The Waltons S06E01 The Hawk

Do you like it this way, Mama? You've got that special light in your eye. Who is he? Do you think it makes me look older, more sophisticated? Erin, you haven't answered me. I can't tell you, Mama. You'd think I'm crazy. We've always been honest with each other. Well, I think I've met the man I'm going to marry. Early in September of 1939, shortly after Hitler invaded Poland, England delivered an ultimatum that Germany withdraw her troops. And while war clouds were building over Europe, our family was to face a disturbing conflict over the arrival of a new and controversial figure in our community. Mariela, you look wonderful. I feel wonderful. Is it kicking? I think he's asleep. He hasn't peaked for ten minutes. Chamberlain should be on by now. We have just received word that our shortwave crews are ready, and we will switch to England for Neville Chamberlain's address to the world. Jason, pull up a chair for your sister. A comfortable one. Beat ya. There you go. Thanks. Armchair built for two. I like this treatment. I think I'm going to get pregnant once a year. You better check with your doctor first. We will now hear a statement by the prime minister. I am speaking to you from the cabinet room at 10 Downing Street. This morning, the British ambassador in Berlin handed the German government the final note, stating that unless we heard from them by 11 o'clock that they were prepared at once to withdraw their troops from Poland, a state of war would exist between us. I have to tell you now that no such undertaking has been received, and that consequently, this country is at war with Germany. You can imagine what a bitter blow it is to me. Seems like it had to be. It puts France in the middle. We're going to have to jump in with England. I just pray that they can bring it to an end soon. If Sarah comes, tell her I'll be upstairs dressing. You going somewhere, Mama? Boatwright University to pick out a new minister. I don't know what that Hitler wants. He already has Czechoslovakia. This is what he's after. The Polish corridor in Danzig. It's the best port on the Baltic Sea. Checking our chickens. Promotion. I'll tell you later. We'll be late for Corvette. How nice you look. Get out of sight. I want to see him try to take another one of them chickens. Come on. Jim Bob. Elizabeth, get out of the way. He all uses the wind currents, trimming his tail feathers and wings just enough to bank and wheel. Listen to that boy. He don't think about anything unless it has dew flying. I bet you that hawk knows as much about flying as Colonel Lindberg. That hawk has one thing in mind. Stealing my chickens. Instead of shooting him, couldn't I capture him? What for? I'd take him back to the mountains someplace. I'll tell you what. I will help you capture that hawk. Gee, thanks, Grandpa. All right. You can try to capture him. If he comes back here and tries to steal one more chicken, I'm going to shoot him on sight. It's been all too long since I've been back to Jefferson County. But you ladies, by just coming here, are bringing the beauty of the mountain to me. Dean Beck, you are most gallant. How is John boy? He's fine. He's working on his second novel. We miss him. And you'll surely miss Reverend Fordwick. A fine man. Difficult to replace. However, we need religious guidance. Mrs. Bridges, Mrs. Walton, and I have been chosen as a committee to make recommendation to the deacon. I have a candidate waiting. Hank, would you come in, please? Hello, Dean Beck. I'd like to introduce Reverend Henry Buchanan, Mrs. Walton. Hello, Mrs. Walton. Mrs. Godsey. Hello. And Mrs. Bridges. Hello. Hank, why don't you sit there? Where everyone can get a good look at me. All right. Left profile, right profile, full face. Wanted, a job on Walton's mountain. Reverend Buchanan. Call me Hank, please. Good. Who needs formality, right? If I hear Henry, I turn around and see if my daddy's behind me. He's a minister, too. Daddy could talk the devil into being dunked into the river if he could just get a hold of him. Believe me, he's hot on his trail, too. You have a most unorthodox way of expressing yourself for a young minister. Well, I believe in plain speech. Is there anything that you'd like to ask us? I understand there's some fine fishing up your way. My husband could tell you about that. I went trout fishing once up at Crabtree Falls. It's a beautiful country up there. Ours is