@@judynorton2598 As was the episode on just last night "The Firestorm" where John boy made the fatal decision to publish excerpts from "Mien Kampf" setting off a firestorm of anti-German feelings about all things German including a book burning that would erase all of the good and great writings of German culture.-- including the Gernan language Bible. This was the episode that I thought of when I decided to make a stand here. For what those writers and directors and casts did wasn't just entertainment, they were profound morality plays about values and morals, inclusion, understanding, conservation of our land and water, religious tolerance, and standing up to evil, exploitation, racial and religious prejudice and a lot of the values that seem to be threatened by the culture wars of this decade and a shift toward the radical right and pseudo-religious Christian Nationalism. So if I was wrong in mentioning politics in this blog, then I stand with the writers, directors, and cast, and John-Boy in being unapologetic.
As a kid, I grew up with the Waltons. I love how they explained complicated things through the family's experiences. You see how people learned things in a time before mass media. Neighbors, the local store, rumors, and a bit of news on the radio. Meaningful story-telling.
The Rumor was another great episode with Ralph Waite directing and the storyline of Elizabeth writing these rumors and causing trouble in the community with Mrs. Brimmers brother in law and Barry Cahill was in another similar episode when they were burning books this was another story that dealt with how it really happened in those days during WW2 thanks for covering this episode have a nice Thursday and Thank You Judy. 🇺🇲📺📻🇺🇲
This is one of my favorite episodes. It's too bad we lost Mathew Anden at such a young age, I'm sure we would have seen him more. Judy, I'm confident your episodes of "Behind the Scenes" will be viewed as long as "The Waltons" it is in syndication. Great work filling in the details.
Thanks for giving us a window into this fascinating episode and dispelling that terrible rumor. Ralph did have lots of wonderful scenes to set the story.
Hi Judy, I bet it was a delight to work with Ralph and the whole cast. Thanks for sharing this episode of The Walton's. I think it shows that rumors can hurt people.
That was a great episode. Sure do appreciate you Judy and the amazing content you post on the Walton's. So many cool thing's we have learned about this epic series over the years. One major reason it's so unique because it comes from you! From your eyes, your memories & that you were actually on site to give us a perspective that we couldn't get from anywhere or anyone else. Especially how well you articulate things to build a picture in one's minds eye. Ty for one of the most enjoyable experiences on RU-vid and the positivity you bring with the most uplifting demeanor of anyone on this platform. Love & Peace! Cheers,🥂 to continued success, health & happiness friend.⚘ 😊 Seriously your efforts have made a impact on the importance of family,friends,life and the lessons we learn from it. 💛✌💫
This was a great behind-the-scenes guide to this episode, Judy. Really a lot of fun seeing how it came together, but also learning about Ralph's directorial style. I like his little touches, like those of the dogs in this episode.
Hi, Judy. These were the lessons that I remember growing up watching the Waltons and other great TV. It's so sad how many have forgotten these lessons from family & good shows like yours. Look at the mess we are in right now as a nation because of rumors, false statements and things taken way out of context. I raised my children to be compassionate, kind and grateful and it warms my heart to watch my children and how they treat everyone today. I have to say, part of that was because of shows like the Waltons. Absolute KUDOS to Mr. Waite for the fantastic job he did bringing this story to life.
Thank you. If our show helps to set a good example of a positive way to live and interact with others - then I’m proud to have been part of not only a great show, but an inspiration for positive change.
In 2009, I met a co-worker who was from Germany. Even though it was decades after WW2 he introduced himself by apologising for what the Nazis did during WW2. I was absolutely bewildered and didn't know how to reply. I assured him that I knew he wasn't responsible for the atrocities of the war and we subsequently went on to become great mates.
I watch the Waltons everyday and I’ve seen every episode at 60 years old. Ben always had so much drama about everything more than the sisters. 😂😂. We love the show and your channel Judy 👍👍
I’ve noticed the difference style-wise in Ralph’s directing with these camera views- it was wonderful to hear you speak about that. The dogs playing seems to reference the fact that animals can be much more tolerant and accepting of new relationships/ interactions. I love what you’re doing- adding a whole new wonderful layer to this beloved series. Thank you❤️
Dear Judy, your analyses of The Rumor (directed by Ralph Waite) and The Stray (A story of love between an orphaned black American child Josh Foster (played by Todd Bridges), and John Walton Sr played by Ralph Waite (just to name a couple) are not only poignantly moving but also pays an exceptional homage to Ralph Waite's humanity and his body of work. If Ralph were alive today and could see your reverence for him through your thoughtful and extensive Waltons's library for us, fans, he would be overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. I loved this episode and the many that Ralph directed.
