The Waltons - The Rebellion episode - Behind the Scenes with Judy Norton 

Olivia learned just like Jan Brady from the Brady Bunch with her new hairdo failure. 🤣

“I will turn Methodist!!” Grandma’s a hoot!

"The years brought many changes to us on Waltons Mountain, but when change did not come often enough to suit my mother, it was her way to seek it. She would search for change, reach out to it, and welcome it when it came."

I love Flossie Brimmer chilling on her porch and just getting stone cold hammered in the middle of the day.

At my job tomorrow at the senior center where I work, I'm going to sing a Christmas carol to all the senior s and I know they will just love it. I'm going to do It Came Upon A Midnight Clear

I loved the story line with Grandma and the church organ. Jealousy at its finest.

This was an especially memorable episode for me in many ways, not the least of which was that the episode was 'cast heavy' i.e, we had extra players which challenged both Joe Florence (AD) and me. I've got to laugh now, but at the time I had no idea who Audrey Christie "Zelda" was (I recently watched 'Splendor In The Grass" and Audrey's performance as Natalie Wood's mother is brilliant) To be honest, Audrey was in many ways like that character....so when Audrey arrived at Stage 26 (keep in mind we were ALWAYS rushed) I asked (encouraged) Miss Christie to get a move on into makeup and hair...I'm sure she thought "Who is this 20 yr old kid telling me what to do?" She was fussy with Bill Reynold's makeup and Edie Lindon's hair, not in a moody way but just simply a professional manner as she thought "Zelda" should look. Well, being a little naive, but dedicated to getting things moving, I made several visits encouraging her to get to the set, evidently annoying her...Finally, when she stepped out of her dressing room I took her hand to help her to the set she paused, looked me in the eye and said, "Do you know who I am?!" "Yes", I replied, you're "Zelda". The look she gave me froze me in my tracks. I knew how Lot's wife felt when she was turned into a pillar of salt. We laughed about it later as I got to know Audrey through the week. She was a lovely, warm, and gracious lady...and she gave a wonderful performance. We had extraordinary Guest Stars on The Waltons but I do confess there were many times when I did not know their background. The Rebellion was a terrific episode, directed by Harvey Laidman, and if memory serves me I think this was his first ever Directing assignment. I believe I might have already commented on the hilarious efforts to make smoke come out of the curlers on Michael's head...it was one of those moments when I could not stop laughing and had to take a few steps back to compose myself. We had many of those moments of uncontrollable laughter on the show, every actor knows what I'm talking about...they now have a term for this called the 'Pseudobulbar effect' ...good to know it has a name, but for me it was genuinely happy, and fun. I'm so lucky to have been a tiny part of The Waltons and cherish those moments, those memories, every day of my life.

I like when grandma said "I'll turn Methodist!"

Haha! Our family watched this episode a few months ago and I loved how Olivia's wig totally looked like Mama's wig (Vikki Lawrence ) from The Carol Burnett Show. 😂 Also, loved hearing more about the minor actors and their careers! I have looked up actors from many a Walton's episode to find out who they were. So interesting!

Judy thank you for telling back stories as well as new interviews with my favorite characters from the show. I would have loved to see you interview some of the characters who are not with us anymore. Thank you so much. ❤

This episode had one of my favorite scenes of the entire series, when Olivia turns around with her head connected to that giant perm torture machine: for some reason she looks so much like my own mother at that moment, when she was younger and would also have her hair in perm curlers. I’ve taken a screen grab of it, the resemblance was so uncanny. I also love how they at least mentioned “the change” of how women going through perimenopause & menopause can experience extreme mental unrest, anxiety, new depression, it’s important to recognize & talk about.

As a Methodist I always love Grandma's line, "I will turn Methodist!" The look on Rev. Fordwick's face is priceless!

The episode; “The Rebellion” was so funny!! It had me laughing from the beginning to the end. (1) Olivia Walton, aka Michael Learned, had Corabeth Godsey re-do her hair. Until Olivia realized that she was perfect as she really is, the loving mother that she is. (2) Ellen Corby shouting, "I will turn Methodist," and John Ritter's horrified reaction is hilarious. ❤️ Thank you, Judy! 😊 Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you and yours 🎄 🎄

I always like to hear the piano and the organ played in church.

