Hi Waltons fans,

I do hope everyone's well and that most of you are enjoying the summer sunshine. Judging from some of the letters which have come in recently, many of you live in fairly hot places. We are still freezing here. It's the coldest winter for some time I think. We were in town yesterday, and it was so windy, wet and bitter, that we were pleased when we had finished what we had to do and could come home. We actually went to the theatre later in the day and it was even cold in there! I really needed to have taken a blanket with me. :-) James is off to the snow for a school camp next week, and there's plenty of snow on the mountains, so he should have a really good time.

By the way, I noticed a credit for Judy Norton, during the week for a show called "Stargate SG-1". I only caught the credits and I know nothing about the show, but does anyone know if Judy did do a guest role in this series? It's fairly new on here I think so we might only have series one airing currently.

Well I'll hand over for your letters now and I'll talk to you again next week.

Goodnight everyone,

Karen.

P.S. Don't forget the next TALKING POINT which will be published next week. The topic is:

"What is your favorite non-Walton role, played by a Waltons actor?"

Given that many of them have done extensive work, especially the adults of the series, that should give you plenty of scope for choosing.

The Walton's and WWII: I was born long after WWII, but my parents and grandparents have talked of it frequently. Their memories and the Walton's episodes are very similar. Yes, they had blackouts in Anderson County, Tn (perhaps because of Oak Ridge ----the atomic city---is located in Anderson County). My mother talked how scared the children would be. She said that civilian "police" would drive the countryside and if your lights were on or windows weren't blacked out, they would shoot it out. That's how close the war was for the folks near the Manhattan Project. They also talked about rationing and victory gardens, saving for the scrap projects, and how frightening it was if anyone got a telegram---it had to be bad news. For so many of the young men, they had never been out of the county, let alone the country. It was just scary.

The Walton's did seem to fare better than most. Maybe their needs were simpler and they had the comfort of each other. Who knows. I agree with the other reader who said that the story line about Curt's "death" and return to Florida was not a favorite. It just wasn't very well developed---it was too unbelievable. How in the world was he able to convince everyone he was dead? How could he let his baby grow without him? What about the limbo he placed Mary Ellen in?

Thanks,

Debbie Foster from TN

KAREN'S COMMENT: Thanks for your comments Debbie. It's nice to know that The Waltons has incorporated a lot of fact into their shows. Can you imagine Ike Godsey coming in with a gun and shooting out someone's light though?

Hello Karen. The World War II Digest was quite interesting. I haven't yet seen (or can only vaguely remember) the Walton's episodes that dealt with the war. Some of the comments about rationing brought back stories I'd heard from my grandparents - I wish I'd listened more at the time.

I watched "The Romance" and "The Bicycle" and was taken aback by the 'place' women had in the 1930's. In "The Bicycle", it was considered unusual, perhaps unseemly for Olivia to use a bicycle to get around. Not only that, but the grandmother didn't think it was proper for Olivia to want to have anywhere outside the home to go to. Olivia looked like she was abandoning her children even though she was only going to choir practice. (I never think twice about getting on my bike and this is only the space of 50 some years.) In "The Romance", Olivia had to overcome many obstacles in order to take a simple night school class, obstacles such as learning to drive and taking a class over which her mother-in-law was vocal in her objections. During this same episode, Mary-Ellen decided she wanted to be a doctor instead of a nurse and nearly lost her boyfriend in the process. There was also the suggestion in this episode that, by going outside the home, Olivia was inviting unwanted male attention. She did end up losing one class because she was made uncomfortable by her instructor's feelings.

I'm not criticizing these episodes whatsoever. I like both of them very much and the show is about the 30's and 40's, so the writing and roles are supposed to be of that time. It's just that the expectations for women were so different in those times that I often find that things I never give a second thought to now were radically different only two generations back. For Mary-Ellen to have become a doctor was quite an achievement. So, also, was Olivia's taking a class in the evening without her husband.

As an aside, a friend of mine, who is a stay-at-home mother with five children, didn't notice what I did in these two episodes. She liked the love and support the Waltons had for one another, support that was there even if the goals one of them wanted weren't completely understood by the others. She also told me that she 'tuned' the grandmother out because she reminded her too much of her own mother-in-law, whereas I especially enjoy the scenes with grandma.

Thank you.

Kim W

KAREN'S COMMENT: Kim, I think unwittingly, you have probably suggested another future talking point....how women in the show were portrayed. Olivia had to make choices between her family and a career several times, and each time the family ended up coming first. I'm particularly thinking of "The Test".

