Original subtitles

[theme music]

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[pleasant music]

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(John-Boy narrating) We were a close family growing up on that mountain

but as we grew older and were faced with the problems

of finding maturity

conflict sometimes developed between us.

I remember a time when my brother Jason's pursuit

of fame as a musician and my brother Ben's pursuit

of a young lady brought them into a bitter misunderstanding.

Alright, fellows. Let's get to work.

- Ah! - Come on, Ben.

Looks like you're just planted in the pile, Jim. Come on.

Ben, help your brother.

You're wasting your breath this morning, daddy.

He's in some other world.

He was walking along and went smacked into a tree.

Maybe he's got something special on his mind.

Yeah. I wonder who she is this week.

'Oh, welcome back, son.'

Sorry, daddy. I just went to thinking.

Aah! If I ever saw a love sick puppy it's you.

Who're you mooning over this week, huh?

- Mind your own business, huh. - Who're you mooning over, huh?

- You stop that. - You young bucks, settle down.

Jim-Bob, Elizabeth is more help than you are today.

I'm gonna go talk to Jason if it's okay.

- He's not home yet, Ben. - Well, I'll go look for him.

- 'Look where you're going.' - Guess I wasn't looking.

- 'See you later.' - Yeah.

Never easy being in love, is it?

Hell, I wouldn't know. It's been a while for me.

Yeah, I'd say about 15 minutes.

[laughing]

[country music]

Hey, Jase! I've been looking for you.

You wanna borrow some money, huh?

- That's not what I want. - What do you want?

Figured you can use some help in your musical career.

- Yeah? What kind of help? - Like a foreman.

The way Casper Tice is for Bobby Bigelow.

Oh, you mean a manager. Somebody to carry my guitar case

- my banjo case, setup my music. - Gives you advice.

- Got anybody in mind? - Me.

Well, you do want money after all.

- No. I got some ideas too. - Like what?

That new song you're writing, sounds real nifty

and I've been thinking you know what'd make it sound perfect?

What?

If a girl sang it with you, make it a duet.

Well, I don't know. This song is pretty important to me.

I know that. But that's what I mean.

Especially since the dance will be broadcast.

It'll sound more exciting.

Just think about it for a moment with a girl singing too.

Yeah, you might have an idea there.

Only trouble is I don't know any girl singers.

- You do too. - Not right off the bat.

- Sally Ann Harper. - Hammer's little sister?

Well, you've heard her. She sings in the church choir.

Well, she is pretty good.

Well, what do you think?

I think you may have a real good idea there.

But first, I've gotta hear and then Bobby's gotta audition her

- and it's up to him anyway. - When can you ask him?

- Tomorrow, at rehearsal. - You won't forget, will ya?

As long as you're gonna be my manager

why don't you come along with me so you can help me remember.

Thanks, Jase.

[country music]

Yee-haw!

Thank you.

Thank you.

Here you go. Just the way you like it.

- Ice-cold. - Thank you, honey.

Hard to hit the spot after the night I've just been through.

You out honky-tonking around?

A fellas business is a lonely road.

What else is a man to do?

(Betsy) 'Why, you could've come by my house for supper.'

Well, sugar. Maybe you better go home and grow a spell.

You're a little tender on the vine yet.

Hey, Jason. About to sending out a search party for you, boy.

Sorry I'm late, Bobby. I had some chores to do at home.

- Hi, Jason. Hi, Ben. - Hey, Betsy.

Hello.

- This fellow here kin of yours? - He's my brother, Ben.

- Hello, Ben. - Hi.

- You wanna join my band too? - No, I'm Jason's manager.

Well, uh, put your feet up. Make yourself right home.

- Uh, what've you got there? - It's my new song.

- Well, is it any good, Jase? - Hope so. Here, take a look.

It's terrific.

Well, you mind if I look?

- Ask him. - Yeah. Yeah, I will.

Just let him look at it. What're you doing here, Betsy?

Oh, my cousin Hassy Longstreet is the banjo player.

I just love music. Just shivers me down my spine.

'Um, Jason, would you like to come over this evening'

'after supper? I got a brand new Victrola record'

with "Little Rosewood Casket" on one side

and "When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again" on the other.

Uh, Jason. From what I can tell it looks like

a pretty sassy little song here.