One of my favorite episodes

Hope Christmas is happy and holy for you and your loved ones.🎄

I love this episode! Poor Olivia looks like she was eating electricity while getting that perm. I like how Olivia is craving change and Grandma is resisting it. Something most of us can relate to. ✌

I had a nasty perm around the same time Olivia had hers. She looked so much better than i did. This was a fabulous episode and loved how Ellen Corby's character handled the organ playing situation. I still love the show. I'm so glad you are hear to talk about the show. Thanks so much, Judy. Have a wonderful holiday season. Peace.

Thus was such a memorable episode, great dual story lines. I loved the fact that Olivia's yearning for change was explored. The moment when Verdie was trying not to laugh was brilliant! I so agree that there were interesting messages in this episode. I thought too that sometimes the things people admire about someone should be expressed so that they know they are appreciated for the normal everyday things they do.❤

I love this episode. Haven't we all gone through such a time in life as Olivia and Grandma. Needing change and protesting it, all in the same episode. Excellent story lines. Keep up the great work Kiddo! Merry Christmas!

This episode is so wonderfully precious to me! I love it so much! I love when grandma says" I will turn Methodist!" I love when Reverend Fordwick tells this to Grandpa and John and they both laugh so hard! The one thing about this episode that drives me insane though, is Olivia's perm. I had many perms as a child, and it doesn't turn your hair a different color. The fact that her hair turns gray has always made me nuts! Lol

Thank you for sharing this one! You haven’t lived if you haven’t had a hilarious but oh so embarrassing perm! 😂 this episode was so good.I was on the edge of my seat ❤️

Great episode!!! Grandma was so funny in this one, hilarious when she yelled at Reverend Fordwick, “I will turn Methodist”!! The look on her face and her eyes!! Priceless. Love the part where Olivia is visiting with Mrs. Brimmer on her porch. Poor Mrs. Brimmer was lonely and in pain. She had no family, whereas Olivia had a big family who cared about her. I really felt for Mrs. Brimmer. I wish Olivia had talked to her longer, I would have liked to chat with her. Olivia’s hair was so funny!! Little Orphan Annie😀

I just watched this episode a couple of months ago. Olivia hooked up to Corabeth's hair curling contraption was funny.

This episode has two of my all time favorite lines in the series. Grandma's “I will turn Methodist" and John's poking fun at Grandma with his "I was tired of being the only backslider in the family". Great stuff!

Judy, thanks for doing these videos. I'm a Waltons addict. I've been watching since The Homecoming first aired. It's the best show I have ever watched and I always get something from the reruns that I didn't get before. Your videos are a treasure trove of information I wouldn't have gotten otherwise. So thanks again for feeding my Waltons addiction.

Judy, I love your gratitude for your fellow actors. Thank you for sharing. Merry Christmas from New Zealand

I didn't understand that Grandma played the organ but Jason had to teach her to play the piano, loved all the players in this show. love the show.

This episode is in my top ten favorite list! I'm so excited that you are talking about this one. When John says he felt the earth move - I fall over every time!

I remember this.

Hard to believe Christmas is almost here.

We watch the Christmas homecoming damn near every day until Christmas.. had the hots for you since 72.

I was just watching Vertigo and Ellen Corby was the sweet little hotel lady. A very fine actress.

A man in our church lost her mom yesterday at 92 Years old. HE'S GOING TO HAVE S ROUGH CHRISTMAS NOW FOR SURE. THAT'S AWFUL.

Thank you for your time providing background information for each episode. What was diffferent about The Waltons and made it so beloved was the efforts to show every day life and struggles. Not every story has to be a bombshell. Exploring a family's daily life, where members are good people, but like all of us they have their foibles, unmet dreams, unrequited love and just day to day successes and struggles making each of us who we are. What makes these episodes memorable speaks to the quaity of the production, the directors, writers.