Hello, Karen, & other Waltons fans:

Just thought I'd pass along some of the sightings I've seen recently of cast members in other roles:

I watch old episodes of Gunsmoke (on TV Land) several times a week, and this has been a veritable fountain of cast sightings. Last week there was an episode with a very young (and lovely) Michael Learned--her character's name was even called "Mike." She portrayed a tough widow who was a ranch owner and Marshall Dillon (who had amnesia) fell in love with her. They even shared a rather passionate kiss! Also in this same episode was William Schallert, who played cousin Rose's beau Stanley Perkins. John Crawford (better known as Sheriff Ep Bridges) has also been spotted in several episodes of Gunsmoke. In one episode he played a drunk and in another he was a man whose wife had died a while back but he kept talking to her as if she were still alive. I think he was in one or two other episodes, as well. Have also seen the actor who played "Ham" in The Dust Bowl Cousins.

I saw a very young (perhaps pre-Waltons days?) Eric Scott (Ben) in a movie on the Disney channel called The Million Dollar Duck (I think??). The movie starred Dean Jones and Sandy Duncan.

Michael Learned was interviewed on the Odyssey channel. She talked not so much about her role on The Waltons but about her marriages, some of the reasons behind her divorces, her personal views of the marriage relationship, and other personal things. Unfortunately, I came across this interview after midnight and could only keep my eyes open long enough to watch about 15 minutes of it. But it was interesting.

I have also seen Nora Marlowe (Flossie Brimmer) on Family Affair. She is occasionally seen as one of the nannies sitting on a park bench when Mr. French (the delightful Sebastian Cabot) takes the children to the park to play.

In our Sunday paper there is a TV Q & A section that often features questions about The Waltons. Seems the columnist who writes the section is a big fan of The Waltons. He says he is "enamored by The Waltons and consider it to be one of the three finest TV shows of all times, the other two being The Andy Griffith Show and Gunsmoke." Someone had written in with questions about some of the cast members, and here is his reply:

"Joe Conley (Ike Godsey) is retired from acting in California where he sells real estate and plays golf. Ronnie Claire Edwards (Corabeth) continues to act, mainly in theater.

Helen Kleeb and Mary Jackson (the Baldwin Sisters) are retired.

Lynn Hamilton (Verdie Foster) continues to act, seen occasionally on TV.

Mariclare Costello (Rosemary Hunter Fordwick) was a teacher but is now a stay-at-home mom.

John Ritter (Rev. Fordwick) still acts in film and on TV.

Robert Donner (Yancy Tucker) acts a bit and plays a lot of charity golf tournaments.

Merie Earle (Maude Gormley) is deceased, as is Nora Marlowe (Flossie Brimmer)."

The writer also mentions that Earl Hamner is in the process of writing a book about the show. Has anyone heard any details about this? (Where do I place my order?--smile).

Another tidbit of info I picked up recently was on the opening credits of the movie Palm Springs Weekend--it was written by none other than Earl Hamner!

I'm pulling a very dusty memory from my sometimes feeble brain--I am almost positive I saw Eric Scott and Joe Conley together on an episode of either The Mike Douglas Show or The Merv Griffin Show back in the early 80s. They did a song & dance routine similar to what they did on one of the war episodes of the Waltons--the one about entertaining some of the troops. Almost a Vaudeville-type act. Does anyone else remember anything like this? Or did I dream it (I do think it really happened)!!

I hope this is not too long to include. Keep up your fine work with the Digest--It is always pleasure to read.

Carolyn in Tennessee

KAREN'S COMMENT: You're full of information today Carolyn. I hope that Earl is writing this book...it would be a real hit, I'm sure.

Hi Karen and Fellow Walton Fans,

Thank you all for sharing your views on what life was like in the United States during WWII. I enjoyed reading your messages very much. It sounds like the Waltons dealt with this issue accurately.

I don't remember the show ever airing an episode where there was a salvage drive? Was there one? I do recall Cora Beth having an American Red Cross meeting where the women rolled bandages.

Was grease/fat saved to make ammunition?

The episode where Jim-Bob graduates from high school is one of my favorite episodes of the show's WWII years. The image of the four Walton brothers walking down the road is one that I won't forget... nor the expression on Grandma's face. Does anyone know if this episode is on video? I would love to buy it!

Thanks again for sharing your memories.

Silvia from California

KAREN'S COMMENT: The episode you are after is "The Valediction", and I haven't seen it on video. I would think it might be too late in the series to be in the Columbia House series too.

Your next weeks digest question is an easy one for me-Ellen Corby's role on ITS A WONDERFUL LIFE. Also do you remember a movie from May of 1982 when Ralph Waite played the part of a minister who was unjustly accused. I don't remember too many of the details. Perhaps somebody else can help me with this?!

Donald and Erin

KAREN'S COMMENT: Well there's one suggestion for the Talking Point. Does anyone know the name of the movie Donald is after?

Hello Karen and friends!

FYI the October Reunion is sponsored by the Waltons International Fan Club the weekend of October 24-25th. The Doubletree Hotel in Charlottesville is where, I believe, everyone is staying. The banquet is Saturday night. Joe & I will be attending as newlyweds!!! ;)

By far the best Non-Walton roll played by Richard Thomas is "The Christmas Box". I do not know why but the movie intrigued me and I like to watch it every Christmas ...just like The Homecoming.