Thanks, Bobby.

Would you like to come over, Jason?

Betsy, I'm busy.

Uh, Bobby, I had an idea.

What do you think of me singing this song with a girl?

'As a duet. We could also make voices on the chorus.'

The idea sounds alright, but we don't have a girl in the band.

'So, I don't know. I'm not crazy about runnin' out'

'and hiring a girl just for one song.'

You don't have to. This girl named Sally Ann Harper.

'Sings like an angel and I'm sure she'd do it for nothing.'

If you want you could audition her and if she's okay

then the two of us can sing the song together.

It's your song. If that's the way you want me to hear it

um, you bring it around and I'll listen.

- Thanks, Bobby. - Come on, everybody.

Let's get some picking and singing going on here.

Hey, fellas, I have an idea here.

Sally Ann Harper? That's the rottenest idea I've ever heard.

- Oh, who'd be a better idea? - Me.

Oh, sure. Too bad you can't sing though.

[country music]

When they broadcast the dance

Sally Ann Harper and I'll be singing my song.

Great idea.

Can I be excused? I have lots to do.

- Go ahead, Jason. - Great.

I'm Jason's manager now and I'm planning a schedule for him.

Could Sally Ann have supper here tomorrow and Wednesday night--

I do not intend to serve and wash up after Sally Ann.

- I can't stand that sissy. - What can't you stand?

My own brother picked a silly skinny stuck up little child

to sing with him on radio for the whole world to hear.

She's not silly and she's not stuck up neither.

- Just skinny. - You wanna knotten your head?

Ben, haven't you any taste at all?

What have you got against the poor girl?

It's just that he couldn't ask me

if I want to sing his song before he asked a stranger.

Mary Ellen, you sing like a mockingbird's got the croup.

Maybe that's why he didn't ask ya.

- I didn't know you sing. - I don't, that's not the point.

Oh, Mary Ellen.

Jason should've asked me.

Too bad John-Boy is busy with school, maybe he'd wanna do it.

I sing better than you all.

Actually, I sing better than any of you.

Oh, you're right.

You know, your grandpa had a real good voice in his time.

And I still got it, Esther.

* Me me me *

* You you you you **

I don't sing good, I don't mind.

Wait a minute.

I should be the one to sing with Jason.

(all together) You!

[speaking indistinctively]

There's no such thing as tone deaf.

That's right, pa.

* Me me me me me me me *

Mary Ellen, I'll ask Jason to dedicate the song to you.

Well, thanks a lot.

All that fuss over a song that's not even a hymn.

Well, it has been a lovely supper, ladies

and I'm loathed to leave ya. Just to eat and run.

But John and I have got to be going elsewhere.

(Esther) 'Where did you say you were going?'

I didn't say, but we're going down to Ike Godsey's.

And what for?

It's the first official meeting of the WMEBT.

Sounds like some new government agency Mr. Roosevelt made up.

What's it mean?

The Waltons Mountain Eight-ball Tournament.

(Elizabeth) 'I still don't know what it means.'

Well, it's just as well. It's a gambling game.

Nonsense. There hasn't been any money at it since way back 1928.

I'm surprised Corabeth didn't put a stop to such low-doings.

She is not here. She's gone back to Doe Hill to pick up the last

of her mother's antiques. She ain't around to make any fuss.

Well, I call it trashy-going zone.

Grandma's right. The game of chance is gambling

and I don't care how many initials you put in front of it.

Some upstanding members of the community will be there.

Jack Roswell. Horace Brimley.

Crooks. How long is this tournament gonna last?

Four days. Should be over by Thursday night, huh.

Friday is the broadcast. Don't forget.

That won't be any problem in case of a tie

that's two terrible Waltons to be around at that table.

It should all be over by Thursday.

Suit me if it never got started.

What am I suppose to do? Sit home? Listen to the radio?

You could figure how much you missed me when I'm not around.

I know that already.

As they say, absence makes a heart grow fonder.

That goes for me too, old dear.

Then you'll be coming home at a decent hour.

You know I can't sleep till you're here.

Well, I'm glad to hear that, old darling.

Goodnight.

- Goodnight, ladies. - Goodnight, kids.

- Goodnight, daddy. - Be home early, Olivia.

