Original subtitles

When I was growing up...

in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia...

we never heard the words "generation gap."

Yet such a separation developed...

shortly after my grandfather recovered from an illness.

And for a while it was to threaten...

the unity of the entire family.

You feeling alright, Pa?

Oh, no, I was just taking a breather.

Come on, let's get this Crowley order done.

You can take a rest if you want to.

I'd thank you, John, if you'd start treating me...

like I was a grown-up man...

instead of if I was Jim-Bob or Elizabeth.

Pa, I don't trust you to tell me when you're feeling poorly.

I don't wanna take a chance of you getting sick again.

I'm as sound in mind and body as I've been for years.

I'd appreciate it if you'd stop treating me...

as if I was an invalid.

Alright, Pa. Take your word for it.

We got lots to do and there's only the two of us...

what with everybody in school.

There. That ought to do it.

It'll rise better if you knead it a bit more.

This is a new kinda flour.

Directions says you don't have to work hard to get good bread.

Yeah. Well, I've been baking bread for 50 years.

Don't tell me about directions.

We're living in a century of progress, Grandma.

We might as well take advantage of it.

Mama? Mama. Oh, Mama, look. Look, I won it!

There was a contest in a magazine and I won it...

it's only a consolation prize, but it's wonderful.

-What is it? -It's face powder...

and rouge, and there's a thing of lipstick.

Oh, Mary Ellen....

Look, the rouge is a beautiful color. Peach Blush.

Makes me blush thinking of you with that paint on your face.

-It's sinful. -Says who?

The Bible says so.

Grandma, that's such an old-fashioned idea, it's silly.

Your Mama's been telling me I live in the wrong century...

I'd just as soon not hear it from you.

Mary Ellen, you better go upstairs.

She didn't mean anything, Grandma.

Children just don't know their limits these days.

I think we're pretty lucky.

-What a day. -Hi, Grandma. Hi, Mama.

Wow. Oatmeal cookies.

Jim-Bob, you stop that. You'll ruin a whole day's baking.

Holy cow, Grandma, you scared me.

I don't care for that kind of language, young man.

I was just looking for something to eat.

You'll ruin your appetite for supper.

Grandma, we always have snacks after school.

Erin.

Grandma, how come you're so grouchy today?

I'm not grouchy...

you're all acting like a bunch of wild Indians.

Ben! Sometimes you don't have the brains you were born with.

Will you all get your snacks and get out of the kitchen, please?

-Wait, I want a cookie. -Go on, get out of here.

-I'm going. -Ben....

I'm going, I'm going.

If he was mine, his backside would be smarting by now.

Grandma, he didn't mean to be rude.

I don't appreciate them making fun of me.

Grandma, come on, now.

Well, you're always taking their side against me.

That does it, Pa. Crowley order's ready.

Well, I'll go get the truck. We can start loading.

I can manage.

You gonna start babying me again?

Come on. You know you've been working for hours.

Wouldn't hurt you to sit down and read the paper for a while.

I'll go inside and sit in the rocker and start knitting.

That's nice, easy work and not too strenuous.

Like it or not, you'll have to start learning to take it easy.

You're trying to tell me I'm an old man. I already know that.

-Pa-- -Why don't you get your mama...

to pickle me and set me in a jar?

That way I would last longer.

Pa, you're just talking foolish.

The sooner you start helping me to unpack and unwrap...

the sooner your precious pool table will be available for use.

It's not that that I'm upset about, honey.

Then why are you so petulant?

Well, it's just a matter of simple business.

I can't take the hardware down off the walls and...

put up a bunch of shawls.

I fail to see why not.

Because this is farmland around here.

When a farmer comes in here and he wants to buy a pitchfork...

he doesn't want to look at the walls all covered with...

with geegaws.

High-fashion home furnishings such as Spanish shawls...

to be used for decorative purposes are not geegaws.

Oh, honey-babe....

Now, that is a term of endearment...

which I find rather embarrassing.

What's the matter with "honey-babe"?

-Ike? Ike, where are you? -Zeb. Good to see you, Zeb.

