Original subtitles

You're really sweet, James Robert. And such a gentleman.

-See you tomorrow night. -Okay.

Night.

Yahoo!

Jim-Bob, what are you trying to do,

wake up the whole family?

Oh, Ben, old boy, you home already?

What do you think?

You should go out with older girls.

-You can stay out a lot later. -Jim-Bob, will you knock it off?

They're like a couple of roosters

trying to decide which one is king of the coop.

They'll settle it between themselves sooner or later.

Get smart with me!

Come on, Ben, let's go.

All mouth and no muscle.

One of these days I'll teach him

I'm not his little brother anymore.

JOHN-BOY: It was spring on Walton's Mountain,

and after the confinement of a long winter,

life burst forth with such energy

that every creature seemed charged with it,

including the two young stallions in our house.

Ben and Jim-Bob.

Jim-Bob, wait a second till I open the door!

-What's wrong with you, Ben? -Cut it out, Jim-Bob!

(BEN EXCLAIMING)

Jim-Bob!

BEN: I've got work to do. JIM-BOB: You're in a good mood.

Cut it out!

You sure are a pain in the neck.

You've been a grouch ever since that date last night.

BEN: Some date!

What did you and Ruby do last night?

Went to Whippoorwill Rock.

Did she let you kiss her?

Yeah, Jim-Bob, it's none of your business.

Quit yakking, we've got work to do!

You're not the boss, why don't you just lay off!

Look, bird-brain, we have to paint the living room this week,

I'll tell you right now, I'll do my share and that's it!

Since when have you done more than your share?

Jim-Bob, you can take it and beat it.

Why don't you get off my back, big shot!

Usually those boys are real friendly.

What makes them get so angry at each other?

Spring of the year, I think.

You know, the sap's starting to flow.

Boys get like that. Most young animals,

they get kind of restless in the spring.

Well, I'm not restless.

'Cause you're a girl! Girls are different.

Boys, they sort of act like young billy goats.

They stand off from one another

and start butting one another's horns.

Girls, they just sit around kind of moony-like.

Well, I'm not moony.

Mmm, yeah. Maybe another year or so,

things begin greening up and the crocuses are croaking,

you'll fall in love with some young moon-calf fella.

You'll start pulling the daisy petals off,

"He loves me, he loves me not, he loves me..."

Maybe even cheating a little

to make things go the way you want it.

(GRANDPA CHUCKLING)

Well, love is fine,

but they act like they hate each other.

You haven't seen anything yet. They've scarcely got started.

Pretty soon you'll be getting to see their fur flying.

-Is that normal? -Perfectly normal.

Mother Nature starts egging them on

in the spring of the year.

(SINGING) * Spring, sprang, sprung *

* Beautiful spring, tra-la-la-la *

Cut it out, Mary Ellen, we've got work to do!

Jase, can you leave now?

Elizabeth, come here.

Ben, you can be Queen of the May...

Mary Ellen! Cut it out!

Elizabeth, let's get out before the grouch eats our head off.

He's such a big cheese!

Am I glad I'm working out in the garden today.

I wouldn't last long in here with the mood you're in, Ben.

Get out of here, Jason, all of you! You're a bunch of babies!

Listen to the pot calling the kettle black.

I'm sure glad my business school doesn't have a spring vacation.

A week off around here could kill you.

It wouldn't take long if they'd just get to work.

What's eating you this morning, anyway?

Nothing.

Something's bothering you.

Oh, yeah, how was your date with Ruby Davis last night?

You mean little Miss Iceberg?

Oh, so that's what's bothering you.

The trouble with you is that you're just a typical male.

You expect a girl to do everything you want

and when she does, you get bored with her.

Well, I think Ruby's too good for you!

Ye gods and little fishes! It's Miss Emily alone!

Run!

Miss Emily, nice of you to drop in on us, so to speak.

I'm so upset. I haven't driven for years.

Well, it seems to be coming back to you, somewhat.

What can we do for you?

It's poor Mamie. I don't know what's come over her.

She wants to see you right away, if possible, Mr. Walton.

She's acting most strangely.

Oh, dear, well, I guess that could be arranged.

You fellas do the best you can for a spell.

Alright, Pa, be careful!

Nice to see you, Miss Emily.

Now, I haven't got a driver's license,

but would you like to have me drive, Miss Emily?

