Original subtitles

Looking back across a span of 40 years

the sharp edges of the Great Depression have worn away.

In memory, the period seems a happy time.

Yet when we lived them, they were trying years.

And I remember a time when our family's pride

and our integrity were challenged

in a manner that was new and shattering to all of us.

Okay, I'll take that from you. You're not gonna read it.

Thanks, Reckless.

-You got any threes? -Go fish.

Hi, Mama. 92 cents.

-92 cents? -Yep.

Another whole dollar all shot to pieces.

Did you bring the newspaper, John-Boy?

It never came in. Ike sent you yesterday's.

Any old news is better than none.

-What's for supper? -There won't be any

if you two don't get out and give me some elbow room.

-Jason, Jim-Bob, you, too. -Oh, Mama.

-Jim-Bob, have you got eights? -Go fish.

Look, you do, too. If you have it, you gotta give it.

-Is that right, John-Boy? -Yep.

Told you.

What's it when it isn't a depression?

What is what when it isn't a depression?

-The name of the times. -I don't know.

Prosperity, I reckon.

Sometimes I think there's a depression on Walton's Mountain

and prosperity everywhere else.

Where did you get such an idea, Mary Ellen?

If there's a depression who can afford to buy things like these?

Look. A 1934 Nash Sedan, $760.

Who could ever save up that much money?

The only family that could afford that car

would be the Claybournes.

They'd buy a couple of Nashes, if they felt like it.

Even with Mr. Claybourne dead?

It was Mr. Claybourne they buried, not his money.

If they buried his money,

they wouldn't have anything to pay Daddy.

What are they paying Daddy for?

-He's doing a job over there. -Daddy's working there?

I wonder if Stuart Lee Claybourne knows

how gorgeous I've gotten.

I wonder if Stuart Lee Claybourne knows

how gorgeous I've gotten.

-You want a bloody lip? -Mercy me, Stuart Lee!

-Come on, leave her alone. -Don't worry, John-Boy.

I don't pay the slightest attention to little children.

You put a crease in my cards.

Daddy could never fix anything.

He'd just call somebody up and have them come fix it.

-Lucky man. -Stuart Lee's just like him.

Uh-huh.

Of course, he's hardly ever around here anymore.

Spends all his time at the Weatherby place. He's in love.

In love?

Amelia, darling,

I hope you haven't been pestering Mr. Walton.

She's been good company, Mrs. Claybourne.

Now, isn't that a miracle?

Humming like brand-new. You're a wizard, Mr. Walton.

Haven't seen many electric refrigerators.

Amelia, go fetch your brother

so he can settle accounts with Mr. Walton.

-Yes, ma'am. -Darling, please don't slouch.

Good posture is so important to a lady.

Mother.

I'm afraid there is simply no hope for this new generation.

In my day, we took pride.

I'm afraid it's only fixed temporarily.

-It needs a new part. -A part?

I can have one of Ike Godsey's suppliers pick it up over

in Charlottesville, it'll only take a day or two.

-Stuart Lee. -Mr. Walton.

Always a pleasure to see you, Mr. Walton.

Stuart Lee, you be especially generous with our good neighbor.

Yes, ma'am.

Please remember me to your lovely family, Mr. Walton.

I will, ma'am.

-Thank you. -Didn't see your truck outside.

I've got a flat. John-Boy's trying to fix up the spare.

I'd be happy to drive you home. I'm going by your place.

I'd sure appreciate that.

This thing gets awful heavy after a mile or two.

-Bye, Mr. Walton. -Bye bye.

Got any nines?

Go fish.

-Got any sixes? -Go fish.

Jim-Bob, Jason.

You're playing cards in this house?

It's not a gambling game, Grandma.

I don't see anything too evil about Go Fish, Grandma.

Go Fish today and poker tomorrow.

The evils of gambling can put down roots in shallow ground.

Esther, it's no worse than Hearts.

Go Fish!

Esther, will you stop rattling them dishes?

You're making as much noise

as Teddy Roosevelt charging up San Juan Hill.

I want to hear this program.

W.P.A. trucks and drivers will be distributing the supplies

through the Federal Surplus Relief Corporation.

Thus, Charlottesville will see its first breadline.

In sports today, the Red Sox beat....

We sure are a fortunate family.

