Original subtitles

You know, I sure thought I'd stop missing Pa by now,

but I feel awful empty inside.

He wouldn't want us to grieve too long.

I could use his advice tonight.

I'm at a crossroads, Liv.

There's all kinds of opportunities out there

for a man who's not afraid to take them.

I've got to do it now or stop trying once and for all.

You know what Grandpa would tell you.

He'd tell you to get on with it, go do what you have to do.

Even if it meant leaving the mountain?

For as long as any of us could remember,

our house had stood in the shadow of Walton's Mountain.

We counted time by its seasons,

growing up and growing old,

and even those of us who went away never really left it.

It was a fitting place for my grandfather to be buried.

And in the six months since his death

we had learned to live with our grief.

We never looked up at the mountain without feeling his strength.

We were to need it.

The year was 1941

and there was a tension in the air

that threatened to pull us apart.

Pa took care of these tools.

He had real respect for them.

They haven't been used since he last put them away.

It's gonna take a good man to measure up to this set of tools.

What's that on your lip?

I'm growing a moustache.

Thought maybe it was milk left over from breakfast.

Well, it's coming a little thicker, like Grandpa's was.

Get a little respect around here.

It wasn't Pa's moustache that got him respect, Son.

It was what was going on inside that counted with him.

And you know Pa made very few mistakes working with wood.

Those cuts you made yesterday are five-eighths short.

I'm sorry, Daddy.

It was late when I measured them and I've been working extra hard since...

Well, we're kind of short-handed these days.

I'm as tired as you are, Son. Go do them over.

Is everything all right, Daddy?

You seem a little sharp-edged lately.

Don't worry, Son.

We'll be all right.

Sure.

I'd like to resign from this kitchen,

walk out and never come back.

I'm going to marry a rich man and have a maid do things like this.

That's what Mary Ellen used to say.

You'll change your mind soon enough if you fall in love with a poor man.

Mom, has the phone rung yet?

It's still early, Erin.

I've got to get that job, and the floor is all wet.

I hate this icebox.

Why don't we get an electric one?

Costs too much.

We can afford it. Daddy has more work now than I can ever remember.

Elizabeth, you're getting me all wet.

Either help clean up or get out of the way.

Listen, smarty pants, you're the one that never helps

when we clean up our room.

My side's always clean.

That's because you shove everything underneath the bed.

All right, that's enough.

Elizabeth, go up and get your books. You'll be late for school.

Erin, you can finish mopping up.

- Good morning. - Good morning, young lady.

Something I can do for you?

Oh, yes, you can.

Tell me, is this the Walton place?

Yes, it is.

Are you a Walton?

I'm Olivia Walton.

They tell me that John Walton

has one of the biggest lumber operations around here.

Well, I'm looking for him.

His mill is through those trees. He's working there now.

Thank you, Olivia Walton.

Boy, have you ever seen anything like that convertible?

How come you're not dressed?

Oh, I have a sore throat. What's for breakfast?

I suspect the only thing wrong with you is you haven't done your homework.

Well, I did forget to bring my algebra book home.

Mmm-hmm. There's cereal on the table.

Go get ready for school, eat your breakfast and go.

- Hi, Mama. - What'd you do with John Curtis?

Oh, he woke up cranky this morning, so Grandma's giving him his bottle.

Was that the telephone?

You've got bells in your ears, Erin.

You still haven't heard from Pringle Freight and Storage?

No. I know Mr. Pringle liked me.

And I have all the qualifications,

typing, shorthand and I can answer the switchboard.

Can you sit in his lap?

Very funny, Mary Ellen.

Mom, I've been thinking. If Erin does get that job in Charlottesville,

and I'm going to be going to school there, too,

maybe we should start looking for our own apartment.

I'd have my own room.

And I wouldn't have to put up with you anymore.

Come on, Elizabeth. I'll give you a ride to school.

I'm not letting strangers look after John Curtis.

Well, it might be good for us to try living on our own.

There's plenty of room for you here. It doesn't make sense you moving out.

I'll see you at supper, Mama.

Come on, Elizabeth.

Well, if you're looking for lumber, you've come to the right place.

I'm glad of it. I drove all the way up from Richmond

and I don't have time to shop around.

- So you're a contractor? - Uh-huh.

From the size of this order, you must be building a hotel.

No, my company builds barracks and other defense projects.

This is a lot of wood here, Mr. Sarver.

I could fill part of this order for you.

I didn't think this looked like much of an operation.

Sorry, I don't deal small-time.

These two-by-fours, I could have them to you in under a week.

With all the timber in these mountains,

it's a shame you got nothing but two-bit operators to mill it.

We may be small Mr. Sarver, we do good work.

We've been around here a long time.

The times are changing, my friend.

In the next few years, this country is going to be fighting for its life.

It's going to take work, resources and big men with guts.

I need more than two-by-fours.

And if you can't supply it,

I'll find a man who can.

Who's the big shot?

Nobody you'd want to know.

Hello.

Yes, this is she.

Really? Oh, Mr. Pringle, thank you!

Yes. I'll be there tomorrow morning.

I got it, Mama! I got it!

It's my first job as a real secretary!

- Did you hear, Daddy? I got it. - Sure did, honey. Congratulations.

I've got to go rinse out my pink blouse for tomorrow.

That's nice.

I'm taking a ride over to Ike's, you want to go?

I was planning to do the carpet.

Okay.

Something wrong?

You want to go or don't you?

Yeah, let's take a walk.

We're going over to Ike's, Ma.

Anything you need?

No. No.

She sure takes good care of those plants Pa started, doesn't she?

They ought to be up there on the mountain

alongside of those young trees Grandpa was planting.

It's fitting he went that way, planting seedlings.

Paying nature back for what we took from her.

That was a fine-looking gentleman that called this morning.

Matt Sarver didn't get where he is by being a gentleman.

A couple of years ago he was a plumber.

Now he's making a fortune doing cost-plus contracts for the government.

Must be real money in government contracts.

Not for me there isn't.

He offered me a deal, I had to turn him down.

We're not big enough.

I can remember when there wasn't enough work to feed the family.

I don't know, maybe I'm doing something wrong.

Look at a man like Sarver, making money hand over fist.

We're having trouble keeping our heads above water.

I don't know whether it's luck or something else.

Grandma was in the hospital a long time. The bills mount up fast.

I just wish Pa would have told us he was going to borrow money from the bank

to pay the bills.

Is the bank pushing you?

No, but if we fall too far behind they're gonna make us sell.

What have we got that's worth anything?

We got the mountain.

Mr. Godsey objected to me moving the pool table, of course.

Oh, but you were right to insist, Corabeth.

Why, a tea room is no place for a pool table.

