| WALTONS DIGEST 46:
Hi everyone, Hasn't this week just flown by? Christmas is getting really close to and I haven't even started my shopping and preparations yet. Decorations have been sold in the shops for ages already it seems. The first week in October saw the first Christmas things appearing on the shelves, and there are a lot more now that November is here. I guess I'd better get myself organised. This brings me to the Waltons Christmas episodes which were brought up last week. There really weren't that many were there? Naturally "The Homecoming" was one. Then there are "The Best Christmas", "The Children's Carol", and "Day of Infamy". Are there any more? Although I like them all, I think my favourite would have to be "The Best Christmas" where the whole family tries to make this year's Christmas the best ever, but things keep getting in the way of the whole family being together. Some of you have written to tell us of your favourite and you can read all about them below. I also did a little checking on Tony Becker (Drew) and Sian Barbara Allen (Jenny) for those of you who asked and these mini biographies are also included in this digest. Have a great week everyone, Karen.
From Karen: This information on Tony Becker has come courtesy of the Internet Movie Data Base. There is a link from my page if you want to search for other actors. There is no word on whether or not Tony was ever on Little House on the Prairie yet. 1. Walton Easter, A (1997) (TV) .... Drew 2. Walton Wedding, A (1995) (TV) .... Drew 3. Escape from Terror: The Teresa Stamper Story (1994) (TV) ....Chris Butler ... aka Crimes of Passion: Escape from Terror (1994) (TV) 4. Walton Thanksgiving Reunion, A (1993) (TV) .... Drew 5. "Tour of Duty" (1987) TV Series .... Spec-4 Danny Percell 6. Alamo: Thirteen Days to Glory, The (1987) (TV) 7. Iron Eagle (1986) .... Guard at Intelligence Center 8. Stark (1985) (TV) .... Police photographer 9. "For Love and Honor" (1983) TV Series .... Pvt. Utah Wilson 10. Wedding on Waltons Mountain, A (1982) (TV) .... Drew Cutler 11. Ghosts of Buxley Hall, The (1980) (TV) .... Todd 12. Onion Field, The (1979) .... Boy Piper 13. "Oregon Trail, The" (1977) TV Series .... William Thorpe 14. Killer Who Wouldn't Die, The (1976) (TV) .... Steve ... aka Ohanian (1976) (TV)
Notable TV guest appearances 1. "Walker, Texas Ranger" (1993) in episode: "Miracle at Middle Creek"
2. "Matlock" (1986) in episode: "Court Martial, The" As for Sian Barbara Allen, she seems to have only really worked during the 1970's. She seems to have dropped out of TV altogether, but perhaps she is working in theatre somewhere. Who knows. Sian was born 12 July 1946, in Reading, Pennsylvania, USA. She appeared in the following television shows and movies: 1. "Captains and the Kings" (1976) (mini) TV Series .... Cara Leslie 2. Lindbergh Kidnapping Case, The (1976) (TV) .... Ann Morrow Lindbergh 3. Smash-Up on Interstate 5 (1976) (TV) 4. Eric (1975) (TV) .... Marilyn Porter 5. Scream, Pretty Peggy (1973) (TV) 6. Billy Two Hats (1973) .... Esther ... aka Lady and the Outlaw, The (1973) 7. Columbo: Lovely But Lethal (1973) (TV) .... Shirley Blane 8. Family Rico, The (1972) (TV) .... Nora 9. You'll Like My Mother (1971) (N:GGN) .... Kathleen Notable TV guest appearances 1. "W.E.B." (1978) in episode: "To Angelica with Love" 9/21/1978 2. "Rockford Files, The" (1974) playing"Sandra Turkel" in episode: "Tall Woman in Red Wagon" (episode # 1.5) 10/11/1974 3. "Waltons, The" (1972) in episode: "Thansgiving Story, The" 11/15/1973 4. "Waltons, The" (1972) in episode: "Love Story, The" 1/18/1973
From Michael: There were three Christmas episodes of "The Waltons":
My favorite of the three is "The Best Christmas". I think that episode is my favorite because from the very beginning, there's that certain warmth to it that you find only at Christmas. Even though the family doesn't get to be together as a whole on Christmas Eve, they are with someone they love and care about, and they are led to that circumstance because each one was trying to help another person or persons. In regards to the episode titled "The Changeling" - October 26, 1978. After four years of airing the last four seasons of the series, The Family Channel still refuses to air that episode. I wrote "FAM" 3 years ago and asked them what the reasoning was behind that decision and they told me that it was due to "content matters". Well, I wrote them again a couple of weeks ago and asked if they were going to air it now that they claim they are airing "every episode, in order, from beginning to end". They wrote back and said that they still had no plans to air it. I'd like to know why an episode that was obviously fit to air on CBS prime time back in 1978, isn't fit to air on cable in 1997? I guess that until Columbia House Video decides to offer every episode on tape or Lorimar Productions/Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution decides to, we won't be able to see this episode. Thanks, Michael Speight KAREN'S COMMENT: Michael if you have a read of the past digests, you will find that we decided that it was because this episode, and "The Ghost Story", deal with the supernatural, and may go against their policies. It's a shame and I often wonder what Earl Hamner must think of their decision.
