All language subtitles for The.Waltons.S02E12.The.Substitute.WEBRip.x264-ION10

When I was growing up
on Walton's Mountain

in those years of
the Great Depression

for me and my brothers
and sisters

it was a time of making do
with the little there was.

A time of stretching a nickel
till it bought a dime's worth.

Often, a time of doing without.

In such times,
keeping children in school

was just too much of a strain
for many families

but for my father,
educating his children

had almost the same importance
as feeding and clothing us.

I remember one day when
the regular routine

of our school life
was threatened.

John-Boy, I've just had
some news from home

and my sister in Norfolk,
there's been an accident.

I'm sorry.

I've got to get in touch with
my brother-in-law by telephone

and I'd appreciate it if you'd
take charge of the classroom.

-Well, I'll try to.
-Try to keep the students quiet.

You can let them
do their homework,

or you can read to them.

-Here's a copy of Tom Sawyer.
-Okay.

I just had a long letter
from her only yesterday.

Thank you, John-Boy.

-What're you doing up there?
-It was Miss Hunter's idea.

I wouldn't be here
if it was up to me.

-You're gonna teach the class?
-Come on, Jason, please....

Why don't we just have recess
until Miss Hunter gets back?

Didn't you hear John-Boy?
Recess is over.

-Thank you, Ben. Sit down.
-Thank you, Ben.

Come on, sit down.

Maybe we just
ought to do our homework.

Quiet!

Let's just do homework.

Come on, now.
I don't like this, either.

John-Boy, where did
Miss Hunter go?

Well, there was an emergency
in her family.

Look, if you want
to ask a question,

why don't you just
raise your hand?

But John-Boy, I'm your sister.

I know that. I'm just trying
to be the teacher.

Come on.

-Lucilla, where are you going?
-To sharpen my pencil.

Alright. Come on.
That's not fair.

Just sit down,
I'll read to you.

Tom Sawyer, alright?

Sit down.

Chapter 29. "The Picnic.
Huck on Injun Joe's Track,

"the Revenge Job,
Aid for the Widow.

"The first thing Tom
heard on Friday morning

"was a glad piece of news.

"Judge Thatcher's family
had come back to town

"the night before.

"Both Injun Joe
and the treasure

"sank into secondary
importance...."

I sure wish I could've seen you
teaching school, John-Boy.

He was just the same
as at home: bossy.

It was like being big brother
to 20 instead of 6.

I don't know how
Miss Hunter does it.

It's her training
and experience.

She's had plenty of both,
and that is why she is so good.

Old man, you know everything
about everything.

That's why I am
so good after spending

50-odd years
of married life with you.

-Not 50 yet.
-Seems more like.

Oh, hush.

What did you teach them,
John-Boy?

I didn't teach
them anything.

Miss Hunter told me
to keep them quiet.

-I read to them.
-Tom Sawyer.

He stopped at
the most exciting part,

where Tom and Becky
are lost in the cave.

You'll just have to learn
to read in order

to find out what
happens next.

-Will Miss Hunter be back?
-I don't know.

Elizabeth, what are you doing?

John-Boy said whenever
I want to ask him a question,

I have to raise my hand.

Well, school's out.
What is it you want?

May I please go
to the bathroom?

Yes, you may.

Way I understand it,

Miss Hunter's sister had
a bad car accident in Norfolk.

She's gonna pull
through alright,

but she'll need
nursing for a spell.

Machines will be
the death of us all.

People had accidents
long before they had motorcars.

Will there come a time
when I say something

and you don't contradict me?

-Don't abandon hope.
-Oh, stop it.

Miss Hunter feels
she has to go to Norfolk

to take care of her sister?

It's not just
Miss Hunter's sister, it's....

She's got four nieces and
nephews, and the oldest is nine.

Miss Hunter is
the closest kin they have.

Who's gonna take
care of her class?

John-Boy, looks like
you got a full-time job.

I just filled
in this afternoon.

I'm going to a special school
board meeting tonight.

It won't be easy to find
a substitute teacher midterm.