- Goodnight, Esther. - Goodnight, grandpa.

(Zack) 'Ike, maybe you ought to put up some of them dolls there'

'that your wife's gone and bought.'

'You're gonna lose anyway. You might as well get rid of them.'

(Ike) 'Believe it or not, those dolls are selling pretty good.'

Okay, now we've got six contestants, including me.

Now, I'm gonna write all our wagers down.

Now, for me, I'm gonna give a week's supply of groceries.

Not to exceed seven dollars.

Okay, let's state our bets.

I'm putting up a prized pig. 200 pound Pollen Chinese show.

Named Jew's Harp.

Zack, one pig.

I'll put in a truckload of firewood.

Half for me and half for pa.

Okay, that sounds fair. How about you, Easy?

Well, I got myself a new rifle. So, I'm gonna put up my old .22.

- Oh, it's still in fine shape. - Okay.

Now, what about you, Horace?

Six fat hens. Rhode Island Reds.

All of 'em laying double yolk eggs.

Horace trying to get rid of six old hens.

I deserve better than that from you, Ike.

'Okay, the stakes are all set.'

Now, the play-off is on Thursday night.

Winner takes it all.

Now, in case of a tie, we're gonna keep right on playing

- 'even if it takes a year.' - No need of that.

We are planning to have the old shooting match by Thursday.

Of what year, Mr. Walton?

[laughing]

Okay, Easy.

We'll let you draw out the first two contestants.

Alright.

[instrumental music]

See you around.

No, no. Not right now.

[indistinct]

Sally Ann.

- 'Can I talk to you?' - Oh, sure, Ben.

- You know what-- - Well, it's kinda personal.

There's nothing you couldn't say in front of Phyllis.

We're best friends.

Yeah. Would you like to have supper at my house tonight?

'Oh, why?'

To celebrate. Jason's gonna be on the radio

and well, he has something he wants to tell you.

Well, thank you, Ben but some other time.

Some other time, I'd love to.

Yeah, well, Jason has something he wants to tell you.

Well, I'll see him later on today.

- Sally Ann. - Oh, what's the matter?

It's, um, U-R-G-E-N-T.

Oh, what's so U-R-G-E-N-T?

Phyllis, go away.

How does it feel being the most important girl in school?

Betsy, I think you're crazy.

Oh, you certainly are calm about it.

If I were singing with a haystack gang on radio

I'd be half out of my mind.

I don't know what you're talking about.

- You don't know? - Betsy, what is all this about?

Don't you know that Jason Walton personally requested

Bobby Bigelow to let you sing his brand new song

with him at the broadcast, Friday night?

- What? - Jason Walton, that dream boat.

Red hair and cute freckles. He can tear your heart apart.

Betsy, tell me exactly what you heard. Please.

I was with my cousin Hassy Longstreet.

He plays the banjo with Bobby Bigelow.

That Bobby is a heartthrob, I'll tell the world.

His eyes are like dark pools in moonlight

and his hair is so exciting, I get seasick thinking about it.

- Tell me what you had to say. - I was right there with Jason.

- I heard his every word. - Tell.

He wants you to sing with him.

He wants you to be a duet with him on the radio.

- You're not making this up. - No, I swear.

But don't tell anybody I told you or I swear I'll kill you.

- Excuse me. - Remember now.

- Don't tell anyone I told you. - Ben. Ben Walton.

- Where's Jason? - He's inside.

Is that invitation to supper still open, Ben?

- Oh, sure. - Then, I'll be happy to accept.

[pleasant music]

- Oh, good. - Oh!

- Thank you. - That's good.

And this is how it goes. "Who's the little chatterbox?

"The one with pretty auburn locks?

Cute little sheep. It's Little Orphan Annie!"

And that's how it goes. I know it.

You're wrong, Ben. I listen to it more than you do.

If you're so smart, how does it go?

Well, I don't remember.

Elizabeth, Ben's right. It does go like that.

Oh, Jason, you know everything there is to know about music.

You're right. No, not quite everything.

You Walton boys are really something.

A writer and a musician, all in one family.

I'm going to be an aviator.

One thing about applying for a scholarship to VMI when--

Sally Ann, I think we better start practicing.

'It's getting late.'

