Hi everyone,

Well I promised last week that I would share some of the things from the latest Waltons Friendship Society magazine so here goes. Number 38 is a bumper issue, with heaps of things in it. There's a host of letters from members, which is always nice. Everyone brings something different to their watching of The Waltons and its interesting to read about it from others points of view.

There's a long article called Meet the Waltons, which gives a bit of the history of The Waltons, and tells us of the writer's experience at the last Waltons reunion. It mentions the memorial service for Ellen Corby, and comments that they all sang Climb Every Mountain (Sound of Music), saying it was Ellen's favourite song. I found an interesting quote from Michael Learned in this newsletter too, regarding Ellen. Michael says:

"She was always on time, always knew her lines, always knew what a scene was really about and how to make it better. She never complained."

Seems to me that there are probably a few actors/performers around these days who could learn a thing or two from her!

Also included are an article on Ralph Waite, and an article telling those of us who couldn't attend, about the Smithsonian tribute, the Graham Norton Show with Michael Learned, and the Waltons Cruise.

All in all it's a great newsletter, and one I would highly recommend. If you're interested in joining, contact the following address:

Waltons Friendship Society,

Riding Gate House,

Riding Gate,

Wincanton,

BA9 8NQ,

England,

UK.

The other big news is that Kami Cotler's baby girl has safely arrived, born April 27. Her name is Callan Freya. Congratulations to Kami and her husband.

We also talked last week about some of the movies Richard Thomas had been in. What a wonderful list. You can find a full listing of his movies at the following URL on the Internet Movie Database. Or you can go straight to the Richard Thomas link.

As for my favorites...well, naturally The Waltons telemovies are among them. The Christmas Box would be right up there too...a fantastic movie for Christmas. Down, Out and Dangerous had me on the edge of my seat. Richard was positively evil in this one, and I didn't recognize him until he spoke. One of my very, absolute faves, though, would be Hobson's Choice. I just love him in the role of Will Mossop. He shows so much growth through the movie.

There are such a lot of his work that I haven't seen though. 64 movies/TV things are listed in the database, and then there are notable guest appearances too. I'm enjoying watching Promised Land again at the moment. I'm taping it at 5.10 in the morning, and he pops up occasionally on that. He is also listed as the producer of two 1996 movies, Summer of Fear and What Love Sees. Such a talented performer.

Well that's it from me for now. Goodnight everyone,

Karen.

Hi Karen and all,

I saw a Richard Thomas made-for-TV movie not too long ago about a blind man who made a life for himself and his wife, who was also blind, in the construction business in California. I don't recall the name of it, but it was very good.

--Laura

KAREN'S COMMENT: After checking on the list of movies at the Internet Movie Database, I would think this one is "What Love Sees" (1996). It's not one I've seen out here yet.

Hello everyone.

It has been quite awhile since I've been able to share anything on the Waltons Digest. Karen, I believe the digest keeps getting more interesting all the time. Lots of topics that spin off the Waltons theme, but interesting never the less.

You asked in Digest 15-2000 about the favorite Richard Thomas movies: mine is The Christmas Box. It stars in addition to RT, Maureen O'Hara and Annette O'Toole and is produced by Feature Films For Families, PO Box 572410, Murray, UT. 84157-2410. It is a great movie.

Also, I saw Michael Learned in a western several weeks ago, I believe it was Gunsmoke. However, the part she played was not a "motherly-type" part. I guess she will always be stereotyped as Mrs. John Walton. I sure liked her in that role.

Something that was discussed several months ago was the issue of collecting a price to copy an episode and then that person not following through with it. I have done it several times for Digest subscribers but I don't charge for it. I run off the copy, mail it, and then leave the price up to the recipient. They're happy, I'm satisfied, and let's forget the profits. A hobby, whatever the interest, has to have first integrity to be able to have joy. 'Nuf said.

My wife and I are restoring an 100+ year old house, so we don't get to watch The Waltons very much. But I do read the Digest. Keep up the good work.

Dave

KAREN'S COMMENT: Dave, I think you're just one of many of our "unsung heroes" on the digest. I am aware that you have very kindly taped episodes for members, and I know they appreciate it greatly. The Christmas Box is definitely one of Richard's finest telemovies.