We can't pay much. We'll have
to keep Miss Hunter on salary.

Or we go on vacation till Miss
Hunter gets back if we have to.

Ben, I think we can come up
with a better answer than that.

John-Boy.

-You ought to be asleep.
-I'm scared.

Scared? You got nothing
to be scared of.

I'm scared for Tom Sawyer
and Becky Thatcher.

I keep thinking of them lost
in that cave. Do they get out?

I shouldn't tell you this,
but yes, they do get out.

-I won't tell anyone else.
-Okay.

-Goodnight, honey.
-Goodnight.

-I didn't expect you to be up.
-That must've been some meeting.

Sure was. At one point,
we were ready to give up.

Take Ben's suggestion
and give the kids a vacation.

No substitute teachers
around here?

Not one in the county.
Not for the money we can pay.

Well, what are we gonna do?

We were just about to give up,
then Mrs. Richardson thought

of this woman she
heard about in New York

from the school board. The
daughter of a famous professor.

We took a chance,
made a long distance call.

Mrs. Richardson explained
the situation,

and we got
a substitute teacher.

-From New York City?
-Miss Pollard.

-Coming the day after tomorrow.
-Miss Pollard?

-Megan Pollard.
-Pretty name.

Smart as a whip.
Mrs. Richardson says

she graduated with
all kinds of honors.

-How come she's not teaching?
-She's been doing some research.

She's young, inexperienced,
but I'm sure

she'll fill in well
for Miss Hunter.

I'm glad you were
able to work it out.

There is one more thing.
Since we pay so little,

we decided we ought
to offer free room and board.

John.

We got more kids in school than
anyone else. Seemed only fair.

John-Boy wouldn't mind--

Sleeping out in
the barn temporarily.

That's what
I was gonna say.

Ben, what's going
on in here?

-I'm going to build a kite.
-A kite.

There's gonna be a kite-flying
contest. I want to win.

Now, that is
an ambitious project.

You know anything
about building a kite?

Well, I've got
sort of an idea.

Well, now. That's great.

I used to build
kites that would put

Benjamin Franklin to shame.
Once, when I was no more than

your age, I built me
a kite that was so strong

it broke its string
and just went winging away.

-That's too bad, Grandpa.
-They found her a week later,

clean over in
the Shenandoah Valley.

This contest is for the kids
in our Sunday school class.

Tell you what, Ben.
I will help build you a kite

that will be the finest kite
that man has ever made.

How about it?
What do you say?

Okay, Grandpa.

Alright, Ben.
Now, let's get to work.

Where's your paper?

Hey, Grandma.

There's some mail
come for you.

-Big or small?
-Big.

-Where?
-Right there.

"We regret to inform you that
the material you submitted

"for our consideration fails to
meet our needs at this time."

That's the best story I've ever
written. What's wrong with it?

They didn't say
anything was wrong.

They just said
it wasn't what they needed.

They never tell you
what's wrong with it.

Look, silk is beautiful.

But nobody could sell me silk
if I was shopping for gingham.

This is a rejection slip. You
know how many of these I have?

I could paper
the walls with them.

Good. It'll help against
the cold when winter comes.

John-Boy, your father had to
help out at the Younger place

so he wants you to go
to pick up Miss Pollard.

John Boy, it's getting late.

Yes. Pick up Miss Pollard
at the bus stop.

I guess I'll know her
when I see her.

She's probably the only
passenger getting off the bus.

Shouldn't be difficult.

-Try to work up a smile.
-I'm smiling.

Then you'd better tell your
face. If she sees that glum look

she'll get right back on
that bus and head north.

-What's the matter with him?
-Got rejected again.

Oh. Big envelope.

Excuse me, by any chance would
you be Miss Pollard?

Not only would be, I am.
But not by chance. By design.

I'm John-Boy Walton.
I'm sorry I'm late,

I guess our clock
at home must be slow.

The bus was early.

I'll just put your
things in the back.

-That's heavy.
-That's my library.

I'll get it.

I'm sorry.