Ike, I'll need to beat the pants off you at a game of pool.

There's nothing I'd like better than to let off a little steam.

But if you wanna play pool today you better have all day...

-'cause the pool table is busy. -What's that?

Well, Corabeth bought a whole lot of stuff...

she's got it out on the table to be spread out through the store.

What's going on around here?

Zebulon, it's nice to see you again.

What do you mean, depriving Ike and this community...

of one of our best forms of entertainment?

Zeb, we are going to turn this place into an emporium.

A thriving center of fashion and a regular beehive...

of commercial activity.

Oh, hoity-toity.

What will I do when I want to play a game of pool?

Isaac, perhaps you and Zeb would help me clear this area.

Corabeth, I did not come in here to redecorate your emporium.

I came to play a game of pool...

and if I can't do that, I will go elsewhere.

Ike, I warned you against rushing into this marriage.

I told you. I did.

It's got its good and its bad moments, I gotta say that...

but I gotta take the bitter with the better.

"Bitter with the better." That's not my way. Thank you.

No, sirree. No.

-How about a lift, Zeb? -Yes, I would appreciate a lift.

Hop in.

Where to?

Well....

Why not come up to my place, sit and rock a spell?

Well, that would be nice. Well, thank you kindly.

Yes, I would appreciate that.

Hasn't been easy, I can tell you that.

I sure wouldn't know what to do...

without my Esther around the house.

Well, I couldn't imagine it, either.

But you have to get used to it. And you do.

The worst thing is being in the house here, alone.

It just don't seem right for one person to be living...

where there's always been two before.

Thinking of selling out, Henry?

No, not with the way money is today.

I got myself an offer of a new job, though.

Salesman for a company in Charlottesville.

I'm thinking about taking it.

That ought to help you keep your mind off things.

Problem is, I need me somebody to take care of the place.

Well, it shouldn't be too hard to find someone.

Jobs being as scarce as they are to come by these days.

Well, I don't want just anyone.

It's got to be somebody I can depend on.

I'll think about it. See if I can find someone for you.

If you do, Zeb, tell him there's two weeks' pay in advance...

if they start immediately. Now, that's $10 cash in advance.

That ought to tempt someone. I'll mention it around, Henry.

I'll be much obliged, Zeb.

Miss Emily heard I had the pleurisy...

and she came by with a jar of the Recipe.

Now, what're the chances of talking you into a little sip?

Pretty good, Henry.

Yeah. Well, if we do indulge...

might we do it over a game of checkers?

Help yourself. Right there in the cabinet.

Did you up and quit on John, or did he fire you?

I am just being independent.

He's been trying to mollycoddle me...

on account of the trouble I had with my ticker.

I thought I'd just show him what's what...

and take the day off.

Livie, you seen Pa?

No, I haven't seen him since dinner.

Must have wandered off somewhere. He's fit to be tied.

Grandma's in a tizzy, too.

Why don't you and me run away and hide until things calm down?

There's nothing I'd like better.

Except this fellow Elmer Caine...

wants me to make a bid on a job he's got.

Alright. But I feel like I'm being left with a sinking ship.

It'll probably all blow over.

Ma and Pa don't stay out of sorts long.

-Now, satisfied? -Yeah.

-Alright, I take Mary Ellen. -Jim-Bob.

-Erin. -Elizabeth.

How come I always get picked last?

You're a crummy player, no one wants to get stuck with you.

Then I'm not gonna play at all.

Hey, honey. What's going on around here, Elizabeth?

I'm not speaking to them.

They're gonna play baseball, I don't wanna play.

-It's a silly game. -Alright.

Don't go away mad, though.

May I offer myself as a substitute for your sister?

Gee, Grandpa, you better not. All that running and stuff.

It might be too much of a strain.

-On what? -On your heart.

Mary Ellen...

if that's your idea of a bedside manner...

maybe you better choose another career.

Doctor said he's not supposed to do anything strenuous...

and baseball has all that running.

I know. It's not what you said. It's the way you said it.

Yeah. It's a good thing you don't wanna be a diplomat.

