All language subtitles for The.Waltons.S07E18.The.Pin-Up.WEBRip.x264-ION10

BEN: John Curtis!
JASON: John Curtis!

JOHN: John Curtis!
MARY ELLEN: John Curtis!

JOHN: John Curtis!
MARY ELLEN: Do you see him?

JOHN: Not yet, but we'll find
him, He can't have gone far.

MARY ELLEN: John Curtis!
John Curtis, where are you?

JOHN-BOY: In 1942, the coming
of spring to Walton's Mountain

brought a keener appreciation
for all living things

than ever before.

With the rest of
the world in chaos,

here we felt a sense
of life renewing itself.

For my sister, Mary Ellen,

it was a time when she was
emerging from a painful winter

and struggling to achieve
a renewal of her own.

Don't count on John Curtis for
breakfast. I've already fed him.

Good to see you
back in your uniform.

Do you think I should
start working again?

We've been through that.
You're a nurse.

They need nurses
real bad nowadays.

What are you doing?

Tryin' to match
a pair of socks.

You got one black
and one blue.

It's close enough.

With Mama gone I ought to be
here looking after everyone.

We'll just divide up
the chores differently,

maybe not be
so fussy about things.

Like socks that don't match?

I'll ask Elizabeth
to pin them together

next time she does the laundry.

Yoo-hoo!

It's Corabeth, another one
of her missions of mercy.

Come on in, Corabeth.

"Spring, sweet spring

"Cold that doth not sting
The little birds do sing

"Cuckoo, jug-jug,
poo-wee, toowit-toowoo"

That was written
in the year 1600,

but the poet might have intended
it for this very morning.

-Here, forsythia.
-Real pretty.

You sure do brighten
things up, Corabeth.

I took it as a vow that
when Olivia was convalescing

I would do my best
to console the family.

Mary Ellen,
your nurse's uniform?

I'm going back
to work part-time.

Oh! But I thought that you had
withdrawn from nursing

when your mother became ill.

The family thinks
I should try it again.

I think they're tired
having me around.

We don't think it's fair for her
to be stuck taking care of us.

Well, what about John Curtis?

There's always Erin, Elizabeth,
Jim-Bob to take care of him.

I hardly feel that Jim-Bob is
the fitting parental figure

for a growing boy.

Well, I'll be spending
plenty of time with him.

Tell your mama
to be on her way.

She'll be late
for her first day back.

Bye, sweetheart.
Be a good boy.

It'll be comforting to know that
I'm here in case of emergency.

Emergency?

The only emergencies you've
to worry about

are the ones at the hospital.

Well. I simply fail
to understand.

In my day a young widow withdrew
and took comfort in seclusion.

That's what I'd call
being buried alive, Corabeth.

JASON: Alright, John Curtis,
now this is middle C.

(PIANO PLAYING)

This is D, next comes E, F, G,
A, B, and back to C again.

You got that?

I think an octave is enough
for his first lesson.

It's time for his bed. Come on.

Hey, you're letting him get away
without telling him to practice.

He's excused until he
can reach the keyboard

without sitting
on somebody's lap.

John Curtis, kiss
your uncle Ben goodnight.

He's gonna be a famous
photographer.

He might teach you how.

Goodnight, John Curtis.

How did the photo
session go, Ben?

I got some nice pictures of
the mountain before it got dark.

How many did you manage
to double expose?

Smile, Jim-Bob.

Hey! I'm blinded!

Do you like my new shorts?

I can see why
they're called shorts.

Ben. Take a picture of me.
We'll send it to Mama.

Mom'd have a fit
seeing you like that.

I've only have one
more exposure in this roll

and I'm saving it
for something special.

When I become a famous model you
can say you gave me my start.

Okay, I'll finish
up this roll tonight.

Move. I'm gonna
sit over here.

-I'm not in this?
-No.

Wait, how should I go?
Like this?

-How's this?
-Okay. Yeah. Okay, smile.

It looks like everybody's
getting along fine without me.

-Where's John Curtis?
-Elizabeth's putting him to bed.

Oh, well, I'd better hurry
if I'm going to tuck him in.

Someone who's been working all
day, she sure has a lot of pep.