Papa and Ashley played billiards,

but neither of them was fond of tea.

Of course, what Mr. Godsey does not understand

is that there are people around here simply

starving for a little charm and good taste.

Isn't this delightful, Sister?

A tea room right in Walton's Mountain?

Oh, nothing pretentious, of course.

Small and intimate, two or three tables at the most,

some flowered chintz, a few fern.

And, oh, of course my china tea service I brought with me from Doe Hill.

Well, we will be your first customers.

Isn't that so, Sister?

And your last.

How kind.

Of course, I expect that as word spreads,

I will draw a rather large clientele from Charlottesville and Rockfish.

"Ye Cozy Tea Shoppe."

An oasis for the genteel

of Jefferson County.

Oh, my.

Ike?

Hello, John, Olivia. You'll have to excuse this place,

it's so cluttered. There's so much stuff around here, I can hardly move.

But there's a lot of new stuff coming on the market

and Corabeth, well, she's got to stock every piece, you know.

Is this what I think it is?

A coconut. Give you a good price on it.

Amazing how something so strange-looking can taste so good.

I think I'm going to go sample some of those bottles

on Corabeth's perfume counter.

That's what you need around here, Ike, a perfume counter.

Yeah, worse than that, she's taken my pool table

and she's turned it into a buffet

where she can serve tea and cookies in the back room.

At least you'll keep the riff-raff out.

I've come here to measure those shelves you wanted, Ike.

Oh, yeah. Right over here, John.

I don't know exactly what I want, but you can take a look at it.

A dab of that, Olivia,

and you'll be transported on a cloud of fragrance.

That's exactly what I'm looking for.

"Breath of Bathsheba."

Dare I, Sister?

Oh, I think that Corabeth and Olivia will keep your secret.

Olivia, this came in the morning mail, it's from St. Louis, Missouri.

I don't think I know anyone in St. Louis.

You ladies smell good enough to chase around the store.

Oh, Sister, I do hope we get home unmolested.

It's from Patsy Brimmer.

Oh, she sent me Flossie Brimmer's ring.

The cameo, the one that was her favorite.

Flossie Brimmer.

God rest her soul.

"Dear Mrs. Walton,

"Aunt Flo loved Walton's Mountain and all her friends there.

"I know she would want you to have this ring.

"Please wear it and think of her.

"Love, Patsy Brimmer."

There was never a truer friend.

Flossie Brimmer.

Zeb Walton.

Hard to believe.

The boarding house looks so lonely all boarded up.

I never think of Zebulon without a little sigh.

A sense of loss is the price one pays for good neighbors.

Elizabeth, how long is it going to be before you turn off the light?

When I finish this chapter.

How many more pages?

Mama, how am I supposed to get to sleep when Elizabeth has the light on all night?

You don't usually turn in this early.

I need to be fresh for my first day on the job.

You don't need to tuck me in.

Is there any law against just saying good night?

You know what next Saturday is going to be?

Sure do. It's Grandpa's birthday.

We used to go up on to the mountain and celebrate.

He'd always take us on walks

and tell us the names of the wildflowers and plants.

You girls have been up there for so many birthdays,

you must know all their names by heart.

There's the mountain laurel.

- Rhododendrons. - Trailing arbutus.

- Rosebay. - Rhododendrons.

I already said that.

Violets.

Lupines.

Forget-me-nots.

You planning to work all night?

Liv, I got some heavy thinking to do.

Why don't you go on to bed without me?

I could do that.

Trouble is, I wouldn't be able to sleep.

You can add those things up over and over again.

It's still going to come out the same.

I know.

I know there's enough profit in this Sarver order

to make a dent in what we owe.

Why are you letting that man trouble you so?

Because he makes me think of what I might have been by now.

You know, I wouldn't mind being rich, driving a fancy car like him,

being able to buy you a fur coat

or send the kids off to college without worrying.

Besides, I'm tired of overdue bills.

I'm tired of being poor.

I keep wondering, what would have made a difference?

You could have married a brunette and had 12 children instead of seven.

You know, Liv, I keep thinking,

this just might be my last opportunity.

I got a notion to fill that order.

You counting on some kind of miracle?

No, but

there's plenty of lumber in these mountains, like Sarver says,

and a lot of two-bit operators like me.

I have a notion to get it all together

and deliver it to Richmond the day he wants it.

You'll have to borrow some more money from the bank.

I could take care of that first thing in the morning.

Banks want interest, not paid-up loans.

I could make a down payment on the lumber and pay it off later.

I know I'd be risking more debt,

but a man's got to take a chance once in his life, Liv.

I mean, there's opportunities out there

and I feel like I gotta take hold of it before it vanishes into thin air.

These bills aren't going to vanish.

Besides, I'm tired of being two-bit.

Don't set places for John and Ben, Grandma.

They were up and gone with the sun this morning.

Erin and I won't have time for breakfast, either.

We want to get an early start.

Oh, would you, Grandma?

Thank you.

Where's Daddy off to so early?

He and Ben have gone off to talk to some mill operators about business.

I think your Daddy took Ben along mostly to keep him out of trouble.

Ben sure has been down on himself lately.

He claims every time he walks past a door, the knob falls off.

From what your daddy says, there's some truth to that.

Put these on the table, will you?

How's Grandma's boy this morning? Hmm?

Grandma,

I've been thinking.

Grandpa's birthday's coming up soon.

I was wondering if you'd like to celebrate it the way we always did.

Go up on the mountain, get some fresh air together?

No.

You haven't been up to the grave since the day he was buried, Grandma.

It might do you some good.

No, no, no.

Sorry, I didn't mean to upset you.

Business before pleasure, Son.

Hi, Daddy. I, uh... I thought I knew her.

You stick with me, you'll be able to take girls like that to Europe!

Well, did you get the loan?

Sure did, we're ready to do business.

Well, that's great.

Had to put you and Jim-Bob up for collateral. I hope you don't mind.

I bet you didn't get as much for Jim-Bob.

ZULElKA: Yoo-hoo!

Yoo-hoo, Jason!

Jason!

Jason Walton.

Well, you got time to say hello to an old friend?

Good to see you back in town, Mrs. Dunbar.

Oh, Zuleika to you, Jason.

Zuleika.

Is the boarding house open again?

Oh, I thought everybody would have heard by now.

I've bought it. Isn't that a hoot?

Well, I can't think of anybody more natural for it.

You're gonna have people lined up down the block waiting for rooms.

That's very kind of you.

And I certainly hope so.

Not too soon, however.

There's a lot of remodeling to be done, you know.

I've got to paint that house up and down.

And all those kitchen appliances have to be replaced.

Glad to have you in the neighborhood, Zuleika.

You'll really brighten things up.

Well,

aren't you the sweet-talking boy?