If it wasn't for the bounty of the land, we'd find this table

as bare as a lot of folks are finding theirs.

Plenty of people having to take handouts these days.

No member of this family has ever accepted charity.

No member of this family has ever been hit

by the Depression so hard that they've had to.

Sure you won't come in for a minute?

The truth is, Mr. Walton, I'm on my way to visit a young lady.

Amelia told me about that.

Kind of sweet on the Weatherby girl?

My sister's a born gossip.

Creighton Weatherby has the biggest house in these parts.

I wouldn't mind being his wood supplier.

Do you think it would be worth your time

to make deliveries that far?

Probably not.

I'm much obliged for the ride, Stuart Lee.

See you in a few days, Mr. Walton.

My regards to the family.

You took a long time at the Claybournes' today, Daddy.

Those electric refrigerators are kind of tricky.

Nothing wrong with an old fashioned icebox, if you ask me.

Nobody did.

Stuart Lee paid me.

Same way his daddy did, with a sealed envelope.

Elizabeth, eat up.

John, there's only $1 here.

Wasn't as generous as his daddy, was he?

Don't you reckon he'll pay you the rest when you finish up?

Sure hope so, we could use it.

Livie, you sure work miracles with these leftovers.

You're not supposed to be able to tell they were leftovers.

Even the government is doing stuff with leftovers these days.

I guess I'll write to Mrs. Roosevelt

and ask for some recipes.

No, I'm serious.

Government agencies are buying all these surplus products

and giving them away.

I wish they were giving away some new tires.

I tried to work on those tires,

but they're not going to make it.

I know.

I didn't see anything about the government giving away things.

That's because you only read the advertisements.

-Mary Ellen! -Mama, they always pick on me.

-You ever asked yourself why? -John-Boy.

Alright, that's enough bickering.

We got enough on our minds around here. Now eat up.

Pass the potatoes.

Oh, you have had enough now.

Last month this time,

there were three customers that hadn't paid.

This month, there are 11 bills past due.

How's the flour holding up, Liv?

Got enough to get through till the end of the week.

Maybe I can trade one of those hams I cured last month

and get you some more.

We'll manage. We always have.

With all that wild game I take from the mountain

and your canned goods, I guess we won't starve.

We've got taxes due on this property, Liv.

Got an insurance premium due.

Worst problem of all is the paper-thin tires on that truck.

If they go, we got ourselves a real problem.

-Are they that bad? -They sure are.

I may not be getting paid, but if I can't deliver,

we're out of business.

You look just like a little boy, sitting there in that light.

I don't feel like a little boy.

I wonder, if we could've seen into the future

when we were young, what we would have done.

We'd have done the same thing we did.

I can't imagine not having you.

Only thing that makes things easier

is knowing you and the kids are here.

"For better or for worse."

They've been better. I sure hope they don't get any worse.

John, how come you don't wear your wedding ring anymore?

I keep forgetting to put it on after I work at the sawmill.

I miss it.

It's what it stands for that counts, honey.

I'm gonna work on the books some more.

Don't be too late.

Did the part come in, Son?

Yeah. Oh, I forgot.

Right here.

Doesn't look like too much of a part, though.

You know what they say, "Without the Nail, the Shoe was lost,

without the Shoe, the Horse was lost."

I'll go to the Claybournes' and fix it.

Why don't you finish up here?

Why don't I go over? I'll fix it for you. I can do it.

It's kind of tricky, Son. I better do it.

I don't know. Daddy, I've been thinking.

I'd like to start doing some of the odd jobs around for you.

I appreciate the offer, Son, but you're still in school.

I don't like you to miss studying time.

Come this summer, I'll break you in.

Don't wanna wait. This is about the worst it's been for us.

It's only temporary, Son.

Yeah, it's about the worst.

When it's time for you to start worrying,

I'll let you know, I promise.

I'm not too sure about that front tire.

If you need a spare, it's in the back.

Alright. You get to the garden, you hear?

Mr. Walton, the two of us could cut the sweat in half.

Thank you, Dewey.

Oh, by the way, Mrs. Claybourne would be much obliged

if you'd join her in the drawing room for coffee.

Dewey, I'm in kind of a hurry.

Mr. Walton, there's been very little company around here

since Mr. Claybourne passed on.

Alright, Dewey.