Oh, whatever you say. I'm looking forward to it.

We could practice with you, Jason. I can play cone.

I'll go get an old drum.

Uh, now, hold on, both of you.

You two are staying in here

and we're going out to practice on the porch alone.

Come on, Sally.

I'm coming with ya.

- Your manager, remember? - Yeah, okay. Come on.

Oh, thank you.

- Who needs them anyway? - Yeah.

I rather just sit here and enjoy my ice-cream.

(Ben) 'Momma, we're gonna need some more ice-cream.'

Sorry, I only made enough to go around once.

'We want it.'

Have you all finished your homework?

'As soon as you finish your ice-cream you better get to it.'

Oh, momma. I saw Reverend Fordwick today.

Oh, that's nice.

Oh, and daddy, I told him that you will win the pool contest.

Good Lord!

He must've been real pleased to hear about the pool contest.

Now, John. Perhaps, you'll understand why I preferred

if you don't get involved in pool tournaments.

Olivia, the reverend would be playing with us himself tonight

if he weren't off sparking with Ms. Hunter.

Well, atleast he doesn't have seven children

going all over the county talking about it.

- Pa, we best be going. - I think so.

* I never felt before *

* The way I feel right now *

* What's more I have to make *

* My feelings split to you *

Down here.

* You know I loved you from the start *

* You shot an arrow through my heart *

* Now, oooh *

* Will you be mine *

* Ooh, will you be mine *

* Ooh *

* Ooh *

* Will you be mine **

That was great.

You're such a sweet boy, Ben. What did you think, Jason?

I think it's gonna sound just fine, just gotta practice.

Well, you're the boss and, Jason, the song is wonderful.

I never knew you had so much talent.

Thank you. We gotta keep on practicing this though.

It's gotta be a lot better if we're gonna sing it tonight.

Um, I'll play the introduction for you again, alright?

Okay.

Too bad, Ike.

I don't know what's the matter, I keep missing the easy ones.

Bucking professionals have to make a body nervous, Ike.

[banging on door]

- That is my wife. - Oh, quit worrying.

Alright, you two. You're breaking my concentration.

(Elvira) 'Zack Roswell, I know you're in there.'

- I told you. - No, no, no. Not under there.

- Go on to the back. - Take that with you.

(Elvira) 'Ike Godsey, open this door.'

You guys, just keep right on playing.

- Is he in here? - Uh, who? Who?

My husband Zack Roswell.

- What'd he be doing in here? - Don't you try and fool me.

Everybody knows what's going on around here.

I'm surprised your wife puts up with it.

Well, she wouldn't, except she's not here.

Lucky you're her problem and not mine.

Now, where is Zack?

Well, why don't you just satisfy yourself and look around?

- A-are you satisfied? - What was that!

'Mice! Oh, I got 'em all over the place.'

I don't know how to get rid of them.

Why, Elvira, there's no point in your husband coming here.

He doesn't play good enough for us.

If Zack comes here, you tell him I want him home.

Fast.

Not good enough?

[door shutting]

Say, who's not good enough? This tournament is not over.

Not by a long shot.

Yeah, yeah, you have a chance.

Let's get back and play pool.

Okay, see you at next rehearsal. Goodnight.

- Goodnight, Bobby. - And keep working at it.

- We will. - We will.

I'm sorry, Jason. I just got so nervous.

Oh, that's natural. Singing in front of a professional

- for the first time. - Ben's right.

First time I sang for Bobby, I was shaking like a leaf.

Hey, both of you, you were great.

Thank you, Ben.

You know, I just love to hear you talk about music.

You know so much and you really care.

Thanks.

Well, let me walk you home, Sally Ann.

Okay. Jason, you come too.

Then, we can talk more about the song.

It's gonna be just great.

Even if I forget the words like I did tonight--

No, you won't. Once you've practiced it's gonna be great.

Well, it is my song. I shouldn't forget it.

I forgot the words too.

- You didn't have enough time. - Oh, Bobby loved you.

Oh, I hope so.

Want me to walk you to the door?

- Oh, no need for that, Ben. - Yeah.

You'll be proud of me, Jason. I promise.

- I'll do the very best I can. - I know you will.

- Goodnight, Sally Ann. - Goodnight, Jason.

