Original subtitles

Growing up in a family as large and as close as mine...

made it hard to realize that there were many people...

who lived in loneliness and solitude.

However, the realization of that sad truth...

also brought me close to a remarkable woman...

and sent me on a journey...

that I was to remember for the rest of my life.

When I take these cuffs up, they'll be just fine.

Mama, they're still going to look funny.

I could take the waist in a little.

Maybe you should reconsider and wear your knickers.

Mama, I can't wear my knickers to the dance.

None of the boys will wear knickers to the dance.

Look at this.

When I stitch them up nobody will notice.

-They will. -Marcia Wollery will, for sure.

I can't take her to something this important...

with my knees sticking through my britches like this.

-Has she said she'll go yet? -More or less.

That young lady has been known to change her mind.

She's not gonna do it this time.

John-Boy, you know we can't afford to buy you a new pair.

I know, but....

There is a new pair down at Ike's, gray flannels.

I thought I could buy them.

I was hoping you would use that money for your graduation ring.

Yeah. Don't you think this is more important?

I'm sure she's a nice girl, but I'm not sure she's....

What in heaven are they bringing home this time?

Looks like some kind of an animal to me.

I've told them not to bring

every stray thing they find into the house.

Put the animal in the barn. I've enough wild things already.

Mama!

-Where did you get that, son? -In the woods, under a tree.

Here, let's have a look at it.

Careful of him, Grandpa. I think his wing is hurt.

It was trailing along the ground.

-Looks half scared to death. -Yes, he is just a little weak.

Looks like some kind of a sea bird. A seagull, maybe.

Look at his webbed feet.

A sea bird?

Why would it fly from the sea to Walton's Mountain?

Maybe got blown inland by the storm.

Find me a box, Elizabeth, to keep her in.

I'll take a look at her wing.

-Come on, Nurse Elizabeth. -I'll see he stays in the barn.

-Another orphan? -Blown in by the storm.

Poor thing's exhausted and its wing is hurt. Where you going?

Over to Mrs. MacKenzie. After she took that fall last month...

I've been trying to look in on her from time to time.

Let John-Boy drive you over, the road's pretty bad.

-You won't need him? -I'll spare him for a while.

Okay.

Grandma, you mind if we stop off at the store first?

I'd just like you take a look at something for me.

Alright.

-What size are they? -Those are 30 waist.

I'm a 28 myself.

Your mama or your grandma can take it in for you.

-How much would they be? -$2.35.

That's a very fine piece of cloth.

What do you think, Grandma?

-It's pure wool, imported. -I've felt better.

They'll look very nice on you, John-Boy.

Just that, $2.35....

Hello, Marcia.

Hi, John-Boy. What're you doing? Buying a new pair of britches?

No. My grandma and I just....

-How are you, Mrs. Walton? -Right fine for a person my age.

Ike, I think Livie could use half a pound of sugar.

Right away, Mrs. Walton.

Marcia, what about Saturday night?

What about it?

You are going with me, aren't you?

Well, reckon I will.

But I need a little more time to decide.

Marcia, the dance is going to be in two days.

Three days, if you count today.

-I've got to know pretty soon. -I'll see you in school.

Bye, Mrs. Walton.

John-Boy, I need to get over to Maggie's.

...large size, half a pound of coffee...

and quarter pound of bologna and Mama said to slice it....

Mama said to slice it real thin. And two pound of sugar....

-Thanks, John-Boy. -Alright.

You darned thing! What's the matter with you?

Maggie MacKenzie! What in the world are you doing?

Trying to get this engine started is what I'm doing.

You're not thinking of driving again, are you?

And why not?

I cannot find what's wrong with the thing.

Though I must admit I'm no mechanic.

I can't imagine what Dr. Vance would say.

I can.

Ma'am, when did you drive this last?

About five weeks ago.

But twice a week I've been starting it up

to keep the batteries charged...

and the engine turned over.

Would you be knowing what's wrong with it?

Could be the spark plugs.

Spark plugs, is that very bad?

No, they just might need changing, is all.

Would you do it? I'll pay you for your time.

No need for that, just for the parts.

Come in the house, then, while I get my handbag.

Buy whatever is needed.

I'll check it one more time to make sure it's the spark plugs.

A nice boy. He has the look of his father about him.

-I know. -And Zeb, too, the eyes.

No, John-Boy has more my eyes. I brought you these.

Esther, how nice of you. How about a cup of tea?

I'd like that.

-Maggie! -Esther.