Hi Karen,

I really enjoying reading your Waltons Digest and hearing from people from all over. Someone wrote about their Richard Thomas video collection and I thought I'd share my current RT collection, which has grown a great deal. Here's the list of my current videos collection:

Beyond the Prairie (1999)

Big and Hairy (1998)

Adventures of Swiss Family Robinson (1998)

Flood: A River's Rampage (1997)

What Love Sees (1996)

The Christmas Box (1995)

Down, Out & Dangerous (1995)

Stalking Laura (aka I Can Make You Love Me) (1993)

Linda (1993)

Crash Landing: The Rescue of Flight 232 (1992)

Mission of the Shark (1991)

It (1990)

Glory! Glory! (1989)

Go to the Light (1988)

Hobson's Choice (1983)

Living Proof: The Hank Williams Jr. Story (1983)

Fifth of July (1982)

Johnny Belinda (1982)

Berlin Tunnel 21 (1981)

All Quiet on the Western Front (1979)

September 30, 1955 (1978)

Sixteen (1972)

Cactus in the Snow (1970)

Although I enjoy all of his films, my top five favorites RT films are Johnny Belinda, The Christmas Box, Beyond the Prairie, Berlin Tunnel 21 and All Quiet on the Western Front.

I'm missing quite a few videos that I'm still trying to obtain copies of such as: "Yes, Virginia There is a Santa Claus," "Last Summer," "Red Sky in the Morning" and "Red Badge of Courage" and some others not listed above.

Also, I wanted to let your readers know that I moderate the The Richard Thomas Fan Forumshould anyone like to join in. The discussion is for fans to discuss all aspects of his career and a forum to discuss his upcoming television, film and stage projects and current news, etc. The main goal of the forum is to share information pertaining to RT's brilliant career and other information as to current news is shared intermittently. I hope your readers will join in!

Also, are you aware of the project to honor Richard Thomas with the Hollywood Walk a Fame? I think he is a first rate actor who truly deserves this honor. For more information, visit Official Richard Thomas Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Best Regards,

Alyssa

KAREN'S COMMENT: Thank you for your letter Alyssa. With all the work Richard is doing, and has done, I'm sure the forum is a very active place. Maybe you'll see some of our members on there now. Big and Hairy was one that I did see some of recently, but i really didn't like it much. Yes, I am aware of the Star project that you mention. The website will explain it all to you when you visit, but basically it is to raise money for him to have a plaque on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It would be a wonderful tribute to an actor with such a wonderful list of credits to his name.

Hi Karen, I really enjoy your website. The Waltons is my all time favorite program.

Re names of children - I seem to remember Ben being named after Esther & Zeb's other son, Ben, who was killed during WWI. Thanks for all your time and effort on our behalf.

Loretta

KAREN'S COMMENT: You're right. Ben Walton is indeed named after John's brother Benjamin. You can see his cross, I think, in one of the episodes where Ben is building a seat in his honour.

Hi all,

I read Mave's last post with interest. I didn't realize that some people were having a difficult time finding the book Spencer's Mountain. It is available through the Waltons Mountain Museum, and to my knowledge, always has been. If you are a member of the museum, you get a flyer which lists what items they sell. They also sell "The Homecoming" in book form, and several of the Walton movies. Their prices are slightly higher, but worth it if you can't find these things elsewhere. And ebay IS a great source for Waltons memorabilia. I've purchased several books on the Waltons from ebay. Another thing that I have mentioned before which I find very entertaining are the books on tape edition of both Spencer's Mountain, and The Homecoming. Both read by Richard Thomas.

Nancy

KAREN'S COMMENT: Of course you're quite right about the books being available at the Museum. In fact if you're a member of the Friends of the Museum, you get a discount too. I have seen both books quite often at online secondhand bookshops too.

This is off the Waltons subject but I've seen many people talking about Little House on the Prairie. I have a question for anyone who can help me. On the New Beginning part of the series there is an episode called "Rage". I am desperate to find the real name of the little girl that the father abuses. The actress looks so familiar but I can't figure out her name. I swear I've seen her in another show as an adult. I saw this episode about 6 months ago and I've been checking every site possible but haven't found a thing. It's been driving me NUTS!! Thanks.

Farrah.