How's it going, Joe?

Well, I'm not sure.

I was hoping you might be a customer instead of the competition.

Well, I might fool you. I might be looking to buy.

Well, John, in that case, welcome to Murdock Lumber.

Good to see you, Ben.

Your old man treating you okay?

Yeah, I guess so.

If you ever want to come back here to work, you just let me know.

Don't try to steal my foreman. Good help's hard to find these days.

I was real sorry to hear about Zeb, John.

His like will not be seen in these parts for many a day.

Thank you, Joe.

I won't soon forget how he tricked us into trying to move lumber on the river.

Say, you haven't got something like that up your sleeve today, have you?

No tricks.

I just got to thinking.

Maybe it's time we started working together

instead of cutting each other's throats.

You said no tricks.

It's on the level, Mr. Murdock.

There's a lot of big orders floating around, Joe.

None of us alone can fill them.

But maybe if us small dealers start working together, we could.

You could work the heavy timber, I'm long on two-by-fours,

and the others could do the rest.

Where you selling it all?

Don't you worry about that, Joe.

If you can meet this date, I'll give you earnest money up front,

and the rest on delivery.

Well,

if the U.S. can do that lend-lease with the Russians,

I guess the Murdocks can do business with the Waltons.

You're not doing a very good job of waiting up for me.

I was beginning to think you weren't going to make it back tonight.

It worked, Liv. I did it.

Signed and sealed,

all the lumber Sarver needs.

John, just like you said.

We've been undercutting each other so long,

it took me quite a while to talk those other operators

into thinking I was on the level.

But I convinced them.

And to celebrate, tomorrow night

I'm taking you to the fanciest restaurant we can find.

Anywhere but Corabeth Godsey's tea room.

We're going by bus to Richmond in the morning.

I've got to button up that deal with Sarver.

I could telephone him,

but I want to see his face when I put that order on his desk.

John?

It's kind of short notice.

I don't know if I can get ready on time.

All you got to do is fill this up.

It's not a good time for me to leave.

Grandpa's birthday is coming up and Grandma's feeling awful alone.

I guess you're right.

- But I'll miss you. - Miss you, too.

Now listen, Ben, you just take your time finishing up on Ike's order.

No mistakes.

Don't worry, Daddy, I'll keep my mind on the work.

You're in charge while I'm gone.

If this works out, we're gonna have to get going

on the Sarver order as soon as I get back.

Looks like we're out of gas. I thought I told you to get some.

Oh, no, I forgot!

I don't know about you, Ben. I really don't know about you.

That bus won't wait.

Daddy, can I help you take your suitcase.

Just put some gas in the truck, Ben.

We're just looking to see what's available, in case we decide to move to town.

My sister's in nurses training. I'm a secretary.

Well, I'm just tickled pink to have you girls drop by.

Of course, this little nest won't be available long.

The last time it came vacant it was snapped up in three days.

Well, it's awfully small.

Well, it was an attic. I had it remodeled for renters.

As you can see, it has its very own bathroom.

Well, you can't stand up straight in there.

Well, that's the way the roof slopes.

But that's seldom a problem.

Oh, Mary Ellen, look at this adorable kitchen.

It's so compact.

And it's completely furnished. Dishes and pots and pans.

I'll bet you can mop the whole floor in 30 seconds.

Now, there's storage space in the closet over here.

It's awfully small.

I don't suppose we'd be bringing much with us at first.

Oh, look, an ironing board in the wall.

The one thing I can't figure out is where is the bedroom.

Oh, honey, you're standing right next to it.

A Murphy bed!

Oh, what an adventure.

Oh, I can tell you girls will be just happy as clams

tucked away up here.

Now, the rent is $20 a month, that includes laundry privileges.

Of course, baby sitting's a little extra.

You'll just love John Curtis.

Well, I have 13 grandchildren of my own.

I think I know all about spoiling babies.

What do you think, Mary Ellen?

Erin, we're just looking.

I could use some help, Jim-Bob.

- Where have you been? - Over at Buck Vernon's.

Are you buying junk again?

- What have you got this time? - Something neat.

Whatever it is, it's busted, broken-down or it doesn't work.

Well, that's what makes it neat.

It's too big to be something for your car.

Why don't you show it to us. We have to get back to work.

Ta-da!

A jukebox.

I told you it was neat.

And it doesn't work, right?

Well, what are you going to do with it?

I'm going to fix it up and sell it.

You better not spend too much time at it.

Mama's already mad at you for goofing off on your school work,

and Daddy wants you to help me.

How's your little moustache coming along, Ben?

Well, it's filling in nicely, thank you.

I've got three more hairs on my chest.

Oh, you see if I ever put a nickel in that thing.

I didn't see you there, Grandma.

Any requests?

Sit down, let's try a duet.

Oh, no.

Now, I'm not going to let you get away that easy, Grandma.

Come on, I haven't heard you play the piano for a long time.

One hand is all you need. Look,

you play the treble and I'll play the bass.

Okay.

Okay.

Oh.

You mustn't give up, Grandma.

A little practice and we'll knock them dead at the Dew Drop.

Hi, sorry we're late.

I figured it might be a long day, being Erin's first day on the new job.

Take a letter, Miss Walton.

I was so nervous that I kept dropping my pencil.

But Mr. Pringle was very patient.

Your supper's in the oven.

I just finished putting John Curtis down.

He might want you to tuck him in.

Okay, I'll go right up.

Are you two up to something?

Mama, Erin and I rented an apartment in Charlottesville.

Oh, you should see it. It's very quaint.

It's close quarters,

but Erin and I have shared a room before, so we're used to it.

And we're splitting the expenses.

And Mrs. Boren, the landlady,

will take care of the baby while I'm in class.

And we're moving out tomorrow morning.

Miss,

I've been here for over two hours.

Are you sure that Mr. Sarver's coming in?

Well, he said he was,

but that man is so busy

I just never know if he's going to show up or not.

It's real important I see him.

I come all the way from Jefferson County, you know.

Oh, dear.

I just don't know what to tell you.

Now, if you could leave me the name of your hotel

I'll call you the very minute Mr. Sarver arrives.

I'm staying at the Fairmont.

Will you make sure he calls me there?

Oh, yes, of course, I'll be glad to, Mister...

- Walton, John Walton. - Walton. John Walton.

Mmm-hmm.

Thank you.

Here you go.

Okay.

Elizabeth's up there putting her clothes in my bureau.

What did you expect?

She could wait till I'm gone.

Come on, Erin, we've got to go.

Bye, Mama.

Bye.

I thought we agreed to keep it light.

Tell that to John Curtis. Most of this stuff is his.

Oh, come on.

- Goodbye, Mama. - Did you say goodbye to your Grandma?