an isolated little village. Culture is virtually unknown. Well, I feel I would like it there. I'd like to try it. Do you wish to ask Hank any questions? Reverend Buchanan, are you married? No. No, I'm not. Reverend Fordwick and his wife, Rosemary, were so much a part of the community, it's going to be hard for anyone to replace them. Well, I wouldn't try to replace Reverend Fordwick. I would hope to find my own place in your community. Well, it was a pleasure meeting you, and I hope I can meet your family soon. I'm not shy, so I won't beat around the bush. I'd like to be your minister. Thanks again, Dean. Bye. Ladies, what do you think? He is not, in his own words, shy. He reminds me of John, if John were a preacher. Olivia, what a thought. We only saw him briefly this one time. What do we really know about him? Perhaps I can help. Hank is young, about 26, but this would not be his first church. Are you suggesting, Dean Beck, that young Reverend Buchanan is a nomad? Hank is a bit of a rebel, but a doer. He's going to make a fine minister. Well, he's got my vote. But I think he's adorable. Well, I think that I have made my position clear. I am against it. I vote for him, too. Well, there you are, Corabeth. Two against one. You're going to like our new preacher, John. First thing he talked about was fishing. Is that so? It's going to bring a lot of people into the church. You never give up, do you, Liv? I don't give in to Corabeth in her stiff-backed ways. That's not what I mean, and you know it. I hope you're not thinking just because you go fishing with this new minister, come baptism time, I'm going to let him put me under the water. You're going to like Hank. Hank? That's what you'll be calling him before long. You're going to like him. You said that, Liv. You are. Now, this here contraption is going to outrube Rube Goldberg. Whatever that means. We're going to capture Hawk in case he tries to eat our chickens. This here chicken is going to stay here under the wire as a decoy. We'll keep her nice and contented with some feed. The Hawk will see her and come swooping down. Grandpa, it's my idea. Oh, yes, yes, I know. See, when the Hawk comes down here to grab the chicken, pull those ropes over there and the net will fall on him. Let's test it. There she blows! Looks to me like you've got a few adjustments to make. Maybe you ought to keep a shotgun handy. It won't work. Let's try stairs. I'm Hank Buchanan. John Walton. Hi. That's my pa. The new preacher. Welcome to Walton's Mountain. Thank you, Mr. Walton. I like it already. This here's my daughter Elizabeth, my son Jim Bob, and the neighbor down the road, Amy Godsey. Amy Godsey. I've met your mother already. Yes, sir. Hi, Mrs. Walton. Good to see you again. Did you have any trouble finding us? No, no. I just pointed a car at you and you know the way. It's a good sign already. You've got a nice car. Thanks. Oh, yes, and my daughter Erin. This is Reverend Buchanan. Hi. Hello. Handsome women in your family. Does that include me? It most certainly does, Elizabeth. Goes for you, too, Amy. Well, I better get on to the Parsonage and unpack. I know where it is. Across from the church, first house on the left. All right. Keys under the mat. They're smooth in the icebox. A few curbs on the way. Well, I'll try not to straighten them out. Goodbye. Boy, what a car. I don't see anything wrong with him. Who said there was? Mama says he's not going to fit in around here. I bet he does. He remembered everybody's names right off. He's a bright young man. Well, it takes a lot of ability to fill up a collection plate, and I predict that young man will go far. Hey, Bob. What did you think of him? Like a nice enough fella? You'll like him. He's peachy, Mama. Why don't we invite him over for Sunday dinner? I think we ought to let him settle in first. We shouldn't rush things. But isn't that what you're supposed to do for a new minister? Try and make him feel at home? You like him, don't you? Is he married, Mama? See you next Sunday, Reverend. New ideas, too. Well, thank you. I try to make my sermons interesting. Sometimes I have to resort to shouting. Did you ever think about giving a sermon about the war? It's getting hotter every day, and people have to face up to the facts of life. I'd think about that if I was you. I will think about it. Mrs. Godsey, your solo was beautiful. You are most kind. Come, Mr. Godsey. I'd think about that