If you don't stop picking on me, I'm gonna go inside.

Is that a promise?

How are we getting started with everyone mad at each other?

-I'm going to Ike's. -I'll go with you.

-Want to play catch? -With you?

-You need me? -No. No.

Really bearing down on your homework aren't you, John-Boy?

Yep.

What you got there?

-Lord Alfred Tennyson, huh? -Grandpa--

-Is Tears, Idle Tears in there? -Yes, it is.

I've read everything that man ever wrote.

Charge of the LightBrigade, The Lady ofShalott...

Thanatopsis, Mourning at theBar...

Crossing the Bar.

And Thanatopsis is by William Cullen Bryant.

Yes, right. Yes, you're right.

Grandpa, I'm trying to write an essay. Excuse me.

What I was going to say that any one...

of Lord Alfred Tennyson's poems would make a fine essay.

Lady Shalott, for instance. "O, lady, lady"--

Grandpa, the essay has to be on the entire works of Tennyson.

Now, my professor happens to be an expert on the subject...

so I really have to concentrate on it. I'm sorry.

Not being an expert, I'll let you get on with your work.

No offense, I see you got plenty to do. You best get on with it.

Grandpa.

Grandpa, John's looking for you.

-Oh, good. Where is he? -He's out by the mill.

John, hear you been looking for me.

Here I am, willing, ready, and able.

Good news, Pa. I just saw Elmer Caine. He ordered 1,000 posts.

-How about that? -That's one whale of an order.

Well, we still got an hour or so before dark.

We might as well get started, John.

You know, Pa, I've been thinking, with this big order...

maybe we should take on an extra hand.

What's that?

If we worked 10 hours a day for two weeks...

we wouldn't get this order in on time.

You've been carrying on all day as I was a useless old man...

I am sick and tired of it.

I wanna get something straight with you.

You've made it perfectly clear how you feel and think.

So live with it. Do it yourself.

Oh, Esther. Well, I'm sure glad that you're here.

What? Zeb, I'm in no mood for any of your carryings on.

What's the matter with you? You feeling alright?

Well, if feeling like a fifth wheel is feeling alright...

then I'm feeling just fine.

Same thing's been happening to me.

They haven't given me the time of the day.

They keep insisting that I am not taking care of my health.

Nobody willing to hear a word I say.

Just excess baggage.

I've half a mind to start walking down that road...

and not come back.

Esther...

-come on. -Come on, what?

Come on. We're going right now. Both of us.

We're going where?

You keep insisting you wanna go somewhere else...

live with dignity and independence. We are going now.

I'm not insisting anything. I just said I felt like leaving.

But that doesn't mean I want to.

Esther, we are going.

You old fool. Now stop it. What are you doing?

-Zeb. -Esther, are you coming with me?

Are you gonna bring your nightgown or go without?

Old man, now you just wait for me.

If you're really going, then so am I.

-What do you think you're doing? -Grandma, what's going on?

He's determined to go, and I'm going with him.

Where?

Henry Townsend is in need of a caretaker. I've got the job.

If the children care to come see me, they are welcome.

If you are really in need of me, you know where I am.

-Come along, Esther. -Oh, Pa, don't be crazy.

And there's nothing wrong with my head or my heart.

Grandma, speak to him. Reason with him.

I'll try, Livie, but I think it's too late.

-Grandpa, where you going? -Grandma?

-Alright, everybody wash up? -Yeah.

Boy, I'm hungry.

-Alright. -Looks good.

It was Grandma's turn to say grace.

How'd you like to say it tonight, honey?

Yes, Daddy.

Thank you, God, for the food you put on the table...

and please make Grandma and Grandpa come home soon.

-Amen. -Amen.

Alright, everybody, try to enjoy your supper, now.

Mama, Grandma used to cut my food.

-I'll do it for you, honey. -Here you go, Son.

Thank you.

There we go.

Are Grandma and Grandpa having supper now?

-I don't know. -I'm sure they are, honey.

What are they eating?

I don't know, Elizabeth. Don't worry about it.