Yeah, she doesn't seem very excited for us.

Well, you didn't give us much warning. It takes a little getting used to.

Oh, I moved out before, Mama. When Curt and I got married.

This is different.

We're not going very far away. We'll be home practically every weekend.

That's what my brain keeps telling my heart.

Goodbye.

Bye-bye, John Curtis.

I'm going to miss you.

- There you go. - Come on, John Curtis.

We're going bye-bye.

- Bye, Mary Ellen. - Goodbye, Elizabeth.

You take care of Mama and Grandma.

My own room. All to myself.

This house is beginning to feel awful empty.

Yes, ma'am, it's John Walton again.

Oh, yes, John Walton,

I remember now.

I am so sorry, Mr. Walton, but I do believe

that Mr. Sarver has been called to Washington for a special meeting.

Won't be back until tonight.

I guess I'm stuck waiting, then.

Would you have him call me, please.

Operator, long distance, please.

- Hello. - I miss you, Liv.

Oh, John. I'm so glad to hear your voice.

How's everything at home?

Same as usual.

Everybody going in different directions, you know.

How about you?

Kind of slow. I haven't been able to get in to see Sarver yet.

I'm staying here at the Fairmont Hotel.

Want to come?

Yes, I'd love to.

But I can't leave the family just now.

You know how it is.

Something different comes up every day.

Sure, I know how it is.

You'll come home as soon as you're through?

It might take a while.

Don't worry about me.

I love you.

I love you, Liv.

Go.

Oh, Grandma, I don't want to leave you.

Go.

With him now.

All right, I will.

It's working.

Of course, it's working.

Shut up, Chance. You, too, Rover.

It's really beautiful, Jim-Bob, uh, to look at.

Elizabeth, what did you do with my tools?

And quit laughing.

I don't have them.

I think Ben has them.

What are you doing with my tools, Ben?

I'm trying to get this motor back to work, that's what I'm doing.

Smells like the armature's burned out. Did you overload it?

No, I didn't overload it.

But Daddy's gonna think so, the way things have been going lately.

Now I can't finish Ike's order.

Well, if we could get it out of there,

we could rewind it or replace it or something.

You want some help?

You know, I'd appreciate that.

And Mr. Pringle also said that he's never had anybody

learn the filing system as fast as I did.

Have you asked him for a raise yet?

After two days?

Well, you're either the most brilliant secretary he's ever had

or he's in love with you.

He has a wife.

And a bald spot that he tries to hide.

But he's a nice man.

Oh, is that everything?

Doesn't seem like it, considering what we paid for it.

Let's get supper, I'm starved.

You get supper. There's not enough room for both of us in here.

I'll finish unpacking.

Hey, give me that. Give me that.

What are you doing, huh? Here, sit down.

There you go.

- What have you got there? - Wine.

- Where did you get it? - Mr. Pringle gave it to me.

A housewarming present.

You going to drink it?

I don't know, should we?

- Let's. - Okay.

It doesn't taste like I thought it would.

Grandma would have a conniption fit if she could see us now.

I love Grandma,

but there comes a time when you outgrow your family.

And you have to move on.

I wonder what they're all doing now.

Oh, they're probably just settling down for supper.

And Jim-Bob is shoving Ben.

And Elizabeth is chattering a mile a minute.

There were times when you couldn't even hear yourself think.

All that noise. Everybody interrupting.

Well,

it's peaceful here, isn't it, just the two of us?

It's nice and quiet, all right.

Nobody arguing.

Just the way we planned.

Just because there's only four of us doesn't mean we can't talk.

I'm thinking about my jukebox.

Cat got your tongue, Ben?

I'm still thinking about what Daddy will think

when he finds out that I haven't finished Ike's order.

Well, maybe they'll get that armature rewound before they said.

No way, two days at the earliest.

They're swamped.

I don't know.

I've been trying to make up for extra time, since...

Since we're a little shorthanded these days

and everything I do turns sour.

I just give up.

Toy

dancer...

Get it.

That dancing doll, Elizabeth.

You mean the one I made for her, Grandma?

Yes.

Think.

Think.

That's right, Grandma. I did have to think a lot to figure it out.

That's not very complicated to make.

Well, Jim-Bob, it is when you're nine years old.

Grandpa told me not to give up, to figure it out.

Is that what you mean about the mill?

Maybe you're right. Maybe I did give up too soon.

Thank you.

That's it, Grandma. Just take your time.

You see? There's no such word as "can't."

You keep practicing and we'll be as good as Ohmen and Arden before you know it.

I've got to get to the Dew Drop.

I'll see you later.

You practice.

What do you mean you don't remember me?

You come over to Walton's Mountain just the other day and you talked to me!

Look, I talk to a lot of people every day.

Who do you think you are, leaving a message for me to call Dr. Walton?

Mr. Sarver, all I'm trying to tell you is that I got the lumber you want.

Look, my wife and I are going out

and I don't have time to talk to some timber jockey from the sticks

about a deal that I never made.

Now listen, Sarver, I'm going to see you if I have to stay in Richmond all week!

Well, you just may have to stay all year before that happens, buster!

Can you believe that! The nerve of that guy.

Two-bit operator thinks he can solve all my lumber problems.

Cool down, honey.

Seems not too long ago I remember this big, lovable plumber

who said he didn't have the smarts to make it,

but he sure had the nerve.

You coming, babe?

What do you...

Liv, what are you doing here?

- I couldn't stay away. - So good to see you.

- I missed you, Liv. - I missed you, too.

Grandma just pushed me out the door.

Are you going somewhere?

Oh, I can't get in to see Matt Sarver. I feel like poking him in the teeth.

Well, why don't you poke him in the teeth in the morning?

You promised me a night on the town, remember?

I remember.

Just sit right down here.

- Thank you very much. - Welcome to the big city.

Grandma?

Grandma?

I thought you might be lonely.

Oh, that's true, dear.

I couldn't sleep. It's awfully quiet upstairs.

Do you want to turn the light off?

I miss Grandpa.

I never had a chance to say goodbye to him.

Mama says we should be glad when we think of him.

She says dying is a beautiful part of living,

like being born or growing up.

I wish I could believe that.

It's true.

Then why are funerals so sad?

With Reverend Buchanan saying all those awful things about dust and ashes.

And we left Grandpa up there on the mountain.

If death really is so beautiful,

then why didn't we have a celebration instead of a funeral?

You were right, Grandma, I got it working!

Yeah, but it's my car that makes it work.

You charged me enough to use it.

You're getting it cheap enough. A few old records for my jukebox.

Looks like a Rube Goldberg contraption from the funny papers.

Yeah, but this one works!

Well, see you after school. Bye, Grandma.

All right.

