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| Original Airdate: November 16, 1972 Writer: John McGreevey Director: Lee Philips |
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Prologue: |
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| "Usually each family has its own special folk-lore, stories and anecdotes polished smooth with the telling. The setting for most of our legends was Waltons Mountain, but one favoured part of our folk-lore took place far from the mountain when my father had served overseas in what was then called the Great War. To us children my father's stories of the places he'd seen and the men he'd known were endlessly fascinating. And then one day a legend came to visit us." |
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Synopsis: |
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A fox has been stealing chickens from the Walton's coup. Jason wishes that his father would include him on the fox hunt. John is excited when he receives his first telegram ever and it's a message from his war buddy Tip Harrison. The children love to hear their Dad's stories about Tip and the war. John tries on his old army uniform. Tip arrives in a fancy car with candy for kids and Champagne for the adults. John-Boy suspects though that not all adds up with John's old friend. Tip seems to be lonely and craves to keep the party going but is afraid to stay in one place too long. |
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| The family begs for him visit longer but he causes mishaps including a grass fire near their home and accidently shooting Reckless the family dog while helping to hut for a troublesome fox. After he leaves his concience gets the best of him and he admits to his wrong doings to John who has met him on the road to the store. The men search for Reckless and Jason locates Reckless while playing his harmonica which causes Reckless to bark in response. Back home while they nurse Reckless back to health most of the family is oblivious of Tips troubles and John protects their good memories of him. |
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Secondary Story: |
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Jason desires to find his place as the second oldest son. He is now 15 and wants more responsibility. When he tends to a trash fire for John-Boy he gets the blame after one of Tip's absently tossed cigarette butts causes a nearby grass fire. The family works together to put it out. John is impressed when Jason accepts the blame when he knows that Tip was actually responsible. His father calls him a man which gives Jason the satisfaction that he has been seeking. |
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Epilogue: |
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| "The gallant gesture made in the face of great danger, the flamboyant exploit that shocks and delights, these are the usual materials for building a legend, but as I was growing up I was privileged to watch the day by day growth of another kind of legend, fashioned out of long years of bone-tiring work, good humor in the face of daily hardship, and unfailing patience, understanding and love, the quiet legend of John Walton, my father." |
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Additional Cast: |
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Guest Star: James Antonio ("Tip" Harrison)
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Music from this episode: |
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