sermon about the war and about everybody doing their part. Okay. Oh, that was a good service, young man. I didn't go to sleep but once. Thanks for coming, Zeb. Tell John I'm sorry I didn't see him here. Reverend. I'm Mrs. Brimmer. Hello. I'd like you to come by and have supper with me and my daughters one day soon. Ask him, Mama, before he's all taken. Before that, I'll drop by with a covered dish of my chicken and dumplings for you. Fine. Reverend. You must have had a tiring day meeting all those people. How about coming and having some Sunday supper with us? Just the family. I'd love to, Mrs. Waller. Good. John. Will you get the door? It smells good there. Girls! Stop that singing! Jason! Jason, don't encourage them! Hi, John. Hi, Kurt. Hi, Reverend. Girls, they've been walking in the woods. They're washing up. Hi, Marilyn. Reverend. Well, now, what am I going to have in Sunday school? A boy or a girl? I don't know. Maybe one of each. She won't believe me. I keep telling her it's going to be a boy. One boy. My great-grandson. Hi, son. Hey, Jason. Nice touch. Thanks. Jason's been studying at the Kleinberg Conservatory. He's going to graduate soon. And he can work full-time at the new drop-in. That is the sportiest place this side of Sodom and Gomorrah. Grandpa. Dinner will be ready in 15 minutes if you all want to talk. Man, oh man. The gala. That man hit me. First thing you know, there's going to be submarines right off Virginia Beach. You know what, Corabeth? I think I'm going to apply for that job of air raid warden. Siren on the roof. Free literature. Signs in the window. And the air raid drills, that can't hurt business either. Mr. Godsey, our country is not at war. Well, it's just a matter of time. We're going to be. Mr. Godsey, I find your preoccupation with this matter extremely disagreeable. Corabeth, you've never been the easiest person to understand. But lately, you've been so touchy. I am painfully injured that the Waltons invited the new minister to dinner and did not invite us. Well, they've got a whole house full of people over there. What with Kurt and Mary Ellen. I am a relative. Distant, but nevertheless a relative. Furthermore, I have been selected as a member of the committee to choose and now judge this man. I think that I will invite young Reverend Buchanan over next Sunday as a Christian gesture to a newcomer. Although I still harbor distinct reservations about his appointment. Nevertheless, we are civilized. And I am not inviting any of the Waltons. Hey, John. Morning, Reverend. You going fishing? As soon as I get my tackle figured out. If you don't mind waiting till after church, I'd like to go with you. All right. Late afternoon fishing is good enough. Why don't I just meet you in church and go from there? Why don't you come by after church and pick me up? All right. See you then. Grandpa, it's the hawk. He'll snare him this time. I guess he was too smart for us. Oh, he must have seen the chicken wire. The wire's thrown a glare. He snares it white. Paint him green. Grass green. We can use all the advice we can get. See, I raised myself a genius. He must have read my thoughts. Well, I'm going to call. That's too bad. Deuce is full of hens. He always knows where they're biting. All righty. I'm going to be watching you every minute. Hey, John. Yeah, it's Horace. You and your friend want to pull up a bar? Yeah, sit down over here, John. Help me keep an eye on this Yancey. Watch you folks to meet Hank Buchanan, the new minister in town. We always give the money back, your ministry. Yeah, well, I'm taking mine back now. Looks like the game's over. Hold on a minute. John, we got some time before we hit the stream? It's a little early for late fishing. All right, boys. Dealer's choice, five-card draw. No stakes. No stakes? That's good. My deal next. We'll play spit in the ocean. All right, Reverend. What'd you catch? All I caught was a straight flush. Sounds like polka talk to me. Yeah, we, uh, went by Yancey's fell into a game. You and Reverend Buchanan? Yeah. He was playing cards. I bet you and Yancey talked him into it. We didn't talk him out of it. It was just for fun, Liv. No money involved. I think that's shameful. You know that war sermon I was talking to you about? Do you know that in London, they're putting up barrage balloons in case the bombers come over? Now, that's the kind of thing that we should be doing. In your Bible studies, you