
her you're coming.

Good.

That's very
encouraging, Mrs. Walton.

Thank you, doctor.

Oh, I'm not speaking
as a doctor.

I'm remembering when
I was in your place.

It was months
before I could do that.

Well, I figure if i
keep exercising,

I'll get more and more control.

That's certainly possible.

I know you want
more than possibilities.

You want certainties
and guarantees.

Well, there are none with polio.

As long as there's hope.

That's the spirit.

Remember, we human beings
are highly adaptable creatures.

Now there may come a time
when you'll feel you can't go on

unless you know
that you'll get back

to the person you were
before this happened.

Trying to tell me I'll have
to settle for less than that?

Well, not for less, but
maybe something different.

I hope you don't
have to face that,

But if you do, I know you'll
know how to handle it.

Thank you for coming
to see me, doctor.

Good luck.

And I'm looking
forward to the day

when you can come and see me.

Down here, G.W.

Hurry up, G.W.

Mary Ellen, you go
at everything too fast.

This is as good a
place as any. Ok.

Ok, you said you
want to practice.

Well, where's your mitt?

Not baseball, dancing.

Now, Mary Ellen?

Look, when we start moving
around that dance floor friday night,

nobody's going to be snickering.

What's that?

Ricky May's Movie Magazine.
She loaned it to me. Look.

Who are they?

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.

That's what I want for us.

- Mary Ellen...
- Ok, now take me in your arms.

Are you going to
take me in your arms,

or am I gonna wham you?

Closer. Ok, now relax.

It's very simple.
It's just 1, 2, 3, ok?

1, 2, 3.

Sorry.

1, 2, 3.

1, 2, 3.

1, 2, 3.1, 2, 3.

1, 2, 3.

1, 2, 3.1, 2, 3.

1, 2, 3.

1, 2, 3.

1, 2, 3.
1...

(Dr. Vance) Well, what worries
me is taking off those splints.

Without that support,

Olivia could find herself a
lot worse off than she is now.

Yeah, but the steam
heat, the massage.

Now that sounds exactly
like what Livie needs.

Well, you do what
you think best.

I guess I just don't
believe in miracles.

Sister Kenny doesn't
claim to work miracles.

But to my way of thinking,
starting something like this now

is just postponing
the adjustment

that Olivia's gonna have
to make sooner or later.

Adjustment?

Olivia's not dealing the cards.

She's got to take
the hand she's got

and accept the fact
that she's crippled.

(Dr. Vance) It's
hard, but it's true.

She's got to accept it.

Quit straining to
do the impossible.

Get on with the job of
shaping a life for herself

with her new limitations.

No.

Now I have tested and
retested those nerves.

I know what the odds
are against recovery.

- Doc...
- Just a minute, son.

You see, Doc., Livie's not
ready to hear that yet.

We're just gonna have to
talk it over with her, that's all.

Well, you all let me
know what you decide.

Thanks for the coffee.

[Sighing]

I say, let's take
off the splints

and start the Sister Kenny
treatment right now.

It's not going to
work a miracle.

If you do it, you're going
to be taking chances.

I'll take them. I'm making
no progress this way.

Now, Livie, listen to the
boy. There are risks involved.

But the hot poultice will ease
the soreness in those muscles.

And that in itself
is a blessing.

At last I'll be doing something
instead of just lying here.

Well, come on,
let's get started.

You're right. I'm going to
get things going in the kitchen.

Livie.

John.

Come on, John.

All right.

It's ready, ma. Here
it comes. It's hot.

Just wait for me to get it.

(Grandpa) Don't
scald the young'uns.

(Jim-Bob) Pour the lava
out of the volcano.

That's enough.

Here, use this.

Esther, watch your
fingers in the wringer.

There's always someone on
the sidelines giving orders.

When we get 2 of these,

We should probably take
them up to the room, Erin.

- I'll go with you.
- Ok.

Uh-Uh-Uh-Uh, Esther.

All right.

Will you be quiet?

(John-Boy) Don't rush
it. Come on, Erin.

Here's another one.
Here's another pot.