I don't think I should get out from behind this wheel,

because Mamie warned me not to kill the engine.

Well, I guess it's either me or the engine.

-Uh, can you back up? -Sure.

Papa planted that rose bush for me with his very own hands.

He called it his Mamie rose.

And every year it bears lovely buds

that open into glorious blossoms.

But not this year.

It is surely dying.

And so am I.

I saw Papa in a dream last night.

He was beckoning to me.

And before he died, he saw his father in a dream,

beckoning to him.

It is most definitely an omen.

Thrips!

MISS EMILY: Thrips? MISS MAMIE: Thrips?

GRANDPA: Yes.

Thrips are little invisible insects, sucking insects.

Your rose bush has a bad attack of aphids and thrips.

I think we could use some dusting powder.

Dusting powder?

Oh, I do believe we have some in the storeroom.

Perhaps it would be good for sister, too.

-Mr. Walton. -Yes?

My time has come,

and dear Emily must be provided for.

I would so deeply appreciate it if you would become

the executor of my estate.

Miss Mamie.

You mustn't feel that way

simply because your little old rosebush

is infested with the thrips.

It... It's more than just that.

It's...

It's just that spring used to be so much more.

I can see Papa playing croquet with us out on the lawn.

Handsome young men in white flannel trousers.

Picnics, hayrides.

It will never be that way again.

I'll not see another spring.

Oh, Miss Mamie, you can't mean that.

I feel...

I feel it inexorably approaching.

My very last spring.

It's not that I don't like Ben.

He's just so...

Well, so fresh, you know, and impatient.

I know how you feel, Ruby,

and I know how impossible Ben can get.

Yeah, but I do like to go out with him.

If he'd just behave himself.

You know, last night we had a date

and he just insisted on driving out to Whippoorwill Rock.

Uh-oh.

He got so fresh, I finally had to slap him.

I just don't know what to do with him, Erin.

Make him jealous. Go out with other boys.

If he sees that someone else wants to take you out,

well, maybe he'll settle down some and be more of a gentleman.

But with being new in town, I just don't know many other boys.

I wouldn't worry about it, Ruby.

Boy, am I hungry!

Plowing that garden sure gives you an appetite.

It's real man's work.

I know washing curtains is woman's work

-but it sure isn't easy. -Yeah,

and it makes you just as hungry.

-Hot dog! Bologna sandwiches! -Look at him.

Just started painting and he'll spend the next hour eating.

Stuff something in your mouth, Ben. That way you can't talk.

Mama, where are you going?

Out to eat with your daddy so I can get some peace and quiet.

I'm going to go eat with John Curtis.

Fortunately, he can't talk yet.

Don't know if I'm going to get through this week,

not the way Ben and Jim-Bob are going at each other.

It's natural, Liv, don't worry about it.

Natural or not, they're getting on my nerves.

They keep pecking at each other.

They're like roosters

deciding which one is king of the coop.

They'll settle it between themselves sooner or later.

MISS EMILY: Now, Sister, you can get some rest.

Now that you're assured your rose bush will bloom again.

Nothing like tobacco dust to cure a bad case of the thrips.

MISS EMILY: What is it, Sister?

Papa's favorite clock.

The pendulum, it's stopped.

It's another omen.

He's calling to me. I know he is.

He is?

It's a sign, alright, Miss Mamie,

but the sign is something's wrong with your old clock.

No.

No, I know what it means.

And I'll go

and prepare for the final journey.

MISS EMILY: Sister!

Don't you think you should rest for a while

and have a sip of the Recipe first?

MISS EMILY: Oh...

Whatever shall we do?

Well, first, I'm going to try to fix your old clock.

And then I think we've got to convince Miss Mamie

that she's healthier than either one of us.

It's just like dear Papa.

He sensed he was going to expire and he did.

Well, considering he passed on at the advanced age of 93,

it couldn't have been too much of a surprise.

Now we got to get this clock tocking

so Miss Mamie can start ticking again!

Got a screwdriver?

Hey, Grandpa, you need a ride?

(CHUCKLING) Oh, hi, Jason.

Indeed I do. I accept without hesitation.

You know, that walk from the Baldwin ladies'

seems to be getting longer every time I make it.

Miss Emily offered to give me a ride

but more than one ride a day with that lady

is stretching your luck.

How is Miss Mamie?

