It was spring on Walton's Mountain...
that special time when all of life seeks and finds
its own renewal and strength.
A time when the season, like the mountain...
calls back those whose lives have taken them...
so many miles and years away from the land.
One of those who was called back in that spring of 1933...
was my mother's uncle. His name was Cody Nelson...
and he'd come all the way home from Cincinnati, Ohio.
Uncle Cody?
John-Boy Walton.
-Olivia's son? -Yes, sir.
Ever since Mama got your letter,
we've been looking forward to your visit.
I wasn't sure she'd remember me.
Here, let me take that for you.
Just brought the old truck.
You have to get in that side. I'll put this in the back.
Thirty years. How come he never visited us before?
When a man grows older, he begins to find his way home.
On my mother's side, I'm the only family he's got left.
Must be lonely for him, so far away.
We'll be his family from now on for as long as he wants to stay.
We drew straws to see who had to milk. I lost.
-You want me to strain it? -I'll take care of it.
You run along and wash up for supper.
Did he or didn't he?
Grandpa says in all his years of catching catfish...
that old cat in the Rockfish River...
is the smartest and strongest he's come up against.
I heard him say it yesterday.
And the day before.
And last week, and the week before that.
Ever since that fish got away from him in the first place.
The way she's been cooking today...
it seems Mama's gonna turn your arrival
into a real event in our family.
Of course, she's always said you were special, Uncle Cody.
She's said you're an example of the success a person can gain...
from going on to higher education.
I have some ambition that way, so it's very interesting to me.
I'd like to go on to college.
That all depends on this Depression--
I went home this week... over to Howardsville.
That's where my people lived, over at Howardsville.
There was only the chimney left standing.
Just the chimney.
That's all that remains of the house I was born in.
And those family reunions.
Uncle Clarence seeing to it that a preacher was on hand...
to make up for a whole year of baptizing.
I must have been 8 years old the last time I saw Uncle Cody.
Remember? You'd just come back from schooling in Richmond.
How you attracted the pride and attention of everyone that day.
It won't be long before our oldest will go off to college.
So he said.
May I have a glass of water, please?
Of course. Mary Ellen?
Milk hardly agrees with me.
Water it will be from now on.
And I can't tolerate fried foods.
Heartburn.
Liv tells me the last she heard
you were living in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Yes. Thank you...
-Mary Ellen, isn't it? -Yes, and you're welcome.
I've been living there for the past 29 years.
Never married?
No.
Good to know there's still some fellows out
picking their own wildflowers.
Ben, keep on passing that biscuit along.
-Why don't I fix you some soup? -I'm fine. Really. Just fine.
I seem to recall my mother said you'd gone into banking.
Accounting.
Bet you're glad you're not a banker nowadays.
Never thought I'd live to see the day
when the President of the United States would be...
forced to close all the banks in the country
because of lack of enough money.
Not enough money in a bank. I can't get used to the idea.
I thought it was because there was more
going out than coming in.
Isn't that what....
What are they saying in the cities nowadays about the banks?
I've served as an accountant in the same bank for 29 years...
and I'm assured the situation is only temporary.
Uncle Cody, I've been reading about those paddle wheelers.
Those boats on the Ohio River near Cincinnati...
the ones that take passengers down to New Orleans.
You ever ride on one of those?
Excuse me.
Is the President talking on the radio, Daddy?
Not that I heard.
And now the 7:00 news.
As the nation's banks remained closed...
with no word as to when they might open their doors again...
a grim and determined President...
assembled the 73rd Congress in an extraordinary session.
All right, you children, start clearing the table.
-Won't you have some dessert? -Not tonight, thank you.
I baked a pie especially for you.
If you don't mind, I'd just like to go to bed. I'm very tired.
Of course not.
I'll have the children do their homework down here.
That's a very good idea. I haven't slept well lately.
We're awfully glad to have you with us.
Thank you.
You're welcome to stay as long as you like.
There's no better place for a man to spend
his vacation than with his family.
That's exactly how we feel.
About this bank closing business...
don't get the idea that your Uncle Cody's
here for a hand-out.