You sure did prepare a right sizeable mess of vittles...

for just three people, Mrs. Walton.

Well, I....

I guess, maybe I'm used to cooking for a big family.

Price of food being what it is, better go easy.

-I'm no millionaire, you know. -Don't worry, Henry.

We have no intention of eating you out of house and home.

Daddy, you never did tell us why Grandma and Grandpa left.

They just left. They're being stubborn.

Got minds of their own.

Will they come back?

They'll come back when they're ready to come back.

Nobody wants them to be gone.

I'm sure they don't want to be gone, either.

I hope so. Food doesn't taste right with them gone.

You know, I keep expecting Grandpa to say...

"Pass the potatoes."

And Grandma would say, "Old man, you've had enough."

Thanks, Zeb, that'll do just fine. Put them right in there.

Yeah.

You folks just think of the place as your own.

Feel free to play the radio. Anything at all.

Well, there is another thing, Henry.

What is it, Zeb? I gotta get moving.

You know that salary you offered me, two weeks' pay in advance?

When did I say that?

When you first talked about the job.

-You in the need of cash? -Well, isn't everyone?

Well, this is the first time...

Esther and I have ever found ourselves in this sort of....

In case of an emergency.

Yes, we could use cash.

-A bargain's a bargain. -Yeah, a bargain's a bargain.

When the cops did get here, it took them 10 minutes....

-Think I'm going to go to bed. -Me, too.

-Me, three. -Goodnight.

-Turn the radio off, Son. -Alright.

...with that moose head down over his shoulder.

I'm tired, too.

Mama...

is it my fault because Grandma got mad at me this morning?

No, honey.

Everybody was just testy with everybody else...

and it got to be like a snowball, growing and growing.

There's nothing we can do about it tonight.

Let's see what happens in the morning.

What about you, honey? You sleepy?

Just a little bit. But I miss Grandma and Grandpa more.

The sooner you get to bed, the sooner it'll be morning...

and maybe the day will make everything look different.

-Come on, honey. -There you go.

-Carry you up. -Goodnight.

Goodnight, honey.

-Goodnight, Dad. -Goodnight.

Well, to tell you the truth...

I'm feeling pretty bad about it myself.

I was sort of offhand to Grandpa about something today.

I regret it now.

He's just being pig-headed. Stubborn as a mule.

Just wants to prove he can get along without us.

Well, sure he can. But who wants him to?

Nobody. Not even him, I'm sure.

And anyway, Daddy, we've got....

You've got a big order to fill tomorrow.

That's a three-man job.

We're gonna have to get somebody extra.

Look, why don't you just....

Why don't you go there and tell him we need him?

It'll make him feel better.

No. I'm not gonna do that.

I'll just give him a chance to simmer down.

Okay.

Goodnight.

Goodnight.

This kitchen is driving me to distraction.

That water comes out of there like it's got a mind of its own.

Well, it's probably a lot more trouble than washers.

I'll fix it tomorrow, Esther.

-Henry gone? -Oh, in fine fettle, too.

He left as though he's the lord of the castle...

leaving it in the hands of his peasants.

We got our pay, though. Two fivers.

I wonder where I can put it.

Tell you what, Esther...

there's something to be said for being your own boss.

Like what?

Like not having to ask for your own salary.

You either earn your money or you do without.

You can't help but notice this clock is here.

Fibber McGee and Molly must have started.

Zeb, turn the radio on.

Esther...

let's get ready for bed.

Seems strange, doesn't it?

I don't know. I'm so mad I can't even feel sad about it.

John, you getting mad isn't going to help anybody.

It's too late, I'm mad already.

I think you ought to go to Henry Townsend's place...

and get this thing settled first thing in the morning.

No, I'm not going over there first thing in the morning.

And I don't want the children going, either.

He's just being pig-headed.

All I was concerned about was his health.

He had no business to go off like that.

You know, Zeb...

maybe I was a little crusty with the children.

You forget sometimes what it's like to be little.

And I was thinking...

in the morning...

it would be a good idea if you went over...

and had a chat with John.