Well, she seems to be afflicted

with a disease that my dear daddy used to call

-the tulip-time vapors. -What's that?

Well, it's a seasonal affliction

that seems to happen to maiden ladies.

The symptoms sort of vary.

Your great-aunt Melissa, she had it in a bad way.

She got the notion that Teddy Roosevelt was hiding

under our front porch waiting to grab her by the legs.

Miss Emily thinks she's about to enter the gates of Heaven.

Well, that's too bad.

You think she might really be sick?

No. I don't think she is really

but if she keeps pushing those gates the way she's doing now,

she's likely to force her way in.

I wish there was something we could do to help.

She and Miss Emily are always doing something for us.

Yeah. We got to put our minds to it.

(SIGHING)

I remember how they took me in when our house burned.

They treated me like the king of Siam.

We didn't think we'll be able to get you come home for a while.

(CAR STARTING)

Well, we'll think of something.

They need more socializing...

(ENGINE ROARING)

These are the last of the curtains from upstairs.

It seems like we add windows every year.

I think we should get Venetian blinds.

They're in fashion now and all you have to do is wipe them off.

-Have you finished yet, Ben? -Yep.

Looks like Jim-Bob's got half the wall to do.

How come he gets to quit so early?

Because he kept on working the same as you're going to.

Daddy wants this first coat of paint finished by supper.

(KNOCKING AT DOOR)

I'll go get it.

-Hello, Patsy. -Hi, Ben.

Come on in.

Is Jim-Bob ready?

He's still painting.

Hi, Patsy.

Wow!

PATSY: Well, if that's a compliment, I thank you.

It's nice to be appreciated by some members of your family.

Some others I could name seem to have forgotten I'm still alive.

Guess I kind of forgot about our picnic.

Forgot? You must have really been looking forward to it.

It's just that I got to working,

and the time went by, and well...

I wouldn't wanna take you away from anything

so important as your painting.

But at least I got appreciation from one of the Walton boys.

And Jim-Bob, didn't you say

you have a couple more hours left of painting ahead?

Well, I could hurry.

PATSY: But I'm all ready to go now.

Yeah, well,

what did you bring?

Fried chicken and potato salad,

and Aunt Flossie helped me bake a chocolate cake.

BEN: Chocolate cake, huh?

Well, I'll tell you what, Patsy. Since Jim-Bob can't go,

I feel obligated I should fill in for my absent-minded brother.

It's the least I can do.

-You mean it? -Well, sure.

Since he can't go, I'm sure Jim-Bob won't mind.

Yeah, well suppose I do?

Tell Mama not to set a table for me at supper.

Better not go to the Whippoorwill Rock.

(GIRLS LAUGHING)

Go on, Jim-Bob, your turn.

What?

You waiting for someone, Jim-Bob?

Maybe Ben and Patsy got lost in the woods.

Who cares?

Anyone who paints windows instead of walls cares.

If you're so smart, Elizabeth, you finish the game by yourself!

-I'm gonna get some fresh air! -Hoity-toity.

Jim-Bob, come on!

Poor Jim-Bob. I think the love bug's bit him.

Bugs, bugs...

-Grandpa? -Hmm?

You're buying the spring flowers?

No, no, I'm just looking for some

dust to put on Miss Mamie's thrips.

Has Miss Mamie seen a doctor?

I don't think it's anything physical with Miss Mamie.

-It's more mental. -Thrips. Do they hurt?

I think both the Baldwin ladies should get out more.

They stay cooped up in that old house too long.

MARY ELLEN: Absolutely.

There's plenty of other spring flowers

without worrying about just one rose bush.

How did she catch these thrips?

Grandpa, aren't we having a picnic on Saturday?

We always do to celebrate the end of spring cleaning.

Good idea. We could ask Miss Mamie and Miss Emily.

Probably be real good for Miss Mamie.

That's a great idea. Thank you, Mary Ellen.

I'll just go ask your Pa and Ma if it's alright.

Mary Ellen, I can just see them on a picnic.

Mosquito netting, parasols, footstools!

-And books of poetry! -Can we catch these thrips?

Ah, Livie, John,

the girls think it would be a splendid idea

if we invite the Baldwin ladies to our picnic.

Alright, Grandpa. Do you think they'll come?

I don't think I'd have any difficulty persuading them.

Pa, we weren't planning anything fancy, now.

