Hi everyone,

I hope you've all had a good week. In our family most of us started back at school this week. James has gone into year 9, Tim into year 11, and I am working 5 days a fortnight (3 days one week, 2 days the next). Rod starts back at work on Monday. The holidays seem to have just flown.

When I arrived back at school on Tuesday, I discovered that our library had flooded and there is quite a bit of mess in there, along with a dreadful smell. We had very heavy storms over last weekend and the water came in then. I think a drain must have been blocked. We lost quite a lot of library stock, but it is covered by the insurance fortunately. It just means a lot of extra work getting them organised and back onto the shelves.

Our prep class began without too many traumas. Children start school at about 5 or 5 1/2 years of age here. Many of the children can't speak a lot of English though. The school is in an area where there is a real mix of nationalities. We have Greek, Italian, Chinese, Samoan, Loatian, Vietnamese and Latvian just to name a few. The little ones seem to pick up English very quickly though. They are a lovely bunch.

Anyway over to Walton matters. I have been working on a few things for my page but a lot of it isn't ready yet...still! However, I have been able to put an original Waltons script on for you all. Laura, whom you would know from the list, has kindly allowed me to put one of her scripts onto the site. It is a script about Jason being injured and facing the possibility of not being able to continue with his music. You can find a link to it from my main page. It's quite long and might take a little time to load, but it is well worth the wait.

At the bottom of the script is a link to some other scripts Laura has written. They are based on "Snowy River: The McGregor Saga" and are published on Astral's "Snowy River" page. If you haven't visited there yet, do try it. Earl Hamner was involved in the production side of it, even though it is an Australian production. Actually for all of you Aussies who are also Snowy River fans, Laura tells me that the nine network is set to air the elusive 4th season of this from February 8th. I'll be tuned.

On another note, to all the Aussies again, I am told by Foxtel that they no longer have the rights to The Waltons. I don't know who holds them out here though. I gather that there is some better news about the rights over in the USA and Canada. I hear that another network has picked the show up. Lucky you!

Anyway there's a lot of mail this week from you all. Please keep the contributions coming. It gives us all plenty to read then.

Goodnight everyone, Karen.

I have a few comments and observations I've been meaning to send to the Digest for a while. In a fairly recent Digest, there was some speculation on whether Jon Walmsley's wife, Lisa Harrison, is musical. I remember on the episode where Jason first meets Toni, Toni plays the song Jason left behind at the base on the piano, and I think she sings it with Jason at the end. But what I really remember is the episode where Jason tries to line up a country and western star to sing at the Dew Drop, but that doesn't work out so Toni steps in. Man, she can really belt out a song! She sang something about spurs jingling and jangling and it was terrific. Anyhow, I guess the answer is yes, Lisa H. has some musical talent.

Yesterday when I was home from school (relaxing on MLK Day instead of teaching my eighth-graders), I watched the morning Waltons on FAM. I noticed that the episode, "The Revel," was written by Scott Hamner. Is this Earl's son?

Also, I noticed that Jerry Goldsmith, who wrote the music for The Walton's opening theme, was nominated for a Golden Globe award for his score for "L.A. Confidential."

And finally, Michael Learned has a recurring role as the protagonist's mother-in-law on "The Profiler," airing Saturday nights on NBC. Her character isn't entirely likable, but it's great to see her in a current role.

I hope this finds all of you Waltons fans well. I am busy at school trying to make up some lost lessons. We had a good-sized snow storm (12 inches, which is a lot for Western Washington) that shut down school last Monday and Tuesday (Jan. 12 and 13), so I feel like I am trying to play "catch-up" and get my lessons in before the semester ends on Jan. 23rd.

Hard to believe the school year is half finished--seems as though my students are just now getting into the swing of things!

--Laura

KAREN'S COMMENT: I hadn't remembered the episodes where Lisa/Toni sings. Thanks for reminding me. Interesting tidbit about Scott Hamner and Jerry Goldsmith too.

Hi Karen,

Glad you and your family had a good time away. Have some responses to some queries in the latest Digest -

Scotch Gray has a couple (Hi there!) -

"I'm wondering who can help me with information about the end of the series. I know a special ran toward the end that featured appearances by actual members of the Hamner family. I saw that one. But I'm wondering about the last episode of the actual story line. I saw an episode last year that I thought might have been the last one. It was rather ordinary, I thought, until the last 15 minutes or so. It ended with an extended epilogue by Earl Hamner--I have never heard one that went on that long. It was very touching and I thought wrapped things up quite well. I would love to hear from someone who knows more."

I'm not sure which one this is, probably one that I've not yet done an extended synopsis for (see Ralph's Waltons website for the ones I have done), but there was one that could have ended the series, and when I first saw it, thought that it had! It was when John-Boy decided that the book he wanted to write would be about his family.