Cindy

KAREN'S COMMENT: Hope you've booked the honeymoon suite Cindy! :-)

Karen,

You asked about Mayf Nutter, as to whether or not he was a well-known singer here in the States. The answer is no...only known to people like me who have been country music fans for years. He did have a few singles released in the early and mid-1970s, but nothing major, hit-wise. I did do some checking on the internet and came up with the following info on Mayf, for those like me who may be Bobby Bigelow fans:

Mayf Nutter -- Born Mayfred Nutter Adamson in Jane Lew (near Bridgeport), West Virginia on October 19, 1941. An actor who has appeared in many TV series, including The Waltons, where he had a recurring role as the leader of a country and western band. He earlier was a member of the New Christy Minstrels and had at least one hit record on the country charts on his own in the 1970s. Was the narrator for Walt Disney films. Was working in theater in 1993.

Mayf Nutter Filmography

Night of the Running Man (1994) .... Mugger

Border Heat (1988) .... Mayf was Music Composer for this film

Hunter's Blood (1987)

Stone Boy, The (1984) .... Gary Maddox

Sector 13 (1982)

The $5.20 An Hour Dream (1980)

Petronella (1978)

Stay Hungry (1976)

Lefty, the Dingaling Lynx (1971) (TV) (voice) .... Narrator

Notable TV guest appearances

"Murder, She Wrote" (1984) in episode: "Death Casts a Spell" (NOTE: Rance Howard, who played Dr. McIvers on The Waltons was also listed as being in this episode)

"Whiz Kids" (1983) in episode: "Network, The"

"Fall Guy, The" (1981) playing "Pete Thomas" in episode: "Going For It"

"Dukes of Hazzard, The" (1979) playing "Dooley" in episode: "Limo One is Missing"

"Charlie's Angels" (1976) playing "Eddie Dirko" in episode: "Hellride"

"Waltons, The" (1972) playing "Bobby Bigelow" in episode: "Breakdown, The"

"Waltons, The" (1972) playing "Bobby Bigelow" in episode: "Song, The"

"Waltons, The" (1972) playing "Bobby Bigelow" in episode: "Book, The"

"Bonanza" (1959) playing "Pellemin" in episode: "Weary Willies, The"

"Gunsmoke" (1955) playing "Heathcliff Haggen" in episode: "Hard Luck Henry"

That's about all I know about Mayf...most of this I learned tonight while doing a little web research.

Goodnight all,

Tammy

KAREN'S COMMENT: I'm really glad they (the producers) added the music part of The Waltons. I think it really added a lot to the series. Thanks for the Mayf info Tammy.

Dear Karen, and eveybody,

As most of you will know, I've been preparing synopses of Waltons episodes, and the completed Seasons I've done are on Ralph's site. However, the still incomplete ones I've temporarily put on my own site. I've now added all of Earl's Intros and Endings, and the Goodnights, for Season 5. But the best news is that recently William Atkins in USA very kindly offered to help in the writing of more synopses, and he's now done a most comprehensive one for "The Wedding".

I would like to ask that you take a look at it and let me know if it is too comprehensive (i.e. long), or you would like others done to this high standard?

It's on my site at <www.surflink.co.uk/users/arthurdungate/season5.htm>

Do please tell me what you think!

Arthur D

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

Dear Karen,

Further to my previous e-mail, Bill Atkins has just sent me his synopsis for The Cloudburst, so on Saturday morning 25 July (UK time) I'll be adding it to my Season5 page! So there's now two new ones to read!

Regards,

Arthur D

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

KAREN'S COMMENT: Bill has just joined the Walton mailing list this week... welcome Bill. It's a huge job to transcribe all of these introductions and goodnights, but they do make terrific reading.

Hi,

Just a quick note to let you know, that Richard Thomas will be on Touched by an Angel and Promised Land. They are the repeat shows, should anyone had missed them. Repeats August 2nd and 6th.

Sunday 08/02/98

8:00pm 13 WROC Touched by an Angel

The Road Home

Type: Network Series / Drama (TV-G)(1 hr)

Monica and Tess (Roma Downey, Della Reese) try to help Russell Greene's (guest star Gerald McRaney) brother (guest star Richard Thomas) after he causes a fatal car accident

Thursday 08/06/98

8:00pm 13 WROC Promised Land

The Road Home

Type: Network Series / Drama (TV-G)(1 hr)

Joe Greene (guest star Richard Thomas) is arrested after he endangers his son's (guest star Eddie Karr) life while driving under the influence of drugs. With Gerald McRaney and Della Reese

Good night everyone

Shirley

KAREN'S COMMENT: Well I'm STILL waiting for Promised Land to be shown here. We've had a few of those cross over episodes from Touched By an Angel but so far no Richard Thomas has appeared. I'm looking forward to seeing him in it.