KAREN'S COMMENT: Farrah, I'm not sure, but here is the guest cast for that episode:

Tammy Lauren...............Elizabeth Stark

Robert Loggia.................Thomas Stark

Michele Marsh................Constance Stark

J. Edward McKinley........Phillips

Ronnie Scribner...............Randall Page

Kurt Smildsin...................Tracy

If you have been on the Forum recently you know that Kami's baby arrived either last Thursday or Friday. It was Mary McDonough who let us know Kami will post as soon as she can get on line. I guess Kami called her-- you know that the older sister is the first one to hear! LOL

Donald

KAREN'S COMMENT: Nice to know that Kami looks on Mary as an older sister. :-))

Hi Karen and everyone!

I am still trying to read all the past digests when I get a few minutes. I'm up to about a year ago. It is amazing all the info available from so many different sources, after so many years!

What is TNN doing to us? I have a feeling maybe they are about to run out of their rights to The Waltons and will stop showing it before too long. That will be a sad day. They keep switching their times. Now my TV listings for the week in yesterday's paper say they are showing two episodes daily, I guess, (it doesn't list the names) from 6:00 to 8:00 p m in the eastern U S time zone. When I went to check their site it has not been updated and still lists it showing at 5:00 p m. Maybe my paper is crazy, which wouldn't surprise me. Unfortunately my VCR is on the fritz and won't tape things right. It leaves blank spots and won't tape in color. At 6:00 I want to watch the evening news for an hour, but I think I'll give that up tonight to see what really is going on with TNN.

Back to an old, non Walton topic, and f. y. i. to those who kindly responded. Quite a number of us launched a blitz on our cable company about their deletion of the Odyssey channel from their lineup. We really miss being able to see "Snowy River", and the excellent choices of the older movies Odyssey showed. It did absolutely no good. They won't even respond to our letters, emails, & phone calls. By a fluke, one of the times I called I got through to the parent company in another state and they told me they had no interest in keeping Odyssey on any of their different cable systems. One more example of those who run things not caring a whit about what customers like or want.

It has gotten so one wonders if it is worth keeping cable since there is very little of interest left to watch that we can't get with just "rabbit ears" on top of the TV. Even more so, if TNN stops carrying The Waltons! I do wish TNN would keep their web site more informative, too.

Re the article sharing from Teresa in the #15 Digest: Isn't that a very low wage to pay actors for a run of 12 weeks? Maybe it was per week, I hope! Richard Thomas is certainly worth that per week. And, like Viv, I missed the ET special, sadly. It must have been good. Also, it will be interesting to read the favorite R T choices of others -- I can't decide. He is so excellent in everything he's done that I've seen. Before they dumped Odyssey from our cable I saw Mary Alice Williams interview him on her "Quiet Triumphs" program. He was most impressive, just as a person, on that. TTFN.

C J

KAREN'S COMMENT: Sorry to hear about your cable woes CJ. Don't come over here to live, because we haven't got The Waltons at all for now! Maybe they will get them again soon, and perhaps this time we might get the whole 9 seasons. How's that for being hopeful. :-) I don't know how much actors are paid in other countries, but here in Australia, stage actors are paid an absolute pittance, no matter how well known they are. In fact many television actors over here, take stage work with very little pay, saying that they simply like to keep their hand in. Richard, seems to me, to be that sort of actor, and so might take the role for not much pay.

I "think" I have noticed a few things on the last 2 Walton shows I have seen. In the "Caretakers", it sure sounded like Corabeth called Ike "Issac" in the store. In fact, I watched this episode twice in one day and heard it both times. Also, in that episode, when Grandma and Grandpa move out of the Walton house and into the house they're taking care of, they switch their places in bed! On every episode I've seen, Grandma and Grandpa always sleep in the same place. (If you're at the foot of the bed looking on the bed, Grandpa is on the right and Grandma is on the left.) Watch this episode and you will see that Grandpa is on the left and Grandma is on the right.

On "The Statue", Grandpa explains why he has always let Grandma sleep where she does. I can't remember the explanation right now. Another thing on this show; the Baldwin ladies say something about their mother. Grandpa has just won this statue (of Annabel Lee) at the store. The Baldwin sisters donated this gift and tell Grandpa that it had been hidden away for years because their mother didn't approve of the statue. I don't recall ever hearing them speak of their mother.

Did anyone get to see "Ike Godsey" at the museum in Virginia last weekend? I had planned to go, but surgery at the last minute spoiled my plans. I'd love to hear from those who went.

Susan

KAREN'S COMMENT: These are things I'll have to watch out for next time that I watch. I recall the ladies saying their mother didn't approve of the statue. I took it as being because she was quite scantily clad. :-))