The Waltons' Thanksgiving (2022) Movie Script
1
Hi! I'm Richard Thomas.
And I wanna wish you
a happy Thanksgiving.
Holiday traditions
are like old friends
that come to visit once a year.
They give us
a chance to reminisce
and count our blessings,
and to remember how deeply
connected we are to one another.
That's the way it's been
with me and my family,
and that's my wish
for you and yours.
Thanksgiving in particular
is a day for
reflection and reassurance,
especially during difficult
and confusing times.
We're not only grateful for all
those blessings we've received,
but we're also reminded of the
precious role that giving plays
in all our lives.
And that's the way it is with
a family called the Waltons.
During
Thanksgiving season in 1934,
we had much to be grateful for
on Walton's Mountain.
While the yield on
Daddy's first corn crop
was less than he hoped for,
it was good enough to squeak by.
Farm work was challenging,
but we were far better off
than most folks.
I had been a bit distracted,
and at times, my mind
would wander about
thinking of stories
I should be writing.
And there were the
two girls in my life.
As Thanksgiving approached,
we were reminded
that sharing what we had
was just as important as
giving thanks for
what we received.
And I learned what it really
meant to take responsibility
for my actions.
Mary Ellen,
help me in the kitchen.
Jim Bob, eat it or lose it.
- I'll eat it.
- You heard her.
- Use a fork, Jim Bob.
- What did I tell you?
Thanksgiving is right
around the corner.
Have y'all thought about
what you're grateful for?
Well, I'm grateful for
the Baldwins' odd jobs,
that's for sure.
Helps tide us over
'til planting begins.
How about you, Jason?
I'm grateful for no
school over the holidays.
That figures, yeah.
Well, I'm grateful for
the new pack horse book lady.
So is John-Boy, huh?
And why are you
so grateful for her?
Well, you'll see!
Jim Bob, what are
you grateful for?
Well, I'm grateful for
the Harvest Festival Fair.
Can't wait to see
all the crafts.
I... give it... am thankful
that Sister Harriet
and Brother William
are helping me
and Jason rehearse
for the talent show at the fair.
Elizabeth? Your turn.
- You first.
- Okay.
Uh, I'm grateful for...
Momma's pancakes.
Oh, John-Boy, that is a cheat!
- We are all thankful for that.
- Now you.
I'd be more grateful
if Momma and Daddy
would let me have a pet rabbit.
Aww, hey, we have
plenty of animals
roaming around here, okay?
We don't need pets.
Your daddy's right.
What about you, Momma?
You haven't said what
you're grateful for yet.
I thank the good Lord
every day for this family.
Well, nobody can top that one.
Okie-doke.
Jason, John-Boy,
we're off to the Baldwins.
- Yep.
- Here we go.
Okay, let me show
you how it works.
And then he picks the penny up
when he gets back
to the other side.
Do you get the idea?
Okay, you two carry on.
I'll be back before you know it.
Okay, my turn!
Give me the penny, Jim Bob!
I had to give Jason my
favorite marble for it
'cause he said it was lucky.
How do you know?
Has a little ding
on Lincoln's nose.
Well, of all people,
it's Olivia Walton.
Oh, Mamie, Emily,
it's so nice to see you!
- I'll be right with you, Olivia.
- Oh, no hurry.
We thought fresh lemonade
for John and your boys
would be a special treat during
their work break this afternoon.
That's so thoughtful, Emily.
They're building an addition
to the house as we speak.
Is that so?
We think demand for our
moonshine recipe could double
after the Harvest Festival Fair.
Which is why we need
the added space.
Now that it's legal,
we have entered the recipe
in a contest at the fair!
But I-I wasn't aware there's
a category for the recipe.
We proposed to no one
alternative beverages!
And dear Mrs. Abernathy,
who's president of the
Festival Fair board, approved.
You know she's the richest
woman in the county.
And she was good friends
with our father, the judge.
God rest his soul.
She asked me to be one of the
judges in the pie competition.
I'm very excited!
Oh...
Whatever you say, dear.
Well, what's wrong?
Well, uh...
I, for one, wouldn't
want to be in your shoes
if your mother-in-law was
not the blue ribbon winner.
After all, that's what
she's known for in these parts.
I have thought about that.
And Grandma would
want me to be fair.
And she knows that I'm honest.
So whatever the outcome,
it won't bother her a bit!
Mm...
Right?
I'm not so sure, dear.
I shouldn't worry about
it too much, Olivia.
Whatever happens,
sooner or later,
whether she wins or loses
people will talk.
Even the queen of pecan pies
isn't 100% safe in this county.
Does Grandma even know, hm?
Not yet.
Maybe I should withdraw.
Oh no, don't do that!
You don't want
to upset Mrs. Abernathy.
- Oh, no.
- She asked you to do this.
Yes.
Oh, that would be worse
than upsetting Grandma.
You're... you're... you're right.
I have to do it.
You're some brave woman, Olivia.
Very brave...
Ah...
Oh dear...
He can be my pet!
You know what Daddy said!
No pets!
Bunny, bunny!
- Wait up!
- Come back!
Where did he go?
Probably don't wanna
follow it into the woods.
Midway Games?
Hi! Wanna play?
Nah, Abner wouldn't like it.
Is he your daddy?
Nope. I don't have any family.
You don't?
What about your parents?
Don't know 'em.
Dumped me in an
orphanage as a baby.
So that guy adopted you?
Kinda nosy, aren't ya?
Sorry, I'm just a little...
Nosy!
It's okay.
Couldn't get adopted.
Maybe 'cause my red hair.
Anyways, 'bout a year ago,
orphanage decided to
put me in foster care
with Abner and his wife.
They aren't lookin' for
anything permanent, though.
They just want free help.
Hey, you must be headed to
the Harvest Festival Fair.
Yeah, uh, I run the duck
pond game down in Midway.
What's the duck pond game?
Red!
You know you're not
to leave the truck.
Feelin' cooped up is all.
That include talking
to strangers.
You need to get back
in that truck pronto.
Hear me? Get!
Ah, ah!
Wait!
Maybe you can use this to buy
a soda when you get to the fair.
Thanks.
My name's Elizabeth.
Thanks Elizabeth.
Actually, it's a lucky penny,
so maybe you shouldn't spend it.
I'm Jim Bob.
Okay.
Thank you both.
I'll keep that in mind.
Hey!
Don't make me tell you again.
Maybe I'll see you there.
Let's go.
One is plenty.
Aww!
If there were a muffin
contest, you'd win hands down.
That is very sweet, Rose,
but the last thing
I wanna hear about
is another baking competition.
Olivia, there is no
reason to be anxious about
judging the pie contest.
I talked to the Baldwin sisters,
and now I am genuinely concerned
about what Grandma's gonna think
if she doesn't win!
She has brought home
the blue ribbon every year.
People all over the county
know about her pies.
Folks have been trying for
years to figure out the secret
of her Walton pecan pie recipe.
Livy, for goodness sakes,
the Baldwin sisters?
It's a blind taste test.
You've got a vote,
I've got a vote,
and whoever Mrs. Abernathy names
as the third judge has a vote.
Put your worries to rest.
If Grandma Walton
wins, she wins.
If she loses, she
I will never hear the end of it!
Oh, welcome home, troops.
Good day at the Baldwins?
Oh yeah.
It's always an adventure.
- Hey, Rose.
- Hi, John. Hey, boys.
John-Boy, go take
off your boots!
Trackin' mud in my kitchen.
You know better than that.
- Sorry, Momma.
- Ooh, muffins.
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah,
just one before dinner.
Yes, ma'am.
Oh my, it's later
than I thought.
I must be on my way.
Nice to see you all.
Remember what I said, Olivia.
Everything will be just fine.
- Oh...
- Oh, I got dibs on the bathtub.
What? No, no, no, no, no, okay?
That's not fair, all right?
I'm dirtier.
- He called dibs.
- Thank you.
John-Boy, you got a letter!
Hey! No, no, no, no.
Would that be another sweet note
from Pack Horse
Librarian Number One?
- That's none of your business.
- Oh, wait, wait, wait.
Does she know that you've
been hitting it off
with Pack Horse
Librarian Number Two?
Maggie and Edith are
good friends of mine.
Ahh,
and I'm next in line
to be king of England.
No, you're next in
line for the bathroom.
Ah.
Hi, JB! Thanks for your letter.
Sounds as if you're
as busy as I am.
Been studying day and night
trying to keep my grade
point average good enough
to graduate a year early.
Wouldn't that be something?
I don't have a ride home
for Thanksgiving break,
so I intend to stay in my dorm
and work on an
extra credit project.
But I plan to see
you at Christmas.
I hope you're making time
to write your stories.
They're very important to me.
Send me something.
Miss you. Maggie.
Maggie and
I had a great relationship,
and she did everything
she could to stay in touch.
Hey, Pack Horse
Libarian Number Two
coming up the road!
But in her absence,
I'd really hit it off with.
Maggie's pack horse
replacement, Edith.
They were both special,
and I found myself
caring for both of them.
- Hey, Edith!
- Hey!
What a surprise.
I thought Robinson Crusoe
was due next week.
Oh, it's a special
delivery, John-Boy.
Romeo and Juliet,
just like you ordered.
I didn't order Romeo and Juliet.
I did!
Spotted you comin'
up the driveway.
What?
I'm gonna be Juliet for
the talent show at the fair.
What do you know?
Seems like everyone's
competing these days.
I mean, we got Grandma
with her pie, right?
Mary Ellen and
Jason gonna perform.
Now Erin.
I even heard the
Baldwin sisters are.
Them I'd like to see on stage.
No, no, no, they're entering
their, uh, special recipe
in an alternative
beverage contest.
Mmm, guess my home brew
doesn't stand a chance, then.
Probably not.
Well, I suppose I
should be headin' along.
Can I walk you to your horse?
Sure. To be honest,
I was kinda hoping
you were getting
interested in love stories.
Well, you can recommend me one.
Maybe with a happier ending.
Ah, well, for you,
I'll work on it.
- For you, I'll read it.
- You going to the fair?
What a stupid question,
of course you are.
Last day, yeah. You?
I was thinking about
maybe going then.
Well, maybe we could meet up.
Maybe go on a couple
carnival rides.
- I mean, that might be fun.
- Might be.
Maybe.
Maybe I'll see you then.
- Maybe so.
- Okay.
How are we ever gonna
win this talent show
if you can't make it
through a single verse!
You play the banjo
and I'll sing!
Jason, Mary Ellen, if you miss
a lick, just play on through.
I mean, don't stop.
It'll be fine.
It'd probably work better if
y'all could just see each other.
Jason, move up
next to Mary Ellen.
Erin, quit being so bossy!
Everyone, let's just calm down.
Take a deep breath.
And let's try it again from,
All right, let's go!
Oh, Jason, what is your problem?
I mean, do you just
not know the chords
- or can you not play them?!
- You know what?
If you don't like it,
find someone else!
Do you see
what I'm dealing with?!
I mean, I-I just want
this to be perfect.
Mary Ellen, you have
a beautiful voice.
But music is also about harmony,
as well as collaboration
with the musicians.
Everyone makes mistakes.
You have to learn to trust
and support one another.
What do I do now?
If I were you,
I'd work on an apology.
Good luck with that!
Fain would I dwell on form,
fain, fain deny.
What I have spoke,
but farewell compliment.
So... "doost" thou love me?
Dost? Pronounced "dust".
Like what a galloping
horse kicks up.
Dost. Thanks, John-Boy.
So, dost thou love me?
I know thou wilt say "Ay".
And I will take thy word.
O gentle Romeo!
If thou dost love...
- We're saved!
- I got it!
- No, me first!
- No, I'll get it!