The last of the regular episodes was "The Revel", which ended Season 9. The closing speech by Earl Hamner was -

"I had returned to the mountain once again to find the inspiration I needed to write. Soon I was back in New York City laboring over another book, and because of the renewed courage they brought me I would never forget Miss Mamie and Miss Emily and their zest for life. I hope that you'll remember this house as I do. The mystical blue ridges that stretch beyond it into infinity; the sound of warm voices drifting out upon the night air; a family waiting, and a light in the window. Good night!"

That was made in 1981 and about a year later 3 double-length "specials" were made by Lorimar - "A Wedding on Waltons Mountain", "Mother's Day on Waltons Mountain", and "A Day for Thanksgiving on Waltons Mountain". In all those, John-Boy was played by Robert Wightman who had taken over the part previously played by Richard Thomas. Then, starting in 1993, more "specials" were made in which John-Boy was once again played by Richard Thomas - "A Walton Thanksgiving Reunion" (1993), "A Walton Wedding" (1995), and "A Walton Easter" (1997).

Also - "..... the mechanics of the original series shooting. I assume they shot the interiors in a building in the LA area. Anyone know where? And where was that original exterior? One more question for this time: Where did they film the exteriors that showed mountain vistas and how far away from the set was it? "

In the original series, the interiors were shot in a film studio, as is normal practise. For the exteriors, well, you know the view of the hill above Los Angeles, the one with the famous "HOLLYWOOD" sign on it, most of the shots were taken on the other side of that hill. Thus the vegetation (trees etc) are those native to California, and not actually of the types found in Virginia, but that's acceptable "artistic license"! The outsides of the Walton house and the Godsey store etc were studio "flats", that is, merely a frontage, the interiors being back in the studio. Hope that helps!

Karen has one in her Comment - "KAREN'S COMMENT: Our list of Walton spotting is certainly growing isn't it? I think it's really nice to see our favourite Waltons characters in such different roles as this one obviously was for Will Geer. How about Michael Learned? Has anyone seen her in quite a different role than the motherly Olivia?"

I remember seeing a dramatised documentary back in the early 1970s about a tornado or hurricane at sea which was approaching the land. The meteorologist was Will Geer and his assistant was Michael Learned. At the time, this didn't have any significance for me, but when it was repeated some years later, after The Waltons had started, then it had even more interest! Will Geer also appeared in an episode of "Mission Impossible" where he was a villainous doctor who injected a paralyzing drug into the hero (Peter Graves) when he'd stumbled on some plot in this country town..... A far cry from dear Grandpa! But then, Will Geer had a long career as a character actor in many films over the years, including some Westerns!

'bye for now!

Arthur D

www.surflink.co.uk/users/arthurdungate/index.htm

KAREN'S COMMENT: Thanks for all this information Arthur. The episode that I thought could have ended the series nicely was "Founder's Day" at the end of series 7. I wonder if this is the one both ScotchGray and Arthur are thinking of? It ends with Jason playing a composition and quite an extended monologue from Earl Hamner. Perhaps it was made as the final episode, thinking that the show may have been axed before returning for the next season.

Hi, Karen!

Claire from New Hampshire here, with my second posting...You asked if anyone had seen Michael Learned in a non-Olivia type of role. Perfect timing, Karen!! For the past two weeks, Michael Learned has appeared on a series here in the US called "Profiler." She plays the mother-in-law of the title character, a woman who profiles criminals for the FBI. The history given for the profiler's character is that a serial killer killed her husband several years ago, and she's been trying to catch him. Therefore, Michael Learned plays the mother of the man who died. And, she's been nasty! She's made remarks like, "Our son would have been better off if he had never married her," and "Well, she is a maid, isn't she?" about the profiler's black roommate. She is definitely not as nice as Olivia!! And it's positively fantastic to be seeing her on TV again!

Another Waltons sighting which will be disappearing soon is Peggy Rea (Rose) on the sitcom "Grace Under Fire." I don't know how long she's been on it, because I never watched the show. I caught her when I was channel-surfing a few weeks ago, and then tuned in the next week to see specifically if she was on it again. She does appear to be a regular character. (Grace's Mom perhaps? I don't know.) But, I read in the paper two days ago that the show will be stopping production soon, because the star is being rather uncooperative. So, if you see "Grace Under Fire" in your TV listings, you might want to tune in before it's gone to see our Rose. (She's looking quite a bit older, in my opinion, but that's to be expected.)

Karen, keep up the good work! And, I'm 100% behind your husband's desire to get to Ireland! If you can, do so... I'll be going there in March for the 8th time. I've made such wonderful friendships there on my trips, and it's my favorite place in the world. So, welcome to Tricia from Dublin! And Happy New Year to everyone!
Claire Natola

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

KAREN'S COMMENT: Yes Michael Learned does seem to have been a bit quite on the TV side of things. I believe she has been kept quite busy on stage though. We have had screenings of "Grace Under Fire" but I'm not sure what season they're up to. Haven't spotted Rose yet!

Hi Everyone!