I believe you.
Don't keep saying it.

No, you're sitting on....
Excuse me.

-Do I see a rejection slip?
-Yeah, it's a hobby of mine.

-I collect them.
-You know why this was rejected?

It says I didn't have
what they wanted.

That's editorial jabberwocky.
What do you think?

I don't know. I like it.
I think it's good.

If you like, I'll read it and
try and tell you why it missed.

Have you ever done
editorial work?

Yes, ever since college,

I've been devoting
my time to editorial work.

Really? You mean short stories
and novels and such?

No. My father was
an educator of some renown.

We were preparing a collection
of his works when he

when he died.

I'm sorry. Do you think
maybe we could--

Shouldn't we be getting on?

Certainly. Of course.

I certainly appreciate this
opportunity, Mr. Walton.

We feel real lucky
having you.

I was looking for a teaching
position that'd be a challenge.

-You got one.
-I'll show you to your room.

-I already took your luggage up.
-Thank you.

She doesn't look
like a teacher.

What's a teacher supposed
to look like? Miss Hunter?

I can't make up my mind whether
she's older trying to look young

or young trying to look older.

-She's young.
-That's no crime.

-She's already got her Master's.
-Whatever that is.

-She seems stuck-up to me.
-I think she's shy.

I don't think
she even likes us.

You're jumping to conclusions so
fast, you'll be out of breath.

She's helping us out
in an emergency.

She's new to us,
we're new to her. Give it time.

She reminds me of
my first grade teacher.

Everything reminds you
of something.

I exercise my memory, old woman.
That's what keeps it healthy.

-Your memory and your mouth.
-All the better to....

Stop it.

-I hope you'll be comfortable.
-Looks just fine.

It gets a little
noisy sometimes.

Is that your father?

My late father.
He was an educator.

And the rest
of your family?

I'm alone. It makes for
an uncluttered life.

He travels light who travels
alone. You know the saying.

We usually sit down
to supper about 6:00.

If it wouldn't be
too much bother,

I'd prefer to have
something simple here.

Of course. You must be tired
after your long bus ride.

I don't want to intrude
on your family.

-You wouldn't be intruding.
-And I'm a light eater.

-I'll have a tray sent up.
-Thank you.

And please, make yourself
at home.

-Miss Pollard?
-Yes.

I'm Ethel Richardson,
member of the school board.

Miss Hunter asked me to stop
here on your first morning

-and make you welcome.
-Thank you.

She said her grade books
and assignment sheets

-are in the top desk drawer.
-Thank you, I found them.

I understand your father
was a very famous professor.

He was a pioneer
in the field of education.

Miss Hunter went on
and on about him.

She called him
"the teacher's teacher."

And here you are carrying on
the family tradition.

I'm trying.

It isn't easy coming into
a strange school

and taking over
for somebody else.

But a little school like ours
is easygoing, friendly.

Well, if there's anything at all
I can do to help....

-Thank you.
-It's very nice having you.

-Come on. We'll be late.
-I'm coming.

What do you want
with those weeds?

They're not weeds.
They're wildflowers.

I'm going to give them
to our new teacher.

Take your seats, please.

Good morning, class.
I'm Miss Pollard.

Class!

I'm to be your teacher
while Miss Hunter is away.

It isn't easy to change
teachers in the middle of a term

but if we do our jobs every day,
we should manage very well.

Class!

-You're late.
-I'm sorry.

Tardiness is something
I can't tolerate.

It shows a self-centered
lack of consideration

for your fellow students
and your teacher.

-Please take your seat.
-The reason we're late is--

We can always find excuses.
But they are usually just

a further waste of time.
Sit down, please.

Miss Pollard, if you'd
let Elizabeth show you

-why they're late--
-I've dealt with that matter.

Take your seat, Elizabeth.

When we were interrupted,
I was introducing myself to you.

It's very important to know each
other if we're to work together.

I hope you agree.

Erin.

Once when a new boy came
to our school Miss Hunter had

each one of us introduce
the person behind us to him.