Mrs. Claybourne.

I forgot what a beautiful room this is.

This room is my sanctuary.

I always feel so much more secure

surrounded by reminders of the past.

There's a place on the mountain that gives me the same feeling.

Thank you so much, Dewey.

Please sit down, Mr. Walton.

I'm serving coffee because I know most men prefer it to tea.

-Cream, sugar? -Sugar is fine, thank you.

Amelia is having her piano lesson.

And Stuart Lee is.... Well, you can guess where Stuart Lee is.

The Weatherbys'.

I do think he's going to marry that girl.

And Amelia, nearly 16. Off to college in another year.

It's distressing to think about one's young growing up

going gallivanting into the world.

But you must know all about that, Mr. Walton.

Please, have one of these cream puffs.

Stuart Lee gets them for me in Richmond.

No, thank you. Coffee is fine.

But these are especially delicious.

Perhaps you'd like to take some of them home for your family.

Our children do love sweets, don't they?

I'll just have Dewey make up a package--

No, thank you. I couldn't do that.

I do have a lot to get done today. I better be moving on.

How selfish of me.

That big, lovely family of yours must take

a lot of providing for.

How nice it must be to have one's day filled with activity.

I often wish I had something or someone

that really needed looking after.

Dewey will see you out.

-Good day, Mr. Walton. -Good day.

They look pretty good to me.

I can put them on for two bits apiece. Take about an hour.

No, thank you. I'll do it myself.

Here you go.

They simply are not here. Not anywhere in this house.

I've searched high and low.

Maybe it's slipped your mind, Mrs. Claybourne

but some of the very old silver is stored in the attic.

I know that, Dewey. But I saw the goblets just last week.

I was worried about you. You're so late.

-Did you have a problem? -No, it didn't take long to fix.

-And Stuart Lee? -He wasn't there.

I had to go all the way into town.

Did the Claybournes have more work for you?

No. The spare and front tires gave out. I had to get new ones.

Oh, Stuart Lee did give you more pay?

No.

Where'd you get the money for the tires?

What's this?

Something I picked up. Thought you might like it.

-John, it's beautiful, but-- -Same color as your eyes.

Where did you get the money?

I couldn't tell you, Liv.

Stuart Lee, I am at my wits' end.

Those two Paul Revere goblets

your great-grandfather left to Grandmother, they're gone.

I can't imagine what could have happened to them.

It makes me feel faint to think they've disappeared.

You must be mistaken, Mama.

You probably put them someplace else and forgot.

Dewey, look around, will you?

We've been hunting.

But I'll look some more.

Stuart Lee, I wouldn't forget a thing like that.

I know I would have remembered moving them.

Those are two of the finest pieces we owned.

There's a matching pair in the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.

I've seen photographs of them.

Mama, maybe somebody stole them.

I hate to entertain such a thought

but that's exactly what must have happened.

You both are being foolish. Who'd do a thing like that?

Oh, dear.

It's such a dreadful thought to have,

but what else am I to think?

The only person in this house other than family

has been John Walton.

Mama!

He was here, Amelia. In this very house.

Alone, and for quite some time.

We can't accuse a decent man like John Walton.

These are extremely hard times

and even decent people have been known to behave desperately.

Mama, I don't believe it of John Walton.

Then who do you accuse?

We have no choice but to call Sheriff Bridges.

I'll call him in the morning, Mama,

after we've had a chance to search.

By tomorrow those goblets may have been sold,

and we'll never see them again.

I don't think I could bear that.

Either you call the Sheriff, Stuart Lee, or I will.

Okay.

-Good evening, Sheriff. -Boy, is your daddy home?

-There he is. -John.

Is something wrong?

John, where'd you go after you left the Claybournes' today?

Why are you asking that?

Did you head for Charlottesville?

That's kind of a strange question, Ep.

Well, I just left the Claybourne place

and they've got two silver goblets missing.

Well, John, it seems that you were the only caller

since Mrs. Claybourne last saw those goblets.

She sent for me....

Uh-huh.

All I got to know is

where you spent three hours this afternoon.

Sheriff, you know my daddy well.

I don't think that's any of your business, Ep.

I've got to tell the Claybournes something.

You tell me what to say.

You tell them it's my business what I was doing.

That's not going to be acceptable.

What do you mean?