must have read all the versions. Which of the translators do you prefer? I've got the Bible preparing for you coming over. From the not-too-distant days of my formal schooling, I have continued to remain well-read and properly informed. Well, then you probably know that the Bible's been quite a battleground. There are those who prefer the language of the King James Version, which dates back to 1611. Precisely. However, there's language in there that people don't understand anymore. But then along comes William Tyndale... Who believed that the Bible should be translated We have our plowboys here in Walton Mountain who have to be served. You know the part that I like? It's about Joan and the whale. Boy, that's a good one. Well, whatever the interpretation, the Bible's always beautiful. In my advanced courses in elocution, we used to have to recite from the Bible. The sentences have a natural rise and fall. He shall lean upon his house, but it shall not stand. He shall hold it fast, but it shall not endure. That's beautiful, Mrs. Godsey. I love the Bible's poetic prayers and its laments. Mr. Godsey, I understand the economy's starting to pick up. Oh, yeah. Norfolk and all the ports down there, they're doing big business. European countries are buying all the war goods. Is that helping your story? Oh, yeah. Tomatoes, 36 cents, and I'm getting it. I'm sorry, I have to apologize. I've got to leave early. I'd pick her up at work. Mr. Godsey, our guest must take his leave. Oh, oh, oh, sure. Adolf Hitler's greater Third Reich had been turned against Poland. Poland's heroic soldiers were outnumbered 10 to 1 and totally unprepared for the treacherous attack launched against them. Poland's streets resound to the tramp of a mobster army, its government now a puppet to the Third Reich. Wish I hadn't seen what's going on in Europe. Seems like a different world. Yeah, it is. Talk about the war is so depressing. How did you like the movie? Well, Jeanette McDonald's always good. I like her. I like what they do with Victor Herbert's music, too. It's good. I never even noticed his name. John Burrota said he saw Dewberry was a lady in New York. Oh, yeah, just opened. Boy, I envy him. Our minister's supposed to envy. Well, this one does. I don't want to miss anything in life. I hear you have a great record collection. It's a shame to let this music go to waste. Didn't the Depression teach you Waltons not to waste anything? You know, there's still no word on that civil defense application or that governor sure taking his sweet time while Rome burns. If I don't hear from him tomorrow, I'm going straight to Richmond to see him before somebody else gets the job. Then watch the store. Mr. Godsey, since that air raid warden job has become your all-consuming desire, I suggest you make that trip to Richmond. Good morning, Corabeth. Hi, Jossie. Yeah. Whee, look at that big list, eh? I don't know how I'm going to come out even. My present borders have such big appetite. Corabeth, could you and I have a word? As a point of interest, do young ministers dance these days? Corabeth, Glossie? Hello, Olivia. Hi, Olivia. Any mail? I'm not through. I'll let you know. We have another member of the committee here. What do you think, Olivia? Are ministers allowed to dance these days? You must be referring, of course, sir, to young Reverend Buchanan, Glossie. What about Reverend Buchanan? I was bringing one of my dishes of the chicken and dumplings to Reverend Buchanan last night, and I could not help but see our young minister dancing with Aaron. They'd been to the movies, with our permission. The impetuosity of youth. I trust Aaron completely, and I refuse to reject Hank just because he doesn't always do things the way people think he should. He's already created a lot of new interest in the church among people around here. I still vote for Reverend Buchanan, and now I've forgotten why I came in here. Olivia, your mail. Olivia. I hear he has this talent, charm, which is all well and good for a minister, but dancing in the parsonage with an innocent young girl and no one there to chaperone. Well, it simply takes my breath away. Oh, oh, dear, I'll have to ring off now, Clara. Mrs. Carneswell? Oh, Miss Fanny, it'll be all over town. It already is, my dear. And Aaron, don't you think you could knock before entering? Well, I never have before. Well, let's make that a new rule. Number, please. Thank you. Aaron, dear, you