Thank you for sharing, Judy, for sharing insights of Ralph Waite as a Director. I believe you've said he was easy to work with in that capacity. German actor, Mathew Anden caught my attention; his work in the U.S. limited, then cut short. So glad for his appearance, this appearance, on the Waltons - and his working with Ralph.
Hey Judy, Walton's is a great show! I love family shows like this, and I love the classic 50's shows: Mr.Ed, Patty Duke, Car 54, where are you?, Green Acres and love Charlie 'Angels 70's detective show. I love seeing you show Walton's clips, good memories. ❤
I like the TV magic of how you showed how they switched from being downstairs and going upstairs thru the foliage. I like those Ahhhh that's how they did that moments. I'd like to hear more about those types of scenes. Thanks
What a timely and thoughtful episode.I think that's very relevant now.Given misinformation and how rapidly it spreads particularly through social media. It's as the saying goes " a lie can travel the world before the truth gets to put on its shoes"
Hello Judy! As always, you are looking beautiful today. I enjoy how Ralph takes episodes and makes them unique from other episodes. I also loved meeting new family members of Flossie Brimmer. I always cried when Grandpa helped the dog to go off in the woods, so sad. Thank you for teaching us more of how this episode was created. You are wonderful!! 🥰
This was great. Excellent work putting all this together and telling the story. That was a hard time in many places and I am sure rumors abounded in many places. Ralph did a great job. Kami did, too. Thanks, Judy.
I started watching The Waltons as a young adult, about 10 years ago. Judy, I can't really begin to tell you what The Waltons mean to me. They have, and continue to be, a huge comfort to me at the end of a long, hectic day. The show has always been so real to me, and close to my heart. It feels like an extension of my family. Although I never had a large family, and came from a broken and dysfunctional one, I believe that's why this show has such a huge impact on me. And the fact that you are taking the time and effort to keep its memory alive is so invaluable! I truly appreciate you, and I look forward to anything that you share with us ❤️
There is telegraph, telephone and teleElizaberh!! Great theme at only 35 years after WWII, especially since McCarthy was to follow the war in the 50s + 60s. Nice that Elizabeth got a larger role. And Reckless got to play...
Another enjoyable video Judy ! Buck needed a good slap from John Walton Sr. :) I enjoyed this episode when I watched it last month. Of course, grandpa always showed his wisdom when needed. Thank you Judy !
Great job Judy! I enjoyed how you highlighted the fascinating and clever editing and directing techniques,by Ralph Waite. Such funny moments,the way you are dancing first with Erin,and then with daddy.The manner,is just so humorous,and Elizabeth's trying on of Johnboy's glasses,and reading as he might have, subtle,but funny touches.
This is a question. I am so impressed by how Ralph Waite was able to use clever techniques to direct, while also fulfilling his role as a great actor. How was it like for you,Judy to be directed by 'daddy'? Thank you.💐
Flossie Brimmer was a fantastic character, these family members were great additions . Old dogs often wander off to die as my Grandmother's hound dog did chasing a der and not returning
Great job detailing Mr. Waite's directorial choices (e.g. the opening panning shot zooming from the front porch to Elizabeth's bedroom making it look like one continuous shot). Yeah, John truly shined in this one defending a harmless visitor speaking in a German accent being enough to get the rather hotheaded Buck to nearly do violence. I liked that John was the one who stood up from fairness against his neighbors' increasing paranoia (as opposed to having it have been Zeb who wouldn't have backed down from this kind of fight). Yes, of course, the episode drove home those surprisingly timely and relevant messages about giving fair chances instead of thinking the worst of those who may not seem familiar to us. Ironically, I would have thought that rumors turning to sheer paranoia would have been LESS likely in the 'Net age than they were in the phone and radio age ( of the mid 20th century) but alas technology seems to been misused to promote misunderstandings as much if not more than in times past! It's not for nothing that Scripture warns against not just wars but also RUMORS of wars! On a less intense but still poignant note, the subplot of the late neighbor's aging dog just wanting to quietly leave this world (and Zeb having remarkable empathy for this) was an interesting counterpoint to the main storyline's fever pitch! BTW, I want to thank you for those interviews with the centenarian Mr. Zemensky and Peter Fox who both have had some amazing twists re their careers and offscreen lives but truly value their respective times on 'The Waltons'! Thanks for those great guests and I'm sorry I didn't comment on them at the time. Thanks again!