It's nice to see
her smile again.

Yeah. She sure was getting
to be a real sourpuss, huh?

You want to grow up to be big
and strong, right? Then eat.

(JOHN CURTIS WHIMPERING)

He giving you a hard time?

I've a patient who
won't eat stewed apricots,

only Mr. Whittemore's
84 years old.

How are things
at the hospital?

I realize how much I
missed it when I went back.

This week has flown by.
And I'm running late.

Well, go ahead, let me feed him.

Much as I love my work, I hate
turning him to somebody else.

That's part of being a parent.

Go ahead, take care of that.
Hold that spoon.

No, you eat. It won't
be long before I've

a fishing pole in your hand.

No fishing until
he learns to swim.

Your mama's right.
Swimming first, then fishing.

I have a short shift today. Tell
Elizabeth I'll be home early?

I wanna spend
some time with my son.

Alright, honey.

Here you go, son. Have some
apricots, they're good for you.

Come on, try it.
No? Here, watch Grandpa.

(JOHN CURTIS EXCLAIMS)

I think you're right.
How about some oatmeal?

Try this.

Come on, try it, try it.
Mmm. Yum, yum, yum.

More? There you go.
Come on, eat up. Come on.

To be a good swing rider you've
to hold on to the rope.

-Jason, where are you going?
-Rockfish. You want anything?

-Yeah. Can I come along?
-Sure.

You want to come see
the big city, John Curtis?

Mary Ellen's coming home early
to be with him. I can't go.

You're not the only babysitter
around here. Hey, Jim-Bob!

Jim-Bob, how would you like
to take care of John Curtis?

-It's till Mary Ellen gets back.
-I've gotta tune my car.

-It's been missing lately.
-Well, he won't stop you.

Well, maybe I can teach him
something about engines.

Come on, John Curtis.

-He'd like that.
-Let's go!

You any good at setting points?

Hey Jim-Bob. You got
a new apprentice?

He's good at
taking things apart,

but he's gotta learn about
putting them back together.

John Curtis, you wanna come
with me to Ike's

and we'll see if
those pictures are done?

That's of course if Jim-Bob
doesn't need your advice.

I'll manage. Besides,
he likes rides.

You don't wanna be a mechanic
when you grow up.

Don't you wanna be
a photographer like me?

Now, try to say cheese.
Come on, cheese.

-Hey, Ike.
-Hey, Ben.

I see you brought
my favorite customer.

He likes cookies.

I've never seen
anything like the way

that child changes hands.

Did you get my snapshots
from the developer?

Yeah. They came
in the morning.

Oh, great!

Photography is such
a worthwhile pastime.

All those moments recorded which
otherwise fade from memory.

I got them here.
I was looking at them.

-There's some good shots here.
-Oh, good.

-You're getting better.
-Thank you.

Did you ever think
of selling them?

I've got a long way to go to
submit them to magazines.

I think they're good enough

for the Charlottesville
Register right now.

You know the Sunday section?
The Rotogravure?

Do they accept pictures
from amateur photographers?

They've a 10-dollar prize
for the one they like.

This one right here of
Drucilla's Pond, that's good.

Yeah.

If I were you, I'd get in my car
and I'd go to Charlottesville,

maybe you can get there before
deadline for the Sunday edition.

Yeah, I can't drag him
all the way over there.

I thought he was used
to being dragged around.

Why don't I look after him?

Mary Ellen's particular
when it comes to John Curtis.

Wait a second, nobody's more
particular than Corabeth.

I guess it would
be alright. Here.

It's a good idea. Thank you!

-Bye-bye.
-Good luck, Ben.

You sweet thing.

It's none too soon to begin
training your aesthetic sense.

I know, we'll go bird-watching.

Joanne?

-It's Mary Ellen Walton.
-Mary Ellen?

What is it? What's the matter?

It's Kimmy, my little boy.

What happened?

We were in the kitchen
cleaning up, and...

He was toddling around after me.

And the phone rang.

I went to answer it.

He must have gotten
into something.

Mary Ellen, when I got there, he
was barely breathing.

What are they doing in there?
Why don't they hurry?

Our doctors are wonderful.
They'll do all they can.

Come on, let's walk.