Would you mind putting the kettle on for me?

Come on, you sit down.

You sit right down here.

I don't seem to have any energy left.

You would have if you didn't use it all up

fooling with that old car.

Esther, get away with that thing.

You're worse than the doctor

trying to make an invalid out of me!

You stop changing the subject.

Keeping that old car is just plain foolishness.

-Why don't you sell it? -I cannot.

And why not?

-Not yet. I need it. -What for?

Because, on Saturday, there's somewhere I have to go.

I suppose you're planning to drive to the school dance?

Don't be foolish. If you must know...

I'm going to celebrate my wedding anniversary.

-Your wedding anniversary? -Aye, it would be our 55th.

Why can't you celebrate it right here at home?

Because I'm going back to the place where I was married...

and that's all I'm telling you.

-Maggie-- -No more questions.

Esther Walton, you're a nosier old woman than I am!

Now why don't you make us both a cup of tea?

-Ben, Elizabeth! Come on! -You'll be late for school.

-We got another one! -Let's go.

-Don't slosh it. -Okay, I won't. Come on.

-Think you got it now? -Yeah.

Got two! We got two!

I doubt if that bird will eat them.

We'll see about that.

Feed it fish, it won't be homesick. Isn't that right?

I reckon so.

You go on, there's something I got to get at Ike's.

-We'll go with you. -No, you won't.

-Can't we come? -Please?

Look, I just said, go on to school, okay?

Probably going to buy diamonds and pearls for Marcia Wollery!

You're not making a mistake, John-Boy.

-It's is a real good pair. -It cost a pretty penny.

If you're going to buy quality, you've got to pay for quality.

-Who you taking? -Marcia Wollery, I think.

I thought I told you kids to get on to school.

How do you like my new flannel britches, Marcia?

I don't know, John-Boy, I reckon I like them...

but I'm not sure, it's just hard for me to make up my mind.

-But, Marcia! -Jason, Mary, you better move.

-$2.35. -Don't pay them no mind.

Thanks, Ike.

Marcia!

Hello, John-Boy.

What time do you want me to pick you up on Saturday?

I haven't decided whether I'm going with you.

Now, Marcia Wollery

you've got to stop messing around with me like this.

Changing your mind from one minute to the next.

What's it gonna be, yes or no?

Changing your mind is a woman's....

-Prerogative? -Yes, prerogative.

-I read it in a book on.... -Etiquette?

You are the smartest thing!

Now, Marcia.

I guess you'd better come around 7:00.

"To Sorrow I bade good-morrow

"And thought to leave her far away behind

"But cheerily, cheerily, she loves me dearly

"She is so constant and so kind"

Keats.

-Grandpa! -John Keats.

-Best love poems I ever read. -They sure were.

"Cheerily, cheerily, she loves me dearly"

Always was partial to them lines.

Where did you learn them?

An old boy like me has a few secrets.

Come on, you tell me.

If you must know, I read that poem

over 30 years ago in the newspaper.

In the newspaper?

Every Saturday night in those days...

they published a special poem right under the weekend weather.

I got me considerable repertory.

"Half a league, half a league Half a league onward

"On into the valley of Death Rode the six hundred

"'Forward the Light Brigade! Charge for the guns!' he said

"Into the Valley of Death Rode the six hundred

"Cannon to right of them Cannon to left of them

"Cannon in front of them Volleyed and thundered"

Turn around.

John-Boy, will you hold still?

How do you expect me to fix this with you dancing...

Come on, everybody. Grandpa's taking the bird out of its cage.

We'll be right out, Erin.

I think I'm finished here.

Go upstairs and take them off.

Mary Ellen, put this stuff away, please.

John-Boy, I'll get you.

I got him, Elizabeth. He might peck you.

How is it?

Wing seems to be better, but, he hasn't eaten a thing.

Gave him some fish, but he won't eat it.

Grandpa, you think we should let him rest?

I think so.

Let that bird rest. Just leave him alone, that's what he needs.

Do you think he'll die, Grandpa?

Birds make up their own minds about living or dying...

and this one here hasn't decided yet.

That's right. Come on, everybody. Leave him alone!

He needs a little rest. Come on, everybody.

-Hello, John-Boy. -Hey, Doc.

I knew it must be you or your father.

I recognized your truck outside.

-Well, is it working? -I'm going to find out.

-It's working! -Spark plugs.

-You going to drive it? -No, I'm just getting it to run.

Any special reason?

Mrs. MacKenzie just wanted it fixed.