know I am most fond of you. In all kindness, may I advise, dear girl, that you use a little discretion. A word to the wives is usually sufficient. Number, please. No, Miss Fanny just left, and I'm wondering if you'd like to talk about me and the new minister. Could I get you another bottle of soda pop? No, no, thanks. I'm fine, though. Yeah, well, you're not going to make a sermon or anything like that, are you? I mean, probably half of my customers would just get up and go. No, I just came to listen to Jason. Oh, that's terrific. Well, you just sit around and I don't think most of my regulars know who you are anyway. There it is. We got him. There it is this time. Now, how we can take him up the Blue Ridge where he can't get at our chickens. Oh, look how his little heart's beating under the feathers. Grandpa, you think we can keep him for a while? I don't see how he glides like that. Well, I suppose we could keep him for a while. Over in the barn, maybe. I'm going down to the church to practice. Hank's come up with some new hymns. I'll go with you. Aaron, shouldn't you finish your shorthand first? I can do it any time, Mama. See you later. Bye-bye. Come in. Don't come at an inopportune time. No, no, it's just lifting weights. Come on in. I'm trying to stay in shape for skiing. There's abundant snow in the higher reaches, but this being a provincial community, I doubt that anyone has ever considered skiing. But, of course, there are sleigh rides and skating on the pond when it freezes. What have you got there? This is the purpose of my visit. I designed this choir robe, and if you think it appropriate, well, we ladies could make them for the entire choir. Well, that's beautiful, Corbett. I thank you. It's a fine idea. Of course, those for the men would be of a different cut, more masculine. This would be your record collection. Yes, indeed. Everything from Benny Goodman to Bach. It has become known in the community that you were seen dancing with that Walton child on a Sunday. Why'd you come here, Corbett? I... You should know by now that I opposed your selection as our new minister. Yes, I know there aren't too many secrets around here. Your actions, contrary to what is expected, could be censored or considered stimulating. I refer, of course, to our discussion of the bind. Corbett, what's the trouble? Can I help you? Sit down. I did not come here for help, but to tell you that it is my fervent wish that I have made have caused you in the eyes of others. Confession is good for the soul. Jason, Aaron, come in. Corbett's here. I, uh, I just stopped by to get the key to the church. I was gonna practice those new hymns. I was just showing Reverend Buchanan the choir robe I made. Here you are. Thanks. Now that it passes his approval, I must get back to our little store. Well, uh, it was nice to see you both. Come on, Aaron. Let's go get a kiss after putting in a hard day's work. Aaron? What's wrong? Aaron, what's going on? I feel so silly. Did something happen between you and Hank? How could I be so stupid? He's years older than I am. Well, it's all over now, and I apologize to both of you. I've come to my senses. Just simmer down, honey. I know what you were thinking, Mama, that I was chasing after him. I just want to be alone. All right, honey. Just remember, we're here if you need us. I wish now I'd listen to Cora Beth. Hank sure is independent. I guess he's got away with women. Don't mind me. I just want to listen to the news. I owe Cora Beth an apology. I think she and Sarah and I ought to get together. The sooner the better. What's going on? Oh, son, uh, your grandpa's tuning in the news. Here are recorded excerpts from the press conference. The war keeps trying to break out of this cage. Shh, shh, listen to FDR. I hope the United States will keep out of this war. I believe that it will. And I give you assurance and reassurance that every effort of your government will be directed toward that end. As long as it remains within my power to prevent, there will be no blackout of peace in the United States. You've heard all this before, Grandpa. I know. But it is reassuring to hear it again. I should think that this would be a most auspicious day to take that hawk up in the mountains to the wilds. Well, we better take the coop because my old wreck will never make it up the mountain. That's right. Your old car's only good for going downhill. Here you