Ah, don't you worry about that.

Plain food in nature's palace

is a banquet fit for royalty, or the Baldwin sisters.

And the girls, they promised to help me.

We'll have wienies, and, uh,

marshmallows and homemade ice cream.

Trouble with Pa is he won't admit he's getting on.

He's got a few years on Miss Mamie.

Sometimes I think we're older than he is.

(WHISTLING SOFTLY)

-Nice evening, huh? -OLIVIA: Sure is.

You seem in a better mood than you've been in all day.

You bet! Had a great time with Patsy.

She's really okay.

Must be kind of hard having a picnic in the dark.

Oh, well, uh, we were over at Mrs. Brimmer's porch,

you know, talking, getting acquainted.

Jim-Bob, you never told me how much fun Patsy is.

You never asked.

We had so much fun, we're going out again tomorrow night.

No skin off my nose.

I just might call up Ruby Davis for a date.

You, go out with Ruby?

Yeah!

Oh, boy, fat chance!

Good luck, little brother.

-Good luck. -Yeah? Who says I'll need it?

I'm going for a walk.

I think it's about time you had a heart-to-heart talk

with one or both of those boys.

It's alright, Liv. Just let them cool off.

(EXCLAIMING)

Well, how about it?

The Walton family cordially invites you ladies

to our annual spring-day clean-up picnic

-on Saturday afternoon. -Why that sounds delightful.

Wouldn't that be fun, Sister?

I'd only spoil everyone's good time.

I doubt that, Miss Mamie.

Not much can slow down the Waltons on a family picnic.

It would be so pretty to see the spring flowers

and the birds and the beasts.

We have nothing much but pleasant beasties

down at Drucilla's Pond.

It'll be a lovely day.

The trailing arbutus will be trailing,

and furthermore,

especially since your daddy's clock is ticking again.

Why, it is, Sister!

Isn't that astonishing?

It's looking pretty good in here, Ben.

What do you mean, "pretty good?"

My part of the wall's a masterpiece.

Where's Jim-Bob?

Jim-Bob claims he has an errand to do over at Ike's.

He'll do anything to get out of work.

I know how he feels.

I thought I'd be spring cleaning at my own house this year.

Here I am, airing out the same old blankets,

and cleaning out the same old cupboards.

At least you've a lot of brand-new diapers to change.

Yeah, that helps.

I sure wish Curt were here, though.

Well, it's about time you showed up. Gonna get to work today?

Yeah, I thought I might.

What're you gloating about, Jim-Bob?

What's that supposed to mean?

Well, if ever a cat swallowed a canary, it's you.

That's pretty good, Mary Ellen, you're pretty close, too.

-What do you mean? -Oh, nothing.

Went over to Ike's, called Ruby up for a date and she agreed.

That's good, Jim-Bob. Isn't that nice, Ben?

Oh, sure. I don't mind.

Well, it sure is nice to see you two boys enjoying your work.

This rose seems to be afflicted with considerably more than, uh,

aphids and thrips.

What do you think is the problem, Mr. Walton?

Well, it could be nematodes. Could be black spot.

You see, Mother Nature, in her infinite wisdom, arranges

for everything to come from seeds

and then grow to maturity and blossom,

each one fulfilling its mission in life.

It's dying, isn't it?

Well, yes, it is, Miss Mamie,

but that has nothing whatever to do with you.

I appreciate what you're trying to do, Zeb,

what I wish you'd do is agree to be executor of my estate.

Will you do that?

I'll do anything in the world for you, Miss Mamie.

But that time is a long way off.

I'm so relieved to know that you'll be looking after things.

Don't you fret, Miss Emily.

I'm not through by a long way yet.

Jim-Bob! Haven't you ever heard of knocking?

You're not a little kid anymore, you know.

So what, you're still just my sister.

You think this looks alright?

I think you look fine. What're you worried about?

Well, I've never gone out with an older girl before.

-How do you think I should act? -You should act yourself.

Ruby's a real nice girl.

And you don't have to put on airs for her.

Really? That sounds good to me.

Thanks a lot, Erin.

There's nothing like having an older sister to give good advice

especially when she's a sexy older sister.

Jim-Bob!

James Robert, you are really good!

Well, there's nothing to it.

-Would you like to try it? -Okay.

Here, I'll show you how.

-Put your hand on this... -Okay.