Grandma! Grandpa!
- Good morning.
- Don't you look pretty?
Come here and see me.
Where's your momma?
She's in here.
Uh...
Mind if I ask you
something, Grandpa?
Well, sure!
That's what grandpas are for.
Come on.
Did you ever hit Daddy
when he was a boy,
or kick him hard or
anything like that?
Well, where in the world
is this coming from?
Just wonderin'.
Hm.
No, I never did that
with any of our boys.
And we had a house full of
ornery ones runnin' around.
Now, my daddy used to give
us younguns a whoopin'
every now and then.
But he never was mean about it.
The fact is, no good
ever came of it, either.
And we both always felt
bad about it afterwards.
So, I found out I could
always get my point across
with our children
in gentler ways.
Okay.
Thanks.
That's it?
Yes, sir.
Can I share something with
you in absolute confidence?
- Oh, yes.
- Good.
I've run out of my
pecan pie secret ingredient
and I thought you might
have some to spare.
Oh, uh, uh, if I...
If I have it, um...
What is it?
The Baldwin sisters'
moonshine recipe.
Grandma!
I just mix it
with a little honey
before I put it in the filling.
I don't need much.
We both know John has
a jar around here somewhere.
Oh, well...
Oh!
Just pour me an inch.
Too much would
absolutely ruin the pie.
You know, I have something,
uh, a secret that I've been...
- Just a titch more?
- Oh, um, yeah, sure, yes.
Oh, Grandpa, Grandpa, hello!
Livy.
I was just telling Grandma, oh
that I've been asked.
No, let me say I have agreed
to be
one of the three judges in
the p-pie contest at the fair.
So!
Oh, I know you're honest.
Don't fret about it.
Doesn't bother me a wit!
My pies always win
because they are the best.
- You'll see.
- Hah.
No pressure intended...
Right, Grandma?
Well...
Of course not.
You don't care
what people might say?
I know you will do the
right thing, daughter.
After all, we are family.
Come on, old man.
Oh... oh... oh.
John-Boy?
What is it, Momma?
Are you aware that you left the
water running in the sink again?
Uh... are you sure?
Of course I'm sure.
So Jason ratted on me, then.
This is not Jason's problem.
You need to own your mistakes.
Okay, I must... I don't know.
I-I must've been distracted.
I'm sorry.
I don't know what's
going on with you.
But it is gettin' worse.
You need to pay attention
to what you are doing.
Like what?
Like forgetting
your schoolbooks?
Or leavin' the cow pen open,
or forgetting to put the lid
back on the paint bucket,
chomping mud all
through my house,
losing your pocketknife!
I found it, okay?
I was using it as a
makeshift bookmark.
John-Boy!
You are my oldest.
I need you to get your
head out of the clouds
and start taking
more responsibility.
Am I clear?
Yes, ma'am.
Are the kids down or...
at least on their way?
Well, all but John-Boy.
Yeah, writin' no doubt.
If he hasn't lost his pencil.
I swear, he's become so
absentminded these days.
He's got the attention
span of a gnat.
Well, I figure he's
concentrating too much
on, uh... those stories
he's constantly working on.
I suspect his mind may
be on something else.
Like what?
You know very well what.
That new pack
horse library girl.
And you saw, he got a letter
today from the first one.
Ain't she the one that
went off to college, right?
Mmm
I kinda thought he
was sweet on her.
He's 17.
He's just trying to
figure things out.
He could still be a little
torn between the two.
He does sit next to Edith
every day at school.
And she's as pretty
as a picture.
Hm-hm.
Oh, but John, they're so young.
Just like a pretty as a
picture 17-year-old girl
that I once courted.
Oh, well thank you very much.
I will sleep real good now.
Oh, John!
What?
You're terrible.
Come here, come here.
Oh...
It's gonna be all right.
- You think?
- You raised a good boy.
We raised a good boy.
Yes, we did.
Jason, are you busy?
Of course you are. Um.
I have something that
I need to say to you.
Want! Want.
I have something I
want to say to you.
Go ahead. Flossy won't mind.
All right, um.
I wanted to apologize
to you for the other day.
I know you were
trying really hard,
and sometimes things
just don't go as planned.
And I was wrong
to be so critical.
I was just so nervous and
tense about my singin' and
I just want things
to be so... perfect.
I shouldn't have
taken that out on you.
Anyways, I just, um
I came here to apologize.
And tell you that I
I don't wanna... collaborate
with anybody else.
"Collaborate"?
Did you write that one out?
- So what if I did?
- Can I read it over?
Jason!
Please don't be so difficult.
We have a day and a half
left before the talent show.
Could you please just
play the banjo for me?
Jason, please!
Maybe I'll do it.
If you... finish my
chores for the day,
so I can work on my
banjo-pickin' perfection, huh?
Get to it.
What smells so good?
Who wants dessert?
Me!
Just so long as no one says the
word "pie" until after the fair.
Oh, speaking of the fair
I heard there's gonna be more
fireworks than last year.
How do you know that?
Has told me so.
There's a reliable source.
Well, he's on the
fireworks crew.
They should time it in to
my performance as a tribute.
Oh, brother.
I wanna play the duck pond game.
We met an orphan
boy who runs it.
Runs it? All by himself?
Yes sir.
He works for this man
who's really mean,
but I guess he's stuck with him.
How old's this boy?
Uh, not much older than Erin,
but younger than Mary Ellen.
Somethin' doesn't sound right.
Maybe this fella's his daddy.
- No sir, he told us so.
- I felt bad for him.
I hope I can see him
again at the fair.
Okay, but with
that kind of man out there,
stay stuck like
glue to John-Boy.
I don't want you runnin' off.
- Clear?
- Okay.
Momma, I might be
meetin' someone there.
Oh yeah?
Well, whoever she is,
that just means
that you can both take
care of Elizabeth, right?
Yay!
Okay.
The entries are due by noon.
That bus will be here directly.
And Mother?
You know how concerned
Olivia is about all this.
Oh, not again!
I know it means
the world to you.
But she is your daughter-in-law.
And we are family.
- And family sometimes...
- Enough.
I have heard enough.
I have more blue ribbons
than anybody in this county,
and... and you're a broken record!
Oh, just go on and
do what you wanna do.
You know I will.
You're givin' me a headache.
Could you go into Art's
and get me some aspirin?
Now, while I'm gone, I want you
to ask yourself this question...
Are you gonna enter that
pie for your own glory,
or withdraw it
for Olivia's sake?
There!
Got you the extra large size.
Ah!
That wasn't there before.
Get up!
Oh...
You did that on purpose.
The Lord works in
mysterious ways.
Ma'am.
We'll get some cotton
candy later, I promise.
Welcome to the
Harvest Festival Fair.
Hey, Red!
Hey, Red!
Hey.
You're, uh...
You're Elizabeth, right?
Yeah! I'm here with my family.
Nice.
Where is your duck pond?
It's down in Midway.
I'll see you there.
Hey, Jim Bob?
Is that the boy you
told us about at supper?
Yes, sir.
And I worry about him
working for that mean man.
Well, let's keep an eye on him.
Hey, Walnuts!
Gather around, gather
around, gather around.
Come on in.
Now remember, today's
the last day of the fair,
and I want you all
to enjoy yourselves.
So go your own way for now.
But also, I want you
back together later
for the talent show.
It's at four o'clock.
Erin and I are
gonna register now.
Jason, while your
mom is judging pies,
you and I are meeting
Grandpa in the livestock area
to take a look at some hogs.
Great.
John-Boy, Elizabeth...
Stuck like glue.
Jim Bob, where are you gonna be?
I'm meeting Claudie
at the craft exhibit.
- A lot of neat stuff in there.
- Okay.
Okay, everybody know the drill?
- Sure.
- Then get!
Get! Have a good time!
- I'll be right back.
- Sounds good!
Livy?
Gonna be all right?
Yeah.
Hey... don't you worry
one bit about Momma's pride.
Easy for you to say.
Oh!
God helps those who
help themselves!
Why, Mrs. Windham!
Is that your cherry
chess pie you're entering?
Yes, ma'am.
- Wish you luck!
- Thank you.
Well, how about
I just put it right here?
You know I'm not a baby.
You don't need to hold
my hand the whole time.
Okay, all right.
Just promise to stick with me.
You know what?
If we get separated,
meet me back
at the information booth, okay?
Yeah? Got that?
Yes, I promise.
But when are we going
to the duck pond?
Just be patient, all right?
- Hey, John-Boy!
- Hey.
- I thought I missed you.
- Me too.
We're going to the duck pond.
Hi, Elizabeth.
Don't you look pretty with
your lips so cotton candy pink?
- Really?
- Oh sure, look, look here.
Hey! I feel pretty.
What do you say we
stroll down to Midway
- and go on some rides?
- I'd love that, Edith.
Let's spend the
whole day together.
You know about
the duck pond game?
Mrs. Abernathy.
Oh, Mrs. Walton! Welcome!
Oh, one judge to go
and then we can...
Oh, there you are. Welcome.
Oh, Charlie. Charlie Sneed.
Charlie!
Howdy do, everybody?
Happy Thanksgivin' week.
- I almost didn't recognize ya.
- Like my new look?
Got me a safety razor
for my birthday.
Went to town on my hair.
Well, it's nice
to see your face.
And to learn that
you're a pie judge!
Best taste buds in the county.
Turn 'em loose!
Yes, well, I-I know
it's usual for a gentleman
to take his hat off
when he's inside.
But perhaps, Mr. Sneed...
you should put yours back on.
Mrs. Abernathy!
No, really.
Good golly!
It's made from nothing
but matchsticks.
Isn't that amazing?
Yeah, but that took
forever to build.
- Wait! Don't toss that.
- Why not?
I can use it.
- For what?
- I don't know yet.
But if you want me to
help build your tree house,
you're gonna need to show me
where you got this ice pop.
Okay, come on.
We have given each
pie an entry number.
So, you may begin!
Now, your scorecards
have three areas,
of appearance, taste,
and creativity,
with the allotted points
allowed for each subcategory.
As delicious as most
of these pies look,
I suggest you limit your
sample to a bite or two.
As tasty as a pie may be, too
much will saturate your palate
and affect your judging.
Momma had a hard time
identifying Grandma's pie.
Mm-mm! Delicious.
- Are we done?
- Yes, ma'am!
- Pleasure.
- Thank you very much.
Which only complicated things.
Thank you very much.
Okay, that's yours.
An honest taste.
- Honest taste.
- Well done.
- Thank you, thank you.
- Well done.
O gentle Romeo!
Thou dost love...
Dost love...
Pronounce it "fithfully."
No, faithfully.
Pronounce it faithfully!
Erin! Will you stop it?
I'm just so anxious,
it's hard to remember!
You've gotta take
your mind off of it.
Put the book down and
shoot a clown instead.
- Come on.
- How does this work?
All right, you hit
a tooth just right
and it swivels to black.
The goal is to get all
the teeth to black,
and the first one to do it wins.
Got it?
Wait a sec.
This seat taken?
Let me get set.
Nervous?
How about that? You're welcome.
All right.
Two can play that game.
Stick with your own side.
Hey!
I won, I won!
Congratulations, young lady!
This is your pinwheel.
Have you ever seen
that guy before?
He's really cute.
I think he likes you.
- Oh, please.
- Let's follow him.
Are you kidding me? No!
Come on, let's get out of here.
Go get your book.
You've got a big
monologue to practice.
Thou dost love...
- Did y'all try this one?
- Oh, gosh.
Now, I know she's ugly, but
she has a certain tang to her
that's indescribably delicious.
I wrote it off on
style points alone.
But we shouldn't
talk about it now.
Why not? Votes are in.
We're just waiting
on the decision.