go, ma'am. Ben, have you seen Corbett? Mom, there's a lot of crying and carrying on going on in there. I don't think it's good for business. Bye-bye. Corbett? Oh, Olivia. I feel that with you I can voice my despair. We are kin. I would be bereft if anything lasting ever came between me and Aaron. Aaron's upset but she didn't mention anything about you. She's an honorable child. Olivia, it has not been easy for me to find emotional peace here. I don't think it's been easy for any of us since Hank came to the mountain. Life with Mr. Godsey is not all sunshine and roses. Mr. Godsey is a good man but I become bored to tears and distraction. What happened was not Hank's fault. Corbett, I'm not sure I want to hear this. I fought it from the first moment I laid eyes on him. But here was a young man I could discuss the Bible with instead of rice and tomatoes. I've been blind to all of this and so has everybody else. No longer. I fashioned a choir robe which I took to the parsonage while Mr. Godsey was away in Richmond. Jason and Aaron saw us there. Here I am, a mature woman. Maybe it's the man. Maybe you and Aaron couldn't help yourselves. I am so ashamed of myself. Corbett, Olivia, I got the appointment. I'm the air raid captain. Oh, Mr. Godsey, I am so proud of you. Congratulations, Hank. Thank you, Olivia. Wow. If I could welcome back like this, I'm going to go out of town more often. Grandpa, why do I feel we shouldn't let him go? Out there is where a bird of prey like this one belongs. Down below, man, that's us. We destroy all the feeding and breeding grounds where the wild things are. Every once in a while a smart one like this hawk here, the owls, they pick up a chicken or two of ours. But out here is where he belongs. He can pick up his own feed and find freedom. Let him go. Hank and Corbett, I'll be a son of a gun. John, you have the strangest sense of humor. Hank just came over and gave me his letter of resignation. He told me about everything getting all mixed up and that misunderstanding with Corbett, but I don't think that was cause for his resignation, do you? It was an end of fear. I chose Hank for selfish reasons because I knew you'd like him. Corbett voted no because she knew she had a weakness in her heart for him. What do you really think, Liv? In spite of Corbett, I still think he's right for Walton's mouth. Amen. Me too. Excuse me, ladies. I guess you won't be needing this. How about leaving it behind with me? You're not one for beating around the bush, John. I know I've created a situation and morally I should go. I'm sorry, but isn't that kind of the coward's way, just packing and leaving like this? What am I supposed to do? Face the community, face yourself. Who knows, you might get a pretty good sermon out of this. Before we end this morning's service, I'd like to talk with you as honestly as I can about a turning point in my life. When I first met the committee that brought me here on trial, I told them that I believed in plain speech. I still do, and I will speak plainly. And I am also a man. There's hardly anything I would rather do than go fishing. I enjoy the companionship of men over a game of cards. I hunt, I enjoy my car, and I admire a lady as much as anybody else does. And like a man who I have recently become a friend of, and here I mean John Walton, I believe that God doesn't just exist in this church building. He exists beyond it, on the mountains and in the fields of this beautiful part of the world. I want to remain here. I desperately want to be your minister, and I sincerely ask for your acceptance. Amen. The man's right. We'd like to keep you here, Reverend. Now if you'll all join me for the closing hymn. O bless and bid my Savior bleed, and bid my Sovereign die. Hank Buchanan was to remain our minister for a good many years to come, and while he remained, in Corabeth Godsey's words, a most unorthodox young man, he was a good man and a godly man. The hawk returned on the day we heard over the radio that Russian bomber and strafing planes had hit them from the east. The world would never again be the same. I'm glad Reverend Hank is staying. Maybe he'll let me drive his car. I'm glad he's staying, too. How about you, Aaron? I'm glad. I didn't know you wanted to drive his car, too. Good night, Jim Bob. Did I say something wrong? Good night, Jim Bob. Is there something I don't know about? Good night, Jim Bob. All right, all right, good night.