I have a little boy, too.
His name is John Curtis.

Kimmy is just beginning to talk.

He only says a few words.

Daddy, book.

He's...

He's going to
be two on Sunday.

Oh, if I... If I only
had taken him with me.

If I only hadn't left him!

Don't blame yourself.
These things happen.

David?

Oh, God!

Elizabeth? Elizabeth!
John Curtis!

-Where's Elizabeth?
-She went with Jason.

-Where?
-Over to Rockfish.

She took John Curtis
to Rockfish?

-No. She left him with me.
-Where is he?

Ben took him to Ike's
in the truck.

I just passed by Ike's.

There was no pickup and
no sign of Ben or John Curtis.

I don't know
where they went.

Is this the way you'll looks
after him when I'm gone?

By passing him around
like he's a package?

What's the matter with you?
John Curtis is alright.

(JOHN CURTIS CRYING)

This child is simply not cut out
to be a bird watcher.

Doesn't have
patience for it.

It's alright. I'm
not going to leave you.

I'll never let you
out of my sight again.

And how did our young man
enjoy the sermon?

He didn't say.

I've always failed
to understand

what a child that age
gets out of a religious service.

I don't suppose God
is particular

about the age
of his congregation.

I wish I could get away with
screeching through the sermon.

Mary Ellen, I understand
that you have given up

your job at the hospital.

It just didn't work out.

Under the circumstances, I think
that is the wises decision.

-Hey, Ben! Congratulations!
-For what?

Your picture's in
the Rotogravure.

No kidding!

I left them those prints,
but there was no space.

They made room for it,
right smack on the front page.

Good going, Ben.

-Which picture did they use?
-Wait till you see it.

It must be
the Drucilla's Pond.

Or is it the sun goin
over the mountain?

I know, the one you're looking
down on the logging road.

I don't think I'll tell you.
I'll let it be a surprise.

All I'll tell you is that
it's a gorgeous exposure.

Come with me, trailing arbutus.

How about that? Front page!

Yes, Liv, I've seen it. I'm as
upset as you are about it.

Don't worry, I'll talk to them
as soon as they get home.

I love you too, honey. Goodbye.

Something wrong, Daddy?

Nothing that a switch
to Ben won't fix.

-He's right behind us.
-Daddy, have you seen the paper?

-You mean the Rotogravure?
-Ike says I've a picture in it.

Can't hardly miss it.

Oh, Ben, how could you?

Either of you care to explain
how this happened?

I left a few pictures
at the newspaper office.

I never knew
they'd use this one.

How can you have a picture
taken like that?

We were fooling around.

All the women are dressing
like that these days.

Not Walton women!
Not my daughter! Not in public!

-Well, that part isn't my fault.
-They're your legs.

Nobody should be seen like this
except by her husband.

You know what they call you?
The Jefferson County Cutie.

Your mama's fit to be tied!

At least they didn't
put your name in it.

(PHONE RINGING)

Hello?

No, you cannot speak
to the Jefferson County Cutie!

Kind of missed my grandson
this morning.

We go exploring while you
all are in church.

I didn't want
to leave him behind.

He has such good hands.

He's going to be
a doctor like his daddy.

Little early to decide
his future, isn't it?

He might surprise you.

I never thought I'd have a child
who'd study years to be a nurse

and then give it up.

Nursing was something
that I shared with Curt.

And after Pearl Harbor,

it seemed like a way
of holding onto him.

Being close to him.

But I was wrong.

John Curtis is all I
have let of Curt now.

And I belong with him.

Just don't make
him your whole life.

That could be hard
on both of you.

-Look what I've got.
-What'd you do?

-Rob the post office?
-No, it's fan mail!

-For who?
-For me.

I haven't read it all, but so
far I've gotten two proposals,

and one man is writing a song
for me. Now, listen to this.

If I can get it open.

"Your beauty has inspired me
to compose a song in your honor.

"I'm calling
it Carin' for Erin,

"I'll send you the words
once I finish it."

I can hardly wait!

All this because
of that picture of you naked?

One picture is worth a thousand
words, and I was not naked.

What kind of person
would write this?

"Your picture's the last
thing I see at night

"and the first
in the morning.