What do you think, Livy?
I thought it was awful.
I passed it by too.
It's the only pie
I was sure about.
Thank you, judges!
I wanted you to be
the first to know,
your ballots have
been tabulated,
and the winner of this
year's Harvest Festival Fair
pie baking contest is,
for her pecan pie...
Sister Harriet Crane!
Hah! I knew it.
Second place goes to Mrs. Martha
Windham's cherry chess pie.
And our third place winner
is Tilda Weston's
gooseberry surprise.
Oh!
I'll be making
the official announcement
public shortly.
But I wanted to
thank you all again
for your thoughtful
and honest evaluations.
Well done!
What a nightmare!
Grandma's pie isn't
even in the top three.
And to lose to
another pecan pie?
Relax, Olivia.
I mean, we all judged
honestly, right?
I've gotta tell Grandma before
the public announcement is made.
Come on down and ride
the hot air balloon today!
You'll never get a chance to see
a view from the sky like this!
Come on down, it's
a once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity...
For you.
Why?
Well, they didn't
have a proper crown,
and you deserve one.
Silly old fool.
I don't need a crown.
I got you.
Well, aren't ya gonna try it on?
No.
Oh, there you are!
Oh, I've been lookin' for you.
What is that?
Grandpa won me a prize.
What?
I didn't think anybody
could win these games.
Oh, he knows how to
beat all their tricks.
Back spin.
Pie contest must
be over now, right?
I-I-I wanted to tell
you the results myself.
I didn't win?
How do you know?
I sat on her pie.
What?
That crumpled gooey
mess was yours?
It was an accident.
Ta!
But I knew then that
I didn't have a chance.
I'm so sorry.
Why didn't you tell me?
She didn't want to
taint your judgment.
She knows how much
this means to you.
Grandma...
Oh, not to worry, Daughter.
God's will, I suppose.
I have enough blue ribbons.
It's time to pass the baton.
After all, it's just a pie.
I'll make us another one
for Thanksgiving dinner.
Oh, now, who won?
Um, Sister Harriet.
I've had her pecan pie.
It's not bad.
Not bad at all.
You're doing good, Daughter.
Well, for the record,
I have to tell ya,
Charlie Sneed was the only
one who was brave enough
to sample your pie,
but he loved it.
Oh, figures he would!
The fillin' was 99% pure recipe,
all thanks to a little help
from the Baldwin sisters.
Yeah.
Tell me what happened!
Well, you see,
we snuck into the tent...
Why can't we do the ducks first?
Well, I promised Edith we'd
go on the Ferris wheel first,
and maybe some other rides.
Aww, really?
You'll love it, I promise.
Yeah, like we can
go on the carousel.
Duck pond will still
be there when we finish.
- Five cents, five cents...
- Hold on, there's my friend.
And win a prize, folks,
that's all there is to it.
Step right up!
I told you about him.
Yeah.
Yeah, he looks kind
of young to run this.
But there's a big mean guy who...
What?
That stuffed bunny on the top!
Okay, you know what?
After the Ferris wheel.
But what if somebody wins
the bunny before we come back?
You do not have to worry about
that, sweetie, you know why?
'Cause we're going
to the Ferris wheel.
Come and get your ice pop!
Ice pop!
Mix and match your ice pop!
I can't carry any more.
Uh, here.
Use this.
That's it. How many do we have?
Uh, I don't know.
Maybe 40.
Great, let's check
in some other cans.
Promise me next year
we'll go on the bumper cars too.
Yeah, next year for sure.
Huh, Elizabeth?
Here, your turn, your turn.
Oh my gosh!
Come on, you didn't
like the carousel?
- Sorta.
- What about the Ferris wheel?
You can see the whole
county from up top.
It's my favorite thing.
It's okay, I guess.
Just okay, huh?
Well, what if we got you
another cotton candy, huh?
You think that'd be okay?
- No, thanks.
- What? Really.
I can't believe
I'm hearing this.
I know exactly what she needs.
I'll be right back.
Hey, Elizabeth, what
has gotten into you?
D-U-C-K?
Okay, all right, I get it.
Hey, Elizabeth!
Elizabeth, don't you ever...
Don't you ever run
off like that again.
- You hear me?
- Everyone's a winner!
Step right up.
Hook a duck and win a prize.
Quack, quack, quack!
Look at me. I'm serious.
Give me your hand.
But it's gotten busier!
Look what I got for you.
Wow, that is so nice.
Isn't that nice, Elizabeth?
Yeah, nice. Thanks, Edith.
Now it's time to go
to the duck pond!
Time! Oh, I can't believe
that slipped my mind.
- What's wrong?
- It's four.
We told the family
we'd be at the talent show.
- Let's go.
- But it's not fair!
Okay, I know, I know, Elizabeth.
I'm very sorry, I'm very sorry.
We'll be right back
when it's over, okay?
I promise.
Promise. Okay, we gotta go.
Thank you, Bridie, thank you.
For those of you interested,
Birdie will be selling some
firewood after the show
that she has sawed.
All right... oh, our
next contestant
is a 13-year-old
aspiring actress
who will treat us to
a speech as Juliet
from Shakespeare's
classic Romeo and Juliet.
Please welcome Erin Walton.
What's wrong?
Perhaps, just perhaps,
young Juliet was
reacting to the discovery
of her beloved Romeo's
body in the family tomb.
Um, let's... let's give
Erin a hand, shall we?
And bring on
our next contestants,
Erin's sister and brother.
Please welcome
Mary Ellen and Jason Walton.
Hi, um...
We'd like to share with you
our favorite gospel song,
In the Sweet By and By.
Hey, thanks for bailing me out.
Hey, just collaborating.
As it turned out,
the saw player and the
cloggers won first and second
in the competition.
Mary Ellen and Jason salvaged
enough of their performance
to place third.
But their moral victory did
nothing to lift Erin's spirits.
I know you're
disappointed, Erin.
But today's not the end of it.
I'll never be an actor.
You showed great instincts when
you staged Mary Ellen and Jason
on their song.
So, we have an idea.
Would you be interested in
directing the children's play
at Calvary Bible this Christmas?
Me? Really?
We could really use someone with
your passion for the theater.
That would be wonderful!
I'd love to!
We'll talk about the details
this weekend after Thanksgiving.
- Sound okay?
- Oh, yes! Thank you, ma'am!
Rose, Rose, how do
you know she can direct?
I don't know.
But she can't now, she'll learn.
You one special woman, Rose.
- What's with you?
- I'm gonna be a director!
- Oh.
- Hey, Waltons!
I just wanted to say regardless
of who gets a ribbon or not,
you're all thoroughbreds.
And none of you need
prizes to prove it.
Now, I know there's still
a lot you want to do here,
so let's just make sure we
all meet back up for fireworks
before heading home.
Clear?
Okay, go have some more fun!
Better get ready for
that encore, Jason.
Encore!
It's gonna cost you more chores!
Congratulations.
Thanks.
Hope I didn't throw
you off too much.
Managed.
Well, if you're ever in
Rock Ridge County, look me up.
Jimmy Donnelly.
Anyway, just wanted to say hi.
Hi.
See ya.
Bye.
Well, what did I tell ya?
Erin, don't be a... one of those.
Well, I'm not!
What did he say?
Did he tell you his name?
I mean, I already forgot it.
Come on, you don't wanna miss
the candied apples, do you?
- I guess not.
- I'll pay for it.
- Really?
- No.
I don't have any money!
I'm broke 'cause of you!
Win a prize! All there is to it.
Come on...
Hey, you made it.
Now I'm gonna win
that stuffed bunny.
I should warn you,
it's... harder than it looks.
He's right, Elizabeth, okay?
I don't want you
getting your hopes up.
I have a good feelin' about it.
All right.
D-U-C-K pond, here we go.
You've been talking
about this all day.
Are you excited or what?
You got it, Elizabeth.
A little slower.
- There we go, okay.
- You got it.
- Ooh, so close, so close.
- Be patient, patient! Okay.
Come on, Walton, we're
thoroughbreds, let's go!
- I got one!
- Hey!
- Hey, look at you!
- There you go.
Number one, congrats!
You can take anything
you want out of this basket.
Um, but I want the bunny.
You have to hook a duck that
says number three for that.
But how do you know
which one has a three?
You don't until you catch it.
There's some nice necklaces.
That little bird is pretty.
You want a necklace, then?
Sure.
Here you go.
- Here, you can have it.
- Oh, thank you!
Can I try it again, John-Boy?
Please?
Okay.
Ah... you sure you really want to?
- Yes, I'm sure.
- Okay.
- Here you go.
- All right.
Try again.
It's okay. It's okay, Elizabeth.
I don't get it.
It's okay, just try again.
Try again.
I got another one!
- Hey!
- Nice.
Let's see here.
Number one? Again?
Could I try it again, John-Boy?
Just one more time,
that's all, please?
Fresh outta nickels, sweetheart.
Sorry.
Hey.
I got something here that
might just help your luck out.
Is that the penny?!
Yup, lucky penny.
So I was told.
Well, in that case,
let me pitch in.
After all, I got the necklace.
Thanks, Edith.
Here you go.
Thank you.
All right.
Okay, give it another try.
Hey, don't
you know all those ducks
are likely marked
with number one?
Yeah, but she's
got a lucky penny.
You're right, she does.
I'm so close... and I got one!
Just hope it's a three.
Number three, congrats! You win!
What? What? The bunny!
I want the bunny!
- Uh, you got it.
- I told you, John-Boy!
Yeah.
Look at that.
Here you go.
- Thanks.
- Mm-hmm.
Here, I'm sure it still works.
Thanks.
Hey, thank you.
You saw it there, folks!
Everyone's a winner.
Step right up!
Hook a duck and win a prize!
Quack, quack, quack!
Red, get over here.
But I'm about to go and...
Now.
- You think I'm blind?
- No, sir.
What the hell was that little
girl doing with the top prize?
I just thought it'd
boost business, you know?
People seeing a
big winner and all.
Whose business?
I bet if I put your brain in
a bird, it'd fly backwards.
I'd never seen
anybody so stupid.
I just thought it might help.
You're not here to think.
Am I clear?
- Yes.
- Yes what?
Yes, sir.
There's a reason we don't
let anybody win top prizes.
You know how many suckers it'll
take to pay for that rabbit?
Not really.
Well, you better bark up
some of that business
you've been yakking about.
I don't want you
leaving that booth
'til that prize is paid for.
You get what I'm sayin'?
- Get!
- Aah!
All right.
What are you smiling so big for?
JB! JB!
Maggie?
Maggie?
Maggie?
Maggie?
Oh, what's with the JB?
It's a pen name, sort of.
How are ya? Hey.
- What are you doin' here?
- Uh, Thanksgiving break.
I didn't think I'd make it home
until Zack offered me a ride.
Who's Zack?
College pal.
He's down there
throwing baseballs
at a milk bottle pyramid
trying to win me a bear.
Good for him.
Uh, it's a really nice
surprise seeing you.
Yeah, I'll say. Hi, Maggie.
Edith.
How's my pack horse route?
You take good care of my boy?
I've been doin' my best.
I'm still on the lookout
for writing competitions.
Thank you, I appreciate that.
You haven't sent me one
of your stories in a while.
Yeah, I, uh
I've just been really busy
with the harvest.
It's... it's really busy.
How did it go?
It's all right, you know?
We're doing, like,
20 bushels an acre,
and that's not quite
yielding enough,
so we're gonna have
to switch it up,
plant some more
acres, I don't know.
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
It's a whole complicated...
You probably don't
wanna hear about it.
No, no, it's fascinating.
Hey, can we play?
Yeah, five cents.
We're going to Zack's
parents in Charlottesville
for Thanskgiving.