- Who's got a pot here?
- Quick.

- Where's the pot?
- Hurry up, Ben.

- I've got it.
- Grab it.

This can go.

Too hot?

No.

When do we start the exercises?

Not for 2 or 3 more days.

Ok, here.

I'm gonna go down and
get some more of those.

Take the can.

Of course.

Put some more water on to boil.

Right.

All right, Livie?

What are you so down about?

[Sighing]

I've been practicing my song.

I'm going to play in
the amateur contest.

Well, why should
that depress you?

Well, the more I listen
to it the less I like it.

I think it's real pretty.

That's because
you're my grandma.

If I didn't like it, I'd say so.

Well, don't you think
maybe it's too quiet

and slow to please an audience?

Well, if you don't like
it, find something else.

I want to play a tune of my own.

Well, something
will come to you.

[Sighing]

[playing]

Grandma, don't stop.

I'm finished.

Iron a little longer.

I was just getting a rhythm.

Keep on ironing
when the job's done?

Please, grandma, couldn't
you just re-Iron that sheet?

Oh, I vow, I don't
know what this family

is going to ask me to do next.

A little faster, grandma.

Just hold her under
the calf like that

And turn her foot
in a little circle.

Ok. Ok.

(John-Boy) you're
turning your ankle now.

Think of it. Try to
pretend you're doing it.

You're turning your ankle.

Pretend you feel it.

You're turning your ankle.
You're turning your ankle.

Ok, now let's do the other leg.

John-Boy. John-Boy, if I
could just get on my feet.

You're not ready for it, mama.

Please. Please, come on,
help me. Give me a chance.

Ok.

All right, this will
save you. Here, scoot up.

- Say if you feel any pain.
- I will.

Get her under the...
under the arm, Erin.

Ok, 1, 2, 3, up!

It's no good. I can't do it.

[Grunting]

Why am I so impatient?

You've all been so good to me.

Why can't I just be satisfied?

It'll happen.

All right, Erin.

You do the work and
I'll do the thinking.

(John-Boy) Ok, now,

You're bending your knee.

Now you're bending your knee.

Keep your brain open.

Keep your... just keep the passage
flowing from the brain to the...

pretend you're doing it.
You're bending your knee.

You're bending your
knee. Now turn her ankle.

You two lose something?

We're looking for our crocuses.

The ones we planted for mama.

Well, I don't see
any signs of them.

But what if they never come up?

Oh, they'll come up all right.
As soon as they're ready,

Them crocuses
will start croaking.

Are you sure of that, grandpa?

I'm as sure of that as
I'm sure of anything.

They're nice and snug
and warm down there.

They know if they stick
their noses up too soon,

Old jack frost
might nip them off.

They're our easter
present for mama.

Easter, huh?

Well, they've still
got plenty of time.

Have a little faith.

Hey.

Well, now, if it isn't
the Baldwin sisters.

Welcome, ladies, welcome.

Mr. Walton, I hope you'll
excuse this unannounced visit.

Announced or unannounced,

You charming ladies
are always most welcome.

You always say
exactly the right thing.

My old woman might dispute that,

But be that as it
may, I thank you.

We thought we might
pay our respects to Olivia.

Well, so far only
the immediate members

of the family have
been seeing her,

But I do believe you ladies
will do her a world of good.

We've also taken the
liberty of bringing a gift.

Hmm, you have?

It's right back here.

We wanted something appropriate.

What is it?

It's a most impressive gift.

So thoughtful of you
to come and visit me.

We just wanted you to know

You're in our
thoughts and prayers.

- That's very kind.
- Thank you.

I do believe prayer
changes things.

Don't you?

Well, I have an open
mind on that, miss Emily.

Of course, the changes

may not always be
exactly what we would like.

It isn't always easy to accept.

(Emily) "God's ways seem dark

"but soon or late

they touch the
shining hills of day."

That's beautiful.

Can we bring the present in now?

(Mamie) oh, yes, please do.

(Emily) We hoped
it might be useful.

It's one of the newest designs.