"And in between I have
wonderful dreams about you.

"Thanks for being what you are."

-Oh, boy.
-I read that one.

He wants to drive
from Camp Lee to see me.

Don't get too carried away. The
house could crawl with soldiers.

Oh, don't worry, I won't.
But you know, Mary Ellen,

they all must be real lonely
to write these letters.

We laugh at them,
but maybe it's the first time

these guys have
been away from home.

True, don't let them use that
line if you go out with them.

They might take
advantage of the situation.

I'm not as naive
as you think, big sister.

But thanks for
the advice, anyways.

It's not like they know you.

They're after you
for your looks.

I know. But isn't it exciting?

This is more fun
than playing post office.

-Got you!
-What did you do that for?

I got this for John Curtis from
Ike's. You think he'll like it?

Take it back. I don't want him
playing with weapons.

What are you talking
about? It's only a toy.

T'was no toy that killed his
daddy. Get that out of here.

-It only shoots water!
-It shoots and that's enough.

If you can't find
better games,

then you better not play
with him anymore.

That's not fair,
Mary Ellen!

You know that John Curtis and I
have lotta fun together.

Elizabeth and I
are going to Camp Lee.

We'll be home in plenty
of time for supper.

While you're gone,
I'm goin to Ike's

to return this deadly weapon.

What's the matter with her?
She's like an old mother hen.

Mothers get that
way sometimes, son.

-I'm sure glad I'm a man.
-Me, too.

Fathers are a lot more sensible.

(KNOCKING AT DOOR)

-Lieutenant Oler?
-Mr. Walton?

Hello, meet my daughter,
Elizabeth.

Glad to meet you. We don't get
enough pretty girls around here.

Come in, sit down.

I guess we should get
right down to business.

I've looked over the estimates
for the barracks lumber job

and I'd like
you to supply it

if you can give me
a reasonable delivery schedule.

I can deliver the first
half in three weeks,

the rest two weeks later.

That sounds good to me.
The job's all yours.

-Is that it?
-Don't you want it?

Yes, but we could've
settled delivery over the phone.

Mr. Walton, I'm not a very good
judge of people on telephone.

I wanted to meet the man I was
planning on doing business with

-face to face.
-Well, I understand that.

Is there anything I've forgotten
that we should take care of?

Seems to me you're
doing fine.

Don't you have
to sign some contracts?

Not only beautiful,
but smart, too.

Brains and beauty run
in our family.

Here are the papers.

You can sign those and I'll
break out a couple of cigars.

JOHN: Alright.

Elizabeth, what
are you dong there?

I'm just stretching my legs.

You're in the lieutenant's way.
Come over here and sit down.

What's that?

I got that out of Sunday's
paper. Isn't she a living doll?

That happens to be my daughter.

And I don't like her
to be on display.

Oh, I'm sorry.

I had no idea, Mr. Walton.

But I'm afraid every man in this
camp has her picture pinned up.

I guess you could say your
daughter's sorta become

the sweetheart of Camp Lee.

(CHATTERING)

Put my baby down this instant!

Interference! The ball
goes right here.

That's where I
would've hit John Curtis.

Or clobbered him! What do you
mean by charging down the field?

We used to run that play
with Elizabeth.

And you carried her!

ELIZABETH: And it
didn't hurt me any.

JASON: He didn't start crying
till you took him!

Yeah, Mary Ellen.
You always loved touch football.

Not when I was a year
and half old.

Come on, let's find something
safe for you to do.

See you in few years,
John Curtis.

Or when you get away
from your mama's apron strings.

He's my son,
I'll raise him my way,

and if you don't like it,
you can stay away from us!

Hey sugarplum, guess how many
letters that Erin got today.

Mr. Godsey, please.
I am trying to compose a letter.

-She got 42 that's a new record.
-Shocking!

At this very moment,
I am writing a letter

to the editor of the
Charlottesville paper,

protesting the

"demoralizing influence

"of pin-up photography."

Well, I don't see anything
demoralizing about it.

Nonsense. You said
there were 42 letters today.

That's 42 more men

"inexorably driven

"to lustful feelings"

by that photograph of Erin.

-Corabeth, it's just fan mail.
-But what kind of fan mail?