Love this episode. This is one of Ellen Corby’s last episodes before her illness, and she reminds us why Grandma is such a great character with her threat to turn Methodist. There’s also a scene between John, Zeb, and Matt Fordwick, where Fordwick wants the two of them to persuade Grandma to share the organ, and he says something like “I’m sure you agree”. John says, “Do we agree, Pa?” and Zeb replies, “I’m sure the Reverend thinks we *ought* to agree.” They’re kind of screwing with him and it’s very funny to see them cut the pompous and self-righteous Fordwick down to size.

I still remember feeling bad for Olivia's hair. I'm so thankful i get to watch the waltons again on Vision Tv Canada.

I just finished season 10 which I have never seen before. I absolutely loved it. You are so beautiful all grownup❤ I now can see how you are close to Micheal Learned. You both had many of part’s together and a lot of hugs I live not too far from Schuyler mountain. I haven’t seen the new bed-and-breakfast there or the tour of the house but I’ve only been to the museum about 15 years ago so this spring I will return to see everything again I pray The Walton Legacy lives on for a very long time❤

Just remembering that the closing to Mr Hamner's novel, Spencer's Mountain, shows someone asking the main character something to the effect ~ Are you leaving your home and going far away? Earl's autobiographical character answers, "Yes, Sir ~ right far!" I don't have the scene verbatim, just the essence that a motivating life force was to leave a very small community life that ~ while there were wonderful people and life moments ~ could nevertheless feel stifling! It is Earl Hamner's great appreciation for his family and community that makes the life on Walton's Mountain seem appealing. I think Esther's storyline is the star of this episode. The messages and lessons about what it means to be a good Christian come through loud and clear. Poor Olivia!! I think many SAHMoms have felt just the same. I sure can relate to that botched perm. At the height of the poodle perm trend in the late 80s early 90s, a similar botched perm fried my hair and I had to cut it short! Both Verdi and Olivia look lovely wearing a turban ~ a big fashion trend in the 40s. My Grandmother often wore Turbans and she looked lovely! I'm glad I missed that trend! What a lovely video today, Judy. You have done a first rate job creating a community here, spoiling us with detail after detail of our favorite show and favorite family and actors, arranging interviews with all the remaining Waltons! Very much appreciate these treasures every Monday and Thursday! Lots of love to Walton's everywhere! ❤

You’re right, Judy, being happy and content with our lives and the people we love is what matters. I do realize some people have difficult and hard lives, but I hope that you understand my comment isn’t meant to hurt. I’ve been married for 41 years to an amazing man. We’ve had our ups and downs, but our commitment, respect, and love for one another is the glue to our marriage. Merry Christmas! Mary

Judy you look amazing 😍 I love these so much 💓

A wonderful episode and one that many people can relate to no doubt. Olivia wanted change for herself and grandma did not want change for herself thus highlighting how the younger you are the more change you look forward to as you discover new things but the older you are, the more content you are with whatever you have without the need for any change. I could really relate to both of them. Thank you Judy for this segment and best wishes to you from your waltonian superfan from a dull, grey and mild England😉

Thanks for sharing Judy. Enjoy your incites on the show or episode. Thanks again. I see John Ritter here as some of his early works with the Waltons.

SAD FOR GRANDMA TO HAVE HER FEELINGS HURT.

Judy I watched the Homecoming on a cold winter night in the midwest with my Mom in the mid seventies. Flash forward to 2023 I watched with my five year old granddaughter this holiday season very special. Merry Christmas to you and thank you! Brian

I haven't even watched your video yet- I just saw the thumbnail! Brilliantly funny. The scenes with that contraption must have been so much fun to do!

Olivia’s hair! 🤣 Cora Beth had no idea what she was doing. Bless her heart. 🤣

One of my favorite episodes of The Waltons. I know that I can relate to Olivia's character. So glad grandma Walton worked things out. Thank you Ms Judy. God's speed.

I never had much luck with perms growing up. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family

Judy your voice is so soothing, I love these segments that you share with us, your warmth and beautiful smile are very uplifting ✝️💜

That happened to me and my son, bring very young then, raised the book he was reading in front of his face so he didn’t have to look at me with the new perm. So funny!