I might have known it!

When is she ever going to listen to me?

Is she in the house?

I don't know, she was when I got here.

That doesn't mean she's still there.

That's enough time for her to organize an expedition...

and be off up the Amazon River!

-How am I? -Much the same.

If you take care of yourself, you should be alright.

You worry too much.

Only when I'm given cause.

Doctor, in a roundabout way...

would you be trying to tell me something?

Why is John-Boy Walton fixing your car?

-Because it needs mending. -No other reason?

I intend driving it.

-Where to? -To the seaside.

Maggie, have you taken complete leave of your senses?

You know how far that is.

Very well.

About half a day's journey there and back.

I absolutely forbid it!

I'm afraid I'm going just the same.

Maggie, you know perfectly well the condition your heart is in.

Now I'm warning you...

you drive that car any farther than the end of this road...

and you'll probably kill yourself.

And if I do, it'll be no one's fault but my own.

You won't be responsible, Doctor.

Maggie MacKenzie, you may very well be the most stubborn...

willful, cantankerous old woman I ever met in my life.

But if anything ever happened to you, I....

I'd miss you very much.

Very much indeed.

-I'll look in on Monday. -I'll be here.

I hope you will. Goodbye.

Excuse me, Doctor.

-John-Boy. -Bye.

The man's a worrier.

-Well! Did you fix my car? -Sure did. New spark plugs.

You're a born mechanic.

I'll get us both a cup of tea to celebrate.

Great, here's your towel.

Make yourself at home while I get the tea things.

Will you move the things off that table for me?

It's handy to put the tea tray on.

Certainly.

They say a watched pot never boils.

I see you've found my photograph album.

Yes. Is it private? I'm sorry.

Heavens, no.

That's what it's there for, to be looked at.

Let me sit a bit and rest me weary legs.

Sit.

Thank you. Ma'am, would you tell me who this young girl is?

Let me see.

Me.

That is you! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to laugh.

Don't apologize. It was taken a long time ago.

But, aye, that young girl is me.

What about this picture here...

of all the people standing on the ship's deck?

Isn't that you standing there in the white dress?

Aye.

What's everyone standing around you for?

Because it was my wedding day.

Your wedding day, huh?

Then this young man standing next to you

must be your husband.

Aye, that's Michael. And there next to him...

in his uniform with the gold braid and the brass buttons...

was the captain.

That's Michael, that's me.

Tell me, why did you get married on board a ship?

Because I'd just arrived from Scotland.

You see, Michael had left for America the year before...

and when he got settled he sent for me.

We were spoken for, as they called it then.

Michael came down to the harbor to meet me.

He got permission to come on board

and the captain married us.

Who are all these people standing around?

Passengers, first class, second class...

and the friends I made in steerage.

And do you know something?

When Michael put the ring on my finger and kissed me...

everyone on that big ship...

the society people, the sailors, and the immigrants...

they all sent up a cheer so loud...

that the tugboats across the harbor

heard the cry and took it up...

honking their horns and shooting...

great whale spouts of water up into the sunlight.

It seemed as if the whole world was rejoicing with us!

Then the captain kissed me on the cheek...

and wished us both a happy life in America.

-And would you believe it? -What?

Hand me my bag, there on the desk.

The captain gave me this.

That's a $20 gold piece.

What a wedding present.

"1879."

1879 was also the year of our marriage...

and the 16th of the month...

would be our 55th wedding anniversary.

-That's tomorrow. -Aye, tomorrow it is.

She is in mint condition, isn't she?

Aye, and I'll never spend it.

Even last year when President Roosevelt said

we had to hand in all our gold coins...

I just couldn't bring myself to part with it.

I'm sure Mr. Roosevelt would understand.

If not, I'm sure Mrs. Roosevelt would.

What about Michael, your husband?

He died. 25 years after we were married.

-I am sorry. -We had a good life together.

I never regretted a thing, not one minute of it.

And do you know something?

Every year on our anniversary, we'd journey back to the sea...

and we'd stand together on the beach.

And Michael'd take me to a special restaurant...

and we'd have a fine meal.

Then we'd dance to the little orchestra they had.

What a time we had.

I wish you could have seen us...

kicking up our heels to the music.

I can just imagine it.

Once, just once before I die, on my anniversary...

I'm going to do that again.

Journey back to the sea...

and stand on the beach and look out over the waves...

and see in my mind's eye the coast of Scotland...

where Michael and me were born.

Just once more...