-You know, this is fun! -Sure is.

(RUBY LAUGHING)

You are a riot, James Robert, a real riot!

You're kind of nutty yourself, Ruby.

You know, I was kind of afraid you'd be,

well, you know, sort of stuck-up,

but I sure was wrong.

You're really sweet, James Robert. And such a gentleman.

-See you tomorrow night. -Okay.

Night.

Yahoo!

Ow.

Jim-Bob, what are you trying to do,

wake up the whole family?

Oh, Ben, old boy, you home already?

What do you think?

You should go out with older girls.

You can stay out a lot later.

-Jim-Bob, go to bed. -Me and Ruby had a good time.

You should've told me she was so much fun.

Jim-Bob, will you knock it off?

She was willing to try about anything

from marble boards to goofy golf.

-Dry up! -We had such a good time,

we're going to the airport tomorrow night

and watch the planes come in.

Yes, sir, nothing like an older, experienced girl

for having a good time.

Say, Ben, where you going?

I'm going out to the shed to sleep

so I don't have to listen to you!

(DOOR SLAMS)

Night, Ben.

GRANDPA: Hey, there they are.

John!

I need to have a conference with you.

Alright, but if it's anything about Miss Mamie's estate,

you'd better ask somebody else.

Oh, lawyer Daniels and all that gobbledygook.

It's not Miss Mamie's estate I'm worried about,

it's her state of mind.

And I need Jason this afternoon to help improve it.

I guess we can work that out.

Oh, and you keep him away from that Recipe.

JASON: What's going on, Grandpa?

You'll wear your white pants, I'll put on my best dress.

-What? -And you bring that straw hat.

I borrowed lawyer Daniels' white pants.

Oh, it's going to be a real high-tone affair!

And Elizabeth, we've got to help prepare

the punch and the cookies now.

White pants?

I used to have a pair when I was young,

two-tone shoes and a straw hat.

(SINGING) * I'll be down to get you in a taxi, honey *

(JASON LAUGHING)

* Down to get you about half past eight *

Uh, Daddy.

Daddy?

* Now don't be late I'm gonna be there... *

Morning, Liv. How are you this morning?

I was wondering when you were going to take me strutting.

Any time you say!

(OLIVIA LAUGHING)

Look at this, a little lemonade here.

-There you go, son. -Looks good, thank you.

This is to you, my dear.

The thing about Patsy is she'll listen and learn

about the things in life from someone who's older,

more experienced.

Yeah, well, Ruby's already experienced.

She's been around, you know. Lived in Richmond.

-Yeah, Patsy's from Baltimore. -I know that.

And I know everything there is to know about Ruby, also!

Alright, then cut the chatter, okay?

Jim-Bob, I don't care if you never talk to me again.

That's fine with me.

You won't believe the pleasure it's been sleeping in the shed.

Heck I can't.

You moving out is the best thing ever happened!

Thought you weren't gonna talk to me.

It'd be a pleasure not talking to you.

Ben, you missed a spot, right there.

Tell Jim-Bob. That's his part.

Why do I need to tell Jim-Bob? He heard me, didn't you?

Tell Ben. That's not my part.

You two have just about convinced me that John Curtis

should be an only child.

We're going to the store, and while we're gone,

why don't you tell each other to take a flying jump in the lake?

It's a good idea.

Well, I'll have to admit I was a little surprised

about James Robert's age.

I guess I got him mixed up with John-Boy.

-Isn't he the older one? -Yes, but he's in New York.

And Jason is older, too, but he works at night.

-And Ben's older. -Yeah, I know.

But James Robert is a lot of fun, even though he's younger.

-He's very mature for his age. -Really?

I'll be darned.

Has Ben said anything?

Well, he hasn't come right out and said he's jealous,

but you can tell something's bugging him.

It isn't that I'm not having fun with James Robert.

It's just that watching airplanes land at night

or going down to the depot to see the train come in,

well, it's okay the first time.

I'm afraid the only time Jim-Bob gets romantic

is over a piece of machinery.

Almost the only time.

He's changing.

Jim-Bob? Really?

Isn't it delightful, Sister?

Just the way it used to be.

Why, I almost expect to see Mr. Ashley Longworth

walking through that gate at any moment.

Ladies,

may I offer you some of my punch?

I hope you noticed I took the liberty

of putting some of the Recipe in it.