Another great episode Judy , wishing you and your family a very happy Christmas and a wonderful new year , look forward to more episodes 👌

Still watch the Waltons, and yes the episodes you talk about always have a positive message with the way things should be. Wish there were more series like the Waltons. Thank you for sharing, well done. ❤

I wanted to wish you.a Merry Christmas! (And i love your dress. It is very becoming on you) Thanks for these wonderful commentaries.

I love how much Zeb is always there for Esther

Another great episode always enjoyed this one

Amo vcs Curitiba _Pr Brazil.

Just watched an old Lassie episode called "Yochim's Christmas." Ellen Corby was in it. I see her in so many different classic television shows once in a while.

Love the comical spots in this episode. Refreshing to watch.

I love this episode.I had laughed a lot when you Judy had seen Olivia riding the bike and you were laughing.Grama I felt sad for when another woman was asked to share playing the organ by the reverend.

Thank you so much ❤

This was a wonderful episode!! ❤️

Judy, thank you for your insight ❤

I feel Olivia’s pain…have had a few hair don’ts in my life 🥹

Thankyou for these videos Judy! Very interesting stuff🌹❤️🌹❤️🌹❤️

Good for Olivia to try to change her hair so more people would like and appreciate her better.

OMG THAT WAS SO BEAUTIFUL! SMILING THROUGH TEARS AND MY FACE HURTS FROM SMILING SO BIG !!!!! THANKS BIG SIS MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Love how Olivia found an option to disguise her hair dilema, with the headwrap. Relatable premise. Been there. Had a gal from Lyberia at my job who wrapped my bald head during my run-in with chemo long time ago. Very similar style. She explained that there are styles of head wrapping from different places in Africa. (Toyan, if you're out there I remember.)

Im taking my wife to see Richard in “To Kill a Mockingbird” in College Station Texas next month. Its her first Broadway production and we’re very excited. Merry Christmas to yall!

Interesting to hear about the scenes. Thank you for the video and your time taken for explanation. Blessings to you.

Loved hearing about this episode Judy ill see you in the next one

Hello Judy 😊 I always love Grandma's facial expressions ha ha 😅😅

Another excellent u tube episode thaks judy I really enjoy them

I love you! Such beautiful content! God bless you and your family everyone and everything.

John's expression when he first sees Olivia's new do. He looks like he just saw an accident! Cracks me up!

One aspect of the series was that though it wasn't a comedy per se, there were some really hilarious moments, like Grandma's discovery of Olivia with they elaborate maze of wires on her head, (I think that contraption said it all), then Grandma's outrage when he tells the Rev that "She will turn Methodist"! Then we had John's reply, "I think I heard the earth shake a while ago". Then even Reckless' disappoval of Olivia's hair style. It is moment's like that draw me to watch the program over and over, in contrast it feels like a chore to watch a single episode of programs that are produced today, SM Au

great job on this video,and allyour videos Judy!

Great episode 😊

Ty for all you have shared & shown us all! Luv&Peace Judy you are one kind & empathetic person in your coment's to all and the time you take to answer most all. Enjoy the holidays!🎉 Cheers 🥂 to continued health, happiness,family, and to continued success in your endeavors! Appreciate your amazing positivity and humor in the content you post & the Prolific artist you are 😊. Ty looking forwards to the new year and what you will share with us all. 💛✌🏼⚘

Loved that show and Miss it too

Loved also the dual aspect of Olivia & Esther’s stories. It emphasized another routine of their lives: That others expected them to stay in line, adapt to others’ expectations… not let the boat rock, though others around them were free to create waves at will. Thank you (too) for including a tribute to Ms. Christie. With your clip, I recognized she’d been such a striking performer in so many productions (& worked with expert Directors), though I didn’t know her name or any of her stage work. I hope you have lovely holidays, Judy, and know your gifts are abundant & appreciated!!📯

Judy, thanks for all the insights of the Waltons. I love the show. I did wish they did one last TV Movie about the family. I was hoping that movie being Elizabeth n Jim-Bob getting married. A double wedding!