That's Miss Hunter's way and
I'm sure it worked well for her.

I have to know each of you in
depth, so I have special tests.

Class. Time is very
important in these tests

so we'll have
to get started immediately.

Erin and John Walton, will you
pass these out for me, please?

Please try to be more quiet
and concentrate on the test.

Excuse me, Miss Pollard,

but this is when
we have our morning recess.

I know the schedule,
but time is essential

in my evaluation
of this test.

There will be other recesses.

In the Science section, I don't
understand what's wanted.

The point of this test is to
gauge your comprehension levels.

If there's a question you don't
understand, go to the next one.

-Excuse me, maybe I can help--
-Just do your own work.

I think my hand is swollen.

After all those tests,
it should be.

She says there'll be
more tomorrow.

True-false and multiple-choice
tests are so unfair.

The new teacher is
A: colder than an icicle

B: talks like a dictionary

C: acts like a smile
would crack her face,

D: all of these.

All she knows how
to do is give tests.

I wish Miss Hunter
would come back.

I don't know why I said that.

We're not being fair
to Miss Pollard.

Do you think
she's being fair to us?

-Hi. We're starting for home.
-I'd only hold you back.

-I like to set my own pace.
-Alright, we'll see you later.

-Bye-bye.
-See you later.

One, hut, three.

Ready. March.
Hut, two, three, four.

Hey, wait. Hold on!

Come on.

Come on. Hurry up.

This way.
Watch out for the enemy.

-Who's got the gun?
-I got it.

Good going.

Ready? March.

Look at me, Father.
Look at me.

See me. See me.

I have a feeling
we're wasting our time.

Just keep it real plain.

-Hello?
-Hello.

-How did it go?
-Quite well.

Good. The first day on any new
job is usually the hardest.

Will you have
some tea with us?

Well, thank you,
but I have some tests to score.

-About dinner.
-We're having a treat tonight.

Grandma is making some of
her special pork chop gravy.

If you don't mind

I prefer to have a sandwich
and a glass of milk in my room.

-Alright.
-Thank you.

Well, you can't
complain she's underfoot.

What are you doing?

Hold this while
I put the paste on.

-Sure, what is it?
-A kite.

A kite? Let's see.

This is a pretty
funny-looking kite, Ben.

Grandpa says
it's the best.

Doubt you'll ever
get it off the ground.

I had an idea but Grandpa
wanted me to do it his way.

Hey. You want a kite that will
really outclass everybody's?

I'll show you how to build it.
Get some brown paper.

I'll get wood and make a kite
that can go to the moon.

-Jason, I know what I'm doing.
-Get the paper.

-Yes?
-It's John-Boy, Miss Pollard.

-Hope I'm not interrupting.
-No. I could use a break.

Is something wrong?

No, sorry. It's just
that you look so different

with your hair like that.

I was wondering if you had
a chance to read my story.

-Yes, I've read it.
-Well?

Your writing is completely
undisciplined.

I don't think I know
what you mean.

Literature...

...doesn't come
from a jumble of raw emotions.

Good writing has to be detached
and objective.

One has to feel
that the author is in control.

You see, this story
comes from something...

...that really actually did
happen between my father and me.

I thought maybe I could share
the feelings I had in the story.

There's a trap there.

When you're writing about an
intense personal relationship...

you have to be
all the more objective.

It's so easy to fall into
mawkishness or sentimentality.

-That's what you think I did?
-You want my honest reaction?

-Sure.
-I was embarrassed.

If you must put down
your feelings, use a diary.

But if you're writing
for publication

you have to work
for balance. Style.

Do you know the essays
of Ralph Waldo Emerson?

Somewhat.

Study his essay on intellect.

Paragraph by paragraph,
word by word.

Ask yourself why Emerson used
one phrase instead of another.

Analyze his rhythms,
diagram his sentences

list the figures of speech.

When you thoroughly understand
the techniques he used...

...try and write an essay
just like his.

I don't know if I can do that.

You asked for help.

True.

Well, I do thank you.