Just for added flavor.

Yes.

And that's how I know there's

something very serious wrong with me.

I don't even enjoy the Recipe, Zeb.

Dear me!

I didn't realize it was that serious.

-Grandpa, it's your turn. -Coming!

Could I induce you to play

a game of croquet with me, Miss Mamie?

No, but I do appreciate your efforts to make me happy

during my last spring.

Cheers.

Be right back.

-There we go. -Grandpa, that's my ball.

Out of my way.

-Grandpa, that's his ball! -Your ball is over there.

(THUNDER RUMBLING)

ELIZABETH: Come on, Grandpa!

Grandpa, come in out of the rain!

Grandpa!

Uh-oh. He's got his foot stuck in that wicket.

ELIZABETH: Grandpa!

Grandpa, you're gonna get all wet.

JASON: You're gonna get soaked out there!

Forget about the punch. Come on in!

Those fresh flowers sure are beautiful.

They look like spring. Are they from your garden?

Yeah, I was taking them over to my grandma's house

before the rain came. Why don't you take some home?

Oh, well, thank you.

Our place is such a mess now, it'll brighten things up.

How's the paint job coming?

Very quietly. Ben and Jim-Bob aren't speaking to each other.

Oh, I didn't think Jim-Bob cared.

Well, it isn't just Jim-Bob.

Ben won't admit it, but he's not happy about Jim-Bob

having taken out Ruby Davis just about every night this week.

He's been going out with that older girl?

Sounds like an Andy Hardy movie, doesn't it?

You must think we're all pretty scatterbrained and fickle.

When it comes to love in bloom,

anyone can have a change of heart.

I know all about it.

Oh, it stopped raining. Thanks for the flowers, Patsy.

Sure. Jim-Bob helped me plant these

so they'd bloom this spring. I'll walk part way with you.

Okay, move 'em out, John Curtis.

(ALL CHATTERING)

Those flowers Patsy brought make a lovely centerpiece.

That Ben's a real Romeo.

Girls are sending him flowers.

The way Patsy talked, they could have been for Jim-Bob.

-Sure, sure. -Don't say I didn't tell you.

Ruby still talks an awful lot about Ben.

I'd rather not hear about it, if you don't mind.

Uh, did anybody notice that Jim-Bob is

now combing his hair the way Ruby likes it?

That's just the way I slept on it.

Jason, want to pass the potatoes, please?

Ask Jim-Bob. I can't reach them.

-You ask him. -Me?

You're the one who wants them.

I'll ask him. Jim-Bob, pass Ben the potatoes.

Not if they're for Ben.

Just a minute, you two, this has gone on far enough.

You're upsetting the whole family,

not speaking to one another, Ben sleeping in the shed.

It's ridiculous.

Either you two start acting like human beings or leave the table.

Excuse me. I have a date tonight.

Excuse me. I have a date, too.

Jim-Bob, can I have your chicken?

I cannot for the life of me understand

what's gotten into those two.

That's because when you were their age, you was a girl.

Thank heavens for that.

You didn't have a young brother to contend with.

Me and Ben did get into it once and awhile.

(CHUCKLING) I remember one time, when both of you

was courting a young filly over at Rockfish.

You got in an argument about it.

I swear, I had to almost pry you apart with a crowbar.

Young filly?

Well, Pa, you're talking about that...

That four-legged kind, aren't you?

Liv, he was talking about a horse.

Yes, and that was in the spring of the year, too!

Pa, you're no help.

Liv, I'm telling you, he was talking about a horse.

Grandpa, would you please tell John that

I don't believe a word of it.

(ALL LAUGHING)

Now, Pa... Now, just stop...

Here they are.

They're all ready. Lawyer Daniels looked 'em over,

and I am now your official executor,

as much as I dislike the job.

Sister and I do appreciate what you have done, Mr. Walton.

It will be a comfort to know this while I wait for my time.

Wait. I have been putting up with that all along

and I've got to tell you you're falling

for the oldest line of malarkey in the world.

That at a certain age everything comes to a roaring halt. Hmm!

That you're too old for this and you're too old for that.

Well, they're wrong. No.

Life is not getting any older, but just better!

I've learned that I'm gonna hold onto life

with both two fists and they'll have to fight

to get it away from me!

Now, where'd you get the notion that you want to quit?

Well, that's just the way I feel.