This has been my favorite episode exsplaination so far, it just seemed special. I think the dogs, Elizabeth & Grandpa's parts did soften the sad story of the German family. Thank you, Judy, nicely done!!! 👍👍
The magic of Hollywood revealed, always enjoy hearing how it's done. So enjoyable hearing you give us the details. It's the next best thing to being there 50 years ago ! The tree house sits in a beautiful old California pepper tree. I wonder if that's still there, is it a parking lot, or a building that replaced the Waltons back lot house. Thank you for another memorable segment, it gives the episode a extra dimension, as only you can tell it. : )
*Kia ora Judy, In a lot of ways 'The Waltons' was ahead of their time.... with issues... as it was about being kind to each other and also be excepting each others cultures & values. 🙂 It would be nice if the people on planet Earth all sat down today and watched some of these older tv shows to see it all and how they should all be today. 🙂 Let there be no wars and we all live in peace 🙂nz*
this was one of my Favorite Episodes from season 6. Looking forward to your next segment. I Liked the necklace you are wearing. very Pretty. God Bless and take care Judy. ♥
I love how The Waltons dealt with controversial topics and how rumors can lead to mass hysteria. A similar situation happened in The Gypsies with racism. Ralph created unique and memorable shots in the episodes he directed.
I see the name Kathleen Hite on many episodes of Gunsmoke also. This was a good episode. People in small communities were famous for spreading rumors but as in this episode, there’s always one. 🤦🏼♀️. Instead of harmless rumors, they want that attention so much the more it’s told, the more attention he gets. It doesn’t matter that it not true. John knew how to stop that rumor! Thanks for a good synopsis of this show! I loved Grandpa teaching the girls a life lesson.
One of my favorite things on The Waltons were the animals. I felt bad when Calico and Reckless passed away. The life lessons such as being honest, studying for school, and how to treat people with common courtesy were important. I wish more shows today would do these things.
Judy, Ralph is someone that I would have loved to have met and spoken to..Surprisingly, not because of the show but because of who he seemed to be as a man…Now, I understand that he could sometimes be a pain to directors or producers because he demanded certain things like actor equality and other things that he thought should be done. . But I have read up on him and he seemed to be a good “man”. I would have loved to speak to him about politics and his two runs for Congress, his creativity, his work as a minister, how he turned his life around and how he actually cared about his fellow man. I know that you did a segment on him a few years ago but is there anything that you can share from your observations not as much about him as the actor but about him as a man. He seems to have been a very good and interesting man..
What a great episode and surprisingly one that resonates today in these modern times of social media and fake news that can stir people up. I love Ralph's directing style as it was always arty the way he set up his shots. The sub story about the dog and its last days on earth were very poigniant. Thank you Judy for todays segment and best wishes as always from your waltonian superfan in a cooler and slightly wetter England😉
Life is fascinating if you choose to find it that way. Thanks to all who choose to enjoy a good story, slow down, learn to listen. I once heard from someone it is not a time we miss, it is the people we shared that time with. I am grateful to all who share stories.
Thank you for providing the supporting characters names. We see the faces of the recurring characters but don't know their names. Another fine job by Ralph as director. As always, thank you for sharing!
You are so eloquent in your telling this story, you even had me almost tear up about the dog. Also, how you described people spreading rumors and trying to stir up violence and hate. We have that going on right now in this country, the world, and it is just another example of how timely the Walton's really was and it still is. Ralph did a great job and hit all the points, such as things taken out of context and understanding differences. I appreciate the end telling who the actors were since as I watched, I wondered who played his wife. I often think, although fictional, all these people that lived then, would not be living anymore with the exception of the children since they would be in the 90's by now. (if it WW2) early 1940's. Jim Bob born maybe 1928, Mary Ellen 1922 etc Great job
@@judynorton2598 That is a good question, too, did they ever mention the dates and years of the childrens birthdays. Were there any birthday parties for the Walton's --the original ones. Not the off spring.
The editing at the opening scene sure tricked me 😮. Thanks for explaining. This was another wonderful episode. The Waltons series deserves the Nobel peace prize for tackling difficult subject matters with such dignity, class, compassion, and insight into the good and not so good sides of human nature.
I remember when this aired my name is Katrina . Back then you didn't here that name often and I was so thrilled to hear my name. I was just a little girl .....