Got to go back to work.

- Good morning. - Good morning.

We were passing the flower shop this morning

and my wife saw this pretty red rose in the window and said,

"I bet that nice secretary over there would like this." Would you?

Yes, thank you.

Thank her, it's just lovely.

Well, you see, I knew it was going to be a good day today.

I see Mr. Sarver's in.

Why don't I just go and say hello?

- Oh, no... - Don't bother. Just sit right there.

Enjoy your flowers. Don't worry.

Hey, who said you could come in here?

Nobody said I couldn't.

- Well, this better be good. - It is.

Signed orders for every board foot of lumber you wanted.

And at the right price. I'll get it where you want it, when you want it.

Yeah, sure you will.

And you'll get a commission from each of these dealers

plus what you get from me.

That's right. Same thing you'd do, Mr. Sarver.

Now look. Boyer will do the six-bys. Hinman, the one-by-twelves.

And Murdock the planks.

They'll set for one cut and really go at it.

We may be two-bit operators when we are alone, Mr. Sarver,

but we're big enough when we're together.

Well?

We'll talk it over at dinner tonight.

- What's wrong with right now? - Because I'm busy right now,

and I want my accountant to go over these.

My place at 7:00.

- I got my wife with me. - Bring her along.

I've got one at home myself.

All right, I'll call you if we're gonna come.

Guess who?

- Don Ameche? - No.

The lumber tycoon you were in the hotel with.

Which one? The tall one or the short one?

No, sir. The one who just put together the biggest business deal of his life.

And I couldn't have done it without you, Liv.

I doubt that's true, but you can go on thinking that way if you want.

I got one more favor to ask.

Sarver's invited us over for supper tonight.

I guess they call it dinner around here.

John, not me. You go on ahead.

I'm not going unless you go.

I don't have the right kind of clothes to wear to that sort of thing.

I'll take care of that.

You're going to find me a fairy godmother?

Yeah, me. Now, come on, I'll buy you a new dress.

That seems like an awful extravagance to me.

Not for something like this.

All right.

Then I just might buy me a lipstick to go with it.

Oh, you hear that. I think the Baptist Church just caved in!

Come on, come on.

Lemon, ladies? A spot of cream?

Oh, neither, Corabeth.

We drink our tea unadorned.

Or perhaps with just a touch of the Recipe.

- Sister, you didn't... - No, I'm afraid not, dear.

But we'll bring some along the next time.

In that charming little silver container that Papa always carried.

I forget what he called it.

- Papa called it a flask. - Ah.

Oh, Corabeth, I do hope your tea room does well.

In time. I am prepared to be patient.

There's something so romantic about tea.

Yes. One always pictures faraway places, exotic scenes.

A Chinese junk sailing into the sunset,

servants in kimonos gliding about the emperor's court.

Chop suey.

Excuse me, ladies.

Ike Godsey, I am trying to run a business.

So am I, Corabeth. Would you hand me that cream of tomato over there, please?

You will have to do that later.

I have customers.

- Corabeth, the only customers you have... - Shh!

The only customers you've had have been the Baldwin ladies.

Others will follow.

Corabeth, you're crazy if you think that I'm going to close this business

so that you can have a tea party in the back with the Baldwin ladies.

After all, somebody's got to work and earn some money to pay the rent.

Mr. Godsey, I'm just as aware as you are of economic necessities.

However, I am aware of other things as well,

of the little niceties that uplift and elevate us above our daily humdrum lives.

But I am wasting my words.

How could I expect a clodhopper with poolroom tastes

to have the remotest idea of what I'm talking about!

No.

You'll learn to love it, Grandma.

All you do is put in a nickel and you can hear your favorite song.

There, how about that?

Come on, let's dance.

Come on, Grandma! Swing it!

Liv, I'm going to go out and see about a taxi, run an errand.

Don't hurry. I'm having a few problems.

What's that, Liv?

Take your time, please!

Don't worry, Liv, you'll look beautiful!

I wish I could be sure of that.

Hi. Sorry I'm late.

Mr. Pringle wanted me to stay late and finish up some letters for him.

Your dinner's on the stove.

But I didn't mind, though.

I want him to know that I'm willing to cooperate.

And besides, he drove me home.

Spaghetti again?

We've got to finish it up. You made enough to feed an army.

Well, I'm not used to cooking in small batches.

Mary Ellen, let's go see a movie tonight.

There's a new Alice Faye musical at the Ideal.

I'm sure Mrs. Boren will watch John Curtis.

Erin, I've got to memorize a whole list of muscles and their functions.

Oh.

Well, can I help? I could read them off to you.

Thanks, anyway. But, I don't think you could even pronounce them.

Lord, oh, Lord!

I feel like I'm going out on my first high school date.

You don't look it.

Afraid to touch.

I won't break.

- What's that? - See that? You made me forget everything.

Now who feels like the first high school date?

You're really going to dress up those flowers, Liv.

I suppose my fairy godmother's got a pumpkin waiting outside for us to ride in.

Right in front, yellow as can be.

Come on, Liv. We've got a world to beat.

Well, this is really a pleasure, Mrs. Walton.

We've met before, Mr. Sarver.

Oh, I know we have. Through the screen door. I remember.

I keep her locked in there, for good reason.

Matt Sarver, let go of that pretty lady's hand

before I take a big stick to you.

You behave yourself.

Betty Lou, I'd like you to meet Olivia and John Walton.

How do you do?

- How do you do? - How do you do?

Honey, these folks got their own mountain.

That's something you haven't got, Matt. Yet.

Oh, it's so nice to meet you both.

Matt always manages to invite people over on the maid's night out,

so I'm afraid you're going to have to put up with some down home cooking.

You don't know how relieved I am to hear that.

Is there anything I can do?

Not in that scrumptious dress.

But you can come into the kitchen and talk to me

while I fry up some grits and caviar.

Olivia, I wouldn't plan on doing too much talking.

Not with Betty Lou around.

- Shall we have a drink? - I came here to talk business.

You don't give up easily, do you?

No, I don't.

Care to join me, Jason?

Oh, no thanks, Ike. I'm trying not to mix music and beer.

Don't you think you better go easy there yourself?

You've just about polished off that pitcher.

We've got to celebrate your new piano bar.

Pretty fancy for the Dew Drop.

Just like in the movies.

It gives me a chance to talk to the customers.

I suppose a lot of your customers come in and tell you their troubles, huh?

Well, you know, everybody needs a shoulder to cry on every once in a while.

Yeah.

I don't suppose I'd ever be confused with Tyrone Power,

but do you think I deserve to be called a clodhopper?

You're a good simple man, Ike.

The best kind.

I can see how that would hurt your feelings.

You always hurt the one you love.

You suppose that's true?