Sally Ann?

- Oh, goodnight, Ben. - Goodnight.

You know, I think I'll raise your salary, manager.

Sally Ann's gonna be real good.

I never would've thought of her if it hadn't been for you.

- It's a great idea. - You really think so?

I know so. Come on.

It's kinda nice being alone, isn't it?

Aha.

- Well, let's talk. - About what?

Anything.

I'm not a very talkative person.

Would you like me to make you some lemonade?

No, thank you.

On second thought, some lemonade would be nice.

- Sure. - Hey, Sally Ann.

- Hi. - You ready to rehearse?

- Ready and waiting. - Good. Um, is the barn okay?

John-Boy's studying in the house and I don't wanna bother him.

Sure, it'll be good practice for Saturday.

[laughing]

I'm gonna make some lemonade.

- Well, let's get started. - Okay.

I'll be right back.

Can I help?

No, I'll just get tuned up and we can start in a minute.

You know, I just hate having to waste time

in high school with a lot of silly children.

I wish...you and me could sing professionally all the time.

Well, we gotta practice for this

'before we go running off to Nashville.'

Jason, did you ever take a good look at me?

Oh, sure.

You know, I'm a lot more mature than a lot of girls my age.

Uh, yeah, I-I reckon you are.

Jason..

...I just want you to know that I can't ever thank you enough

and I'm gonna do my very best to sing your song.

- Just the way you want it. - Yeah, I know you will.

You're so grown up and you've got so much talent.

Well, I guess what I'm really trying to say is..

...I like you very much.

[instrumental music]

Jason!

* Ooh *

Jason!

- 'Grandma, we're in the barn.' - I've been yelling my head off.

'I'm sorry, we've been practicing.'

You've been in there long enough. Supper is ready.

'Okay, we'll be right there.'

Sit over there by the stool.

Ben, you should have come out to the Barn. The song sounds great.

Hey, yeah. What ever happened to that lemonade?

Food's getting cold.

Jim-Bob, your turn to say grace.

- We hold hands, okay? - I'm too hungry.

So are we all, so try.

Thanks, Lord. Amen.

Jim-Bob, you can do better than that.

Dear Lord, we thank thee for this food and thy blessing.

We thank thee for the sunrise at 6:15.

Sure looked nice at the pine trees.

'In case you are interested'

'those ducks grandpa thanked you for a few weeks ago'

'have got smaller ducks now.'

'expect for the nest the muskrat got into and ate up the eggs.'

- 'We thank thee--' - Amen, Jim-Bob.

Amen, Jim-Bob. I mean, amen.

You forgot to thank God for trailing arbutus.

Grandpa always thanks God for trailing arbutus.

Do I have to start all over again, daddy?

No, you don't. Let's eat.

I heard on the radio today

that they are talking about abolishing the NRA.

What?

(grandpa) 'Yes, Gabriel Heatter had the nerve to say'

'that the NRA just about served its purpose.'

(John) 'Always thought it had a lot of promise.'

Jason, pass the potatoes, please.

Jason?

Pass the potatoes, please.

Oh. Sorry, daddy.

Thought love was blind not deaf.

The meal is really wonderful, Mrs. Walton.

- 'Thank you.' - How do you know?

All you've been doing since you sat down is whisper to Jason.

- 'You haven't eaten.' - 'Erin.'

- Ben, aren't you gonna eat? - I'll eat when I'm ready.

Ben, don't talk to your mother like that.

- May I please be excused? - 'No, you may not be excused.'

'Sit down.'

Here, have some mashed potatoes.

I, uh..

John, I suppose you and Zebb will be going down to Ike's.

You can suppose again, old girl. Ike has business elsewhere.

And besides the tournament will be all over by tomorrow.

Tomorrow? That's when the broadcast is.

Oh, don't get so nervous about it, Jason.

We'll be through in plenty of time, and besides

I wouldn't miss any member of this when they are signing.

Especially, when a lovely lady is singing along side of him.

Charming men sure do run this family.

Eat your supper, Sally. And you'll be late for rehearsal.

Hey!

I'll go up, daddy. Let me go up.

(grandpa) 'Pass the sour crab.'

(John) 'What been going on? What's wrong with Ben?'

Ben?