And Mr. Godsey helped
us arrange for it.

Sister and I spoke
with Dr. Vance.

It's a very thoughtful
present. Thank you.

We wanted to do
something practical.

For a change.
This was his suggestion.

I...

I hope we haven't overstepped
the bounds of friendship?

Oh, no.

The best possible
friends and neighbors.

Thank you.

- Sister, we must go.
- All right.

Well, we'll come back.

- If we may.
- Do.

Maybe after services on Easter.

I'll look forward to it.

(Mamie) - Bye, Olivia.
- Bye-Bye.

John.

Livie...

Liv.

It's all right.

And the splints?

Well, taking them off doesn't
seem to cause any damage so far,

And these hot packs

probably made her feel a
little more comfortable.

Did you test the reflexes?

No change.

[Water bubbling]

Now that's a good,
solid wheelchair.

Olivia should manage
real well with it,

whenever she's ready.

I don't want to hear any
more about wheelchairs!

Now listen, son, that's enough.

No, no, that's...
that's all right.

I'd better be going.

I won't allow that kind
of disrespect in this house.

The water's boiling.

[G.W. Whistling]

Go on ahead. We'll
manage with it.

I'll take that.

You ready?
For tonight?

I guess so.

You don't want to back out?

No, do you?

No. I'll be here by 7:30.

Ok.

Oh, G.W., Tonight,
don't whistle.

[playing]

[Knocking on door]

[Clearing throat]

- G.W., Come on in.
- Thank you.

- Hey, G.W.
- Good evening.

Hey, I've seen a suit like
that on a dummy before.

- Where's Mary Ellen?
- She's upstairs.

Is she sick?

No, she's practicing
a few dance steps.

Mrs. Walton'd like to
see the 2 of you together

before you go off.

Ok.

[Laughing]

Liv, look who's here.

Hello, g.W.

Hi, Mrs. Walton.

Mary Ellen.

Open your jacket and
let me see your suit.

My, you look nice.

Thank you.

What do you think?

You'll be the
prettiest girl there.

Mama.

Let's show them
how we dance, G.W.

G.W.

Oh, John, aren't they good?

Real good.

Just think what it's going to
be like when you have music.

You two run along now,
and have a wonderful time.

Thank you, mama.

- Goodbye, Mrs.
- Walton. Goodbye, G.W.

Good night, honey.

- G.W., Have a good time.
- Bye-Bye.

Don't stay out too
late, do you hear?

Ok.

John, would you please get
that thing out of my sight?

Livie...

Well, how was it?

Well, at first it was terrible.

I mean, it was worse
than I expected.

Everybody was just kind of standing
around looking at everybody else.

So G.W. And I got up
and started to dance.

And it wasn't so bad.

And when it was time to go home,

Well, I just wished
it would never end.

In fact, 3 boys already
asked me to the next dance.

Well, how did G.W.
Feel about that?

Well, he wanted me to promise not
to go dancing with anybody but him.

Did you promise?

I told him I'd think about it.

That's my girl.

Thanks, mama.

Why don't you go
get ready for bed,

Then come and sit
with us for a while.

Ok.

Don't forget to
hang up your dress.

Ok.

[Door closing]

Here you go.

Jason, my boy, tonight
is your big night.

Well, maybe.

I wish we could be
there to hear you.

I'm gonna tell you something.

You're gonna be.

Really? How?

Hold on there, John.

You realize what a
pretty penny it'd cost

to take this entire
outfit to that show?

It's not going to
cost much money, pa.

We're getting a special
discount because Jason's playing.

And when he gets up
there on that stage,

I think he should
hear from us Waltons.

[All cheering]

Good luck, Jason.

You can tell Livie
and me all about it

when you get home.

You're going, too, grandma.

You got to go. You
inspired the song.

Well, I'd like to, but Livie
might need something.

I'm staying home
with mama. I want to.

That's settled, then.

Pass those biscuits.
Here, give me some butter.

Take them off, please.

But, mama, it isn't time.

Please take them off. I can't
stand them another minute.

Honey, I'm sorry for
snapping at you like that.