Um, if there's time afterwards,
maybe we can get together?
Yeah, we're... we're doing
a big family Thanksgiving dinner
with my grandparents too,
so, um, we'll see, we'll see.
I really hope you enjoy
the rest of the fair, though.
You too.
Yeah.
Well, that was
quite a conversation.
Yeah, I mean,
I guess so, guess so.
Elizabeth?
Elizabeth, hey!
I didn't see her leave.
- Elizabeth!
- Hey!
I'm gonna go check
the duck pond.
- You go there.
- Okay.
- How do I look?
- You look too comfortable.
You are looking very royal.
We should take the picture.
Take the picture, sir.
Whenever you're ready.
Edith!
Oh look, there goes one
of our royal subjects now.
No luck.
I've stopped several people.
Yeah, me either.
John, I think something's wrong.
John-Boy? John-Boy?
John-Boy, what's going on?
Where's Elizabeth?
Okay, about 15 minutes
ago, she wandered off.
Wandered off?
Yeah, she was there
for one minute,
and then I don't
know where she went.
John-Boy, what in the world?
- She was your responsibility.
- I know, Momma, okay?
I'm gonna find her,
I promise you.
I told her that she would meet
me at the information booth
if we got separated.
Okay, let's... let's go, Edith.
Oh, John-Boy.
John, what if she isn't there?
We shouldn't panic. Let's, um...
Let's go to the information
booth like John-Boy said
and then we'll
take it from there.
Oh!
Ow...
John-Boy!
John-Boy!
Now, she was last seen this
side of the duck pond game.
We've got enough of us to
cover the entire fairgrounds
if we fan out.
Mom and Dad, I know
you wanna help look,
but I want you to stay here
and... and... and watch for her
at the information booth, okay?
If she does show up like
John-Boy says she might,
I want her to see
family faces right off.
Any questions?
Okay, let's scatter.
Scatter in different directions!
John-Boy!
John-Boy, where are you?
Elizabeth! Elizabeth!
She's about this tall.
She has a red balloon with her.
Sir, sir, I'm sorry...
Have you seen a little
girl with two ponytails,
- about this tall, freckles?
- Mm-mm.
No? Thank you, thank you.
Hello, uh, Elizabeth!
- Elizabeth!
- Elizabeth!
Elizabeth!
Let's try over here.
Let's try over here.
Madeleine!
Madeleine, have
you seen Elizabeth?
She was with John-Boy.
She just went missing.
- You haven't seen her?
- No.
Elizabeth!
Elizabeth!
I'm going to check on Selma
at the milk can game.
Elizabeth!
Elizabeth!
Elizabeth!
John-Boy!
Anyone, help me!
Help me!
Help me!
- Red!
- You okay?
Yes.
I found your bunny.
Now let's get out of here.
Thank you for finding me.
I-I was so scared.
You're safe now.
John-Boy.
No, no.
She's gotta be here somewhere.
Look!
Elizabeth!
Hey!
That boy, he found me
and he saved me.
There were these
awful animal noises,
and I was lost,
and it was so scary.
And I heard something coming,
and I thought it was a bobcat.
But it turned out it was
just the duck pond boy.
And he got me out of there.
We're just glad you're
home safe, okay?
I'm so sorry,
John-Boy, so sorry.
I shouldn't have
run off like that.
It's okay, sweetie, it's okay.
- Hey, Momma...
- Oh, not now, John-Boy.
Oh, my baby, oh!
Come here.
That man is not his daddy.
What did I tell you?
I'm sorry, I'm sorry!
Hey, hey, hey, hey!
Do you know how much
business we lost
while you're out running around?
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey!
What the hell you
thinkin', mister?
This boy deserves our
thanks, not punishment.
What he did for my daughter,
you should be proud of that boy.
It's none of your damn business.
I'll tell you what, sir.
You hurt him again,
and I'm gonna make sure
it is my damn business.
If you know what's good for you,
you'll get your
butt back to work.
Right now!
Hey, hey, hey, hey.
- I gotta go.
- Yeah, it's okay.
Hey, uh, I just wanted to
say that what you did was
was brave and was kindhearted.
If he ever touches you like that
again, you look me up, okay?
My name is John Walton.
I'll take care of it, okay?
I just wanted to thank you
for finding our daughter.
It's okay.
Mm... aww.
I really gotta go.
Well, hey, hey.
Remember what I said.
Step right up, folks!
Five cents only.
Back in business, folks.
Five cents only.
Everyone's a winner.
Poor boy.
We're all back together.
Okay.
You all right? Good.
Back in business, folks!
Step right up.
Everyone's a winner.
Hey, Momma.
I want you to know that, uh,
no matter what you
have to say to me,
I've already said
worse to myself.
I now understand the true
meaning of responsibility.
I want you to know that.
Nothin' like this is ever
gonna happen again, okay?
John-Boy, it's over.
You know, my daddy used to
say that takin' responsibility
for your mistakes
that's a sign of strength.
Yeah.
And so is forgiveness.
Ah, we have so much
to be grateful for.
Family's waitin'.
Caught me red handed.
What a day, huh?
Elizabeth runnin' off like that.
Scares me just
thinkin' about it.
Her lost, alone in the woods.
You know, I still haven't
talked to John-Boy.
Oh, don't, his heart has told
him all he needs to know.
Going on about it won't...
Won't help a thing.
He's hard enough on himself.
Yeah, I suppose you're right.
You know what?
I just can't stop thinkin'
about that duck pond boy.
He took a huge risk going
after her, and then,
and then gets roughed up by
that two-bit bully for it.
Can you imagine what kind
of life that kid must lead?
No.
And it breaks my heart.
Did you hear that?
Somebody at our front door?
At this hour?
I'll check it out.
Well, not without me.
Oh.
Can I stay here tonight?
I don't have
anywhere else to go.
How did you get here, son?
I walked.
That's nearly six miles.
Well, uh, I-I had to ask for
directions, but, you know,
everyone knows where
to find the Waltons.
He did that to you, didn't he?
Y-y-yes, uh, you know, uh,
when he's drunk,
he... he... he hits me.
Okay, we will
talk about that tomorrow.
Right now, just go to sleep.
Okay, go to sleep.
Oh, that's good.
That's so good.
Hey, Livy.
This will not stand.
I will see to it.
Oh, he must be used to
sleeping on the floor.
Where do you think he went?
You don't think he'd
take off, do you?
No, no, I wouldn't think so.
Hey, good mornin'.
Thought I'd do some chores,
you know, pay you back.
Huh.
That morning at breakfast,
we all heard Red's entire story.
Abner and Selma
put on a pretty good show
for the folks at the orphanage.
And it was okay for a while.
Sure beat being trapped in that
old gray building in Charleston.
At first, it was... it was
worth a lickin' now and then.
Abner gets mean
when he's been drinkin'.
Only when things
aren't going too well,
and he takes it out on me.
Sometimes Selma, but
recently it's mainly been me.
Happens almost every day.
I can't even imagine.
I know.
That must've been
so hard for you.
It's okay.
I get to travel a lot.
I've been to, uh,
Kentucky, Tennessee,
and South Carolina, too.
Workin' fairs and
carnivals all over.
That must be kinda fun.
At first, but
always feels like
we're cheatin' folks.
Then why do you do it?
Abner forces me.
Where else am I gonna go?
Oh, heavens, let me get
you another helpin'.
- Thank you, ma'am.
- Oh, you're welcome...
Uh, I realize I
don't know your name.
Abner calls me Red, but
I don't really like that.
My real name's Ben.
Well, then I will be right
back with some more eggs, Ben.
Are you thinkin'
what I'm thinkin', John?
I'm thinkin'...
First thing I'm
doin' this morning
is finding Sheriff Bridges
and taking care of
this Abner fella.
That's not what I'm talkin'
about and you know it.
Yeah, yeah, I, uh, saw that
look on your face at the table.
We're gonna talk
about it tonight.
Here you go.
Thank you.
Now, Ben, how would you
like to stay here with us?
Just until things
settle down a bit.
Tomorrow's Thanksgiving.
There's plenty to do.
And the kids, they
can show you around.
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
- Mm-hmm.
Huh?
Good.
Good.
Word of advice?
Don't listen to
anything John-Boy says.
That is good advice.
We spent
most of our time with Ben
getting ready for the next
day's Thanksgiving dinner.
I think the Walton kids gave
him the first example of family
that he had ever experienced.
And true to his word,
Daddy saw to it that Abner
was charged with child abuse.
And his wife, Selma, was free
at last to start a new life.
Our daddy always
did the right thing.
Is he still asleep?
On the floor?
We'll have to work on that.
Yeah.
So what do you think?
Of course, it'd be
another mouth to feed.
He does seem to get
along well with the kids.
If we take him in,
I want it to be permanent.
You up to that?
Are we up to that?
We do know the kid's got grit.
The one thing about
our family is
knowing we have each other's
backs no matter what.
That is true.
And in my view, he, uh... he
has already proved himself
in that regard.
I would agree with that too.
John
I feel like he deserves a family
that can love and support him,
like he's never known before.
Well, we do have plenty
of that to spare.
What do you think?
I'm not saying yes yet.
I know.
That kiss was because you're
a good man, John Walton.
Then I'm nothing without you.
They have something
very special!
They have something very
special!
Here it is!
Yay!
He wanted to make
the centerpiece.
That's very nice.
That wingspan,
use those wingspan.
Oh, careful.
Uh, Livy, would you mind
leading a solemn prayer?
Oh, I would love to.
Let me have your hands.
Our Heavenly Father,
we have so much to
be grateful for.
We thank you for this day.
We thank you for
getting to be together.
We thank you for
everyone's health.
We thank you for
the crops this year,
some of which grace
our table today.
We thank you most of all
for this family, our love,
and our heart.
And today, we welcome in
our very newest member, Ben.
Shine a light on him,
Lord, most of all.
Let him know he's home forever.
In your Son's name
we pray, amen.
- Amen!
- Amen!
Amen, Sister Jen.
Shot a rooster, killed a hen.
Hen died, the rooster cried.
Best part of the prayer!
Hey, hey. Would you
care to do the honors?
It would be my pleasure.
You and me, turkey!
Fantastic, turkey time.
Let me give you a
little room here,
a little elbow room.
I don't want to get in your...
There were
many things we were grateful for
that special Thanksgiving.
But the real joy
was being together.
John-Boy?
Come here, son.
It's time for you to take over.
- Oh, you have to be careful!
- I will.
Oh, honey!
He'll be all right.
He'll be all right.
- It's all yours, Son.
- Thank you very much.
Y'all two should switch spots.
Like, Jason, you're
just too tall.
Y'all need to switch.
Oh yes, your sister's
a director now.
She, uh... she knows what's best.
Well done, yeah.
Thank you.
That is actually better.
I can see how that's better.
I would like to say, let's eat.
Oh! It's time for eating!
Napkins in lap!
I'm fine. Listen...
You are hogging the stuffing!
Momma and
Daddy asked me what I thought
about bringing Ben
into the family
before they finally decided,
and if I could look out for
Ben and be a big brother to him
like I was to the
rest of the kids.
I was more than happy to do so.
It took three months
for the adoption
paperwork to come through,
and family life was not without
some difficult
adjustments at times.
But thinking back on it,
the honest truth is that our
Thanksgiving table in 1934,
Ben became a Walton.
Here's the green beans!
That's good, load him up!
That's right.
Good night, Elizabeth!
Good night, Jason.
Good night, Jim Bob.
Good night, Daddy.
Good night, Livy!
Good night, Mary Ellen!
Good night, John-Boy!
Good night, Erin!
- Good night, Ben!
- Good night, Ben!