They are not fans
of her personality, but of her

"bare young limbs."

I understand the soldiers
at Camp Lee

have made her
their official pin-up.

You see what comes of making
the human body

an object of desire?

What is that?

This is that corduroy that we
ordered special for Mary Ellen.

She's gonna make a suit
for John Curtis.

Now there is
a sensible young woman.

She's trying to make
a life for her son

in the face of tragic
circumstances,

which only goes to prove that
there are still lasting values

to be found in today's world.

(KNOCKING AT DOOR)

Come in.

Oh, Ben, I thought
you might be Daddy.

He was over being mad
at us for taking that picture

until he went to Camp Lee.

-I sure am sorry, Erin.
-What for?

-For getting you into trouble.
-Oh, I'm not. It's worth it.

Who would have
ever thought

that Erin Walton would become
the pin-up girl of an army camp?

Ben, look.

I was lucky to even
get one letter a month.

You better not let Daddy know
you're answering all those.

I hate to deceive him,

but a lot of these soldiers
don't have anybody to write to.

You're right. You're doing
a patriotic service.

You must be an inspiration
to those boys at Camp Lee.

Must be like
the flag or apple pie.

-And you're responsible.
-Yeah.

I think I'm gonna be going back
to taking pictures of scenery.

-Bye-bye.
-Bye.

(KNOCKING AT DOOR)

-David, come in.
-Hi.

Cleared out your locker
like you asked.

Thanks. I didn't know when I'd
get to go over to the hospital.

Just put it on the chair.

Well.

John Curtis has been keeping
you pretty busy, huh?

How's he doing?

I'd let you see for yourself,
only he's napping right now.

Good, good. It'll give me
an excuse to come back.

-Won't you sit down?
-Well, thank you.

Aren't you gonna ask how things
are going at the hospital?

Sure.

(CHUCKLES)

Well, everyone down
there really misses you,

especially that old codger,
Mr. Whittemore?

I beg your pardon.

You mean Lewis Bliss Whittemore
the Third?

He's not so old.

He sure seems older
since you left.

He's lost all his spunk. He's
started being nice to nurses.

I think he believes

that he drove you away
by being crotchety.

Tell him I left him
for a younger man.

Why don't you tell him yourself?

Will you cut this?

Why don't you come
back for a visit?

Or, better still, why
don't you come back to work?

You're not going to be happy
unless you do. I know you.

-No, you don't.
-Hey, remember me?

I'm the guy who
almost married you.

I've worked with a lot of nurses
since I've practiced medicine,

but I've never seen anyone
take the joy in it you do.

I'm sorry David,
John Curtis needs me.

Mary Ellen, look.
You're a good nurse,

one of those rare people who
doesn't turn her back on pain

and who knows when to let go.

The time is coming when you're
gonna have to

let go of John Curtis.

Turning your back
on your profession?

No, uh-uh. That's not
a good way to start.

John Curtis cannot fill
that void left by Curt's death.

That's too much
to ask of any child.

David, that's not fair.
I'm his mother, not his nurse.

And I think I know
what's best for my son.

I hope so, Mary Ellen.

I told Mary Ellen I'd get some
vitamins for John Curtis.

Meet me down there.

-I'll be along in a minute.
-Alright.

PRIVATE: That's the girl
in the newspaper.

-Go on, I dare you.
-Okay, okay.

Hey!

I'm sorry, I've never done
anything like that before.

It's just, I've loved you ever
since I first saw your picture.

You're more beautiful
in real life.

-Do you know this young man?
-We just met, sort of.

-Well, soldier?
-Wallace, Charles. Private.

United States Army,
serial number 27271014.

He didn't harm me, Daddy.

Private, you're wearing
a man's uniform,

but the way you're acting,
I should spank you.

Yes, sir.

I'm not sorry I kissed you.
I'll remember that always.

I'm about to lose my temper
with you, son.

Yes, sir, good-bye, sir!

-Bye, beautiful.
-That's enough!

(CLEARING THROAT)

Looks like John Curtis is going
to get himself a new outfit.

He's outgrown practically
all of his clothes.

I've been busy working, I
haven't had time to keep up.