Xenophobia is a timeless challenge today too! I love the homey scenes of the family listening to the radio, dancing together ~ so wholesome and simple pleasures. I suppose TicTok dance challenges are a modern day version. I love the running theme of Jim Bob's Ham Radio that puts him directly intouch with the world outside Walton's Mountain. Elizabeth is adorable imitating John Boy's journal writing! The dog storyline is very touching. Thanks so much, Judy, sharing your firsthand knowledge of the crafting of The Walton's and arranging for guest interviews. Its extraordinary when you realize Schuyler, Va and Rockfish snd the BlueRidge Mountains ~ Earl's hamlet and real life form the basis for all the Walton stories ~ that on most levels there is a basic lived truth! Bless you and Walton's everywhere! ❤
Thank you Judy for sharing insights about this episode .LOVED watching The Waltons.This show had so many truly great talented actors & Actresses on it & great directors as well
I just especially loved this episode; your deliverance and info about it were so insightful and interesting, especially about John Waite's style of direction. I also love that it addresses the history of our country's past and it's suspicions of the era. It's those "little things" that made it so attractive to my family in particular, along with the wholesome family relationships and values it displayed on a regular basis! You never disappoint with your RU-vid channel and I can't say enough about how much your talent and effort is appreciated here! :)
Thank you for your insightful comments on this wonderful episode (as they all are)! Your nursing episodes are among my favorites. The pendant that you’re wearing is gorgeous, and is stunningly set against your neutral blouse. As a woman of a certain age, I appreciate the cut of sleeveless blouses that fits high under the arms, as yours does. I’m looking forward to your next video!
Glad you enjoyed this. Not sure what you’d like to know. I don’t have a production company that is currently producing any shows. I do have several projects I would love to find a home for if the opportunity presents.
Good day Judy, again loving the way you present bite sized pieces of information that anyone can digest and comprehend. After your review I plan to go back and take another look at the episode , The Rumor. Sadly it reminds me of today's political climate and of those that gather up mobs into taking the law into their own hands. Have a question for you on editing. I'm thinking more or less the editor is the one to bring the film to completion . When we sit and watch a film are we watching it from the producer (or whoever put up the $$$), director or editor point of view? Thanks Judy.
Glad you are enjoying these reviews of episodes. As to whose edit you might be watching it depends on the hierarchy of the project. Sometimes the director, sometimes the producer.
LOL - great question! Likely in pieces. Of course the way our sets were, if it was easier to take out a wall, they could do that too. It could be that all those interior scenes in the shed with the printing press were done on the sound stage so definitely walls removed.
The Rumor is as prevalent today as when it was first filmed. Judy, to learn how Ralph directed an episode has me comparing his work to other directors on the series. I know look for nuances that I never noticed before. Before Ralph and Richard directed, did they have to join the Directors Guild or did they already have experience?On a personal note, my father learned to dance from his younger sisters. At the time this episode took place he was fifteen and his sister was thirteen and dressed very similar to Mary and yourself. Also, I would enjoy hearing more about your experiences as a theatrical director. Best wishes for a lovely weekend.
Thank you for your interest. I think both Ralph and Richard likely joined the Director’s Guild based on directing The Waltons. I’ll see if I can share more about my background directing theatre.
I remember this episode. Elizabeth gossips about the German family. Ralp Waite, John Walton sticks up for the family and protects them. That's what the Walton family did. Stood up for there family and friends. ❤❤ G.Hoffman
The Waltons were always ready to take on difficult subject matter when they could have easily avoided it. It was presented in such a way that it wasn't outlandish, for which I am thankful for. It would have lessoned the presentation. The way they did it was close to what we would think was actually how it happened. Similar to Japanese Americans' treatment and even POW housing. It was unfair how some Germans were treated here in the USA, but I totally get it. People were afraid back then. America tried avoiding getting into ww2, but alas they had no choice. Good review Judy, very interesting. And you were looking particularly fetching today... 😇 need a review sometime wearing period outfits from early episodes. The fans would love it. Wait until you see how many comments you would get.
Thanks for sharing your perspective on a tough situation. As for period costumes - not sure what would be evident… a lot of my clothes wouldn’t seem particularly out of place these days :)
Hi Judy, I am becoming a HUGE fan of Ralph's directing ability. I really wish he did more directing because he's so good at it. Questions: 1) The camera seems to move up and down (vertical direction). Is that a crane or a camera on some sort of lifting device? How is that done? 2) I've noticed Ralph (correct me if I'm wrong) uses a lot of animals in his scenes. Was he, by any chance, an animal lover himself or used the animals to add life to scenes because it works so well. 3) That dance scene required a lot of choreography. Since you were in that scene do you recall how much rehearsal time was required and how many takes (ya, only a few years ago when you shot that right :) 4) Do directors get to choose their editor or use what's available? Thanks and have a great weekend!
The camera dolly allows it to go up and down to a limited degree. For exterior shots with more vertical change it would have been a crane. We worked with a lot of animals over the episodes, so it wasn’t specific to Ralph. Don’t recall anything in particular about Ralph in regards to animals in real life. The dance was more about hitting marks which we were all good at :) So more about moving at a speed that coordinated with the camera dolly. Another technical thing we all got very good at. On a TV series the editor is a regular member of the staff so it did’t change based on the director.