I could go along...

and see Livie and the children.

I have no intention of going over and seeing John.

He's made it quite clear to me...

I have no earthly use around the mill or the place.

It should be his duty to come over here and apologize to me.

Mama, I'm not going to be able to sleep.

Why not, honey?

'Cause I need to say goodnight to Grandma and Grandpa.

-Well, they're not here. -Will they come back?

They'll be back before you can say boo, honey.

You mean by the time I have to go to sleep tomorrow?

I hope so, honey. I hope so.

Now, try to sleep.

Mama, she is asleep.

Good.

Goodnight, everybody.

And furthermore, I think Livie owes you an apology.

Yeah, maybe you're right.

Goodnight, old man.

Goodnight, old woman.

That does it.

You sure that's not gonna make things worse?

I got no choice.

Even with John-Boy helping, I still need another hand.

I've got a great idea. Let's go fishing.

We can catch enough fish for supper, and maybe Grandpa....

I don't want to go fishing.

I'd rather go fishing with Grandpa.

Me, too.

It's all Mary Ellen's fault.

If she hadn't opened her big mouth...

when Grandpa wanted to play baseball....

Everything is always Mary Ellen's fault.

Daddy won't let us go over to Henry Townsend's and apologize.

And Grandma and Grandpa might never get back.

Well, it's all Mary Ellen's fault.

She was talking back to Grandma and Grandpa.

It is not all anybody's fault.

I was rude to Grandpa myself.

Anyway, I think there's a lot more to it...

than just the few things we said to him.

Well, what do you think we should do?

Well, I wish I could go over and tell them I'm sorry.

Yeah, I know.

So do I.

There's a lot more wrong than just air in the pipes.

I've got to go down to Ike's and get some pipe.

I don't think Henry's touched this plumbing...

since the house was built.

-Now, what have we got here? -Look.

I feel like a criminal, throwing all that food out.

Well, we could give it to the chickens.

I wish I had my old cast-iron skillet.

I made pancakes in it for 50 years.

This newfangled thing, everything...

just burns in it, or sticks to it.

Alright, come on, honey.

Try it again. I'm getting real hungry.

Grandpa?

John-Boy.

-How are you? -Fine. Fine.

What brings you here?

-Someone send you? -No, nobody sent me.

-I just came to-- -Oh, John-Boy, come on in.

Thank you.

Seems like a nice house. Are you comfortable here?

Well, after a fashion.

The stove isn't like the one at home.

Would you like some coffee?

Yes, I would. Thank you very much.

Well, sit down.

Grandpa, I really....

How're the children?

The children are fine. They're....

Well, we miss you very much.

I really came to say that....

I really came to say...

that the children are very, very sorry...

for the way they acted the other day.

The children know that you come here? They sent you?

No, no...

they wanted to come, though.

You tell them to come this afternoon.

That'll give me time to bake some cookies.

Why don't you come home?

I am not going back where I'm not wanted or needed.

-You are wanted and needed. -Your daddy doesn't think so.

Of course he thinks so. You know that.

Zeb, I would like to make my views known.

-Esther. -Grandpa!

-John-Boy. -Zeb.

Esther.

I want it understood...

this is a matter between your daddy and me.

-Well, just-- -I don't wanna hear any more.

Grandpa, you...

are a very proud man.

And my daddy is, too. You're both....

You're both very much alike that way.

What about you?

Me?

Have you finished your Tennyson essay?

Yes, I finished it.

Speaking of pride, sort of runs in the family, don't it?

Yes, it does.

I'm sorry.

I was rude the other day.

I guess the real reason I came over here was to tell you that.

If I'd acted a little smarter...

I think I could've used your help with that essay.

Sorry, Grandpa.

Why don't you all come home?

I haven't talked to your daddy yet.

Then I guess I better...

go on home.

I better be getting along, too. I gotta get down to Ike's...

-get some plumbing-- -Let me give you a lift.

Oh, no. I think I'll walk. I need the exercise.

Okay, if you'd rather walk.

On second thought, I guess...

I would appreciate a lift down there.

Good.