And I... I've seen the signs.

And after all, I'm not young anymore.

I've got a pleasant surprise for you.

I want you to be ready when I come tomorrow.

Oh, Zeb, I'm not sure that I can.

Oh, of course you can, Sister, if you just try.

Don't you worry about that now.

But you see that you're ready when I get here.

Pleasant dreams to both of you.

I do hope that it don't rain.

(ROMANTIC MUSIC PLAYING IN MOVIE)

Maybe now that we've painted the living room,

we can think about remodeling the kitchen next year.

Not a bad idea, if things stay

as good as they've been this year.

I guess at our age

it's a better spring pastime to be remodeling the kitchen

than howling at the moon.

That fresh, warm air

used to make me as feisty as it does Ben and Jim-Bob.

You thinking about that filly in Rockfish again?

Not me.

I'm glad all the mooning and craziness

of those years is past.

At least I keep telling that to myself.

It's good to hear that you're finally settling down.

It's nice to be grown up, alright.

(HOWLING)

Young lady, I think you dropped your pillow.

(OLIVIA LAUGHING)

-Hi. -Hi.

Uh, good show, huh?

It was alright.

I thought it was good.

-Yeah, but what do you know? -I know what I like.

-It was really romantic. -You're a real expert at that.

Especially at robbing the cradle.

-How about yourself, Ben? -Get smart with me!

Come on, Ben, let's go.

-All mouth and no muscle. -Come on.

Just forget about it, okay?

One of these days I'll teach him

I'm not his little brother anymore!

John, I'm afraid I haven't been much help

with spring planting this year.

It's alright, Pa.

Being between government contracts gave me the time.

Tell you the truth, I enjoyed it.

I'd much rather have been with you, don't you know that?

How's Miss Mamie doing?

She's still down at the bottom of the well.

But I've got a plan and I need your help this afternoon.

She going to the picnic?

Yeah, and what I need is to get a big bunch together.

Have them ready by 2:00. The more the merrier.

I don't know, Pa,

what with the way Ben and Jim-Bob are going at each other.

It's gonna be a surprise for them, too,

but more especially for Miss Mamie.

Oh, I sure wish I never give up like Miss Mamie.

I'll never see that, Pa.

You know, I believe in growing old gracefully.

Certain age, they tell you,

"Climb up on the shelf, you're 65.

"It's all over at 65." 65, 75...

What are they? Just nothing but numbers.

I tell you what. If I ever see you going down in the dumps,

I'll just walk you on down to Drucilla's Pond,

put a fishing pole in your hand.

A fishing pole? That'd just suit me fine.

Fishing pole...

By George, that's it!

Well, could you tell me which way the Walton place is?

-MARY ELLEN: You like it? -Very nice job, honey.

Well, I had some pretty good help.

At least half the paint job is good.

-Yeah, and I know which half. -My half.

JOHN: Alright, that's enough.

Grandpa wants us to go on a picnic this afternoon

and there'll be no bickering to spoil it.

-I can't. I have a date today. -Me, too.

Well, you bring them along. And that's final.

I don't think I'd take John Curtis. He's got the sniffles.

So I think I'll stay home and write to Curt.

Well, we'll miss you, honey.

But the rest of us are going and have a nice, peaceful time.

Right?

Right.

I can't wait much longer.

I think I'm gonna die of boredom,

surprise or no surprise.

Well, it better be something good to liven up this bunch.

JASON: I'm sure glad I'm not in love.

I couldn't stand to be that happy.

Jason. Look!

Is that Grandpa?

Holy cow!

-Look at that. -I don't believe it!

-Well, look at that. -Wow.

BEN: Looks like fun, huh?

(HORSES NEIGHING)

Hey, Grandpa!

It's beautiful, Grandpa!

(ALL CHATTERING)

GRANDPA: All aboard!

Hayride, hayride.

Come on, let's get going!

A hayride.

I knew he was up to something, but I never guessed this.

One thing about your father, he doesn't do things in small ways.

Sister! How can you do this to Mr. Walton?

After all he's done for you,

you won't even accept his kind invitation to go on a picnic!

(WAGON APPROACHING)

GRANDPA: Hi, ladies! All aboard!

(LAUGHING) Miss Mamie!

Miss Emily!

Mr. Walton!

Why, he's organized a hayride just for you, Sister!

-Come on up! -Come on!