Watching the 25th anniversary season has been fun because every once in a while I see episodes I don't remember seeing before. Last night I watched "The System" in which John Boy defends a friend from being expelled from Boatwright University. This episode, which I don't think I'd seen before, was truly a pleasure for me to watch - the Honor System described in the show is *identical* to the one that the University of Virginia has had since the mid-1800's! Everything about the system was exact, including the wording of the honor pledge shown on friend "Tom's" exam: "On my honor as I student I have neither given nor received aid on this [assignment/exam]." The student run honor system, the unproctored exams, the part about turning someone in or you are considered just as guilty, the major vs. minor offense and how cheating is a major offense (major offenses can get you expelled, minor offenses can not), and all the references to being a "gentleman" - everything!

I don't remember hearing whether Earl Hamner ever attended the University, but I have to say that because the system was described so exactly I find it hard to believe that it wasn't based on UVa's system. If they'd made an offhand comment about the honor system being started by the shooting of a professor in the mid-1800's then there'd be no doubt at all.

Anyway as I am occasionally homesick for the Charlottesville environment (though not necessarily the work!), it was a very pleasant surprise to watch that episode last night!

And -- thanks to Logan for complimenting me in the 1-98 letter! As an aside, I am rather excited because my in-laws are moving to the Shenandoah Valley in a few weeks. It will be wonderful to visit them there. Now both of our parents are in the same state!
Goodnight, Larissa

KAREN'S COMMENT: I love the way everyone keeps me informed with your traditions. I don't think we have anything like an Honor System in Universities over here. Fascinating.

Dear Karen:

I've read with interest about the various cast members being spotted in movies. May I add another?

In HUSH, HUSH, SWEET CHARLOTTE (the Bette Davis shocker from 1965), both Ellen Corby and Helen Kleeb (Miss Mamie) have supporting roles, and at the end, as the demented Bette is being driven away, they have a nice little scene together.

I have seen Ellen Corby in many many films, going back to the mid 40s. Her film credits must number well over 100. I've seen Will Geer in several films as well; he is particularly impressive as the sheriff in the 1949 INTRUDER IN THE DUST, and as a train conductor in THE TALL TARGET (1951). I don't recall ever seeing any other cast members in films (at least not the regular cast members).

I am interested to know what Michael Learned and Ralph Waite did before their roles as Olivia and John. And just how old is Miss Learned anyway? I've yet to see a biographical listing that gives a birth date.

Jeff

KAREN'S COMMENT: Well done Jeff! Do you know, I don't think I've seen very many of Ellen Corby's older films at all. Amazing when she made so many. The birth date I have for Michael Learned is 1939. Ralph Waite's is 1929. I wouldn't have thought there were 10 years between them though.

Hello Karen. I'm glad you had a good holiday. Right now in Ontario we're in the midst of another snowstorm, so hearing about your hot weather was quite pleasant.I'm glad you're back. It's so great to have the digests returning. :)

I was watching an old Andy Griffith show and saw Ellen Corby in an off-beat role. I recognized her first by her voice because she didn't look at all like Grandma Walton. She played a Ma-Barker type role, a character called Mrs. Lesh, who headed a rather bumbling gang of men. I just thought I'd add it to our list of Walton's cast sightings.
Thank you.
Kim W

KAREN'S COMMENT: Ellen Corby spottings are very popular this week! I wonder if there are many shows she hasn't done.

I watched The Spoilers the other night and heard Elizabeth say that Mama was mad when John-Boy stayed up dancing all night. I think she was referring to The Marathon. However the Marathon aired AFTER The spoilers. I wonder why the reversal or if the original Spoilers was pre-empted and originally shown out of order. On another note, I am very pleased that the Nashville Network (TNN) is picking up the Waltons in April. Maybe they will show the missing episodes!! We can only hope. Barb

KAREN'S COMMENT: That's an interesting thought Barb. Let me know if they show the two episodes everyone is missing. The other good news is that I hear that our Canadian members will be able to see The Waltons as they get that channel there.

Hi, Karen!!

Just wanted to let you know that I heard on the news a couple of days ago that Ralph Waite intends to run to fill Sonny Bono's now-vacant Congressional seat. The actual topic of the story was that Sonny's widow Mary will be running for the seat, but the story ended with the line, "Actor Ralph Waite also intends to run for the seat." I wish him well, as I'm sure we all do, in this endeavor.

Talk to you soon!
Claire Natola

Just a brief message to tell you (in case you live outside the U.S.) that Ralph Waite has announced that he will run for Sonny Bono's seat in Congress as a democrat. Should be interesting, as Bono's wife Mary has also announced she will run for the seat.

KAREN'S COMMENT: That is interesting news, and it certainly hasn't filtered through to Australia yet. Very sad about Sonny Bono's death. He was obviously very well liked and respected there. Very strange too, when it hit the newspapers out here just the day after the skiing accident death of Michael Kennedy.