Leave me alone.

Ben.

Look, I don't come craning into your business, John-Boy.

If I was hurt as much as you're right now, I'd wanna talk.

Who says I'm hurt?

Nobody has to say it. It's plain to see.

I don't wanna talk about it.

You're the stubbornest Walton to ever come down the track.

- Jason was absolutely right. - Wouldn't trust a word he says.

Why do you say that?

I planned this whole thing out with Sally singing Jason's song

and now she doesn't even know that I'm alive.

Uh-oh.

'She's head over heels about Jason.'

And he's all gone mushy over her.

Did you see them at the supper table?

It made me sick!

You did all this just to be close to her?

No.

Just wanted to do something nice for her.

'Does she know it was your idea, Ben?'

Couldn't think of a way to tell her without coming right off

and tell her.. That I.. How I feel about her.

Does Jason know that you like her?

I don't.

- Not anymore. - Of course you do.

If he knew it, he wouldn't give her a second look.

Look, John-Boy.

You're off at college most of the time.

You miss a lot of things around here.

He's not what you think is he is.

He is not a mind reader. Neither is Sally Ann.

How will they know what you're thinking?

I told you I don't care anymore.

Look, Ben. You and Jason are brothers.

You gotta live together. You gotta eat together.

Gotta sleep in the same room.

I think you oughta work this thing out.

I don't have to do anything.

Ben, you're backing down.

And I don't like to see you do that.

You had a good idea. And you're, and..

Why don't you just stick up for it?

Why don't you just stick up for yourself, Ben?

Let me tell you something, John-Boy.

That was probably the dumbest idea I've ever had in my life.

I wish I had never met Sally Ann Harper.

I don't care if I never see or hear about Jason or songs again.

[melancholic music]

[music continues]

Uh, daddy?

Excuse me, could you help me out?

Could you quiz me French? You just read the English.

And then check me out on French. alright?

Alright.

- I can go. - I can go.

[speaking in French]

[speaking in French]

No, no.

The X is silent on that.

You just pronounce it like that.

What are you two doing up?

(John) 'Oh. Well, I was waiting for you, Jason.'

Is anything wrong?

Uh.

Well, you know that Ben got a little upset

at the supper table and ran upstairs?

I went up to talk to him.

By the time I got down

You and Sally were off at your rehearsal.

And I think there is something you ought to know.

- Something happened? - It was bound to happen.

With a bunch of boys growing up like reeds.

What had to happen?

Well, Ben is in love with Sally Ann Harper, Jason.

'Mmm-hmm. And he think you're too.'

What?

I don't know how you couldn't know about it.

- You're around him always. - Well, sure.

I'm around you all the time and don't know everything about you.

Where did he ever get a notion like that?

I don't know, Jason.

You and Sally had looked kinda interested in each other

- at the supper table tonight. - Oh, sure.

She's cute. She's fun.

She's sings good. We have a good time together.

She kisses good.

- But he don't like her. - No, he don't like her.

No, I like her. I do, I like her a lot.

But I'm not in love with her.

And I'm gonna wake Ben Walton up and tell him that right now.

I don't know, son.

Well, with Ms. Hunter watching them all day at school

and your mama keeping an eye peel open for anything going on

that didn't exactly Baptist

when did he ever get a chance to kiss her?

Beats me.

Ah, she's nice.

She's fun.

She's sings good.

She's kisses good. But he don't like her.

Oh, he likes her. He just don't love her.

[laughing]

- That's some kinda Walton. - That's a Romeo Walton.

I wonder where he gets it from?

What's so funny?

Just a little joke, son. Between us.

Whatcha doing back down here?

Ben left a note. Said he's going to sleep in the barn.

He doesn't wanna spend the night in the same room as me.

I'm glad he didn't run off and join the navy.

I'm gonna go out there and straighten him out.

No, no, son.

Let him alone, you can talk to him in the morning.

Goodnight.

Goodnight.

French.

[indistinct talking]

Marry Ellen, take the children home.

Ben!

Ben!

[dramatic music]

You must have spent your entire day

figuring ways to avoid talking to me.

Yeah, and up till now, it was working fine.

Boy, you're dumb. You really are stupid, you know that?

I saw those hands against each other.