- Good night, Ben!
- Good night, family.
Hi! I'm Richard Thomas.
And I wanna wish you
a happy Thanksgiving.
Holiday traditions
are like old friends
that come to visit once a year.
They give us
a chance to reminisce
and count our blessings,
and to remember how deeply
connected we are to one another.
That's the way it's been
with me and my family,
and that's my wish
for you and yours.
Thanksgiving in particular
is a day for
reflection and reassurance,
especially during difficult
and confusing times.
We're not only grateful for all
those blessings we've received,
but we're also reminded of the
precious role that giving plays
in all our lives.
And that's the way it is with
a family called the Waltons.
During
Thanksgiving season in 1934,
we had much to be grateful for
on Walton's Mountain.
While the yield on
Daddy's first corn crop
was less than he hoped for,
it was good enough to squeak by.
Farm work was challenging,
but we were far better off
than most folks.
I had been a bit distracted,
and at times, my mind
would wander about
thinking of stories
I should be writing.
And there were the
two girls in my life.
As Thanksgiving approached,
we were reminded
that sharing what we had
was just as important as
giving thanks for
what we received.
And I learned what it really
meant to take responsibility
for my actions.
Mary Ellen,
help me in the kitchen.
Jim Bob, eat it or lose it.
- I'll eat it.
- You heard her.
- Use a fork, Jim Bob.
- What did I tell you?
Thanksgiving is right
around the corner.
Have y'all thought about
what you're grateful for?
Well, I'm grateful for
the Baldwins' odd jobs,
that's for sure.
Helps tide us over
'til planting begins.
How about you, Jason?
I'm grateful for no
school over the holidays.
That figures, yeah.
Well, I'm grateful for
the new pack horse book lady.
So is John-Boy, huh?
And why are you
so grateful for her?
Well, you'll see!
Jim Bob, what are
you grateful for?
Well, I'm grateful for
the Harvest Festival Fair.
Can't wait to see
all the crafts.
I... give it... am thankful
that Sister Harriet
and Brother William
are helping me
and Jason rehearse
for the talent show at the fair.
Elizabeth? Your turn.
- You first.
- Okay.
Uh, I'm grateful for...
Momma's pancakes.
Oh, John-Boy, that is a cheat!
- We are all thankful for that.
- Now you.
I'd be more grateful
if Momma and Daddy
would let me have a pet rabbit.
Aww, hey, we have
plenty of animals
roaming around here, okay?
We don't need pets.
Your daddy's right.
What about you, Momma?
You haven't said what
you're grateful for yet.
I thank the good Lord
every day for this family.
Well, nobody can top that one.
Okie-doke.
Jason, John-Boy,
we're off to the Baldwins.
- Yep.
- Here we go.
Okay, let me show
you how it works.
And then he picks the penny up
when he gets back
to the other side.
Do you get the idea?
Okay, you two carry on.
I'll be back before you know it.
Okay, my turn!
Give me the penny, Jim Bob!
I had to give Jason my
favorite marble for it
'cause he said it was lucky.
How do you know?
Has a little ding
on Lincoln's nose.
Well, of all people,
it's Olivia Walton.
Oh, Mamie, Emily,
it's so nice to see you!
- I'll be right with you, Olivia.
- Oh, no hurry.
We thought fresh lemonade
for John and your boys
would be a special treat during
their work break this afternoon.
That's so thoughtful, Emily.
They're building an addition
to the house as we speak.
Is that so?
We think demand for our
moonshine recipe could double
after the Harvest Festival Fair.
Which is why we need
the added space.
Now that it's legal,
we have entered the recipe
in a contest at the fair!
But I-I wasn't aware there's
a category for the recipe.
We proposed to no one
alternative beverages!
And dear Mrs. Abernathy,
who's president of the
Festival Fair board, approved.
You know she's the richest
woman in the county.
And she was good friends
with our father, the judge.
God rest his soul.
She asked me to be one of the
judges in the pie competition.
I'm very excited!
Oh...
Whatever you say, dear.
Well, what's wrong?
Well, uh...
I, for one, wouldn't
want to be in your shoes
if your mother-in-law was
not the blue ribbon winner.
After all, that's what
she's known for in these parts.
I have thought about that.
And Grandma would
want me to be fair.
And she knows that I'm honest.
So whatever the outcome,
it won't bother her a bit!
Mm...
Right?
I'm not so sure, dear.
I shouldn't worry about
it too much, Olivia.
Whatever happens,
sooner or later,
whether she wins or loses
people will talk.
Even the queen of pecan pies
isn't 100% safe in this county.
Does Grandma even know, hm?
Not yet.
Maybe I should withdraw.
Oh no, don't do that!
You don't want
to upset Mrs. Abernathy.
- Oh, no.
- She asked you to do this.
Yes.
Oh, that would be worse
than upsetting Grandma.
You're... you're... you're right.
I have to do it.
You're some brave woman, Olivia.
Very brave...
Ah...
Oh dear...
He can be my pet!
You know what Daddy said!
No pets!
Bunny, bunny!
- Wait up!
- Come back!
Where did he go?
Probably don't wanna
follow it into the woods.
Midway Games?
Hi! Wanna play?
Nah, Abner wouldn't like it.
Is he your daddy?
Nope. I don't have any family.
You don't?
What about your parents?
Don't know 'em.
Dumped me in an
orphanage as a baby.
So that guy adopted you?
Kinda nosy, aren't ya?
Sorry, I'm just a little...
Nosy!
It's okay.
Couldn't get adopted.
Maybe 'cause my red hair.
Anyways, 'bout a year ago,
orphanage decided to
put me in foster care
with Abner and his wife.
They aren't lookin' for
anything permanent, though.
They just want free help.
Hey, you must be headed to
the Harvest Festival Fair.
Yeah, uh, I run the duck
pond game down in Midway.
What's the duck pond game?
Red!
You know you're not
to leave the truck.
Feelin' cooped up is all.
That include talking
to strangers.
You need to get back
in that truck pronto.
Hear me? Get!
Ah, ah!
Wait!
Maybe you can use this to buy
a soda when you get to the fair.
Thanks.
My name's Elizabeth.
Thanks Elizabeth.
Actually, it's a lucky penny,
so maybe you shouldn't spend it.
I'm Jim Bob.
Okay.
Thank you both.
I'll keep that in mind.
Hey!
Don't make me tell you again.
Maybe I'll see you there.
Let's go.
One is plenty.
Aww!
If there were a muffin
contest, you'd win hands down.
That is very sweet, Rose,
but the last thing
I wanna hear about
is another baking competition.
Olivia, there is no
reason to be anxious about
judging the pie contest.
I talked to the Baldwin sisters,
and now I am genuinely concerned
about what Grandma's gonna think
if she doesn't win!
She has brought home
the blue ribbon every year.
People all over the county
know about her pies.
Folks have been trying for
years to figure out the secret
of her Walton pecan pie recipe.
Livy, for goodness sakes,
the Baldwin sisters?
It's a blind taste test.
You've got a vote,
I've got a vote,
and whoever Mrs. Abernathy names
as the third judge has a vote.
Put your worries to rest.
If Grandma Walton
wins, she wins.
If she loses, she
I will never hear the end of it!
Oh, welcome home, troops.
Good day at the Baldwins?
Oh yeah.
It's always an adventure.
- Hey, Rose.
- Hi, John. Hey, boys.
John-Boy, go take
off your boots!
Trackin' mud in my kitchen.
You know better than that.
- Sorry, Momma.
- Ooh, muffins.
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah,
just one before dinner.
Yes, ma'am.
Oh my, it's later
than I thought.
I must be on my way.
Nice to see you all.
Remember what I said, Olivia.
Everything will be just fine.
- Oh...
- Oh, I got dibs on the bathtub.
What? No, no, no, no, no, okay?
That's not fair, all right?
I'm dirtier.
- He called dibs.
- Thank you.
John-Boy, you got a letter!
Hey! No, no, no, no.
Would that be another sweet note
from Pack Horse
Librarian Number One?
- That's none of your business.
- Oh, wait, wait, wait.
Does she know that you've
been hitting it off
with Pack Horse
Librarian Number Two?
Maggie and Edith are
good friends of mine.
Ahh,
and I'm next in line
to be king of England.
No, you're next in
line for the bathroom.
Ah.
Hi, JB! Thanks for your letter.
Sounds as if you're
as busy as I am.
Been studying day and night
trying to keep my grade
point average good enough
to graduate a year early.
Wouldn't that be something?
I don't have a ride home
for Thanksgiving break,
so I intend to stay in my dorm
and work on an
extra credit project.
But I plan to see
you at Christmas.
I hope you're making time
to write your stories.
They're very important to me.
Send me something.
Miss you. Maggie.
Maggie and
I had a great relationship,
and she did everything
she could to stay in touch.
Hey, Pack Horse
Libarian Number Two
coming up the road!
But in her absence,
I'd really hit it off with.
Maggie's pack horse
replacement, Edith.
They were both special,
and I found myself
caring for both of them.
- Hey, Edith!
- Hey!
What a surprise.
I thought Robinson Crusoe
was due next week.
Oh, it's a special
delivery, John-Boy.
Romeo and Juliet,
just like you ordered.
I didn't order Romeo and Juliet.
I did!
Spotted you comin'
up the driveway.
What?
I'm gonna be Juliet for
the talent show at the fair.
What do you know?
Seems like everyone's
competing these days.
I mean, we got Grandma
with her pie, right?
Mary Ellen and
Jason gonna perform.
Now Erin.
I even heard the
Baldwin sisters are.
Them I'd like to see on stage.
No, no, no, they're entering
their, uh, special recipe
in an alternative
beverage contest.
Mmm, guess my home brew
doesn't stand a chance, then.
Probably not.
Well, I suppose I
should be headin' along.
Can I walk you to your horse?
Sure. To be honest,
I was kinda hoping
you were getting
interested in love stories.
Well, you can recommend me one.
Maybe with a happier ending.
Ah, well, for you,
I'll work on it.
- For you, I'll read it.
- You going to the fair?
What a stupid question,
of course you are.
Last day, yeah. You?
I was thinking about
maybe going then.
Well, maybe we could meet up.
Maybe go on a couple
carnival rides.
- I mean, that might be fun.
- Might be.
Maybe.
Maybe I'll see you then.
- Maybe so.
- Okay.
How are we ever gonna
win this talent show
if you can't make it
through a single verse!
You play the banjo
and I'll sing!
Jason, Mary Ellen, if you miss
a lick, just play on through.
I mean, don't stop.
It'll be fine.
It'd probably work better if
y'all could just see each other.
Jason, move up
next to Mary Ellen.
Erin, quit being so bossy!
Everyone, let's just calm down.
Take a deep breath.
And let's try it again from,
All right, let's go!
Oh, Jason, what is your problem?
I mean, do you just
not know the chords
- or can you not play them?!
- You know what?
If you don't like it,
find someone else!
Do you see
what I'm dealing with?!
I mean, I-I just want
this to be perfect.
Mary Ellen, you have
a beautiful voice.
But music is also about harmony,
as well as collaboration
with the musicians.
Everyone makes mistakes.
You have to learn to trust
and support one another.
What do I do now?
If I were you,
I'd work on an apology.
Good luck with that!
Fain would I dwell on form,
fain, fain deny.
What I have spoke,
but farewell compliment.
So... "doost" thou love me?
Dost? Pronounced "dust".
Like what a galloping
horse kicks up.
Dost. Thanks, John-Boy.
So, dost thou love me?
I know thou wilt say "Ay".
And I will take thy word.
O gentle Romeo!
If thou dost love...
- We're saved!
- I got it!
- No, me first!
- No, I'll get it!
Grandma! Grandpa!