After you've been so gentle.

That's ok, mama.

If I was you I'd be
yelling all the time.

[Car approaching]

Sounds like daddy
and the children.

They're coming in the house now.

I hope Jason won.

They're awfully quiet.

Then that might mean
that Jason didn't win.

Well, how was it? Did
Jason get the prize?

I'm not going to tell
you what happened.

We're going to show
you what happened.

Come on. Here we go.

Get that comforter.
Let's go.

[Olivia laughing]

All right, watch the chair.
Watch the chair, Jason.

Ok, ready?

(John) look who's
here. Look who's here.

[All cheering]

Miss first-Nighter.

It's good to be down
here with all of you.

I'll tell you what
we were thinking.

We were riding back tonight

And we realized
that you and Erin

Have not seen one of
the best shows ever.

So we decided to do
a little show for you.

Grandpa's kindly volunteered

To play the part
of Mr., Uh, Osgood.

Osgood Tennyson.

The greatest discoverer
of raw talent in the world.

[All cheering]

I do believe I'm too modest
to do the part justice.

[Laughing] but still, I'll try.

Please, no applause.

Very well, if you insist.

Now, my friends, for i
know you are my friends,

faithfully listening to
my incomparable show

each and every monday night

on your favorite radio station.

First, to start off with, uh,

We have the greatest animal act

I have ever seen in my life:

The whistler and his dog.

[All cheering]

Ok. Sit up.

[All laughing]

Shake hands.

Play dead.

[All laughing]

There, now, didn't I tell
you? Didn't I tell you?

That dog, now, he's
absolutely brilliant.

But, uh, we could
do with a new master.

[All laughing]

And now, to mosey
along, our next act is:

Eleanor the elocutionist.

[All cheering]

Mary had a little lamb, its
fleece was black as soot.

And everywhere that Mary
went, his sooty foot he put.

Didn't I tell you?
Oh, she's marvelous.

Just brilliant.

And to think that she's only 39.

And now for the great
act of the evening,

Our contestant,
Mr. Jasbo Walton.

Mr. Ji-Jas-Ja-Jasbo wilton.
Monsieur Jasbo Walton.

Ja-Jaso... mon-Monsieur
Jason Walton

And his celebrated guitar solo,

The ironing board blues.

[All cheering]

I'd like to dedicate this song

To my grandma, who inspired it.

媻 daddy's in the saw mill
cutting railroad ties ♪

媻 mama's in the kitchen
baking apple pies ♪

媻 grandpa and the children
have their chores to do ♪

媻 while grandma
tries to iron out ♪

™ª the ironing board blues ♪

媻 oh, the ironing board
blues is old and it's new ♪

™ª it's fast or it's slow ♪

™ª it's just whatever you chose ♪

媻 you needn't be afraid
to state your views ♪

™ª and tell all the world ♪

媻 you got the
ironing board blues ♪

媻 grandma gets her
rhythm rocking to and fro ♪

媻 her feet tap syncopation
on the kitchen floor ♪

媻 the ironing board is squeaking
on the one and the two ♪

媻 and you know that grandma Walton's
playing the ironing board blues ♪

媻 oh, the ironing board
blues is old and it's new ♪

媻 it's fast or it's slow, it's
just whatever you chose ♪

媻 you needn't be afraid
to state your views ♪

™ª and tell all the world ♪

媻 you've got the
ironing board blues ♪♪

[All cheering]

Now, folks, although
the other contestants

were celebrated
and equally talented,

I think there's no doubt

We must award first
prize in this contest

to monsieur jasbo
Walton, or whatever.

[All laughing]

Here it is.

Thank you.

Jason, what a handsome guitar.

It's a humdinger all right.

(Olivia) I'm so proud of you.

And thank you all for the show.

It was almost as
good as being there.

(John-Boy) Play something
on the new guitar for mama.

[Sighing]

Esther,

It's been a long,
hard day. Go to sleep.

Can't you see I'm praying?

Put in a good word for me.

I always do.

I need all the help I can get.

- Zeb...
- Mmm-Hmm.