Of course not.
I have money.
A man doesn't put all his money into a bank
even if he works there.
Good night, Olivia.
Sleep well.
He wants to think he's on vacation
instead of out of a job, so let's give him that vacation.
Let's help him forget his problems, if we can.
No call for a nice man like him to be going around...
like he's forgotten how to smile or laugh.
Fishing is the best vacation that I know of.
The only kind of vacation I've known most of my life.
If we had more time and money...
we could take him to some of these tourist places around.
What if we invited some company over?
Somebody well-educated and traveled...
who could draw him out, make him relax a little.
Someone with a real education.
Someone like the Reverend Fordwick.
Maybe, but by the time Rev. Fordwick
gets to comforting and consoling him...
he might be sorrier for himself than he is right now.
I reckon that Yancy and me could take him hunting.
What if...
we invited a woman over to supper?
After all, there is more to this county...
than hunting, fishing, and well-educated men.
In spite of the way he's acting, he is quite eligible.
Hold on, you two.
You sound like matchmakers.
We don't know this poor old man.
Amy Pritchard from down at the County Library.
Now, Mama, don't you do that to him.
But with all of the books she's read,
she could probably talk on any subject.
Amy Pritchard has not endangered a man in over 30 years.
Not since that Encyclopedia Britannica salesman took--
You had something you wanted to say.
It's not that I don't agree with your idea. It's perfect.
Uncle Cody needs someone charming and lively
to make him laugh and smile.
I've never seen Miss Amy do either one.
She doesn't even believe in dancing.
Who said anything about dancing?
I intend to speak to her.
While I'm at it, I'm gonna speak to
the well-traveled widow Tremmaine.
Mama, Almadene Tremmaine is the most stuck-up...
self-centered, self-righteous old biddy in this community.
He's right, Liv.
You got a better suggestion?
All right. The way I'm looking at it...
I can see just one lady who is well-traveled, well-read...
charming, lively, and loves to laugh.
She's got a smile that melts sunshine...
and she goes to all the picture shows in Charlottesville.
You know where else she's been? She's been to the altar 4 times.
Given half a chance, she'd go for four more.
-Cordelia Hunnicutt. -Of course.
Son, I'm not sure Uncle Cody's up to
such a lively and sociable woman.
I'm not up to acting as a matchmaker
for that woman and her schemes.
Cordelia Hunnicutt.
Old man, you're about to offend my jealousies.
Now, hold on here.
I understand we're talking about her Uncle Cody.
I think John-Boy has hit the nail on the head.
He has picked us a lulu.
And if these two ladies here are too highfalutin'...
to issue forth with an invitation to Lady Cordelia...
John-Boy and I are not above going to ask her to come here.
Tomorrow suit you fine, John-Boy?
I sure hope Grandpa talked Cody into going catfishing with him.
Your grandpa does have a way with words.
Did you speak to Cody about washing
his socks in the bathroom sink?
He said hereafter he won't let them soak overnight.
Wouldn't let me wash them for him.
You know what Grandpa told Cody?
He said, "Cody, this catfish expedition...
"is just for the wisest and oldest members of the family."
And then what happened?
He stole my bait, broke my line.
After all these years of sharing this river together...
me and that wily old catfish are gonna match our wits again.
In the city, it takes people with money to dine on catfish.
I suppose you've done considerable
hunting and fishing in your day.
As a boy.
I think when we get to Cordelia's,
you ladies better let me do the talking.
It's my place to do the inviting, John-Boy.
And had I stayed...
I would have done as my father did. As you do.
Hunt and fish for most of the things you put on your table.
How old are you, Cody?
-As of today, I'm 64 years old. -Well, congratulations.
Now you can start growing young again.
Young? I'm afraid not.
I've invested a lifetime in growing old.
Just to reach the age of 65 and retire.
That's a good idea.
But around here, you don't retire until you die.
-McIntosh. - Thanks.
You mean to say that you ran around with them Springer boys?
The very same. Over at Carter's Bridge.