I'm going to smell the sea...

and taste that salty taste on my tongue...

and feel the wind in my face.

I'm sure you will.

Aye, I will. Very soon.

I'll get it.

No, better me. You wouldn't do it right.

First, you must warm the pot.

Boiling water, that's the secret of a good cup of tea.

-Thank you for the tea. -Thank you for mending my car.

And for letting a boring old woman talk your ear off.

Don't be silly, I wasn't bored at all.

If you have any more trouble with the car...

just send for me and I'll fix her up for you again.

-I didn't hear what you said. -If you have any more trouble...

with your car, just send for me and I'll fix it up for you.

-Aye, thank you. -Bye-bye.

Sorry, John-Boy, but I'm afraid you will have to come back.

I need you.

-Hey, there, John. -Hey, Daddy.

We sure been needing that.

-Price of oil's gone up again. -Again?

John-boy, here's a note got for you at Godsey's.

-Who is it from? -I don't know, he didn't say...

and I didn't open it.

Grandpa, sometimes I think no matter how hard a man works...

it's impossible to make a living.

Shoot.

Mrs. MacKenzie's car broke down again.

She wants me to go over and fix it up.

You go help her, son.

Daddy, I was there for an hour yesterday.

It was working fine. I'll do it tomorrow.

Look, she's an old lady. She's been sick.

She needs that car to get around in. You better give her a hand.

-Where's your toolbox? -The front seat.

I'll be home for dinner.

It'll be ready in a second, Grandpa.

Let me just oil this up in here.

I don't know what's wrong with it.

It was working fine yesterday.

I know.

Of course, it could be your battery.

If I can't find out what's wrong with it...

you'd better hire yourself a regular mechanic

to take a look at it.

Wait a minute. What's this? Now that's peculiar.

What?

I hate to tell you this, but it looks like

someone's playing jokes on you.

One of the connecting wires has been torn out.

No one's been playing jokes.

I pulled the wire out.

What did you do that for?

I had to find a way to get you to come back.

Why didn't you just send for me?

I knew, what with your work and going to the dance...

that unless it seemed urgent, you wouldn't come back.

I must confess, I don't know what this is all about.

I've got to get to the sea and I cannot get there by myself.

I can take you to the sea next week.

Next week is no good. It's got to be today.

Because today is your wedding anniversary, isn't it?

Aye, that's right.

Look, I know how important that is to you.

And I'm sorry...

but even if we left right now

we wouldn't be back until midnight.

I've promised this young lady to take her to the dance tonight.

But there'll be other dances for you,

hundreds of them. You're young!

I promise that next year

I'll take you to the ocean for your anniversary.

No, that's no good.

Yesterday, I might have been willing to wait.

But now I can't.

I don't mean to be rude...

but you did get me here under false pretenses.

I'm sorry, but I can't help you.

Sorry.

She's working okay now.

I guess I better be getting home.

You wouldn't be planning to drive out there

by yourself, would you?

You do what you have to do, John-Boy.

And I'll do what I have to do.

Well, I'll be going.

John-Boy, he ate the fish! He ate it!

He really ate it! Come here.

Come and see. He ate all the fish.

You'll scare it.

It is better now, isn't it, grandpa?

I do believe our little boy-gull is somewhat better.

-Can we keep it, Grandpa? -It wouldn't live.

There's something inside it yearning to reach the sea again.

Wouldn't it be happy here?

Life is a mysterious thing. Every life has needs.

This life needs the sea again.

To circle in the salty air and breathe the ocean spray.

If it's going to get all the way back to the sea again...

it's going to need all the strength and help we can give.

Mama, no! Don't....

Ike's got to take them back.

What? Take them back?

-John-Boy! -What's got into him?

-Where's he going? -I don't know.

I don't understand, he said

Ike Godsey had to take back his new britches.

Is John-Boy going to the dance without his britches on?

I don't have time to go to Marcia's myself...

so if I wrote her a note, would you give it to her?

Here's 30, 35, $2. That's $2.35.

Thank you. I hate to return it after I've bought it.

That's alright. Don't worry about it.

You're going to write her a note?

I was just gonna write you a note.

A note about what?

I'm afraid I can't take you to the dance.

-What do you mean? -I can't really explain it now.

Something's come up.

-An illness in the family? -No.

-A death? -No. It's nothing like that.

-Then what? -Well....

-See, I have to take Maggie-- -John-Boy Walton!

I am telling you that I swear...

I swear on a stack of Bibles

that I will never, never speak to you again...