-Mary Ellen Walton.
-Here.

Addie Wilson. Absent.

-Lucilla Younger.
-Here.

There seem to be an unusual
number of absentees today.

To save time, I've made
an alphabetical seating chart.

We don't need too many changes.

At recess, Martha Bronson,
trade with George Talbot...

...Arthur Hapgood
with Jane Porter...

...and Betty Andrews trade
with Lucilla Younger.

Miss Pollard.

Yes, Lucy?

Miss Pollard, may I please
keep that desk?

I've explained that I want
alphabetical seating.

Since your name begins with a
"Y", sit at the end of the row.

But Miss Hunter said--

Lucilla, Miss Hunter isn't
teaching this class now. I am.

So during recess,
you will change your seat.

Yes, John?

Excuse me, ma'am. You see,
the reason that Lucilla--

I'm not interested.

I have my own reasons for asking
her to change her seat.

-I don't think you understand--
-I've heard enough.

Sorry.

Before we start work

Ben Walton,
will you come here, please?

Yes, Miss Pollard?

On the basis of your tests...

...I don't think you're quite
ready for sixth-grade work.

Your science test
was particularly bad.

I'm never good on written tests
when I can just talk.

We have to rely
on written tests.

Under the circumstances,
I don't think it's fair

to keep you in sixth grade.

I have to be in fifth grade
all over again?

I'm afraid so. You can change
your desk during recess.

Now, first grade,
get out your penmanship books...

...and work on letter "Q."

Second grade, turn to the story
on Page 32 of your readers.

You can see for yourself
where Ben's test scores lie...

in relationship to the other
sixth graders.

I know written tests
are important

but surely, class participation
counts, too.

My father pioneered
these testing procedures.

I worked very closely with him
in their development.

I know these aptitude profiles
are remarkably accurate.

Under the circumstances,
I don't think it's fair...

...to keep Ben
in the sixth grade.

What we don't understand is how
Ben seemed to be doing so well.

On his last report card,
he got mostly B's.

Well, Miss Hunter has
her methods. I have mine.

Understand we're not telling you
how to teach school.

-We want what's best for Ben.
-I do understand that.

But in the classroom,
that decision has to be mine.

Could you give him an oral exam
over the same material?

Give him a chance to show
what he knows in his own way.

I don't see how
that'll do any good.

I'm sure Ben will do very well
when he applies himself.

Will you excuse me, please?

Who's that?

It's me, Elizabeth.
I'm playing "I'm a grownup."

That can be fun sometimes.

It'll make Daddy laugh.

He'll pretend
he doesn't recognize me.

What was the name of the queen
who helped Columbus?

Lucilla?

Lucilla!

I'm sorry.
I didn't hear the question.

You didn't hear it because
you weren't paying attention.

-No. The reason--
-I'm not interested in excuses.

After school,
you'll write a 100-word theme...

...on the importance
of paying attention in class.

Who knows the answer
to my question?

-Ben?
-Queen Isabella.

Lucilla!

John Walton.

Class!

We'll go on
with our history lesson.

Now who can name
Columbus' ships?

Well, now,
what have we got here?

Thought you'd be
working on your kite.

I'm not gonna bother with it.
I'll probably just mess it up.

Ben, that doesn't sound
like you.

I don't know if I can do
anything right.

-Built this kite, didn't you?
-Jason showed me how to do it.

I had an idea of my own, but....

Daddy?

Do you think I'm dumb?

I know you've been feeling low
lately and I don't blame you...

...but I don't allow dumb people
in this family, you understand?

Yes, sir.

Now listen, why don't you just
build the kite you got in mind?

Your own way.

You take no advice from anybody.

-You understand?
-Thank you, Daddy.

How's it going?

Fine.

There's evidence
to the contrary.

Well, I'll work it out.

You know, I might be able
to help you

if you can get over
being angry at me.

You're surrendering
to your emotions again.

Like running out of class
without an explanation.

I had a reason.

Would you care to tell me
what it is?

No.

There's a theory...

...that we can only understand
human relationships...