It sure has happened to me enough times.

Sing it for us, Ike.

You always hurt the one you love

The one you shouldn't hurt at all

You always take the sweetest rose

And crush it till the petals fall

You always break the sweetest heart

Till you say a hasty word you can't recall

So if I...

Mr. Godsey.

I've been looking for you everywhere.

Well, I'm... I'm just a guy with poolroom tastes.

I'm surprised you didn't come here first.

Well...

Perhaps, I was a bit hasty in my judgment of you this afternoon.

Marrying me, that's where you were hasty.

You know, Corabeth, I don't think you ever thought I was good enough for you.

Oh.

Well, I never meant to give that impression.

Come home with me, Ike.

I have something I want to show you.

You know, folks, I had a hunch this evening was gonna call for champagne.

That dinner was so delicious,

I don't think I could find room for another thing.

I think your Baptist upbringing is the only reason

you'd turn down a sip of champagne.

Yeah, Olivia, I hope you can join us this time,

because

I would like to propose a toast

to a new associate of mine...

John Walton.

Aren't you going to make a speech, John?

I wouldn't know what to say,

except I guess, I deserve that toast.

All right, here's to Matt Sarver,

the most bull-headed man I've had the pleasure doing business with.

Coming from the stubbornest man I've ever met,

I'm going to take that as a compliment.

Am I to assume that you two have worked things out?

Well, we settled all that before dinner, Olivia,

but I'm going to tell you something he doesn't know.

That this deal is just a drop in the bucket to what's coming.

John, I want you on my team.

You play hard and you play to win.

I'm offering you a permanent job with Sarver Construction.

Vice-president in charge of lumber procurement.

You're dumping that in my lap kind of sudden, aren't you?

You don't have to decide right now.

The job carries a good salary,

it'll be a real challenge.

We've got a first-rate bonus plan.

You'll be the quarterback for your department.

And, honey, I have the cutest house picked out for you right here in Richmond.

We'd have to leave the mountain.

You know, I suddenly realized

that billiards has always been known as a gentleman's game.

Judge Baldwin, I am told, had a billiard room in his home.

Miss Mamie and Miss Emily used to enjoy watching him play.

And after all,

the only difference between a billiard table and a pool table

is a matter of pockets.

So when Yancy came by this evening I asked him to move it back in here.

If you don't mind, dear,

we could call it Godsey's Tea and Billiard Parlor.

Dear?

Corabeth, you called me dear.

I thought I might find you here.

Oh, I was tossing and turning, I didn't want to wake you up.

Fine trip this has turned out to be. You can't even sleep in.

What am I going to do, Liv?

I never thought we'd have to make a decision like this.

We've lived all our married life there.

I grew up on the mountain.

Pa grew up there.

His Pa before him.

Funny how a place takes hold of you.

I'm always complaining about how old and run down it is,

never realized how much a part of the family it is.

You know I'm never gonna have another chance like this.

Overnight, going from a nobody to vice president of a big company.

You've always been somebody. You just never knew it before.

We wouldn't have to stay away from the mountain the rest of our lives.

The war in Europe can't go on forever.

If we saved our money, we could build us that dream house we've always wanted.

Big enough for the kids and grandkids when they visit.

Pretty soon, it's just going to be the two of us.

Maybe we ought to think about that.

A change just might be good for everyone.

The whole world is changing. We're just going along with it.

Row, row, row your boat

Gently down the stream

Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily

Life is but a dream

I have to keep pinching myself to make sure this is really me sitting here.

Rides like a dream, doesn't it?

It ought to. It cost enough.

You heard what Matt said. We're gonna need a good car.

Going to be doing a lot of business out of it.

We'll pay him back a little bit at a time.

Pay off one debt and take on another, is that the way rich folks live?

Better start getting used to nice things.

I'm going to sure see you get them.

How about letting me take a turn driving?

All right.

Hey! Hey, hey!

Boy! Now I can't wait to learn how to drive.

And it's got a radio!

Look, the seat folds down!

You could put a bed in here and go camping and stuff like that.

I can take a whole load of lumber in here and go in style.

Hold on, now. This is the bossman's. I might have to do some traveling.

It must've gone real well for you, Daddy.

We'll talk about that at supper. Let's get these bags unpacked.

Daddy, I had a little problem with the mill while you were gone.

What now, Ben?

Come on, I'll show you.

We got a surprise for you, Mama.

We got to go get it ready!

Grandma and I have a surprise, too.

We're saving ours for later.

It looks like there are going to be surprises all around.

I got it working, Mama.

Jim-Bob, it is truly a wonderful machine.

That's why I'm sorry I'm going to have to ask you to get it out of here.

I thought you liked music, Mama.

I do.

But that monster belongs in a roadhouse, not in the living room.

- Mama. - I was just learning how to jitterbug.

I'm sorry.

You and Jason are going to have to get it out of here.

I'm kind of glad to see it go myself.

I have enough competition with one of these things at the Dew Drop Inn.

Well, he was charging us a nickel to play it, anyhow.

He's just gone out of business.

Mama? There's something different.

I was beginning to think no one's going to notice.

I don't know if I like it.

I guess I like it.

Table's all set, supper's cooking, it looks like I'm unemployed.

We'll hire you back in the morning, Mama.

This sure is a funny old kitchen, isn't it?

You wouldn't want anything to be different, would you?

How do you like having your own room, Elizabeth?

It's great. Aimee loves it, too.

She's been spending the night so I don't have to be alone.

Oh.

Did you bring me anything?

We brought you all something from one of those fancy department stores.

This one is for Grandma.

Do you want me to open it?

Oh, my.

We thought you could put something special in it.

A picture of Grandpa!

Shall I tell her, Grandma?

Grandma decided that we are going to go up on the mountain

to celebrate Grandpa's birthday, just like we always did.

We're going to plant the seedlings that he started,

and we're going to clean off his grave.

Mary Ellen and Erin are coming, too.

You sure?

I was a little surprised, but it worked.

I'm proud of you, Ben.

That's using your head for something besides keeping your ears apart.

I was about ready to give it up

but Grandma showed me I should think about it a little bit more.

Pa and me used to do that with an old truck when I was your age.

It runs in the blood, I guess.

I didn't want to let you down again, Daddy.

Ben, what happened to that little fringe you were growing?

I shaved it off. I decided I didn't need it anymore.

Let me ask you something, Son.

If I was to let you use Grandpa's tools, promise you'd take good care of them?

Well, yes, sir.

I sure would.

You got a deal.

Move to Richmond?

Ben's gonna have to stay here and run the mill.

I'm gonna need you to supply me lumber.

You can count on me.

Yeah, but I don't want to move to Richmond!

Chances are it will only be for a couple of years, Elizabeth.