- Good morning.
- Don't you look pretty?
Come here and see me.
Where's your momma?
She's in here.
Uh...
Mind if I ask you
something, Grandpa?
Well, sure!
That's what grandpas are for.
Come on.
Did you ever hit Daddy
when he was a boy,
or kick him hard or
anything like that?
Well, where in the world
is this coming from?
Just wonderin'.
Hm.
No, I never did that
with any of our boys.
And we had a house full of
ornery ones runnin' around.
Now, my daddy used to give
us younguns a whoopin'
every now and then.
But he never was mean about it.
The fact is, no good
ever came of it, either.
And we both always felt
bad about it afterwards.
So, I found out I could
always get my point across
with our children
in gentler ways.
Okay.
Thanks.
That's it?
Yes, sir.
Can I share something with
you in absolute confidence?
- Oh, yes.
- Good.
I've run out of my
pecan pie secret ingredient
and I thought you might
have some to spare.
Oh, uh, uh, if I...
If I have it, um...
What is it?
The Baldwin sisters'
moonshine recipe.
Grandma!
I just mix it
with a little honey
before I put it in the filling.
I don't need much.
We both know John has
a jar around here somewhere.
Oh, well...
Oh!
Just pour me an inch.
Too much would
absolutely ruin the pie.
You know, I have something,
uh, a secret that I've been...
- Just a titch more?
- Oh, um, yeah, sure, yes.
Oh, Grandpa, Grandpa, hello!
Livy.
I was just telling Grandma, oh
that I've been asked.
No, let me say I have agreed
to be
one of the three judges in
the p-pie contest at the fair.
So!
Oh, I know you're honest.
Don't fret about it.
Doesn't bother me a wit!
My pies always win
because they are the best.
- You'll see.
- Hah.
No pressure intended...
Right, Grandma?
Well...
Of course not.
You don't care
what people might say?
I know you will do the
right thing, daughter.
After all, we are family.
Come on, old man.
Oh... oh... oh.
John-Boy?
What is it, Momma?
Are you aware that you left the
water running in the sink again?
Uh... are you sure?
Of course I'm sure.
So Jason ratted on me, then.
This is not Jason's problem.
You need to own your mistakes.
Okay, I must... I don't know.
I-I must've been distracted.
I'm sorry.
I don't know what's
going on with you.
But it is gettin' worse.
You need to pay attention
to what you are doing.
Like what?
Like forgetting
your schoolbooks?
Or leavin' the cow pen open,
or forgetting to put the lid
back on the paint bucket,
chomping mud all
through my house,
losing your pocketknife!
I found it, okay?
I was using it as a
makeshift bookmark.
John-Boy!
You are my oldest.
I need you to get your
head out of the clouds
and start taking
more responsibility.
Am I clear?
Yes, ma'am.
Are the kids down or...
at least on their way?
Well, all but John-Boy.
Yeah, writin' no doubt.
If he hasn't lost his pencil.
I swear, he's become so
absentminded these days.
He's got the attention
span of a gnat.
Well, I figure he's
concentrating too much
on, uh... those stories
he's constantly working on.
I suspect his mind may
be on something else.
Like what?
You know very well what.
That new pack
horse library girl.
And you saw, he got a letter
today from the first one.
Ain't she the one that
went off to college, right?
Mmm
I kinda thought he
was sweet on her.
He's 17.
He's just trying to
figure things out.
He could still be a little
torn between the two.
He does sit next to Edith
every day at school.
And she's as pretty
as a picture.
Hm-hm.
Oh, but John, they're so young.
Just like a pretty as a
picture 17-year-old girl
that I once courted.
Oh, well thank you very much.
I will sleep real good now.
Oh, John!
What?
You're terrible.
Come here, come here.
Oh...
It's gonna be all right.
- You think?
- You raised a good boy.
We raised a good boy.
Yes, we did.
Jason, are you busy?
Of course you are. Um.
I have something that
I need to say to you.
Want! Want.
I have something I
want to say to you.
Go ahead. Flossy won't mind.
All right, um.
I wanted to apologize
to you for the other day.
I know you were
trying really hard,
and sometimes things
just don't go as planned.
And I was wrong
to be so critical.
I was just so nervous and
tense about my singin' and
I just want things
to be so... perfect.
I shouldn't have
taken that out on you.
Anyways, I just, um
I came here to apologize.
And tell you that I
I don't wanna... collaborate
with anybody else.
"Collaborate"?
Did you write that one out?
- So what if I did?
- Can I read it over?
Jason!
Please don't be so difficult.
We have a day and a half
left before the talent show.
Could you please just
play the banjo for me?
Jason, please!
Maybe I'll do it.
If you... finish my
chores for the day,
so I can work on my
banjo-pickin' perfection, huh?
Get to it.
What smells so good?
Who wants dessert?
Me!
Just so long as no one says the
word "pie" until after the fair.
Oh, speaking of the fair
I heard there's gonna be more
fireworks than last year.
How do you know that?
Has told me so.
There's a reliable source.
Well, he's on the
fireworks crew.
They should time it in to
my performance as a tribute.
Oh, brother.
I wanna play the duck pond game.
We met an orphan
boy who runs it.
Runs it? All by himself?
Yes sir.
He works for this man
who's really mean,
but I guess he's stuck with him.
How old's this boy?
Uh, not much older than Erin,
but younger than Mary Ellen.
Somethin' doesn't sound right.
Maybe this fella's his daddy.
- No sir, he told us so.
- I felt bad for him.
I hope I can see him
again at the fair.
Okay, but with
that kind of man out there,
stay stuck like
glue to John-Boy.
I don't want you runnin' off.
- Clear?
- Okay.
Momma, I might be
meetin' someone there.
Oh yeah?
Well, whoever she is,
that just means
that you can both take
care of Elizabeth, right?
Yay!
Okay.
The entries are due by noon.
That bus will be here directly.
And Mother?
You know how concerned
Olivia is about all this.
Oh, not again!
I know it means
the world to you.
But she is your daughter-in-law.
And we are family.
- And family sometimes...
- Enough.
I have heard enough.
I have more blue ribbons
than anybody in this county,
and... and you're a broken record!
Oh, just go on and
do what you wanna do.
You know I will.
You're givin' me a headache.
Could you go into Art's
and get me some aspirin?
Now, while I'm gone, I want you
to ask yourself this question...
Are you gonna enter that
pie for your own glory,
or withdraw it
for Olivia's sake?
There!
Got you the extra large size.
Ah!
That wasn't there before.
Get up!
Oh...
You did that on purpose.
The Lord works in
mysterious ways.
Ma'am.
We'll get some cotton
candy later, I promise.
Welcome to the
Harvest Festival Fair.
Hey, Red!
Hey, Red!
Hey.
You're, uh...
You're Elizabeth, right?
Yeah! I'm here with my family.
Nice.
Where is your duck pond?
It's down in Midway.
I'll see you there.
Hey, Jim Bob?
Is that the boy you
told us about at supper?
Yes, sir.
And I worry about him
working for that mean man.
Well, let's keep an eye on him.
Hey, Walnuts!
Gather around, gather
around, gather around.
Come on in.
Now remember, today's
the last day of the fair,
and I want you all
to enjoy yourselves.
So go your own way for now.
But also, I want you
back together later
for the talent show.
It's at four o'clock.
Erin and I are
gonna register now.
Jason, while your
mom is judging pies,
you and I are meeting
Grandpa in the livestock area
to take a look at some hogs.
Great.
John-Boy, Elizabeth...
Stuck like glue.
Jim Bob, where are you gonna be?
I'm meeting Claudie
at the craft exhibit.
- A lot of neat stuff in there.
- Okay.
Okay, everybody know the drill?
- Sure.
- Then get!
Get! Have a good time!
- I'll be right back.
- Sounds good!
Livy?
Gonna be all right?
Yeah.
Hey... don't you worry
one bit about Momma's pride.
Easy for you to say.
Oh!
God helps those who
help themselves!
Why, Mrs. Windham!
Is that your cherry
chess pie you're entering?
Yes, ma'am.
- Wish you luck!
- Thank you.
Well, how about
I just put it right here?
You know I'm not a baby.
You don't need to hold
my hand the whole time.
Okay, all right.
Just promise to stick with me.
You know what?
If we get separated,
meet me back
at the information booth, okay?
Yeah? Got that?
Yes, I promise.
But when are we going
to the duck pond?
Just be patient, all right?
- Hey, John-Boy!
- Hey.
- I thought I missed you.
- Me too.
We're going to the duck pond.
Hi, Elizabeth.
Don't you look pretty with
your lips so cotton candy pink?
- Really?
- Oh sure, look, look here.
Hey! I feel pretty.
What do you say we
stroll down to Midway
- and go on some rides?
- I'd love that, Edith.
Let's spend the
whole day together.
You know about
the duck pond game?
Mrs. Abernathy.
Oh, Mrs. Walton! Welcome!
Oh, one judge to go
and then we can...
Oh, there you are. Welcome.
Oh, Charlie. Charlie Sneed.
Charlie!
Howdy do, everybody?
Happy Thanksgivin' week.
- I almost didn't recognize ya.
- Like my new look?
Got me a safety razor
for my birthday.
Went to town on my hair.
Well, it's nice
to see your face.
And to learn that
you're a pie judge!
Best taste buds in the county.
Turn 'em loose!
Yes, well, I-I know
it's usual for a gentleman
to take his hat off
when he's inside.
But perhaps, Mr. Sneed...
you should put yours back on.
Mrs. Abernathy!
No, really.
Good golly!
It's made from nothing
but matchsticks.
Isn't that amazing?
Yeah, but that took
forever to build.
- Wait! Don't toss that.
- Why not?
I can use it.
- For what?
- I don't know yet.
But if you want me to
help build your tree house,
you're gonna need to show me
where you got this ice pop.
Okay, come on.
We have given each
pie an entry number.
So, you may begin!
Now, your scorecards
have three areas,
of appearance, taste,
and creativity,
with the allotted points
allowed for each subcategory.
As delicious as most
of these pies look,
I suggest you limit your
sample to a bite or two.
As tasty as a pie may be, too
much will saturate your palate
and affect your judging.
Momma had a hard time
identifying Grandma's pie.
Mm-mm! Delicious.
- Are we done?
- Yes, ma'am!
- Pleasure.
- Thank you very much.
Which only complicated things.
Thank you very much.
Okay, that's yours.
An honest taste.
- Honest taste.
- Well done.
- Thank you, thank you.
- Well done.
O gentle Romeo!
Thou dost love...
Dost love...
Pronounce it "fithfully."
No, faithfully.
Pronounce it faithfully!
Erin! Will you stop it?
I'm just so anxious,
it's hard to remember!
You've gotta take
your mind off of it.
Put the book down and
shoot a clown instead.
- Come on.
- How does this work?
All right, you hit
a tooth just right
and it swivels to black.
The goal is to get all
the teeth to black,
and the first one to do it wins.
Got it?
Wait a sec.
This seat taken?
Let me get set.
Nervous?
How about that? You're welcome.
All right.
Two can play that game.
Stick with your own side.
Hey!
I won, I won!
Congratulations, young lady!
This is your pinwheel.
Have you ever seen
that guy before?
He's really cute.
I think he likes you.
- Oh, please.
- Let's follow him.
Are you kidding me? No!
Come on, let's get out of here.
Go get your book.
You've got a big
monologue to practice.
Thou dost love...
- Did y'all try this one?
- Oh, gosh.
Now, I know she's ugly, but
she has a certain tang to her
that's indescribably delicious.
I wrote it off on
style points alone.
But we shouldn't
talk about it now.
Why not? Votes are in.
We're just waiting
on the decision.
What do you think, Livy?