If you don't get away from me, you're gonna have a busted neck.

Hold on with that kinda talk. Now, maybe I do like Sally.

She does have a sweet way of talking to a person, but..

- ...I certainly don't love her. - You're a liar!

Listen here, Ben.

I'm not interested in Sally Ann.

If you're not interested in her

then what were you doing kissing her in the barn?

- I can explain all about that. - Don't wanna hear another word.

Just mind your own business.

Sing your stupid song and hope it sounds rotten.

Hi.

Bouber, Louann. Get inside.

Scat!

Hi, Jason.

Well, what's the.. What's the matter?

Ben saw me kiss you yesterday.

Did he tell?

- Did your mama know? - No, he just told me.

But he's really upset.

And hurt.

And angry.

Why?

Because he's in love with you.

What?

He's in love with you.

And I've to tell you something else.

It was his idea for you sing the song in the first place.

But I don't understand.

Betsy Morgan said it was yours.

I know.

It was Ben's. He didn't want me to tell you.

If I hadn't been so wrapped up in my music

I'd have realized how he felt.

Well, what about us?

Us?

Didn't we kiss?

Sure, but..

...I'm a senior, we do that all the time.

Oh, Jason.

Sally Ann.

Uh..

Sally Ann, I really do think you're pretty.

And you're nice. And I do like you.

But Ben really cares for you.

And you don't?

Well, not in the same way.

See, I- I just think we got carried away

by all the all the excitement, all the fun we were having.

Yeah, I know.

Every night when I went to sleep

all that was going through my mind

were pictures of you and me singing together.

Travelling around the country. And people liking us.

There's no reason we still can't do that.

I just wish Ben had said something.

Let on somehow what he was feeling.

So do I.

See, Ben's..

He jokes a lot.

He never really says what he really feels.

Does he hate me now?

Hate you? He's crazy about you.

He just feels bad.

He's quiet and sensitive.

And when something hurts him, it hurts him deep down.

What are we gonna do?

'Got any ideas?'

Umm.

Okay.

I'd like to say

I'm sorry, Ben. And I didn't mean to hurt you.

And I like you very much.

I'll try to say at the dance tonight.

Ben's not coming.

Well, then you give Ben the message for me.

Tell him that I think he is cutest boy at school.

And if he'll have the last dance with me

he can walk me home.

You're terrific.

See you tonight.

I don't care, you still shouldn't have said anything.

Ben she likes you.

She's got a great way of showing it.

What'd she do? Send me a kiss?

I wish I had let you hit me when you had the chance.

Look, Ben.

I don't blame you for feeling the way you did.

If it makes you feel any better I want you to know I'm sorry.

'I made a real fool of myself.'

'She kept telling me what a great musician I was.'

- And I kept believing her. - Oh, she's right.

You're a great musician, but a rotten brother.

Ben, I said I'm sorry.

Okay, you're not a rotten brother.

Sally Ann feels awful about this too.

She wants you to be there tonight.

She's saving a dance for you.

And she wants you to walk her home.

I can't, Jase.

I'm too embarrassed about this whole thing.

I'm just gonna stay here and I don't want to see anybody.

I wish you'd change your mind.

Mmm-hmm.

Good luck, Jason.

Sally Ann too.

Well, John's out.

It just leaves Horace and Mr. Walton to beat.

It's easier said than done, Zack.

You sure are a fancy dude in that suit, Mr. Walton.

Are you celebrating or mourning?

- Mourning. - Who?

Mourning for you, Zack. It's only fitting

when you lose.

Too bad, Mr. Walton. I maybe mourning you.

[pleasant music]

Grandpa here yet?

Not yet, we better save place for him, just in case.

I wouldn't bother.

Alright, Jim-Boy. Chairs up here, son.

Ben's not here.

Oh, I was hoping he'd change his mind.

- Yeah, so was I. - I feel just awful, Jason.

I don't think I can sing.

Sure can. You've got to.

Hey! Hey! Everybody!

Hey! Hey! Bobby!

On behalf of the Haystack Gang

and yours truly, a warm welcome to you.

We're gonna have so much fun you're gonna think

you're in Nashville Tennessee on a Saturday night.

'Now, let's get things started off here with a little song'

'get your hands clapping and your feet tapping.'