From Lynn: Hi all you Walton fans. Glad to see there are so many of us. This is my first time here, new to the list. Just wanted to say hi to everyone .And to thank Karen for setting all this up. It's really great. I love the Waltons, have from the very first ...way back. My all time favorite is The Homecoming, I try to watch it every night as I go to bed. I have recorded a lot of the shows, all of the specials. And I like learning all the new stuff everyone tells here. Again,,, thanks, talk to y'all soon. Lynn KAREN'S COMMENT: Welcome Lynn. At last count we have 125 people on the list so it has certainly grown immensely since we started. :-)
From Marc: Hi Karen: I must say that my favorite Waltons Christmas episode was the original movie, The Homecoming. Although three of the four leads were played by different actors, that movie captured the essence of what the Waltons is all about -- family. I remember that scene where the children go to hear that evangelist to receive free toys and Elizabeth gets that broken doll. It was so touching and sad at the same time. And when John (played by Andrew Duggan) actually comes home, I remember the look in Olivia (Patricia Neal's) face. Since CBS usually airs this movie every Christmas day in the afternoon, I make it a point of watching it. Another good Christmas episode, I thought, was I believe titled "The Best Christmas." It was season five and Olivia felt this would be the last Christmas the whole family would be together for fir a while. Unfortunately, the family became separated. Grandma and Grandpa went to visit Maude Gormley in the home and got stuck in the storm. John-Boy, Mary Ellen and Curt had to tend to Fannie Tatum and her niece in the car accident and John, Jason and Ben were buy repairing the roof on the church. It was a warm hour highlighted, of course, at the end when the whole family is together again. On another note, is there any news on the new Waltons movie in preparation? KAREN'S COMMENT: Marc the scene from The Homecoming you mention is just gorgeous isn't it? Doesn't Elizabeth scream that the doll is dead? About the new Waltons movie...Ralph told me recently that they are still negotiating.
From Tracie: Hi everyone, Many thanks to whoever mentioned that Walmart (U.S. discount store) was selling Walton's videos some months ago. We've been enjoying them ever since. The price can't be beat at $7.00 They must be selling like hotcakes in our area, because there are never very many left on the shelves. I have a question that I'm hoping someone on the list can help me with. We just love the clothing style worn during many of the episodes of The Waltons, especially the women's/girl's dresses. Could any of you suggest where we might find patterns for these styles of dresses? The particular type I'm looking for is a modest, fairly loose-fitting dress with the hem line at or below the knee and modest neckline for our girls, much like the kinds that the Walton's girls wore. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. I've tried finding websites on costume design, even, but not much luck in finding out more about this style of dress. I'm not even sure what time period to look for. Would it be a 20's or 30's style or later than that? Thanks, in advance. Tracie Boellner Pittsford, Michigan, U.S.A. KAREN'S COMMENT: Any ideas? You would be looking at children's styles from the 1930's, Tracie, with the later series being the early 40's. Most of the dresses, Elizabeth's anyway, seemed to have a high waist didn't they. Perhaps you will make their dolls matching dresses too, in the same way that Olivia did for Elizabeth.
From Shirley B. (3rd Nov.,1997)
"The Children's Carol" this is the episode that has Kami Cotler's brother Jeff Cotler playing Pip. Drew Cutler (Tony Becker) I did some checking, but still have not come up with the name of the episode from Little House of the Prairie, that he appeared in. I did find that he was on Matlock.
From Shirley B. (7th Nov., 1997) With Christmas coming, I thought it was time to post the recipe for Olivia's Applesauce Cake. This recipe was taken from the book "The Homecoming" Olivia's Applesauce Cake 1 cup butter 1 cup sugar 2 cups applesauce 2 cups light raisins 1 cup chopped walnuts 1 teaspoon baking soda 3 1/2 cups sifted flour 2 eggs 2 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon clove 2 teaspoon nutmeg Pinch of salt Sift together: flour, baking soda, salt and spices, set aside. Cream butter until whipped soft. Add sugar a little at a time until mixture is smooth, beat in eggs vigorously, add nuts and raisins to mixture. mix applesauce add to flour mixture and mix well. Pour batter into a well greased cake mold. Bake in preheated oven at 350 for one hour. Cool for ten minutes. Jane's Whiskey Frosting 1/4 cup butter 1 tablespoon cream Pinch of salt 2 cups powdered sugar 2 tablespoons whiskey (Bourbon) Cream butter, add sugar and salt, then cream and whiskey. Whip until smooth. Frost cake, decorate with a spring of holly. KAREN'S COMMENT: Thanks for these bits of trivia Shirley. I'm about to show my "Aussie ignorance" again. I've always wondered what applesauce is. Is it like stewed apples? Now the whiskey for the frosting should definitely be "the recipe" shouldn't it?