I thought it was awful.
I passed it by too.
It's the only pie
I was sure about.
Thank you, judges!
I wanted you to be
the first to know,
your ballots have
been tabulated,
and the winner of this
year's Harvest Festival Fair
pie baking contest is,
for her pecan pie...
Sister Harriet Crane!
Hah! I knew it.
Second place goes to Mrs. Martha
Windham's cherry chess pie.
And our third place winner
is Tilda Weston's
gooseberry surprise.
Oh!
I'll be making
the official announcement
public shortly.
But I wanted to
thank you all again
for your thoughtful
and honest evaluations.
Well done!
What a nightmare!
Grandma's pie isn't
even in the top three.
And to lose to
another pecan pie?
Relax, Olivia.
I mean, we all judged
honestly, right?
I've gotta tell Grandma before
the public announcement is made.
Come on down and ride
the hot air balloon today!
You'll never get a chance to see
a view from the sky like this!
Come on down, it's
a once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity...
For you.
Why?
Well, they didn't
have a proper crown,
and you deserve one.
Silly old fool.
I don't need a crown.
I got you.
Well, aren't ya gonna try it on?
No.
Oh, there you are!
Oh, I've been lookin' for you.
What is that?
Grandpa won me a prize.
What?
I didn't think anybody
could win these games.
Oh, he knows how to
beat all their tricks.
Back spin.
Pie contest must
be over now, right?
I-I-I wanted to tell
you the results myself.
I didn't win?
How do you know?
I sat on her pie.
What?
That crumpled gooey
mess was yours?
It was an accident.
Ta!
But I knew then that
I didn't have a chance.
I'm so sorry.
Why didn't you tell me?
She didn't want to
taint your judgment.
She knows how much
this means to you.
Grandma...
Oh, not to worry, Daughter.
God's will, I suppose.
I have enough blue ribbons.
It's time to pass the baton.
After all, it's just a pie.
I'll make us another one
for Thanksgiving dinner.
Oh, now, who won?
Um, Sister Harriet.
I've had her pecan pie.
It's not bad.
Not bad at all.
You're doing good, Daughter.
Well, for the record,
I have to tell ya,
Charlie Sneed was the only
one who was brave enough
to sample your pie,
but he loved it.
Oh, figures he would!
The fillin' was 99% pure recipe,
all thanks to a little help
from the Baldwin sisters.
Yeah.
Tell me what happened!
Well, you see,
we snuck into the tent...
Why can't we do the ducks first?
Well, I promised Edith we'd
go on the Ferris wheel first,
and maybe some other rides.
Aww, really?
You'll love it, I promise.
Yeah, like we can
go on the carousel.
Duck pond will still
be there when we finish.
- Five cents, five cents...
- Hold on, there's my friend.
And win a prize, folks,
that's all there is to it.
Step right up!
I told you about him.
Yeah.
Yeah, he looks kind
of young to run this.
But there's a big mean guy who...
What?
That stuffed bunny on the top!
Okay, you know what?
After the Ferris wheel.
But what if somebody wins
the bunny before we come back?
You do not have to worry about
that, sweetie, you know why?
'Cause we're going
to the Ferris wheel.
Come and get your ice pop!
Ice pop!
Mix and match your ice pop!
I can't carry any more.
Uh, here.
Use this.
That's it. How many do we have?
Uh, I don't know.
Maybe 40.
Great, let's check
in some other cans.
Promise me next year
we'll go on the bumper cars too.
Yeah, next year for sure.
Huh, Elizabeth?
Here, your turn, your turn.
Oh my gosh!
Come on, you didn't
like the carousel?
- Sorta.
- What about the Ferris wheel?
You can see the whole
county from up top.
It's my favorite thing.
It's okay, I guess.
Just okay, huh?
Well, what if we got you
another cotton candy, huh?
You think that'd be okay?
- No, thanks.
- What? Really.
I can't believe
I'm hearing this.
I know exactly what she needs.
I'll be right back.
Hey, Elizabeth, what
has gotten into you?
D-U-C-K?
Okay, all right, I get it.
Hey, Elizabeth!
Elizabeth, don't you ever...
Don't you ever run
off like that again.
- You hear me?
- Everyone's a winner!
Step right up.
Hook a duck and win a prize.
Quack, quack, quack!
Look at me. I'm serious.
Give me your hand.
But it's gotten busier!
Look what I got for you.
Wow, that is so nice.
Isn't that nice, Elizabeth?
Yeah, nice. Thanks, Edith.
Now it's time to go
to the duck pond!
Time! Oh, I can't believe
that slipped my mind.
- What's wrong?
- It's four.
We told the family
we'd be at the talent show.
- Let's go.
- But it's not fair!
Okay, I know, I know, Elizabeth.
I'm very sorry, I'm very sorry.
We'll be right back
when it's over, okay?
I promise.
Promise. Okay, we gotta go.
Thank you, Bridie, thank you.
For those of you interested,
Birdie will be selling some
firewood after the show
that she has sawed.
All right... oh, our
next contestant
is a 13-year-old
aspiring actress
who will treat us to
a speech as Juliet
from Shakespeare's
classic Romeo and Juliet.
Please welcome Erin Walton.
What's wrong?
Perhaps, just perhaps,
young Juliet was
reacting to the discovery
of her beloved Romeo's
body in the family tomb.
Um, let's... let's give
Erin a hand, shall we?
And bring on
our next contestants,
Erin's sister and brother.
Please welcome
Mary Ellen and Jason Walton.
Hi, um...
We'd like to share with you
our favorite gospel song,
In the Sweet By and By.
Hey, thanks for bailing me out.
Hey, just collaborating.
As it turned out,
the saw player and the
cloggers won first and second
in the competition.
Mary Ellen and Jason salvaged
enough of their performance
to place third.
But their moral victory did
nothing to lift Erin's spirits.
I know you're
disappointed, Erin.
But today's not the end of it.
I'll never be an actor.
You showed great instincts when
you staged Mary Ellen and Jason
on their song.
So, we have an idea.
Would you be interested in
directing the children's play
at Calvary Bible this Christmas?
Me? Really?
We could really use someone with
your passion for the theater.
That would be wonderful!
I'd love to!
We'll talk about the details
this weekend after Thanksgiving.
- Sound okay?
- Oh, yes! Thank you, ma'am!
Rose, Rose, how do
you know she can direct?
I don't know.
But she can't now, she'll learn.
You one special woman, Rose.
- What's with you?
- I'm gonna be a director!
- Oh.
- Hey, Waltons!
I just wanted to say regardless
of who gets a ribbon or not,
you're all thoroughbreds.
And none of you need
prizes to prove it.
Now, I know there's still
a lot you want to do here,
so let's just make sure we
all meet back up for fireworks
before heading home.
Clear?
Okay, go have some more fun!
Better get ready for
that encore, Jason.
Encore!
It's gonna cost you more chores!
Congratulations.
Thanks.
Hope I didn't throw
you off too much.
Managed.
Well, if you're ever in
Rock Ridge County, look me up.
Jimmy Donnelly.
Anyway, just wanted to say hi.
Hi.
See ya.
Bye.
Well, what did I tell ya?
Erin, don't be a... one of those.
Well, I'm not!
What did he say?
Did he tell you his name?
I mean, I already forgot it.
Come on, you don't wanna miss
the candied apples, do you?
- I guess not.
- I'll pay for it.
- Really?
- No.
I don't have any money!
I'm broke 'cause of you!
Win a prize! All there is to it.
Come on...
Hey, you made it.
Now I'm gonna win
that stuffed bunny.
I should warn you,
it's... harder than it looks.
He's right, Elizabeth, okay?
I don't want you
getting your hopes up.
I have a good feelin' about it.
All right.
D-U-C-K pond, here we go.
You've been talking
about this all day.
Are you excited or what?
You got it, Elizabeth.
A little slower.
- There we go, okay.
- You got it.
- Ooh, so close, so close.
- Be patient, patient! Okay.
Come on, Walton, we're
thoroughbreds, let's go!
- I got one!
- Hey!
- Hey, look at you!
- There you go.
Number one, congrats!
You can take anything
you want out of this basket.
Um, but I want the bunny.
You have to hook a duck that
says number three for that.
But how do you know
which one has a three?
You don't until you catch it.
There's some nice necklaces.
That little bird is pretty.
You want a necklace, then?
Sure.
Here you go.
- Here, you can have it.
- Oh, thank you!
Can I try it again, John-Boy?
Please?
Okay.
Ah... you sure you really want to?
- Yes, I'm sure.
- Okay.
- Here you go.
- All right.
Try again.
It's okay. It's okay, Elizabeth.
I don't get it.
It's okay, just try again.
Try again.
I got another one!
- Hey!
- Nice.
Let's see here.
Number one? Again?
Could I try it again, John-Boy?
Just one more time,
that's all, please?
Fresh outta nickels, sweetheart.
Sorry.
Hey.
I got something here that
might just help your luck out.
Is that the penny?!
Yup, lucky penny.
So I was told.
Well, in that case,
let me pitch in.
After all, I got the necklace.
Thanks, Edith.
Here you go.
Thank you.
All right.
Okay, give it another try.
Hey, don't
you know all those ducks
are likely marked
with number one?
Yeah, but she's
got a lucky penny.
You're right, she does.
I'm so close... and I got one!
Just hope it's a three.
Number three, congrats! You win!
What? What? The bunny!
I want the bunny!
- Uh, you got it.
- I told you, John-Boy!
Yeah.
Look at that.
Here you go.
- Thanks.
- Mm-hmm.
Here, I'm sure it still works.
Thanks.
Hey, thank you.
You saw it there, folks!
Everyone's a winner.
Step right up!
Hook a duck and win a prize!
Quack, quack, quack!
Red, get over here.
But I'm about to go and...
Now.
- You think I'm blind?
- No, sir.
What the hell was that little
girl doing with the top prize?
I just thought it'd
boost business, you know?
People seeing a
big winner and all.
Whose business?
I bet if I put your brain in
a bird, it'd fly backwards.
I'd never seen
anybody so stupid.
I just thought it might help.
You're not here to think.
Am I clear?
- Yes.
- Yes what?
Yes, sir.
There's a reason we don't
let anybody win top prizes.
You know how many suckers it'll
take to pay for that rabbit?
Not really.
Well, you better bark up
some of that business
you've been yakking about.
I don't want you
leaving that booth
'til that prize is paid for.
You get what I'm sayin'?
- Get!
- Aah!
All right.
What are you smiling so big for?
JB! JB!
Maggie?
Maggie?
Maggie?
Maggie?
Oh, what's with the JB?
It's a pen name, sort of.
How are ya? Hey.
- What are you doin' here?
- Uh, Thanksgiving break.
I didn't think I'd make it home
until Zack offered me a ride.
Who's Zack?
College pal.
He's down there
throwing baseballs
at a milk bottle pyramid
trying to win me a bear.
Good for him.
Uh, it's a really nice
surprise seeing you.
Yeah, I'll say. Hi, Maggie.
Edith.
How's my pack horse route?
You take good care of my boy?
I've been doin' my best.
I'm still on the lookout
for writing competitions.
Thank you, I appreciate that.
You haven't sent me one
of your stories in a while.
Yeah, I, uh
I've just been really busy
with the harvest.
It's... it's really busy.
How did it go?
It's all right, you know?
We're doing, like,
20 bushels an acre,
and that's not quite
yielding enough,
so we're gonna have
to switch it up,
plant some more
acres, I don't know.
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
It's a whole complicated...
You probably don't
wanna hear about it.
No, no, it's fascinating.
Hey, can we play?
Yeah, five cents.
We're going to Zack's
parents in Charlottesville
for Thanskgiving.