And I intend to carry a full line...

of the very newest patterns.

Paris originals.

What for?

Styles are changing so rapidly, Mrs. Brimmer.

We wouldn't want the ladies in the area...

to fall behind the times.

I've been wearing the same style dress my whole life...

and I don't see the slightest reason to change now.

You'll see, Mrs. Brimmer, you'll just love being in style.

As a matter of fact...

this little country store could really prosper...

if substantial changes were made...

to keep up with the modern times.

Okay, Mrs. Brimmer, here we go.

We got the beans, and the salt, and the ketchup.

Mr. Godsey...

the ketchup is sitting right on this doll's skirt.

Sorry.

Don't you just love these dolls, Mrs. Brimmer?

So decorative, don't you agree?

I'll tell you, Mrs. Godsey...

it would look like a fish out of water in my house...

and just about anyone else's around here.

You tell her, Mrs. B.

What was that, Mr. Godsey?

Did I fail to hear your remark to Mrs. Brimmer?

I was just kidding, honey. Just spoofing.

-John, good morning. -Corabeth, Ike.

Morning, John.

Could you put this up for me, please?

"Help wanted now.

"Man to cut fence posts.

"See John Walton."

John, aren't you going to say hello?

Mrs. Brimmer. Sorry, I didn't see you.

I got so much on my mind.

Thanks, Ike. Excuse me.

-Bye, John. -Bye, John.

Then it's true.

-What? -I was talking to Fanny Tatum...

and she told me...

that she saw Henry Townsend last night before he left town...

and he told her...

that Zeb and Esther Walton had moved into his place...

as hired help.

I find that difficult to believe.

Mrs. Brimmer, I'm sorry to keep you waiting, that'll be $1.38.

I'm gonna pay you today, Ike.

-Oh, good. -There's 38, and there's $1.

Bye, now.

-Bye, Corabeth. Bye, Ike. -Bye, Mrs. Brimmer.

Mr. Godsey...

I don't know why you rushed Mrs. Brimmer off like that.

She's a good customer...

and I'm sure she would've bought one of these lovely dolls.

It just isn't fitting...

that we be talking about our kin behind their back...

when we don't know the full story.

I hope everything's alright down at the house.

Maybe I better just go down there and check it out.

No.

Mr. Godsey.

I don't appreciate you being so abrupt with me.

I said no, and I meant it.

I guess I'll just have to abide by your wishes.

Things must really be humming over at your house, huh?

Humming?

Well, that new work order coming in.

I don't think Daddy's even started it yet.

Oh? Well, what is he doing?

I don't know, I left the house right after breakfast.

He didn't say anything about...

coming over to see me and Esther, did he?

He didn't say anything. Why don't you go see him?

No, no.

You tell him that we're managing to get along alright.

That I am not suffering from overwork...

and I am getting plenty of rest.

Grandpa.

He's stubborn as a mule, your daddy is.

I can't imagine where he gets it from.

You needn't get smart with me now, young man.

As long as we're going down to Ike's, I'll get him to shave me.

Isn't that taking an unnecessary risk early in the morning?

I haven't got my razor.

You didn't happen to see it, did you?

That long, straight-edged one with the ivory handle.

No. You didn't happen to lose it, did you?

I'm not in the habit of losing things, young man.

I just may've come over here without it.

Might be in the bottom drawer of the bathroom.

I do hope the boys don't....

We could drive over to the house and have a look.

That's not necessary.

It'll just take a minute.

You are as stubborn as your daddy.

I've told you on numerous occasions...

I do not intend to go back to your house.

I don't want you trying to get me to go there.

I didn't bring it up. I stopped when you made your views clear.

Stubborn as a mule. Stubborn as your daddy any day.

I may get it from him, but we know where he gets it from.

It's impossible to carry on a civilized conversation with you.

That'll be enough talk out of you, young man.

Just stop the car, I can walk over there.

I'm perfectly capable of walking over to Ike's by myself.

-Married life agreeing with you? -It's just great.

-You know, you ought to try it. -Oh, no. No, not me.