Years?

There's a big airport there and I can get a job.

We can buy things we can't afford now.

Clothes, you can have your own room, everybody can go to college.

Yeah, but all my friends live here.

Aimee and Clarence and all the kids at school.

There's a lot of friends to be made in Richmond, Elizabeth.

You can spend weekends with me.

Well, I'm not going. If you make me, I'll run away!

Wait.

Don't worry, Daddy. We'll get used to the idea.

Elizabeth?

What's the matter with this family?

There's nothing the matter with this family.

People's needs change, that's all.

It'll happen to you soon enough.

I'll never be able to leave Walton's Mountain

the way Erin and Mary Ellen were.

It hurts all of us, the thought of leaving here.

That's why when it happens

we're going to need each other more than ever.

So there will be no more talk of running away.

Even if I hate it in Richmond?

It may take time, but you'll accept it.

That's what they said when Grandpa died.

You're not too old for a little rocking.

Let me call you Sweetheart Is that Grandma?

I'm in love with you

Let me hear you whisper

That you love me too

Keep the lovelight glowing

In your eyes So blue

Let me call you Sweetheart

I'm in love

with you

Ma! That's wonderful! How did you do that?

She's been working real hard at it.

Better be careful, Grandma, or they'll put you on Broadway.

Are you almost done, Erin?

I can't answer and count at the same time.

Well, it's impossible to put the bed down until you're finished.

This is important.

Erin, I'm going in the bathroom to brush my teeth.

And if you're not finished by the time I come out

I'm gonna put the bed down on top of your head!

Mary Ellen, you just made me lose count.

One, two, three, four, five, six, seven...

Who is it?

It's Mrs. Boren. Your father has come to see you.

- Shall I send him up? - Yes!

Mary Ellen, Daddy's here!

Daddy... Mr. Pringle!

- Surprised, honey? - What are you doing here?

Oh, come on, sweetie. Quit playing games.

I've being noticing how you've been looking at me. Come on, dear.

Who's she?

I'm her sister.

And I think you better get out of here. Right now.

You didn't tell me you lived with your sister.

Where did he come from?

That's Mr. Pringle.

He said he was Daddy.

Didn't he know I'd be here?

It doesn't sound very grown-up to say you're living with your sister.

Just in time to tuck you in.

You don't mind, do you, Ma?

You always used to tuck me in,

until that time you found a girlie magazine under my pillow.

Guess you figured I was too old after that, huh?

Oh, boy!

Ma, I've been...

I wonder how you feel about us moving to Richmond.

You see, Ma, this may be my last chance to make something of myself.

I thought Pa might think it's a good idea.

I know it won't be easy for any of us to move,

especially you.

You go back a long way in this house, Ma.

But I promise you this. Wherever we go

we'll make you comfortable, give you plenty to do.

Ben... Ben?

You're right. He's going to need looking after.

There's no one who can do it better than you.

But do this for me, Ma. Think about it.

Whatever you decide, we'll work it out.

But please, don't let it keep you awake. We got a big day tomorrow.

It's Pa's birthday.

Goodnight, Ma.

I guess I could find a room near the conservatory if I had to.

What's wrong with staying here with me?

Come in.

I thought I could hear voices.

Yeah. Who can sleep?

I hate having my own room.

You'd better get used to it.

You and Jim-Bob are going to be the only ones staying at home.

I could probably go to flying school in Richmond.

There are advantages to big city living.

Concerts, museums.

You can order parts for things. You don't have to wait for days to get them.

Yeah, when you go somewhere you don't have to smile at everybody.

You could be in a bad mood and nobody cares.

Yeah.

In a big city nobody cares.

Hey, look, this had to happen sooner or later, anyway.

John-Boy left over a year ago

and now Erin and Mary Ellen have got their own apartment.

We can't all stay at home forever.

This is a terrific opportunity for Daddy.

We'll still be a family.

It'll be all the more fun when we do get together.

Maybe if this house weren't so old, Mama and Daddy wouldn't want to move.

The boys are up kind of late still talking.

It's all I can do to keep from going in there.

I don't think they'd appreciate that.

Remember when they were babies?

Used to have to get up in the middle of the night.

Stomach aches, croup tents, nightmares...

Always waiting for the last minute to finish their book reports.

Whatever it was that was keeping them awake, we could always fix it.

Sounds to me like you're getting a head start on homesickness.

I saw you staring at the mountain after supper

like you were trying to memorize it.

You changing your mind?

No. No going back.

Either leave the mountain or lose it.

It's only going to be for a little while.

That's what we said when we moved in here.

Look what happened.

We liked it.

What are you going to do with the jukebox?

Find it a happy home.

Make sure you're back in time for the birthday.

- Bye. - Bye.

Mama, Grandma, Mary Ellen and Erin are here!

- Hello. - Hello.

Hey, Elizabeth. - We're back.

Yes.

Hello! Welcome home!

- I feel like I've been gone 1,000 years! - Hello, Daddy.

Look who's here!

- I cleaned under the bed. - Let's have a look at you.

Oh, Mama, he missed you almost as much as I did.

How does it feel to be independent young ladies?

Well, it didn't work out quite the way it was supposed to.

- I got fired. - You quit!

Well, it's hard to tell which happened first.

That must be the shortest job in history.

Her boss turned out to be a wolf.

And besides, the apartment was so small we kept tripping over each other.

We started hating each other!

It was awful!

Maybe you better pack up and come home.

- We already did! Yes. - You did!

We are so happy to see you both, I could cry.

Look at this! They're home! They're home!

Here. All right.

Elizabeth? Oh, here.

It's going to be hard telling them, isn't it?

It's going to break my heart.

You should see it when it's lit up, Zuleika.

Be just the thing for that recreation room of yours.

Oh, Jim-Bob, I am sorely tempted.

It would pay for itself in no time at all

and your boarders will have some beautiful music to listen to.

The trouble is, I've bought so many new things

I'm a little short of cash.

Wouldn't that be something? My own jukebox!

Jason said you might have something to trade for it.

Well, I just might at that.

You just come right on in and we'll find something to trade with

because I want that jukebox.

And I know I can find you something special to bargain with.

- Erin? I packed your pajamas by mistake. - Oh.

I think these diapers belong to John Curtis.

Seems like all we do lately is pack and unpack.

Mmm-hmm. By the time I hang these up we'll be moving out.

Mary Ellen,

do you think we gave up too soon in Charlottesville?

With that creep making passes at you? I couldn't get you out of there fast enough.

You sound more like my mother than my sister.

I'm the bossy one, remember?

Mary Ellen, what are you going to do?

I don't know.

I can't decide whether to stay here or move back to the house.

It's lonely there with Curt gone.

It's going to be even worse around here.