Now, you're gonna make up
some lost time, huh?

Is there anything wrong
with that?

Kind of touchy,
aren't you, Mary Ellen?

I'm sorry. It's just that
everybody's been on my back.

The boys, David. I figured you
were about to start in on me.

To be a part of a big family
you've gotta be able

to take a bunch of advice.

How'd you ever manage
to raise seven of us?

(CHUCKLING) Hmm. I don't know.

Some kind of miracle
you're all grown and healthy.

I remember when John-Boy
was just a baby.

Your mama just wouldn't let him
out of her sight.

Then the rest of you came along
and she eased up a little.

And I guess all of you got
plenty love and affection.

John Curtis is my only one.

I can't help
wanna keep him safe.

Mmm-hmm, I know.

Fear is not a good foundation
for mother and her loving.

You remember when he first
started taking steps?

If you hadn't let him fall, he'd
never have learned to walk.

He'll learn a
lot faster if I'm with him.

Well, that's true.

Don't think you can keep him
from every hurt

that comes along in life.

'Cause you can't.

You got to turn him over to
something bigger than yourself.

You know, when I went to France
during the last war,

I couldn't stand the fact I
wasn't gonna be here to protect

John-Boy and your mama.

I had to turn
them to the Lord.

I tried that once.

And now I have to be mother
and father both.

I understand the problem.

(DOORBELL CHIMING)

-Hello, Erin.
-Hey!

How can I help you?

Well, I need some stamps. Fifty
should be enough to start with.

I imagine that's
for the fan mail?

I think a more apropos term
would be masher mail.

You can call it what you want,
but she got 276 letters today,

and they're all from Camp Lee.

Erin, perhaps I could help you
with this deluge.

I could compose a form letter

that could be sent
to discourage repeat offenders

of unsolicited billet-doux.

I couldn't trouble you with my
correspondence, Corabeth.

No trouble is too great when a
young girl's honor is at stake.

Well, I think I can manage,

except for the requests
for the locks of my hair.

I'd be bald if I gave in
to everybody who wanted one.

Today your tresses.

Tomorrow, who knows
what they'll be asking for?

That's the price you pay for
being a patriotic inspiration.

You know, I expect Erin's
popularity is just beginning.

I would expect that someday
she'll be famous,

they'll name a battleship
after her.

(CHUCKLING) Thanks, Ike.

-These must all be invitations.
-Listen to this.

"My dear Miss Walton, your
presence is cordially requested

"as guest of honor at
our inspection, parade

"and review this weekend."

He writes like Corabeth talks.

"As camp protocol officer,

"I will be calling you Friday
night..." That's tonight!

"...at 2000 hours
to set up an escort

"for Saturday's festivities.

"With sincere respect
and admiration,

"Major John P. Callison."

How about this? "Hi, baby, all
us think you're some looker,

"so we want you to come to a
little shindig we're having."

Are there any normal boys there?

I don't know.

Shh! Is that John Curtis?

ERIN: I didn't hear anything.

ELIZABETH: I thought you left
him napping.

I thought we'd managed to get
her away for five minutes.

Still sleeping?

Well, he could
have been in trouble.

-I wonder what I should wear?
-When?

-When I go to Camp Lee.
-You mean you're going?

I couldn't let so many GI's
down. I'd feel like a traitor.

What time is 2000 hours?

-8:00.
-What about Daddy?

You'll have to keep him
away from the house

when my escort calls.

You mean trick him.

On the outside it may look like
Daddy doesn't want me to go,

but deep down he understands
things like duty.

There just isn't enough time
to get deep down.

Besides, our fighting
men need me.

Correction, want you.

Thanks.

(DOOR OPENING)

MARY ELLEN: What happened?

He got a small splinter
in his hand.

It was the size of a tree.
I got it out.

Let's put these away.

You took half
your finger with it.

Why didn't you
leave it for me?

Consider yourself lucky, Ben.

She took a splinter
outta my foot.

I couldn't walk for a week.

I'd have a nickel for every time
I've bandaged you'll.

Look who's talking.

You've fallen outta more trees,
had scrapes and bruises

than all of us put together.

-Poor John Curtis.
-What's that supposed to mean?