-Hey, Ike. -John-Boy! Hi, Zeb!

-How's Corabeth? -Just great.

She's in the back having tea. You wanna say hey to her?

-No, just give her our regards. -That goes for me, too.

It sure is great to see the two of you.

What're you getting so all-fired excited about?

I saw you just yesterday.

Well, it's just not.... Now you're kin....

It's nothing special, but I feel closer to you....

Hi, Mr. Walton.

-I'm glad to see you, too. -Hello there.

Haven't seen you, too. What've you been doing?

-I got some mail for you. -Nothing much.

-What? -I worked few weeks in Esmont.

I'm available if you know about a job.

Grandpa, why don't we just go on over to the house...

and see about your razor, okay?

-Thought I'd get Ike to shave. -Let's go over to the house.

"Help wanted.

"Help wanted now.

"Man to cut fence posts.

"See John Walton."

Mr. Walton, I'll bet you knew about that all the time.

And you were going to surprise me.

Grandpa.

Grandpa, what about your razor?

I'll let my whiskers grow to the ground...

before I go back to your house. "Help wanted" indeed.

John-Boy, I'm glad I caught up with you.

How'd you like to give me a ride out to your place?

I think I might be the answer to your daddy's needs.

Where's your granddaddy going in such a hurry?

Just get in, Easy.

The less you know about it, the better off you'll be.

Grandma!

-Livie! -I am so glad to see you.

Oh, Livie.

None of that arguing yesterday was meant to be serious.

I'm so sorry.

So am I. And I know. I was just feeling old and left out.

-It happens some days. -I know it.

Can we walk a little, if you have time?

I wanna talk, but not in the store. There are too many ears.

-Are the children alright? -Yes.

-I miss them. -They miss you, too.

It seems like you've been gone for months.

It just all happened so fast--

Are you happy at Henry Townsend's place?

Of course not.

I hate it, and so does Zeb.

Can't we stop all this, and you both come home where you belong?

I'd love it, but Zeb thinks that John doesn't need him.

Well, he's wrong. I can tell you that.

And nobody knows it better than John...

whether he wants to admit it or not.

I don't feel right about keeping you away from your schoolwork.

Don't worry about it. I'll make it up.

You sure go at it when you work, Mr. Walton.

It's the only way to do things, Easy. We got a lot to do.

Easy, watch out!

I'm sorry about that. It's all bent up.

How many times did I tell you not to touch it...

till it gets past the blade?

-You alright? -Yeah, I'm fine.

John-Boy, you two switch jobs.

I've done this kind of work before lots of times.

Thanks, Easy. It's just that...

John-Boy and me worked together before.

Whatever you say, Mr. Walton.

Come on, Easy.

John-Boy, get my toolbox. I gotta change this blade.

Alrighty, is it in here?

Damnation.

Come in.

Come in!

-Grandpa! -Elizabeth!

How's my youngest granddaughter?

Where's Grandma?

She's gone out to the store somewhere.

But we can have some cookies and some milk.

Where's the rest of the young'uns?

They were scared to come.

Scared?

Well, Mary Ellen thinks you're mad at her...

because she wouldn't let you play baseball...

and the rest of them think that you don't like them anymore.

But I told them it wasn't right.

Sure you like them. You're our grandpa.

But they didn't understand. And Grandma likes them, too.

They still didn't understand.

I guess they don't understand.

And I'm not too sure that I do, either.

-Here she is. -Grandma!

Elizabeth.

Can't we all go home now, Grandpa?

Daddy, I gotta go.

What's that, Son?

I gotta go. If I don't, I'll miss that class.

-Alright. -Okay. Thank you.

Easy, let's take a break, get a cup of coffee.

No, thanks, Mr. Walton...

coffee don't set well with me.

I think I'll just catch myself 40 winks.

John, can I talk to you?

If you got problems, talk to me later.

I got more than I can handle right now.

That Easy, he's a disaster.

I saw Grandma before.

-You went over there? -No. We met at Ike's...

and we talked, and everything's made up between us.

And, John, they hate it at Henry Townsend's.