I think we all laughed at the perm, and can relate to Grandma being put out to pasture. Love Grandpa's schemes and ways to help out!

I enjoy your videos. I just watched this episode the other day. I started with season one and now on five

Great job as always Judy. 👍🏻

Hello Judy. You look extra pretty today, perhaps the Christmas Spirit. I love the explanations of the filming. It makes the reruns even more fun. Thank you. I had Olivia's experience with my hair and a perm. I too was horrified. Merry Christmas to you and yours. Hugs from Austin, Texas.

I really enjoyed this video. I also appreciate that Judy gives info and tid-bits about the actors in minor parts i.e. Zelda, and what they added to the story/production. Really nice thing to do! Merry Christmas All!

Great Episode😀

Judy you are amazing. i love your videos they are so entertaining and so endearing as well to hear about theWaltons whom feels like family to me. Oh yes and the video editing is superb..

I remember this episode well.

My dad would have made a great John!!!! I could not wait til I turned 16 and chopped my long hair off!!!! And got a perm!!!! Now I'm 65 and have not allowed my hair to be touched since 1978. Now it's in a pony tail from time I get up til bed time!!! Lol

Hi Judy. I totally agree with you. This episode has so many beautiful scenes. The lighting,, the camera angles and the obvious comfortability between the actors. I hope there were lots of photos i.e.still shots made from this episode. It' could have been the best silent movie. I love it. Thank you Judy.😊

This is off topic but. Judy I want to thank you for changing my outlook on life at this time of the year. I drive 30 minutes to work daily dealing with drivers who are selfish as well aggressive towards others on the road. Unfortunately I fall into that category at times but lately I have had your Christmas CD playing for my drive. I have found that it makes me a more forgiving towards others. That is a very good thing for me my drive is much more enjoyable and safe. You probably never thought your CD would change the world but it has changed my world for that I thank you. Happy holidays to you and your loved ones ❤️

That episode sure had some creative camera work for so many of the scenes!Since the 'perm' seemed to expose quite a bit of grey among the ersatz Shirley Temple curls and Miss Learned has NEVER let any grey follicles be shown, I think it's safe to say that this was a one-episode wig. BTW, this appears to have been John Ritter's last appearance as Reverend Fordwick but I don't recall the show mentioning about what became of him, his wife[John-Boy's onetime fave teacher the former Miss Hunter] or their baby after this. Thanks for sharing this episode!

Great episode today Judy. Adding the background of actress Audrey Christie was exactly what I love about your show. Being able to interview these type of guest stars would be especially great, even though Audrey Christie has since passed away and you can't interview her. This was one of my favorite episodes of The Waltons. Keep.going Judy !

CAN'T WAIT TILL NEXT WEEK, ON CHRISTMAS EVE, MY AUNT HAS THE WHOLE FAMILY OVER AND WE SING CHRISTMAS CAROLS AND THAN SHE ASKS ME TO GIVE A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES.

I'm glad you mentioned the actress's name who played Zelda, Judy because for a minute I thought it was Shirley Booth the way she was styled! I actually had to stop the video and go look it up! Haha! This episode was the first use of an actual permanent waving contraption I have ever seen since an old Popeye cartoon where he plays a salesman and gives the hillbilly version of Olive Oyl a new hairstyle with one!

One thing that always bothered me about this episode is that I never remembered grandma playing the organ in church previously. And it seems like in another episode. Grandma wanted Jason to teach her to play the piano. Jason told her she knew how to play and she said she could “peck out” a tune but she didn’t really know how to play. so if that was the case, it would seem unlikely that she could actually play in church. It’s just an inconsistency I picked up on. I’m trying to remember that episode, but I can’t. Maybe someone here remembers what I’m talking about. Otherwise, I love the episode and could relate to Olivia wanting a change. I’m glad you were able to do these recaps again.

Thank you, Judy! Another great episode on your channel. 😊 This episode is particularly poignant for me because it was the last full episode Ellen appeared in before her stroke. She does appear at the beginning of the next episode (The Ferris Wheel) but only the very beginning. 😢

I love all these videos….you look fabulous in this video😊💕