He'll never know the glory of a
black eye or a skinned elbow.

You're under him
every time he falls.

That's not true.

It's natural for boys
to get cuts and bruises.

It's as natural as having
a dog or playing hooky. Ouch!

Or eating too much ice cream
and getting sick.

-You're gonna let him have fun?
-Not you're kinda fun.

It's sad to think of our nephew
growing to be a mama's boy, huh?

When and if you're ever
a parent, you'll understand.

Meantime, you stop meddling with
the way I'm raising him?

Here, tape it yourself.

Little hot under the collar
today, aren't we?

She's a lot of help, isn't she?
Could have done this myself.

Listen carefully. During your
speech, you have to smile a lot.

Look around, eye contact is
very important. Now rehearse.

It's almost 8:00. The officer
is calling in a few minutes

and I don't want Daddy
to answer the phone.

You also don't wanna make
a fool of yourself

in front of 300 fans.

Alright.

"Dear fighting men,
I'm very happy to be here today.

"Some of you may be sent far
away to defend our way of life.

"Those of us who
must stay at home

"want you to know that our
thoughts and prayers

"will always be with you.

"Your courage and bravery
make us all very proud.

"I want you to know there is one
girl who'll always

"be with you in spirit."

They'll love you. Now practice
throwing kisses to the crowd.

No, Elizabeth, that's stupid.

No, it's not. All
the big stars throw kisses.

-What's going on in here?
-I was just leaving.

Elizabeth and I were
just horsing around.

Daddy, don't you think we should
try and give of ourselves

to the war effort?

What exactly do you mean
by giving of yourself?

It makes me sad to think of
the soldiers over there

without a female face to look
on, except for maybe a pin-up.

You know how I feel
about your picture

being plastered
over every wall at Camp Lee.

If I went in a dress
that covered my knees,

they'd see I
was a nice girl.

Is that why Elizabeth was
asking you to throw kisses?

I've been invited there
as a guest of honor.

I'll not have my daughter
being ogled at

by hundreds of leering men.

I'd only be ogled at for a few
short hours. It's tomorrow.

Tomorrow?

The officer is calling in
a few minutes to get my answer

and to arrange for an escort.

Looks like I found out
in time, doesn't it?

I'm sorry, but this
my chance to feel

I'm part of something important.

Erin, the answer is no!

(PHONE RINGING)

Please, Daddy! I
can't tell them no!

-Well, I can!
-Daddy!

ERIN: "I hope you don't mind
getting this letter

from a total stranger.

"Since I saw your picture
in the Sunday paper,

"I haven't been able to
get you out of my mind.

"You remind me much of a girl I
know back home in Kentucky.

"Her name is Mary Beth. I don't
have a picture of Mary Beth.

"In fact, she doesn't know
how much I like her.

"I guess I'm just too bashful
to tell her.

"Anyway, I was using your
picture in place of one of her.

"But the trouble is, somebody
swiped it and I don't have one.

"I wonder if you could send me
one that I could keep.

"It doesn't have to be
the one in the paper.

"A snapshot would do just fine.

"I'm sure that Mary Beth
would understand,

"and I hope you will, too.

"Maybe your picture will help
me to tell her how I feel.

"Thanks. Most sincerely,
Billy Gene Wozier, Private."

Always a bridesmaid,
never a bride.

What do you mean?

I missed out on being Queen
for Jefferson County Days.

And I lost our class election
by four votes.

And if Daddy didn't come
in last night,

I'd be on my way to Camp Lee.

He'd have found
out either ways,

then there'd have been
plenty of trouble.

If Mom were here,
I bet she'd let me go.

I wouldn't be too sure of that.

It was the biggest thing
that almost ever happened to me.

(CAR APPROACHING)

Mary Ellen, look!

-Lieutenant?
-Mr. Walton, you remember me?

Sure. Why you over?
Checking on your order?

No. I'll trust
you to do that.

Now I'm hoping that maybe you
can put a little trust in me.

I don't understand.

Well, sir, I came here

to persuade you to let me
to escort Erin to Camp Lee.

Mary Ellen.

Lieutenant, I told whoever
called yesterday she can't go.

Yes, sir, I know that,
and that's why I'm here,

to ask you to reconsider.