It's uncomfortable, they're homesick, they miss us.

They wanna come back?

Well, Grandma says Grandpa isn't ready to just yet.

You mean they want me to go over there and ask him to come back.

What's the matter, honey?

I want Grandma and Grandpa to come back.

They're in a bad place, they don't like it, and I need them.

We all do, honey. We all do.

Alright.

I'll take care of it.

When Easy wakes up, ask him if he wants something to eat.

I'll be right back.

Would you like a nice, hot cup of cocoa?

Alright.

You've never seen anything like it, Pa.

He's ruining all my blades.

Easy's not such a bad fellow.

No, he's not such a bad fellow.

He's just helpless around the mill, that's all.

If you slowed down and did half of what you're capable of...

we'd get that job done a lot quicker than with Easy.

I noticed you said "slowed down."

Let's not start that again, Pa, huh?

You were taking on too much.

Yes, but you made it sound as if I was ready for the boneyard.

Maybe I was just a bit pig-headed.

So were you.

Runs in the family.

Pa...

I need you at the mill.

It's not the same at home.

The kids feel terrible, and so does Livie.

It's just that the house is empty without you, Pa.

-It's wrong. -Zeb and I feel the same way.

Well, let's go home, then.

-Give me that, Ma. -Well, alright.

Great Scott, I just remembered.

I promised Henry I'd take care of this place...

and water his wife's roses...

and he paid me two weeks in advance.

I don't care. We can come over every day. Come on.

Alright.

Let's go home, Pa. We'll figure out something later. Come on.

Easy!

Hello, Mr. Walton.

Easy.

Easy, I wonder if you'd do me a great big favor.

Sure, Mr. Walton, if I can.

You know Henry Townsend? He's gone off on a new job...

and I've been helping out on his place for him.

It's just too much for me to handle at my age...

-and I wonder if you could. -I'm sorry, Mr. Walton, but...

John here has hired me, and I need the money.

Money? That should be the least of your worries.

Money, why, in the living room...

in the front room, on the mantelpiece...

under the clock, there are two $5 bills.

That's two weeks' advance in wages.

And it's all yours if you'll help me out.

Well, if John thinks he can spare me.

John'll understand.

All that work over there. It's too much for me.

There's a garden to take care of.

And there's all the plumbing, it's all out of whack.

And I'd surely appreciate it if you'd just take over for me.

Don't forget to feed his chickens.

Oh, sure.

It'd be a lead-pipe cinch. I'd be happy to, if John agrees.

He'll agree. There's lot of big rocks in the yard.

And another thing.

When you go get your money from the mantelpiece...

don't forget to wind that clock.

It's a particular favorite of Henry's...

and the sound of it will keep you from getting lonesome.

I'll drive you, Easy.

Take it easy.

-Grandma, I'm so sorry. -Grandma, it's good to see you.

Esther? Esther.

-It's Grandpa! -Come on, step on it. Open up.

-Hello, boys. -I'm so sorry. It's my fault.

-It was your fault, Mary Ellen. -Erin, leave me alone!

-You're talking back to Grandpa. -Girls, stop that.

You can play baseball anytime you want.

Simmer down, girls.

Well?

You reckon we'll get caught up?

-Just about. -Good.

John.

I admit to being tired, but I sure feel good.

Put that fire out, Son. Let's go.

Alrighty.

-Pa? -Huh?

Don't forget the light.

Alright. Alright.

It was good to have our grandparents home again.

Without them, the family had been incomplete...

and our lives disjointed.

But they were home. And our lives were back to normal.

-Grandma, are you asleep? -What do you want, Elizabeth?

Can I sleep with you and Grandpa?

It's alright with me, Elizabeth.

Come and get me. It's dark in the hall, and I'm scared.

There's nothing to be scared of.

-What's the matter? -What did you say?

I said there's nothing to be scared of!

Old woman, have you lost your mind?

Hollering your head off in the middle of the night?

I wasn't hollering at you.

I don't see anybody else here but me.

Go back to your snoring.

Grandma, I'm waiting.

I'm coming, Elizabeth.