Whathe means is,

he thinks maybe I'm lying about something.

John, John.

Mrs. Claybourne feels you might have taken the goblets

drove into Charlottesville, and hocked them.

You know that's not what happened.

All I'm asking is for you to clear yourself.

I don't have to clear myself with anybody, and I won't.

You know daddy's not going to take any goblets. That's enough.

John-Boy, I've known your daddy longer than you have.

No man could even imply he was a thief

without John letting that man have it.

-Okay, time we said goodnight. -I don't like this, John.

Won't you say something to clear yourself?

-No. -Daddy, why don't tell him--

Go in the house, John-Boy.

I won't talk about this anymore, Ep.

-Goodnight. -John.

I got nothing more to say, Ep! Goodnight!

Goodnight, John. I'm around if you need me.

-I told you to go inside. -Daddy--

-Go in the house, now! -Yes, sir.

Livie, these things happen in every family.

I remember the time, Zeb was gone for three days.

Three days.

When he came through the door, he hugged the children,

kissed me, and then went straight off to bed.

In those days, he didn't snore.

And not a word of explanation or anything?

No, I imagined everything.

The truth was, he was in Richmond

trying to sign up for the Spanish-American War.

What is it?

I think I just figured out why John won't explain himself.

-I put a new leg on this chair. -Why?

-It's falling apart, like us. -I was talking to Livie!

Oh. I can't have made this leg too short.

It must be your table that's crooked.

-Why, Livie? -Poker.

John was off playing poker.

Poker? You may have something there, Livie.

And he knew if we found out I'd be fit to be tied.

He should be.

A deck of cards is the devil's prayer book.

I know that George Anderson's got a game going on now.

And I hear the stakes are changing with the times.

What's that supposed to mean?

Exactly what I said.

They're playing now for firewood, food, and labor.

If John is playing the game I taught him,

he most likely won them tires.

It's high time you two females realized

that John can take care of himself.

If that is how he got those tires,

I'd rather we didn't mention it to anybody.

He'll tell me in his own good time.

Zeb.

Come on, I want you to help me pick beans for supper.

Mama.

John-Boy, I didn't know you were there. You were so quiet.

Do you really think he's been gambling?

You can do something for all of us to make it a lot easier.

Tell the children that everything is alright.

Remind them that their father is the kind of man

who minds his own business as he sees fit.

Hey.

Hey, hey.

What is this? This is like a funeral.

What would you like us to do, have a square dance?

Where's Ben?

He's out trying to sell magazines.

How can he think about money at a time like this?

At a time like what?

With Daddy acting so mysterious.

Shoot, you children don't really think Daddy did anything wrong,

do you?

I sure don't think he did anything wrong.

I can't rightly sit here and tell you what's going on

with this whole thing.

But the thing to do is just for us to go about our business

and do what we always do.

When Daddy decides he wants to tell us what's going on

if he wants to, then he will, I'm sure.

I think I'm out of business.

I've covered every single house I can get to.

Hope you had sense to stay away from those Claybournes.

I didn't go there, though I did think about it.

-I hate those Claybournes! -Me, too!

Maybe Stuart Lee will get killed by an escaped criminal

who steals his car.

Look, Jim-Bob.

I can understand everybody not feeling too favorably

towards the Claybournes right now.

But I really think it's stupid to sit around wasting our time

wishing people dead or hating them.

That's not gonna make us get along any better, is it?

"The sins of the father are visited on the children."

What is that?

You saw what happened today. Martha Rose wouldn't talk to me.

-That's a blessing! -She spent the recess

whispering and making faces at me. I should've whammed her.

You're just getting dramatic like you always do.

You just wait and see what happens!

The Sheriff's making an example out of Daddy.

It's like the Sheriff of Nottingham and Robin Hood.

I'd just like to roll up in a little ball and die.

Tell me about it, Mary Ellen.

It's not that I think he'd ever steal anything.

Why hasn't he said where he was?

Your father is a grown man. He has his reasons.

And he's the head of this house.

He'll tell us whatever it is when he's ready.

-But, Mama.... -You ask yourself.

Is my father the kind of man who'd betray the trust

of his family?

What's the answer?

I'm all mixed up, Mama.

A thing like this can be very confusing.

Even when you know deep in your heart that none of it is true.