...when we view them
objectively.

-Now, my father's theory--
-Miss Pollard!

Lucilla Younger is not a theory.

She's a little girl
who's hard of hearing.

That's why Miss Hunter lets her
sit up at the front of class.

She's deaf?

No, she's not deaf.
She just doesn't hear very well.

Why didn't she tell me?

She tried to.

So did I.

I see.

Good morning.
I just heard about the meeting.

I was wondering if you'd like to
talk over the problems with me.

What meeting?

The special meeting
of the school board.

I just assumed
you'd be invited because--

Since I'm the reason
the meeting's being called?

I am so sorry.

I know everything
is going to work out just fine.

Miss Pollard get back
from school yet?

Not yet.

-What happened at the meeting?
-What a mess.

The parents are all real upset.

Half the children are refusing
to go to school...

...and the other half
are threatening to quit.

Little Lucilla Younger
has taken to her bed.

-Was she set back like Ben?
-Not in the same way.

-What's going to happen?
-I don't know.

All the parents are saying
it was a mistake...

...to bring Miss Pollard here.
They want me to talk to her.

They want me
to bring about some changes.

Mr. Walton,
may I speak to you for a minute?

I was hoping to have a talk
with you, too, Miss Pollard.

I'm submitting my resignation.

What do you mean you're
submitting your resignation?

Effective at once.

I admit we have a problem here,
but nothing we can't talk out.

It won't do any good
to talk about it.

-My resignation settles it.
-No, it doesn't.

Your resignation unsettles
everything, Miss Pollard.

We need a teacher here.

We need you.

Half the class doesn't need me.
Lucilla Younger doesn't need me.

Your own children don't need me.

I have tried to do my best,
it just wasn't good enough.

A lady with your education
has a lot to give us here.

Maybe it's a question
of you learning how to give it.

Mr. Walton,
I didn't want this discussion

but since you started it...

...let's speak plainly.
They just don't like me.

Now I have, sometimes, been able
to force people to respect me...

...I can sometimes make them
a little afraid of me

but I can't make them like me.

You can give them a chance.

Mr. Walton,
if I can't be a teacher...

...without winning a popularity
contest, I can't teach.

-No one is asking you to win--
-I'll leave in the morning.

-Yes?
-It's John-Boy.

-I just came to say thank you.
-For what?

Lots of things. For reading my
story, trying to help me out...

...for lending me this book. I
see it belonged to your father.

He was always quoting Emerson,
and Ruskin, and Montaigne.

I'm glad to know that I was able
to be of some help to somebody.

I think you taught me something
very important.

Emerson and I.

For me, the feelings
have to be there first

or I just can't write.

The whole point of my criticism
was to guide you away...

-from that reliance on feeling.
-I know.

I tried to do
what you told me to do.

Concentrate on words, rhythms,
and figures of speech...

...and never mind whether
there was anything I had to say.

For me, that just doesn't work.

I hardly think
you've given it a fair try.

No?

I read my story again. I admit
there's things wrong with it.

It's clumsy and awkward
in places...

...but it says
something true about

the feelings between me
and my family.

And I know now that that's what
I want my writing to do.

I see.

I don't expect everyone's going
to like it, because they won't.

Some people are going
to like it...

...and some people
are going to be uncomfortable

and embarrassed by it.

Like me.

First, you thank me
for helping you...

...then you tell me everything
I said and did was wrong.

I just think maybe you helped me
in a way that you didn't intend.

It doesn't really matter.

I did read all these essays
and I confess...

...that the one I liked the best
is the one on self-reliance.

This may be a good time
for me to reread that one.

I like that one because he says
you have to trust your emotions.

Thank you, Lord, for keeping
this family in good health.

And for giving us the strength

to handle the burdens
of each day.

And for the blessing of this
bountiful food.

-Amen.
-Amen.

It's quiet tonight.

Is Miss Pollard really leaving?

She is, honey.
Tomorrow morning.

Who'll be our teacher now?

Don't look at me.

She shouldn't go.