-Do you have any daughters?
-No, sir.

If you did you'd understand

why I don't want her parading
in front of a bunch of GI's.

Now, who's being
over-protective?

Excuse me, Lieutenant.

She's right, Daddy.

I'm your daughter, but I'm not a
little girl anymore.

I don't want you being treated
like some dame.

Excuse me, Mr. Walton.

The men think of your daughter
as a beautiful girl next door.

We've put her on
a kind of a pedestal.

Believe me, if any wolf
does try to come near her,

there'll be more than 300
well-trained infantry men

who'll just leap to her rescue.

Daddy, how do you expect me to
be able to let go of John Curtis

if you're afraid to
let go of Erin?

Can't you trust me
a little?

I trust you.

Enough to go to Camp Lee?

I don't want you wearing shorts.
And keep your clothes on.

Is this alright?

You look gorgeous.
Have a wonderful time.

I'm gonna hold you responsible,
Lieutenant.

-Yes, sir.
-Thank you.

Alright, honey.

Let me know if anybody bothers
you, I'll come with my shotgun.

-How'd I do?
-You did great.

Maybe you'll let me
take John Curtis fishing now.

We'll both go.

-MARY ELLEN: John Curtis?
-John Curtis?

See him anywhere?

You look inside. I'll look
around outside.

John Curtis?

John Curtis? Sweetheart?

John Curtis?

What's wrong, Mary Ellen?

John Curtis wandered off.
We can't find him.

-I'll go get Elizabeth.
-Tell her to check upstairs.

JOHN: John Curtis!

John Curtis!

He isn't inside.

Ben, is John Curtis
in there with you?

-No, what's wrong?
-He wandered off somewhere.

We can't find
him anywhere.

John Curtis is missing. Find
Jason, check the smokehouse,

behind the barn, work your way
down the woods to the pond.

We'll go south of the pond.

Don't you worry.
We'll find him.

Gotta find him before dark.
Anything could happen!

Just don't let your
imagination run wild.

Now come on,
let's start looking.

(BABBLING)

John Curtis?

John Curtis?

John Curtis?

John Curtis? John?

John Curtis!

John Curtis!

John Curtis!

John Curtis? John Curtis!

John Curtis!

John Curtis!

John Curtis!

John Curtis!

BEN: John Curtis!

John!

John Curtis!

-He's not by the big rocks.
-I've checked the smokehouse.

He's not around here, either.

-Better keep looking.
-Alright.

John!

JASON: John Curtis!

John Curtis?

John Curtis, where are you?
Sweetheart? John Curtis?

-Daddy, anything?
-Not yet.

Where could he be?
He should've heard us.

-Unless something happened!
-He's gonna be alright.

Daddy, something terrible's
happened, and I'm to blame!

That kinda talk's not good.

He could be hurt
or unconscious!

I'm never lettin' him
out of my sight!

Mary Ellen! No child's had more
looking after than that child!

You can't keep life
from happening to your kid!

Oh, Daddy!

It's alright. If I could have
spared you this, I would.

Oh, I feel so helpless.

I've felt like that ever since
John-Boy was a baby.

(JOHN CURTIS EXCLAIMING)

MARY ELLEN: Daddy.

Shh. Don't startle him.
He might start towards you.

Honey, easy now, go that way.
Go that way. Shh.

Come on!

What were you doing wandering
around all alone out here?

He wasn't alone, was he, Daddy?

JOHN-BOY: Mary Ellen
and John Curtis survived

their morning in the woods

and during this crisis,
Mary Ellen found the strength

to start letting go of her son.

Once again, she was
sharing John Curtis with us.

As the years went by

the bond between mother
and son continually deepened,

nurtured not by fear,
but by trust and love.

JASON: Erin, how'd you
entertain the troops?

-I smiled a lot.
-BEN: Did you kiss any of them?

ERIN: Goodnight, Ben.

JIM-BOB: Goodnight, Mary Ellen.
Goodnight, John Curtis.

MARY ELLEN: Shh! He's asleep.

(JOHN CURTIS CRYING)

JIM-BOB: Not anymore.

MARY ELLEN: Goodnight, everyone.

[theme music]