From Bonnie: Karen, This is my first writing to your Digest. I've been "exploring" all the many different sites relating to the The Waltons and am amazed that so many people have become part of the "family." It is interesting to learn about the cast members and comments on various episodes, but I have recently been equally interested in learning more about the Hamner family. As I have commented before, if it weren't for them, there would be no "Waltons." Now for an introduction of myself. I am Bonnie Gates. My family and I (husband, two boys, and Alice, our dog) live in Richmond, Virginia. Only an hour and 45 minutes (give or take) from Schuyler, Va. We have lived in Virginia for about 16 years coming here from Texas, via our home state of Louisiana. I can remember when I first watched the Waltons years ago, I thought it would be wonderful to live in Virginia near the mountains and become "The Waltons." Well, believe it or not, here I am. And to top it off, I have now visited the place where it all originated and even met Earl Hamner. Twice in as many weeks!!! I never in my wildest dreams thought anything like this would happen to me. One of the routes we take to Schuyler is so beautiful. Rolling hills, farms, lots of trees, quaint little towns. I always feel like I'm going back in time. It is really nice. This route takes us to Scottsville, which is mentioned a lot in the series. Pretty little town near the James River. Very quiet, slow. Even has a "Dew Drop Inn." (Even though it goes by another name, they do use the name "Dew Drop" in the subtitle.) One of the Hamner sisters, Nancy Jamerson, lives here in Richmond. But not on my side of town. Marion Hamner Hawkes lives in Williamsburg, which is only an hour away from Richmond. I would love to get to know them better. I have often wondered what it was like for them being models for a series that their older brother created! It must have been a special family as they all seemed to have done pretty well and had a lot of special memories to have had some of these woven into a series for all to enjoy. My oldest son is named Benjamin (Ben) after Ben on the Waltons. Not so much for the character, but I really liked the name Ben and this is where I got the idea. And believe it or not my Ben has reddish colored hair. (Not red, red, but lots of red tints). And my youngest son is named John Paul. (Not exactly John-Boy, but we do use both names) I don't really have a favorite character as different ones mean different things in different episodes. After seeing just about all of the episodes and specials, and watching them grow and mature, they all give something very unique to the stories. Recently I visited the museum to see Joe Conley and his wife, Louise. My youngest son came with me as he had a soccer game in Charlottesville and we timed it to go by the museum first, then on to his soccer game. Both he and his wife were such a joy to visit with. Not many people at all were at the museum that day and we all but had them to ourselves. As I introduced myself and my son to Joe, he took such an interest in us and made us feel like we were right there in Ike Godsey's store getting that very special attention that seems to have been in "years gone by." Louise Conley was a sixth grade school teacher and is recently retired. Would love to visit with them again!! Wonderful people. My husband and I attended the Walton's 25th Anniversary in Schuyler recently and were a bit overwhelmed by the number of people there. Unbelievable!! Am looking forward to reading through the digest and meeting the "bigger" Walton family. For now, I will sign off and get this on its way. Bonnie Gates KAREN'S COMMENT: I'm glad that you've taken the plunge and written your first digest letter Bonnie. It sounds as though you had a great time with Joe Conley.
From Brenda in West Virginia: Hi Everyone, I have been enjoying the recent Family Channel episodes of The Waltons. Monday night it was "The Gift". It is one of my favorites, and always reminds me of what a terrific performer Ron Howard is. I have been thinking about Christmas episodes of The Waltons, and I have come to realize that there really weren't very many. My very favorite one would have to be the movie "The Homecoming". Another one I like is "Day of Infamy". Brenda irby2@marshall.edu KAREN'S COMMENT: Isn't it a shame that we don't see Ron Howard much on screen anymore? I agree with you Brenda, he is a splendid actor. I just love "The Gift" too, but unfortunately it is not one that I have a copy of. I liked the way that this episode is followed up in a later series too, telling a bit about how Red and his wife are coping with Seth's death.
From Laura I've been enjoying the 25th Anniversary shows on FAM. (Well, mostly enjoying them. Watching "The Gift" was an exercise in frustration because it's one of my very favorite episodes and I know it so well that I could tell where it had been all cut up and edited--Argh!!!) Anyhow...a couple of questions arose when I was watching "The Fire." We had always been led to believe that the Walton's Mountain School was a one-room schoolhouse with one teacher. Yet in this episode, Miss Hunter is teaching the older students with the younger ones nowhere in sight. Where are they? Also, did anyone else ever wonder what happened to those slip covers that Olivia made? Granted, they didn't at all match the rest of the decor, but were they a one-episode addition? I don't recall seeing them again. Just wondering, Laura KAREN'S COMMENT: Interesting questions Laura...I don't know. "The Gift" seems to be a favourite with a lot of members, so it's a shame that it was cut.
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