I depend on you to rely on your good sense and judgment

and your real feelings.

And to be patient and wait for your father

to say whatever it is he has to say.

I love you, Mama. How can you and Daddy ever love me?

Well, it isn't always easy.

Is it possible they could have been stolen at another time?

Mr. Walton was here twice to fix the refrigerator.

Now, Mrs. Claybourne, John Walton is not your man.

I just ask you to simply take my word for that.

I have always considered Mr. Walton to be a most fine

and upstanding man.

But there simply hasn't been anyone else here.

Ma'am, you're gonna need a lot more evidence than that

before I can put a man under arrest.

What am I supposed to do, Mr. Bridges?

Stand by, while all my good silver vanishes into thin air?

For the time being, I'd put them under lock and key.

Well and good,

but that doesn't bring back what's already been stolen.

Well, ma'am, I'm gonna do my very best.

Goodbye.

John-Boy, good morning.

Go on up.

I'm sorry about all that's happened.

Well, I reckon you ought to be a little more than sorry.

You called my father a thief

when you know that he's never been anything but helpful

and honest and good to everybody on this mountain.

I'll bet your mama just mislaid that junk.

We're still looking, John-Boy.

We're going over every inch of the house.

Amelia, you're gonna be late to school. You better go on inside.

You're going here?

She got tired of an all-girl school.

Even under the circumstances, John-Boy,

I'd be obliged if you'd look after her.

What's the matter?

I think I'm a little nervous.

You'll get used to it.

Is there a funeral around here? Why's everybody so quiet?

Where is John-Boy?

He said he wasn't hungry, Daddy.

He'll probably have something later.

This isn't a restaurant.

Your mother's got enough to do without feeding people twice.

John.

You wanna know where John-Boy is? He's out in the barn.

He got into a fight today

because people were saying bad things about you.

Better look after her. I'll go on out to the barn.

Alright, young ones. Finish eating up now.

I'm not hungry.

"Waste not, want not." Finish up your food.

Thought maybe you'd like to talk.

Maybe I'm too angry to talk right now.

Angry at who?

You.

That's your privilege.

I know it.

Look, Son.

Maybe I wasn't right sending you in the house

like that last night.

Maybe.

You want me to tell you I didn't take the Claybournes' silver?

I know you didn't take the Claybournes' silver.

I don't understand why you don't trust me

the way I'm supposed to trust you.

There's something bothering me, I'm not ready to talk about it.

-So I'm not going to. -I don't understand that.

Because that's what you'd expect from me!

You'd expect me to talk about it!

I have a right to make my own decisions in my own time.

I got into a fight for you and I feel like a fool.

Now you're treating me like Jim-Bob.

Maybe that's because you're acting like Jim-Bob.

-Now let's go in the house. -I'll be in soon.

Have it your way.

Is John-Boy alright?

Yeah, he's alright.

You've been acting mighty peculiar.

Just doing what I have to do, Liv.

There's nothing you could do that could make us doubt you.

But why don't I clear myself?

Yes.

Because I don't have to clear myself with anyone.

I know things have been kind of strange around here lately.

I just can't see my way clear to talking about it yet.

Alright, John.

And that silver stuff at the Claybournes'....

That's a lot of foolishness. The Sheriff knows it, too.

I just need a little time.

I need you to be patient for a while.

How's it feel to find our local man who can do no wrong

ain't no different than the rest of us?

What're you blathering about, Dodge?

Who'd think Walton would end up on the wrong side of the law?

You don't have any facts to back up a statement like that.

You shut up about things you don't know about.

Don't have to get so touchy.

It looks like John is the only suspect you've got.

Dodge, you get your firewood from John?

So what?

Wouldn't happen to be behind in the bill, would you?

Everybody owes everybody else these days.

But not everybody's so quick to think of ways not to pay up.

-Now, look-- -Okay, how about a pop?

Alright.

Hi, John. Buying pop for everybody. You want one?

I saw Dodge's car. Tell him I wanna talk to him.

He's playing pool with the Sheriff.

I'll see the Sheriff.

Dodge, I've been looking up some of my old customers

to see when I might expect some of the pay due me.

Maybe I'll just send it to your lawyer.

What was that, Dodge? I didn't hear you.

John, John! Come on!

Dodge, maybe you better get a lawyer.

