The Waltons

During the day I have absolute faith

that John-Boy's alright.

But at night, it's a different story.

Is he alive? Is he a prisoner of war? Is he wounded?

We'll get some help. We should go to the Red Cross.

I can't promise anything at all. I'm sorry.

Thank you.

I know a lot of other families are going through this just now

but it doesn't make it any easier.

This is desperately important to us.

I know what it is to wait, Mrs. Walton.

We found out your son was missing

when we tried to contact him about his manuscript.

We knew John-Boy had been keeping a journal

but we didn't know he had enough material for a book.

It's powerful stuff and very marketable right now.

'What do you want from us?'

Our attorneys feel that you and Mrs. Walton can sign for him.

- Sign for it? - As next of kin.

You're making it sound as if he's dead.

Liv, I'm just telling you how it is.

We have to find a way to go on living.

I'm getting tired of you trying to calm me down.

Now, look, Liv...

Seems like your answer to everything is to hug me

and tell me that everything is gonna be just dandy.

- Liv, listen to me... - I don't wanna listen to you!

There is something in a mountain

which gives strength and stability

to those who know it well.

Its timeless slopes make troubles seem smaller.

We were to draw on that strength many times

during the anxious years of World War II.

But those years brought troubles of a kind

we had never known before.

The pain of separation from loved ones

who were sent overseas

and who might have become casualties or prisoners of war.

The agony of waiting.

Liv, come to bed.

I'd just keep you awake with my tossing and turning.

Honey, you got to get some sleep. Come on.

Every time I close my eyes

all I see are young boys being killed.

Liv, missing in action can mean all kinds of things.

During the day I have absolute faith

that John-Boy's alright.

But at night, it's a different story.

Is he alive? Is he a prisoner of war?

- Is he wounded? - Honey.

You're just gonna have to be patient till we find out.

I keep having this horrible dream

that John-Boy's lying wounded in a field somewhere

waiting for help that never comes.

I can't keep sittin' on my hands waiting for another telegram.

Well..

We could try to find some help.

We can go to the Red Cross.

I've done volunteer work with the ladies in Rockfish.

All they do is roll bandages.

There's a bigger chapter in Richmond.

Why don't we go there?

- Tomorrow? - Liv, it is tomorrow.

Let's get a couple of hours sleep, we'll get an early start.

Last call for breakfast.

Darn it. I dropped a stitch.

Girls who saygolly andgoshanddarn

will wind up living alone in a barn.

Oh, swell.

How are you this morning, Erin?

Oh, tired of being tied to a desk week after week.

'Excuse me.' - I know just how you feel.

Can't be worse than riding around on a horse

in the hills all day.

'When do you go back?'

Depends how soon I get the things I need.

The medical supplies are being shipped

you know how the mail is.

- Mornin', everyone. - Hi.

Sorry we're late. Cindy wasn't feeling too well.

I've indigestion, something awful.

Cindy, heartburn's a very good sign.

I had it bad.

And no woman ever had an easier time

giving birth to a baby than I did.

'Hey, did mama and daddy already come down?'

They left for Richmond at the crack of dawn.

They won't be back until late.

Daddy didn't mention anything about business there.

They went to the Red Cross.

'They're looking for news of John-Boy.'

I sure hope they find out what happened.

I'm not sure I want them to.

Cindy, Elizabeth is teaching me how to knit

'and I'm gonna make a baby blanket.'

Or would you rather have booties?

'Oh, no. Blanket's just fine.'

How you comin' with your sweater?

- I keep dropping stitches. - 'You'll get the hang of it.'

Just wish I knew Albert's exact size.

'That should be a cinch to figure out.'

When he bends down to kiss you, how far does he have to lean

before his lips press passionately against yours?

'I was in love with a boy once.'

He kissed me..

And that ruined it.

I hardly know Albert.

We just danced once at the Home Front Canteen.

Why are you putting so much time into that sweater?

He's going overseas.

You're supposed to do things for boys that are going overseas.

- Uh-huh. - Go swallow a frog.

Did you feed Reckless today?

Hm. She won't eat. I think she's sick.

- Let's go have a look at her. - Thank you.

How long has she been like this?

She acted pretty sad yesterday, but she ate all her food.

Her nose is dry.

So is mine. Is that bad?

You'll live.

It means Reckless doesn't feel too good though.

Go get it, girl! Get it!

She doesn't even wanna play.

She's been through this before.

Maybe we ought to take her to a doctor.

We got some medicine that always makes her snap out of it.

I'll go get it.

Attagirl, Reckless.

You're the best dog I ever had.

'Two days after the telegram from the War Department'

we got this letter from the adjutant general.

We haven't heard anything since.

We weren't told where he was before he was reported missing

or any other details.

Where was he the last time he wrote you?

We think it was Sicily.

All we know is that he was covering the invasion

for the army paper The Stars And Stripes.

We have this article, he sent us a copy of it.

Maybe there's a clue in here we missed.

It seems to have been written weeks

before he was reported missing.

I'm sure the War Department has looked into all this.

Anything else you think I should know?

That's about it.

Many persons listed as missing in action

are subsequently reported as prisoners of war.

'Since this information is furnished by the countries'

'with which we are at war'

the War Department has no way of expediting these reports.

'However, the Red Cross maintains strict neutrality.'

We have access to all military hospitals

and prisoner of war camps.

'I'll ask our Washington office to cable'

'our Central Tracing Agency in Geneva'

'and a search will be launched for your son immediately.'

Are there any questions?

Have any idea how long it will take?

I can't promise anything at all. I'm sorry.

Thank you.

I know a lot of other families are going through this just now

but it doesn't make it any easier.

This is desperately important to us.

I know what it is to wait, Mrs. Walton.

Hey, Jeffrey, what can I do for you?

'Can I just look around?' - 'Yeah, sure.'

I'd buy something, but I don't have enough money

to buy what I want.

Hmm. What is it that you want?

Well, Reckless is sick

and I just wish I had some type of dog toy

that could cheer her up.

Well, maybe we got something here that might work.

Let's take a look.

Hey, how about this?

- Hey, she'd like that. - Now, wait a second.

How much you got in your pocket?

A nickel.

Well, I'll be darned. That's exactly what it costs.

I'll take it. Thanks.

Mr. Godsey, how can children be expected to learn

the values of life if adults deceive them?

Oh, come on, Corabeth. He didn't want the ball for himself.

'He was trying to be generous and thoughtful'

for somebody else.

I believe that children should be taught

to face the realities of life.

Once again, you've made the same mistake

that you've made time and time again with Aimee.

If I've been such a bad father

then how come Aimee has grown up to be such a lovely young lady?

Ah, but who knows what heights she might have scaled

had she received firmer guidance?

'Why, this very moment she might be on her way'

'to becoming a, a fine artist, a writer'

a world-famous concert pianist..

Hi.

- Hey, Ike, Corabeth. - Hi, kids.

Here are some things Rose needs for supper.

- And I need some more yarn. - You know where it is.