Kick it off.

[music playing on radio]

Gentlemen, I am conceding.

What?

'You heard me. I am conceding.'

Never thought I'd live to hear you say something like that.

Never thought I'd either.

But I've places to go. Things to do.

And very little time to do it.

Good evening to you all, gentlemen.

Well, if that don't beat all.

He was bound to win the whole thing.

I'll never admit to that.

Well, chalk your cue.

Rack 'em up, Bike.

* Go long mule *

* You're truly mine *

* You can change a fool But a doggone mule *

* Is a mule until she dies *

* Go long mule *

* You're truly mine **

I'm proud as I can be introduce these two young folks to you.

Here's Jason Walton.

The fella that wrote the song you're just about to hear.

- Say hello to folks, Jason. - Hello, everybody.

'Thank you, Jason.'

'Right here with him is his pretty singing partner.'

(Bobby over radio) 'Miss Sally Ann Harper.'

"How about a big hello from you, Sally Ann?'

(Sally) 'Hello, everybody.'

'Can I say something to someone special?'

'Well, yeah. Go right ahead.'

'Ben, I just want you to know that I wish you were here.'

'And I wanna dedicate this song to you.'

(Bobby) 'Okay, Ben this is for you.'

'And here's Jason's brand new song.'

[country music]

* When I saw you on the corner *

* I just had to say *

* Oooh, will you be mine *

* Never had nobody *

* That could make me feel this way *

* Oooh, will you be mine *

* I never felt before *

* The way I feel right now *

* What's more *

* I have to make my feelings *

* Clear to you *

* That I love you *

* Never knew somebody *

* Who could make me feel *

* The way you do now *

* Oooh, will you be mine *

* I never felt before *

* The way I feel right now *

* What's more I have *

* To make my feelings clear *

* And tell you *

* That I love you dearly *

* You know I loved you *

* From the start *

* You shouldn't ever *

* Feel my heart now *

* Oooh, will you be mine *

* Oooh, will you be mine *

* Oooh, will you be mine *

Ms. Sally Ann Harper.

Jason Walton.

(grandpa) Hip hip hurray!

Esther.

I'll thank you to stop throwing those sorrow looks my way.

And I'll thank you not to speak to me.

Missing Jason's song for a gambling game.

Oh, he didn't miss Jason's song. I saw him listening by the door.

(grandpa) 'Thank you, child.'

Yes, I was standing there in the background.

I hear everything perfectly and I am proud to say

Jason inherits my musical melody.

May I have this dance, old girl?

Who won the tournament?

It was hard to say, I had to leave before it was over.

I'll be proud to dance with you, Zebb.

[country music]

* Just because you think you're so pretty *

- You two were wonderful. - Thanks.

What's the matter with you?

By the look on your face, you'd think you're awful.

The fun's gone out of it.

* That nobody else has got *

* No, you made me spend *

* All my money *

* You laugh and call me ol' Santa Claus *

* But I'm telling you *

* Honey, I'm leaving you *

* Because *

* Just because *

[music continues]

[music continues]

[crowd applauding]

We have a special request here

for an instrumental rendition of Jason Walton's new song.

"Will You Be Mine."

So, we are going to try it for you now.

[band music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[music continues]

Jason?

Oh, thank you.

- You taking a break? - Mmm-hmm.

You know, I think your song was just fine.

And I think you sing real good.

Thank you.

My cousin Hassy Longstreet was suppose to take me home.

But he is in there making nice with that dang Mary Lou Simpson

and I just know he just gonna go off and leave me stranded.

Betsy, you're not gonna be stranded.

Come with me.

(male narrator) Ben walked home with Sally Ann.

And Jason walked home with Betsy.

They both got back to their house around midnight.

Singing.

- 'Ben?' - 'Uh-huh?'

- 'Did you kiss her?' - 'I'll never tell.'

(Elizabeth) 'Did you kiss Betsy, Jason?'

(Jason) 'I'm asleep, Elizabeth.'

(Jim-Bob) 'I'd rather kiss Regulus than a girl.'

(Jason) 'Jim-Bob, got a lot of growing up to do.'

'Goodnight.'

- 'Goodnight, Jase.' - 'Goodnight, Ben.'

[theme music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[music continues]