Not paying your bills, that's against the law, too.

Now go on, get out of here, and pay attention to yourself.

Ike Godsey.

Yes, he's here. Just a minute.

Sheriff, phone for you.

Sheriff Bridges.

All of them?

Alright, thanks.

That phone call said that you were seen in Charlottesville

the other day.

What if I was?

John, I'm not saying you stole anything.

But times like these

a man finds himself doing things he never believed he could.

I could see myself having to, being tempted.

That's real interesting, Ep. I sure couldn't.

I sure don't feel much like doing this.

We've got no choice. I wanna find out what this is about.

I don't care whether Daddy wants us to or not.

-Tell me good luck. -Good luck.

Hello, Ben.

Hi, may I see your brother, please?

-I guess. Come on in. -Thank you.

If you'll wait here, Ben, I'll get Stuart Lee.

Okay.

Amelia, go to your room, please.

Young man, I think it is inappropriate of you

to appear at this house under the present circumstances.

Actually, Mrs. Claybourne,

I'm here to offer you a unique opportunity.

I'm afraid you didn't hear me correctly, Ben.

Yes, ma'am, I did.

Stuart Lee, will you please come down here?

You see, I represent the finest periodicals

now being published in this country.

Stuart Lee.

-What is it, Mama? Hello, Ben. -Hi.

Son, please explain to this child that he's not welcome here

until the situation concerning his family is cleared up?

-I'll talk to him, Mama. -I knew you'd take care of it.

I'm sorry, Ben. My mom is overly upset today.

That's okay.

I came because of this unique opportunity I have to offer.

For a limited time, I am able to make an exceptional offer.

Four magazines for just $5 a year.

They're delivered right to your door.

Ben, I don't think this is a good time to talk business.

I thank you for the opportunity, but we really can't....

Don't need any magazines right now. You understand?

Yeah, sure. I understand.

See you later, Stuart Lee.

It was awful. She won't even talk to me.

She kept going on about Daddy taking the silver.

I'm sorry. I never should have sent you in there.

It's funny.

Stuart Lee started to say how they couldn't afford it.

Then he changed about how they already had enough stuff

being delivered.

-What else did he say? -That's all.

If you promise not to laugh, I'll tell you something.

-What? -You promise?

Promise. What?

It was like something I saw in a Charlie Chan movie. Really.

Number One Son said you can always tell when a rich man's

pretending to have money but really doesn't.

-What about it? I don't-- -It's about their shoes.

-Their shoes? -Yeah.

When a man loses money,

his shoes look like they need fixing.

And those Claybournes, their heels are all worn over.

You've been seeing too many movies, Ben.

Maybe you've got something there.

You really think so?

Yeah, I think maybe you do.

Come on.

That's 14 cents, John-Boy.

I've only got a dime. I'm gonna have to come back. I'm sorry.

Don't think I'll go to a poor house waiting for four cents.

I wanna ask you a question.

If it's not for a loan, you've got a chance.

Where did the Claybournes get their money?

There was a lot of old family money around for a while

but they went through that soon.

After the old man died, there were some insurance checks

but they haven't had those for a while.

What do they buy with?

Credit, just like everybody else.

-Thank you. -You forgot your package.

I'll come back when I've got the money.

Stuart Lee.

John-Boy, you scared me half to death.

Been out courting Blanche Weatherby?

Yes, as a matter of fact.

-I got some good news for you. -What?

I'm getting married.

-Congratulations. -Thanks.

A girl like Blanche Weatherby?

You'll have to make some changes before you bring her home.

Changes?

You know what I mean, you've been over there.

Everything's neat as a pin, with the grass cut just so.

They must hire three gardeners to keep it looking perfect.

I've been doing the gardening myself, just to keep in shape.

Amelia tells me she's become quite a cook herself.

It came as a surprise to me.

I hope Mrs. Docksteader isn't ill.

Oh, no. She went back to Georgia.

My mother just hasn't had a chance to replace her yet.

There must be hundreds of good cooks looking for work.

Shouldn't take up too much time to find one.

Is Amelia doing alright at school?

Well, she's doing fine, yes.

I think she misses a lot of her friends from the private school.

Look, why don't you and I go inside?

I tell you, it's kind of late. I gotta get home.

I'd like to talk to you about something, if you don't mind.