You were real good
tonight as the announcer.

Not that good.

(John-Boy) Easter is
less than a week away.

Spring is still not in sight,

and mama seems no
closer to walking.

Suppose this is the year
when spring never comes,

no green buds, no blossoms

With the promise of
fruit and harvest?

Men must have shared these same
doubts for thousands of years.

Asked themselves,

"What must we do
to bring back spring?

"What can we offer you in
exchange for an end to winter?"

The beginnings of new life.

Mama strong and well again.

What can we do?

And don't you think you've
done enough for one day?

No, today I am going
to take some steps.

[Laughing] mama.

Thought maybe I'd
stroll over to the door.

Isn't that a nice
word, John-Boy?

"Stroll."

I never realized before

how many beautiful words
we have to describe walking.

"Amble. Pace.

Stride. Saunter."

[Grunting] Up.

What it all comes down to is
putting one foot in front of the other

without falling on the floor.

Stand away, John-Boy,
today I'm going to do it.

It's now or never.

[Grunts]

If at first you don't succeed...

[grunting]

Ok, ok, ok.

[Panting]

Why can't I do it?

My legs are so much
stronger. The pain is gone.

What's the matter with me?

You're doing your best.

I'm not, or else
I'd be able to walk.

Stroll.

Amble.

Saunter. Livie!

Now that's enough. No more.

If you try any more

You're going to undo
everything you've accomplished.

Everything I've accomplished?

Let's get back to bed.

Give me your arm.

Up.

Easy.

[Panting]

You know, you're right, mama.

Your muscles seem better,
your reflexes are good.

- Maybe you're trying too hard.
- John-Boy, that's enough.

Sometimes when you're
trying to learn something new

and your mind wants your
body to do certain things,

the more you think about it,
the stubborner your body gets.

I remember when daddy was
trying to teach me how to swim,

wt first I was all
tense and just straining

to remember everything
he'd said to me,

And I just nearly drowned.
But as soon as I just loosened up

And didn't think so much,
it came real easy to me.

I am very tired.

Maybe tomorrow.

Tomorrow might be a good day

to start getting
used to my wheelchair.

- Mama...
- Come on.

Close the door, please.
I want to get some rest.

[Sighing]

Grandma, she's tired and
disappointed. Tomorrow when she feels...

Tomorrow your mama's gonna
start using the wheelchair.

I don't see how
you can say that.

You should know as well as I do

that she can't
stop trying to walk!

You and I started
this whole thing.

She's done her best. We
all have. Now it's just no use.

I don't believe that!
There's strength in her legs.

I'm not going to
let her give up!

John-Boy, will you stop
tormenting her and yourself?

The only way your mama's
going to get any peace of mind

is to resign
herself to God's will.

You think it's god's will that
mama spends the rest of her life

in a wheelchair or hobbling
around on crutches?

So it seems.

Well, if that's
your God, grandma,

I won't accept his will,
for mama or myself!

John-Boy!

John-Boy!

John-Boy!

What's wrong?

You better go after him, son.

Well, I hope you've
run yourself out, son.

I sure have.

It's quite a drop.

Better be careful, son.

You never know when a piece
of that earth's gonna drop off.

Yeah.

I guess in this world you just
can't count on anything, can you?

I just don't believe
that, John-Boy.

Mama's given up.
She's given up.

Grandma says
that's for the best.

She says we have to
accept that as god's will.

John-Boy,

I think maybe your
grandma's right.

Oh, daddy, all my life
I've been preached to

About this God of love
and mercy watching over us.

You just show me one thing

that's loving and
merciful about this.

I don't know that I can, son.

Of course you can't.

What kind of a
god would do this?

You feel he hasn't kept up
his part of the bargain, huh?

He hasn't.

Well,

Maybe that's because
it's your bargain, not his.

I don't know much
about this personal god

that your mama and
your grandma believe in,

But I do know there's a
power working in our lives,

Protecting us, blessing
us all these years, son.

And we've accepted
those blessings.

Now it's time for us
to accept the other.