-as long as I live! -No, Marcia, you don't....

I'll take you.

-Where? -To look at the sea.

Are you sure you want to be seen

with an old piece of baggage like me?

Come on.

-This way. -I've forgotten.

Thank you.

* You'll take the high road and I'll take the low road *

* And I'll be in Scotland afore ye *

* But me and my true love will never meet again *

* On the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond **

-What is it? -Can't you smell it?

-What? -Sniff.

-The sea. -Aye! The sea.

You don't have to stay here with me.

Maybe I'll just go up to those rocks there for a while.

Go as far as you want. I'm quite alright.

Okay.

-Ma'am. -Aye?

It's getting a little chilly, isn't it?

Aye, it is.

That's where I came from. That's where I was born.

All the way out there across those waves.

If only I could remember the name.

I know it's down here somewhere.

-You sure? -Of course I'm sure.

Ma'am, when were you there last?

I told you, it was....

That would be 30 years ago.

But it might still be here.

If it's not, I'm sure we could find some place.

It might.

The Mermaid! There it is.

I remember it now. The Mermaid!

-Are you ready to order, sir? -Yes.

The lady will have the scallops and I'll have the lobster.

-Broiled or thermidor, sir? -What?

Broiled or thermidor?

I seem to remember the broiled lobster was very good.

Yes. I'll have the broiled lobster this evening.

Yes, sir.

Looks just the same. It hasn't hardly changed at all.

What's it like?

-What? -The lobster.

I've read about it, but I've never tasted it.

It's delicious.

Thank you.

-I hope it isn't too expensive? -Just fine.

You sure?

-You have enough with you? -Yes.

-How much is it? -It's just $2.10.

You think 25 cents is enough for a tip?

Sounds more than enough to me.

He's playing the tune Michael and me used to dance to.

Do you wanna dance?

My dancing days are long since past.

I don't believe that.

-Get on with you! -Come on.

And then I thought the lobster claw

was going to jump right out of my hand and onto the floor!

What a curiosity that would have been!

-We're almost home now. -Yeah.

* Oh you take the high road and I'll take the low road *

* And I'll be in Scotland afore ye *

* But me and my true love will never meet again *

* On the bonnie, bonnie banks.... *

What is it?

My arm.

My chest. They're paining me.

I'll just pull over. Let me pull over.

No!

I'm alright, but you must get me home.

Okay, right now.

Listen here, son.

You've got to stop blaming yourself.

You heard what Dr. Vance said.

Her heart's been ready to give out for over a year.

It's just a matter of time.

I should have known that.

I shouldn't have driven her there.

If you hadn't driven her, she would have driven herself.

I shouldn't have done that.

She was bound and determined to get there.

I reckon.

She'd like to see you, John-Boy.

-John-Boy, is that you? -Yes, ma'am.

I'm dying, John-Boy.

That worrying doctor and me...

have known it for a long time.

-Maggie, save your strength. -See?

He's still bossing me about.

I want to thank you, John-Boy...

for giving me the happiest time I've had in...

30 years.

Aye, the very best.

I purely enjoyed every minute of it.

Where's my bag?

My bag. Where is it?

It's alright. It's here.

Inside.

There's a pocket in the lining.

It's for you.

No, this is your wedding gift.

Now it's my gift...

to you.

Here, John-Boy. We're setting him free.

He's flying all over again.

Our little boy-gull.

Ready?

One, two, three! Go!

Bye!

Some people are drawn to oceans...

and others to the shimmering sands of deserts.

Others feel only at home on land that flows beside a river.

My people were drawn to mountains...

and there on Walton's Mountain...

we were to share the fun and excitement...

of growing up together.

The boundless love of our mother and father...

and a daily exploration of many of the wonders...

that lie in the human heart.

Mama, Mary Ellen's going to set the house on fire!

Come on, Ben! Mary Ellen's started a fire!

Coming, Jason.

She's reading in bed by candlelight!

Keeping everyone awake!

What's going on in there?

It's alright. I'm reading the Bible.

She is not. She's reading Secrets of the Silver Screen.

Tattletale! Mama, the boys are over in our room teasing us.

Alright, everybody, back to your own room, settle down.

Goodnight, Daddy.

Goodnight, Erin. Goodnight, Mary Ellen.

Goodnight, Daddy. Goodnight, Mama.

Goodnight, Mary Ellen. Goodnight, Elizabeth.

Goodnight, Mama. Goodnight, Jason.

Goodnight, Elizabeth. Goodnight, everybody.

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