Maybe we can talk later.

I'd like to talk now. It'll just take a minute.

You know me, I read a lot.

The other day, I was reading a book.

A passage stuck in my mind where the author said

that we people swallow a lot of disappointment

between breakfast and dinner time.

He was talking about pride.

He was saying how it could help us and how it's not necessarily

a bad thing if we use it to hide what hurts us.

But when our pride starts to hurt other people....

You know, don't you?

I know my daddy never stole anything.

John-Boy, maybe I can explain.

Mr. Claybourne, I'm so glad you're back.

-Is something wrong? -Your mama, Mr. Claybourne.

She got so upset about the goblets, a few minutes ago

-she just took off. -Where?

I tried to get her to wait till you come back.

But she said she was going over to the Walton place

and she was going to get her things back, no matter what.

I've come for the return of my property, Mr. Walton.

Mrs. Claybourne, you're making a mistake.

I'd like you to leave my house.

It pains me deeply, Mr. Walton

but no one else could have taken my things.

I'm not a thief, ma'am.

I must agree with my husband, Mrs. Claybourne.

I think we should end this discussion.

It does not please me to have to say these things.

I do understand how hard times are

and how an upstanding man could be forced by circumstances

to do something repellent to him.

Nevertheless, I must ask for my belongings--

Mrs. Claybourne.

You mustn't be angry, Stuart Lee.

I'm only doing what I have to do.

-Now, Mr. Walton-- -Mama, wait.

I have waited quite long enough.

Mr. Walton, Mrs. Walton

I'm the one who took the silver.

-That can't be true-- -Please, Mama.

My mother never understood about money.

My father always protected her...

and didn't ever want her to worry about anything

except being beautiful and his wife.

And when he died, no one had the courage

to break the bad news about our finances to her.

Bad news?

Our money was all gone, Mr. Walton.

And without thinking about it

I did what Daddy had always done.

I tried to protect you and keep your life

the way it had always been.

-Please don't say any more. -I have to, Mama.

That's why I started selling things off.

It's all gone, Mama.

The jewelry, pewter collection

everything you thought we'd stored away.

I don't believe that.

You can't be telling the truth--

I am, Mama.

Now there's nothing more to say.

Except to Mr. Walton.

I'm very ashamed.

I'm afraid being ashamed isn't enough, son.

The truth is extremely painful, Mr. Walton

and I share the same feelings as my son.

My actions have resulted in pain and grief for us all.

I most humbly beg your pardon.

Please take me home, Son.

Make sure the Sheriff knows about this.

I will, Mr. Walton.

I'm sorry.

Well, that's over.

Not quite, Son.

There'll be some things I want to talk to you about.

Right now, I'd like to have a few words with your mama.

-Goodnight. -Goodnight.

Liv, did you ever think I took those goblets?

But you have noticed I've been acting kind of strange lately.

Yeah, I've noticed.

Well, honey, you see, I had to have those tires.

Otherwise we'd be out of business.

I know.

If you know what a hock shop is....

I've seen the one in town.

It's just a store like any other store.

It's a place where you go and you sell things, valuables,

for money.

-Is that what happened? -Mm-hmm.

John, I loved that ring.

You think we could get it back?

With tires on the truck, I stand a chance.

I promise you, we'll try.

And just because these are hard times

that's no excuse for me letting my pride get in the way.

Once my pride got started,

I guess my stubbornness took hands with it.

I owe you all an apology.

-Daddy. -What is it, honey?

If the wedding ring is gone

does that mean you and Mama are still married?

I hope so, honey.

John-Boy, how about you saying the prayer?

Okay.

Dear Lord, we thank thee for the bounty of this table

and we ask for thy continued blessing on this house

and on this family.

-Amen. -Amen.

The Depression lingered on, and there were other bad spells

but we lived through them, too.

And as each year ended

it was difficult to recall the hard times we'd come through.

Looking back, I realize now

that the real bounty placed before us each day

was the love we had for each other.

It shaped our lives, fed our souls

and crowned our happiness.

Lights out soon, John-Boy. Electricity costs money.

-Just another minute, Daddy. -It's not fair.

John-Boy's getting to stay up later than us.

It's because he's the oldest.

-Did somebody call me? -Oh. Go to sleep.

Goodnight, old woman.

Goodnight, old man.

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