That's you saying that?

You're saying that to me?

You? That's like lying down.

That's like...
that's like quitting.

It's like looking up
at the sky and saying:

"Ok, lord, it's all right
with me if it's your will."

I don't accept that, daddy,

and I don't see how
you can accept that.

Now listen, son, it's
not my way to lie down

and let life kick
me in the face.

And it's not your
mama's way either.

I mean, things you can change
you gotta try to change.

But some things you
can't change in life.

Standing around and
shaking your fist at the sky

Is not going to change it.

It may make you feel
better for a minute or 2,

But it doesn't
change anything, son!

Daddy, you listen to me. When I
was a little boy I worshipped you.

I worshipped the
ground you walked on.

And I tried with all my heart

To believe everything
you told me.

And I tried to be just like you.

But right now we've
come to a fork in the road,

And I just don't believe one
word you're saying to me.

John-Boy, you're going to have
to find your own answers, son.

But this much I do know,

Good times and bad
times come to all of us.

And what counts...
[John sobbing]

What counts, son, is
the way you take them.

What you let those
times do to you.

That's what counts, son.

It's not enough for me.

John-Boy, that's all
I got to say to you.

I'm sorry. It's not
enough, daddy.

I'm sorry.

[Rain pattering]

Listen to that rain.

(John)
We sure need it.

The last storm of winter.

Or maybe the first spring rain.

John, is that
wheelchair still around?

Yes, it is, Liv. It's, uh...

it's out in the hallway.

Tomorrow I'm gonna start
learning how to use it.

What's happened, Liv?

This afternoon I had a
little lesson in humility.

Got to get back to the business

of living with things
the way they are,

instead of the way I
wish they could be.

You sure?

Mmm-Hmm.

Good night. Good night.

[Sighing]

[Birds chirping]

(Elizabeth) Mama!

Mama!

Mommy, come and help me.

Mama! Mama! Mama!
Help me, mama, help me!

The devil's after me.

Mama! Mama!

Livie.

I heard Elizabeth call.

I just had to go to her.

She was having a bad dream.

I'm all right.

I'm all right.

I'm all right.

[Chuckling]

Oh, look.

Isn't that beautiful?

It's our surprise, mama.

Olivia, how did you do it?

I don't know.

Maybe you were right, John-Boy.

Maybe I was trying too hard.

When I just got up
without thinking...

Well, look at me.

[Laughing]

I can walk as well as any
one-Year-Old in the county.

I just may take you
dancing when you grow up.

[All laughing]

I will walk.

I'll be walking by easter.

(Rev. Fordwick) "I am the light
of the world, sayeth the lord.

"He that followeth me
shall not walk in darkness,

but shall have
the light of life."

(Congregation) ♪ raise your
voice and triumphs high ♪

™ª hallelujah ♪

媻 sing ye heavens
and earthly blithe ♪

™ª hallelujah ♪

™ª must redeeming work is ours ♪

™ª hallelujah ♪

(John-Boy)
My mother did go

To the sunrise service
that easter morning,

And there was a special
joy in all our hearts

As she stood leaning
on my father's arm,

Facing into the first
glorious rays of the sun

which rolled back
the darkness

and warmed the wakening
world to new life and hope.

Many easters have
passed since then.

Other springs have
been slow to come

But inevitably winter
has yielded to spring.

The years have brought the
full quota of blessings and trials,

Joys and heartaches.

The same old questions recur:

"Why my child? Why
my wife? Why me? Why?"

And the search for
answers has been taken up

by new generations
of grandchildren.

But it's still
reassuring for me

to catch the echo of
those dear, familiar voices

on that Easter
long, long ago.

™ª hallelujah ♪♪

[Crickets chirping]

(Elizabeth)
Mama?

(Olivia)
Yes, Elizabeth?

Which crocuses
did you like the best?

The blue, or the
yellow, or the white?

They're all so lovely, I
liked them all equally.

Same as us children?

That's right.

Good night, mama.

Good night, Elizabeth.

Subtitles: mrtinkles
Ressynch/lowercase: Kilo