Mama and Daddy are hoping you'll move to Richmond with them.

I've got to finish school.

Besides, I want John Curtis to grow up on the mountain the way I did.

It won't be the same. Not with all of us gone.

What about you? What are you going to do?

I'll probably find a job in Richmond.

Just make sure your boss knows you're living with your parents.

I'm going to miss you.

We've been roommates most of our lives.

You were the ugliest baby I ever saw.

You were the meanest girl in school.

- Oh, Mary Ellen. - Oh, Erin.

And this is where you keep track of your shipments.

You got that?

Sure seems like a lot of paperwork.

I hope I can keep it all straight.

You'll do fine just as long as you don't fall behind.

- Joe. - John.

What can I do for you?

Got a complaint.

What's the matter? Didn't you get your check?

I'd have been here before now if I hadn't.

Then what's on your mind?

I heard you might go work for Matt Sarver.

I've been thinking about it, Joe.

You'll end up being just like him.

No, I doubt that.

I've been talking to Boyer, Hinman, some of the other dealers.

At least I got you guys together for a change.

We trust you, John.

The way you handled that big order made for good profits for all of us.

Why can't we keep it like that?

You mean do it again?

It's a thought.

Like a co-op? Like one big company?

You'd run it, but we'd each be our own boss.

And I'd get a percentage?

It'd be worth it.

Can I tell the others you'll do it?

I'll sure think about it, Joe.

Take your time, John, maybe even a whole day.

I'll call you.

You almost ready?

Yeah, go get her.

Mama, are you coming down?

I'm on my way!

What's all this about?

I got rid of my jukebox, Mama.

You called a meeting to tell me this?

And to tell you I'm not going to goof off at school so much anymore.

"So much"?

Okay, at all.

I want to show you what I traded it for, but you gotta close your eyes.

How can I see if I close my eyes?

You better do it, Mama, it'll ease the shock.

Come on.

- Come on, close them. - All right.

- Keep them closed. - Is she peeking?

- No. - I wouldn't peek. You know that.

Except I feel like I'm going to walk into the table.

- Stay right here. - All right.

Okay.

- Ta-da! - Oh, my goodness.

Light goes on when you open the door.

Oh, that's just beautiful.

It's used, but Zuleika wouldn't trade her new one.

This used to belong to Mrs. Brimmer.

That makes it all the better, Jim-Bob.

- Thank you. - Sure, Mama.

You want to tell me what Joe Murdock wanted?

You've been somewhere else ever since he called.

Joe and the other operators want me to head up the co-op.

They're gonna pay me to do it.

You'd be in charge?

Wouldn't be as much money as Richmond,

but me and Ben could still operate the mill.

Must be nice having two good things to choose from.

Now you take it easy with these plants.

Dig the holes deep, gives the roots plenty of room.

Don't worry, Daddy. Grandpa showed us how.

Mama, you're gonna need some help?

It'll keep. I know you want to be with Grandpa.

Thank you.

- Think you can manage these? - Here you go.

We've got those. Oh, thanks.

Let's get started.

I hope this won't be too hard on Grandma.

Won't be easy.

She's had a struggle getting this far.

Looks like she wants to be alone.

Let's leave her be for a while.

- It's still as beautiful as ever. - Hmm.

This could use some paint.

Remember the night we danced up here on our anniversary?

I never knew you could be so romantic.

Liv, I'm... I'm torn in half.

Bad enough deciding to move and getting the kids upset.

Now I got Sarver counting on me.

He's going to be mad as a hornet if you wind up staying here.

Matt Sarver doesn't own me.

You're a hard man to harness, John Walton.

You did it.

Oh, it would be nice to have a house up here.

We'll have one if we're meant to.

I can feel Pa all over these mountains.

Sure would be nice to talk to him about now.

It's 50 years, Zebulon.

I wouldn't miss one minute of it, old girl.

Remember the day we first came up here to this place, Esther?

You shouldn't remember such things.

Why not? We was married, wasn't we?

And there was the day I come running up here

when I found out I was in the family way.

Scared as a cottontail.

Then you found me and everything was all right.

I was scared, too, Esther.

You know, you was such a tiny little thing, all I wanted to do was to protect you.

Give you the moon and all the trimmings.

And all I have ever been able to give you is just a piece of this good earth.

And one another.

I guess that's about all anyone is meant to have.

The best there is, anyway.

Young people don't know what's important.

Memories are important. They can't take them away from me.

We've had us some good times, haven't we, Esther?

Grandpa,

you know Jabez?

He was the pig for my 4-H project, the one Clarence gave me?

Well,

I'm keeping him at home now

and he's getting nice and fat, for the fair we're going to have.

I hope we don't move to Richmond before the fair.

You got a real nice spot up here, Grandpa.

Had a little bit of rain this season, so everything's growing real nice.

I guess you already know that.

I've been thinking about you a lot lately, Grandpa.

G.W., too.

If you see him, tell him I love him.

I miss you both very much.

Grandpa,

there's a lot of you in John Curtis.

He loves to hold his hands out to all kinds of people,

just like you did.

He loves playing in the dirt.

I think he's going to be close to nature the way you were.

Daddy's letting me use your tools now, Grandpa.

He was gone for a few days and while he was gone,

I didn't get into too much trouble.

I'm sure gonna take good care of them.

I heard this song the other day, Grandpa.

It reminded me of you.

It's one of your favorites.

Old man,

you live

in all of us.

Grandpa,

don't you spend too much time sitting on the porch

with Martha Corinne and Uncle Ben

and Mrs. Brimmer.

We miss you, Grandpa,

but we are all richer for having had you with us.

Pa,

I've been thinking lately about moving away from the mountain.

But being up here with you

gave me some fresh thoughts on the matter.

I'm never going to take hold of life the way you did, Pa,

but you taught me how to take hold in my own way.

We got no business going to Richmond.

So, I guess

us dealers around here are just going to have to stand together

and stop competing with each other.

We'll take care of the woods around here the way you taught us to, Pa.

And I guess we'll be staying around here,

probably forever.

For years to come, in times of doubt and trouble,

different members of our family

would make the pilgrimage up the mountain to visit Grandpa.

He was always there to comfort us,

help us make decisions,

and to give us the benefit of his continuing love.

Jim-Bob, are you sure the light goes out in the refrigerator

when you close the door?

Sure. There's a little man down there who switches it off.

Don't try to kid me, Jim-Bob, I know better than that.

Okay, go on down and take a look.

And while you're down there bring me a piece of that leftover fried chicken.

- It's all gone, Jim-Bob. - Oh, come on, who ate it?

The little man in the refrigerator.

- Goodnight, Elizabeth. - Goodnight, Jim-Bob.

English -SDH