I'm too old for such frivolity.

(SINGING) * Put on your old gray bonnet *

* With the blue ribbon on it *

* While I hitch old Dobbin to the shay *

* And through the fields of clover we'll drive up to Dover *

* On our golden wedding day *

* Put on your old gray bonnet with the blue ribbon on it *

* While I hitch old Dobbin to the shay *

* And through the fields of clover we'll drive up to Dover *

* On our golden wedding day **

Well, here we go, girls.

May I be of assistance, Miss Emily?

Papa taught us how to fish,

but he always baited my hook for me.

Oh, I'll do that for you.

Miss Mamie, would you hold my pole for me?

Please?

There we go! He's a big one, isn't he?

(CHUCKLING)

(SINGING) * Great big scrawny ones Little tiny wiggly ones *

* Golly, how they wiggle and squirm! *

You're awfully quiet today, James Robert.

Yeah, I guess so.

It was seeing Patsy again, wasn't it?

What do you mean?

At least I think we should be honest with each other,

don't you?

Sure.

Then I should tell you

I sort of got that old feeling today.

Ben?

Me, too, with Patsy.

I still like you, James Robert.

Do you think we should tell them?

They may not feel the same.

Don't get your line tangled. Look out for the hook.

Here we go now. Let her rip!

(MISS EMILY LAUGHING)

Fine cast.

I've forgotten how much fun fishing can be!

Oh, it surely is good for what ails you.

You can sit all day just fishing, not catch anything,

but if you do, it is wonderful!

Oh! Oh, my!

GRANDPA: You got something there.

-You better take it, Mr. Walton. -Oh, no. It's your fish.

You fetch her in!

-Oh, I can't! -Oh, play it back and forth.

Play it back and forth the way Papa taught you!

Oh!

Oh, are you alright? Don't you want some help?

-No! -Be careful!

No!

I've got him!

Oh, wow!

(LAUGHING)

Wasn't that exciting!

Oh, Mamie, you're smiling again!

Oh!

This is one of the biggest catfish

I've ever seen around here.

Oh, you're a lulu.

Mamie, your feet are all wet. Don't you want to go change?

Oh, now, really, Mr. Walton. I'm just getting started!

Where's the bait can?

I'm getting it.

-It sure is a pretty day today. -It's beautiful.

-I'm glad you were here with me. -I'm glad to be here.

Ben, please.

What's the matter?

Your family's here.

You mean Jim-Bob's here.

Well, I saw you looking at Ruby.

-Let's forget about them, okay? -No, Ben, please.

Hey, Ben, what are you doing?

-What are you, spying on me now? -You let go of her.

You mind your own business. You got your own date.

Hey!

Brother!

(GIRLS SHOUTING)

Daddy!

Ben and Jim-Bob are fighting.

Good, maybe we can have some peace around here.

-John! -Okay.

Ben, stop it!

Stop it!

-Are you alright? -I'm okay.

-Are you okay, Ben? -Yeah, I think so.

Wow, that was some wallop.

I think I broke my knuckles on your dumb chin.

Yeah? Let me take a look.

-No, it's okay. -How about your chin?

I'm still talking, aren't I?

Yeah, unfortunately.

JOHN-BOY: Spring that year saw Jim-Bob come of age.

There was a new maturity and purpose about him.

And it was the last time that anyone ever thought of him

as Ben Walton's little brother.

ALL: (SINGING) * By the light *

* Of the silvery moon *

* I want to spoon *

* To my honey I'll croon love's tune *

* Honeymoon, keep a-shining in June *

* Your silvery beams will bring love dreams *

* We'll be cuddling soon *

* By the silvery moon *

* By the light *

* Of the silvery moon *

* I want to spoon *

ELIZABETH: Are you still awake, Mary Ellen?

MARY ELLEN: Trying to finish my letter.

Got a lot more to write about.

JASON: Tell him that the two sluggers

are both fast asleep in here,

moaning and groaning every time they turn over.

MARY ELLEN: Okay, I'll tell him.

GRANDPA: Quiet down up there, will you?

MARY ELLEN: You tired out, too, Grandpa?

GRANDPA: No, but I have got to get up at sunrise.

JASON: How come?

GRANDPA: 'Cause the Baldwin ladies,

they want to go fishing again.

MARY ELLEN: Goodnight, Grandpa.