Can't you talk to her, Daddy?

I tried to.
She won't listen to reason.

Reason has nothing to do
with what's happening to her.

She's up in her room, crying.
I heard her.

Miss Pollard?

Miss Pollard?

I'm resting.

Miss Pollard,
I'd like to talk to you.

Megan, open this door at once.

I didn't want anyone to see me.

Because you've been crying?

It's so childish, weak.

We all feel childish
and weak sometimes.

-But adults mustn't show it.
-Why not?

Why not?

Because intelligent people
are strong and self-reliant.

And never depend on anyone...

...for support, comfort?

Love?

If you don't depend on
anyone....

You never get hurt.

Megan, how old are you?

I'm 24.

And tonight, I feel younger
than Elizabeth.

You've accomplished a great deal
for someone so young.

I worked very hard
to get through the university.

I always managed
to get good marks.

Your father must have been
very proud of you.

I think I did it all for him.

I wanted to please him
more than anything...

...and we never really talked.

He couldn't communicate.

He couldn't express emotion.

I think I needed....

I think if he had just once....

Megan...

...listen.

I like you.

We all like you.

Or we could,
if you'd risk letting us.

When the Lord
gave human beings two arms...

...it wasn't to keep other
human beings at a safe distance.

Trust your feelings, Megan.

Try.

Try.

Come on.

Megan?

Come on.

Well?

Erin, scooch down. Mary Ellen,
get a plate and some silverware.

-Get a glass, too.
-Hurry up.

-Are you sure there's room?
-Make a little more room.

Plenty of room. Come on down.
Right over here.

-Right here.
-Pass the chicken.

Here are some peas.

Got some fresh green onions
right out of the garden.

-Good morning, class.
-Good morning.

When you start in a race...

...and you fall down
the first step you take

what can you do about it?

You can either lie there
and feel sorry for yourself...

...or crawl away and quit...

...or jump up
and start over again.

What would you do? Ben?

I'd start over.

Well, that's what
I want to do with you.

But I need your help.

We have to pretend
that this is the first day.

Can we do that?

Alright.

That means Lucilla,
you're in the front row.

Ben, you're in sixth grade.

Everyone trade back
the way you were.

Now, let's get
to know each other

and I don't mean more tests.

Who'd like to introduce someone?

Elizabeth.

This is Miss Pollard.

She's our teacher
while Miss Hunter is away.

She comes from New York.

She doesn't smile
as much as Miss Hunter...

...but maybe after
she gets to know us she will.

Hurry up everyone.

All the kites will be up before
we get there.

Where's Ben?

He's gone to fetch
the championship kite...

...I showed him how to build.

I gave him the special benefit
of my know-how.

-Here, Grandpa.
-And there it is now.

What do you know?
Isn't it a beauty?

-Where you going?
-I'll be right back.

What's he doing?

He's got another kite.

Here's your kite, Jason.

Looks like he's had the benefit
of more than one expert advice.

Yeah. He just didn't want
to hurt anyone's feelings.

Don't tell me there's more.

-I made this one all by myself.
-Well, what do you know?

I'm telling you,
skill is in the blood.

What are we waiting for?
Let's go.

All aboard!

Ben's own personal kite
won second prize that day.

The other three Waltons
finished,as they say

"Out of the money"...

...but nobody cared.

In due time,
Miss Hunter came back.

And although everybody was glad
to see her...

...there were tears shed at the
thought of losing Miss Pollard.

We had learned to know
and to love her.

We were all the richer
for the time

she had spent with us.

I still have that collection
of Emerson's essays on my desk.

Whenever I open its pages...

...I'm carried back to those
Depression years

on Walton's Mountain...

...and the sound of those
voices of the past.

-Mama?
-Yes, Elizabeth.

Do I have to wait
to be 21 before I'm grown-up?

Well, that depends.

Some girls grow up sooner,
some later.

Will you tell me
when I'm a grownup?

I won't have to tell you, honey.
When it happens, you'll know.

-Goodnight, Mama.
-Goodnight, Elizabeth.