Um, if there's time afterwards,
maybe we can get together?
Yeah, we're... we're doing
a big family Thanksgiving dinner
with my grandparents too,
so, um, we'll see, we'll see.
I really hope you enjoy
the rest of the fair, though.
You too.
Yeah.
Well, that was
quite a conversation.
Yeah, I mean,
I guess so, guess so.
Elizabeth?
Elizabeth, hey!
I didn't see her leave.
- Elizabeth!
- Hey!
I'm gonna go check
the duck pond.
- You go there.
- Okay.
- How do I look?
- You look too comfortable.
You are looking very royal.
We should take the picture.
Take the picture, sir.
Whenever you're ready.
Edith!
Oh look, there goes one
of our royal subjects now.
No luck.
I've stopped several people.
Yeah, me either.
John, I think something's wrong.
John-Boy? John-Boy?
John-Boy, what's going on?
Where's Elizabeth?
Okay, about 15 minutes
ago, she wandered off.
Wandered off?
Yeah, she was there
for one minute,
and then I don't
know where she went.
John-Boy, what in the world?
- She was your responsibility.
- I know, Momma, okay?
I'm gonna find her,
I promise you.
I told her that she would meet
me at the information booth
if we got separated.
Okay, let's... let's go, Edith.
Oh, John-Boy.
John, what if she isn't there?
We shouldn't panic. Let's, um...
Let's go to the information
booth like John-Boy said
and then we'll
take it from there.
Oh!
Ow...
John-Boy!
John-Boy!
Now, she was last seen this
side of the duck pond game.
We've got enough of us to
cover the entire fairgrounds
if we fan out.
Mom and Dad, I know
you wanna help look,
but I want you to stay here
and... and... and watch for her
at the information booth, okay?
If she does show up like
John-Boy says she might,
I want her to see
family faces right off.
Any questions?
Okay, let's scatter.
Scatter in different directions!
John-Boy!
John-Boy, where are you?
Elizabeth! Elizabeth!
She's about this tall.
She has a red balloon with her.
Sir, sir, I'm sorry...
Have you seen a little
girl with two ponytails,
- about this tall, freckles?
- Mm-mm.
No? Thank you, thank you.
Hello, uh, Elizabeth!
- Elizabeth!
- Elizabeth!
Elizabeth!
Let's try over here.
Let's try over here.
Madeleine!
Madeleine, have
you seen Elizabeth?
She was with John-Boy.
She just went missing.
- You haven't seen her?
- No.
Elizabeth!
Elizabeth!
I'm going to check on Selma
at the milk can game.
Elizabeth!
Elizabeth!
Elizabeth!
John-Boy!
Anyone, help me!
Help me!
Help me!
- Red!
- You okay?
Yes.
I found your bunny.
Now let's get out of here.
Thank you for finding me.
I-I was so scared.
You're safe now.
John-Boy.
No, no.
She's gotta be here somewhere.
Look!
Elizabeth!
Hey!
That boy, he found me
and he saved me.
There were these
awful animal noises,
and I was lost,
and it was so scary.
And I heard something coming,
and I thought it was a bobcat.
But it turned out it was
just the duck pond boy.
And he got me out of there.
We're just glad you're
home safe, okay?
I'm so sorry,
John-Boy, so sorry.
I shouldn't have
run off like that.
It's okay, sweetie, it's okay.
- Hey, Momma...
- Oh, not now, John-Boy.
Oh, my baby, oh!
Come here.
That man is not his daddy.
What did I tell you?
I'm sorry, I'm sorry!
Hey, hey, hey, hey!
Do you know how much
business we lost
while you're out running around?
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey!
What the hell you
thinkin', mister?
This boy deserves our
thanks, not punishment.
What he did for my daughter,
you should be proud of that boy.
It's none of your damn business.
I'll tell you what, sir.
You hurt him again,
and I'm gonna make sure
it is my damn business.
If you know what's good for you,
you'll get your
butt back to work.
Right now!
Hey, hey, hey, hey.
- I gotta go.
- Yeah, it's okay.
Hey, uh, I just wanted to
say that what you did was
was brave and was kindhearted.
If he ever touches you like that
again, you look me up, okay?
My name is John Walton.
I'll take care of it, okay?
I just wanted to thank you
for finding our daughter.
It's okay.
Mm... aww.
I really gotta go.
Well, hey, hey.
Remember what I said.
Step right up, folks!
Five cents only.
Back in business, folks.
Five cents only.
Everyone's a winner.
Poor boy.
We're all back together.
Okay.
You all right? Good.
Back in business, folks!
Step right up.
Everyone's a winner.
Hey, Momma.
I want you to know that, uh,
no matter what you
have to say to me,
I've already said
worse to myself.
I now understand the true
meaning of responsibility.
I want you to know that.
Nothin' like this is ever
gonna happen again, okay?
John-Boy, it's over.
You know, my daddy used to
say that takin' responsibility
for your mistakes
that's a sign of strength.
Yeah.
And so is forgiveness.
Ah, we have so much
to be grateful for.
Family's waitin'.
Caught me red handed.
What a day, huh?
Elizabeth runnin' off like that.
Scares me just
thinkin' about it.
Her lost, alone in the woods.
You know, I still haven't
talked to John-Boy.
Oh, don't, his heart has told
him all he needs to know.
Going on about it won't...
Won't help a thing.
He's hard enough on himself.
Yeah, I suppose you're right.
You know what?
I just can't stop thinkin'
about that duck pond boy.
He took a huge risk going
after her, and then,
and then gets roughed up by
that two-bit bully for it.
Can you imagine what kind
of life that kid must lead?
No.
And it breaks my heart.
Did you hear that?
Somebody at our front door?
At this hour?
I'll check it out.
Well, not without me.
Oh.
Can I stay here tonight?
I don't have
anywhere else to go.
How did you get here, son?
I walked.
That's nearly six miles.
Well, uh, I-I had to ask for
directions, but, you know,
everyone knows where
to find the Waltons.
He did that to you, didn't he?
Y-y-yes, uh, you know, uh,
when he's drunk,
he... he... he hits me.
Okay, we will
talk about that tomorrow.
Right now, just go to sleep.
Okay, go to sleep.
Oh, that's good.
That's so good.
Hey, Livy.
This will not stand.
I will see to it.
Oh, he must be used to
sleeping on the floor.
Where do you think he went?
You don't think he'd
take off, do you?
No, no, I wouldn't think so.
Hey, good mornin'.
Thought I'd do some chores,
you know, pay you back.
Huh.
That morning at breakfast,
we all heard Red's entire story.
Abner and Selma
put on a pretty good show
for the folks at the orphanage.
And it was okay for a while.
Sure beat being trapped in that
old gray building in Charleston.
At first, it was... it was
worth a lickin' now and then.
Abner gets mean
when he's been drinkin'.
Only when things
aren't going too well,
and he takes it out on me.
Sometimes Selma, but
recently it's mainly been me.
Happens almost every day.
I can't even imagine.
I know.
That must've been
so hard for you.
It's okay.
I get to travel a lot.
I've been to, uh,
Kentucky, Tennessee,
and South Carolina, too.
Workin' fairs and
carnivals all over.
That must be kinda fun.
At first, but
always feels like
we're cheatin' folks.
Then why do you do it?
Abner forces me.
Where else am I gonna go?
Oh, heavens, let me get
you another helpin'.
- Thank you, ma'am.
- Oh, you're welcome...
Uh, I realize I
don't know your name.
Abner calls me Red, but
I don't really like that.
My real name's Ben.
Well, then I will be right
back with some more eggs, Ben.
Are you thinkin'
what I'm thinkin', John?
I'm thinkin'...
First thing I'm
doin' this morning
is finding Sheriff Bridges
and taking care of
this Abner fella.
That's not what I'm talkin'
about and you know it.
Yeah, yeah, I, uh, saw that
look on your face at the table.
We're gonna talk
about it tonight.
Here you go.
Thank you.
Now, Ben, how would you
like to stay here with us?
Just until things
settle down a bit.
Tomorrow's Thanksgiving.
There's plenty to do.
And the kids, they
can show you around.
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
- Mm-hmm.
Huh?
Good.
Good.
Word of advice?
Don't listen to
anything John-Boy says.
That is good advice.
We spent
most of our time with Ben
getting ready for the next
day's Thanksgiving dinner.
I think the Walton kids gave
him the first example of family
that he had ever experienced.
And true to his word,
Daddy saw to it that Abner
was charged with child abuse.
And his wife, Selma, was free
at last to start a new life.
Our daddy always
did the right thing.
Is he still asleep?
On the floor?
We'll have to work on that.
Yeah.
So what do you think?
Of course, it'd be
another mouth to feed.
He does seem to get
along well with the kids.
If we take him in,
I want it to be permanent.
You up to that?
Are we up to that?
We do know the kid's got grit.
The one thing about
our family is
knowing we have each other's
backs no matter what.
That is true.
And in my view, he, uh... he
has already proved himself
in that regard.
I would agree with that too.
John
I feel like he deserves a family
that can love and support him,
like he's never known before.
Well, we do have plenty
of that to spare.
What do you think?
I'm not saying yes yet.
I know.
That kiss was because you're
a good man, John Walton.
Then I'm nothing without you.
They have something
very special!
They have something very
special!
Here it is!
Yay!
He wanted to make
the centerpiece.
That's very nice.
That wingspan,
use those wingspan.
Oh, careful.
Uh, Livy, would you mind
leading a solemn prayer?
Oh, I would love to.
Let me have your hands.
Our Heavenly Father,
we have so much to
be grateful for.
We thank you for this day.
We thank you for
getting to be together.
We thank you for
everyone's health.
We thank you for
the crops this year,
some of which grace
our table today.
We thank you most of all
for this family, our love,
and our heart.
And today, we welcome in
our very newest member, Ben.
Shine a light on him,
Lord, most of all.
Let him know he's home forever.
In your Son's name
we pray, amen.
- Amen!
- Amen!
Amen, Sister Jen.
Shot a rooster, killed a hen.
Hen died, the rooster cried.
Best part of the prayer!
Hey, hey. Would you
care to do the honors?
It would be my pleasure.
You and me, turkey!
Fantastic, turkey time.
Let me give you a
little room here,
a little elbow room.
I don't want to get in your...
There were
many things we were grateful for
that special Thanksgiving.
But the real joy
was being together.
John-Boy?
Come here, son.
It's time for you to take over.
- Oh, you have to be careful!
- I will.
Oh, honey!
He'll be all right.
He'll be all right.
- It's all yours, Son.
- Thank you very much.
Y'all two should switch spots.
Like, Jason, you're
just too tall.
Y'all need to switch.
Oh yes, your sister's
a director now.
She, uh... she knows what's best.
Well done, yeah.
Thank you.
That is actually better.
I can see how that's better.
I would like to say, let's eat.
Oh! It's time for eating!
Napkins in lap!
I'm fine. Listen...
You are hogging the stuffing!
Momma and
Daddy asked me what I thought
about bringing Ben
into the family
before they finally decided,
and if I could look out for
Ben and be a big brother to him
like I was to the
rest of the kids.
I was more than happy to do so.
It took three months
for the adoption
paperwork to come through,
and family life was not without
some difficult
adjustments at times.
But thinking back on it,
the honest truth is that our
Thanksgiving table in 1934,
Ben became a Walton.
Here's the green beans!
That's good, load him up!
That's right.
Good night, Elizabeth!
Good night, Jason.
Good night, Jim Bob.
Good night, Daddy.
Good night, Livy!
Good night, Mary Ellen!
Good night, John-Boy!
Good night, Erin!
- Good night, Ben!
- Good night, Ben!
- Good night, Ben!
- Good night, family.