Come Saturday night, they'd hitch up the wagon--
Hitch up the wagon, and we'd head for the closest dance.
I was always shy about the dancing.
Not yours truly.
Grab her hands, circle around for the John Paul Jones.
* Bird in the cage, the bird hops in *
* The crow hop out *
Then the caller would call, the fiddler would play...
pass the jug around, and we'd dance till the morning sun.
Then would come those lazy Sunday afternoons.
In what rivers did you do most of your fishing in, Cody?
The James, the Rivana, the Hardware.
We used to work the Hardware by night.
Top-lining for catfish...
gigging for the delicacy of frog leg.
Rowing down the dark river by lantern light.
And all around us, the night reflecting...
the thousand flickerings of lightning bugs.
Perhaps it wasn't the same river.
But you've been there many times.
For me...
that was a long time ago.
Such a marvelous surprise, John-Boy!
Especially to receive a visit from you Walton ladies.
How's that handsome husband of yours, Mrs. Walton?
-He's well. -You give him my regards.
We're old friends.
-Mrs. Hunnicutt-- -Cordelia, please.
Isn't he the most polite young gentleman?
You're probably wondering why we're here.
John-Boy, before I forget.
I heard about the most marvelous
new Southern writer, Erskine Caldwell.
He wrote "God's Little Acre."
I hear some of the passages are simply scorchers.
Yes, I have heard of that book.
Cordelia, we'd be most pleased
if you'd have supper with us tonight.
My mother's Uncle Cody has come for a visit.
He's a bachelor and a banker.
In that order?
He's come all the way from Cincinnati...
and we'd be honored if you'd be his supper guest.
Maybe I ought to correct John-Boy.
He's not really a banker. He just works in the bank...
-as an accountant. -In that order.
Quite a banker's holiday the country's having, isn't it?
That's what Uncle Cody thought.
So he decided to take a vacation.
Will you come to supper?
This certainly is what you could call a short-notice invitation.
I'm sure you and John-Boy could work out another time.
As you can imagine...
my social schedule is a filled calendar of invitations.
Can't say we didn't try.
That's perfectly understandable under the circumstances.
Thank you for your tea and your time.
I should have known you'd be busy.
I was planning to go to the tea dance in Richmond.
I go every year.
But since I always make it my practice
never to miss an opportunity to meet an attractive,
eligible man, I shall be most happy to surrender...
my tea dance in favor of honoring your kind invitation.
Blessed by God! I think we're in luck.
Reckless, hush up.
Hold my pole, will you?
We would have gotten him if I hadn't talked so much.
We were privileged to have a good conversation.
That old devil took advantage of it.
Reckless, hush up.
Why, I'm so thrilled and flattered you remembered.
He does have a marvelous memory, doesn't he, Mrs. Walton?
Cordelia, you grow more captivating
with each passing year.
I still remember when I was a little girl, you protected me...
by an engagement of pugilism
with Lester Richards and Freckles Claxton.
-Grandpa, pass the peas. -The peas?
What the devil are you kicking me for?
Peas? Most certainly.
Did Cody tell you that he comes here
all the way from Cincinnati?
John-Boy told me. Acted like a born matchmaker.
The way he romanced me all the details
of your most eligible kin.
I was just teasing your brother. But I'm thrilled to be here.
How selfish of us.
We've barely given you a chance to say a word.
That's only the privilege of good conversation.
If everybody's finished,
I'll start clearing the table for dessert.
Mary Ellen. Jason.
My, what a lovely watch!
-May I see it? -Later, perhaps.
What a thoughtful inscription.
"For 25 years of devoted loyalty and service.
"Great National Bank of Ohio."
I really must excuse myself.
Now, Cody, we sure would appreciate if you'd sit awhile.
Radio?
Can't you stay away from the news for just one evening?
Can't you?
Don't you know it's your birthday?
Happy birthday!
When Grandpa told us it was your birthday....
Everyone in the family gets a cake
and a chance to blow out candles.
I'm sorry I'm so low on the candles.
Make a wish.
You have to make a wish.
This is the first birthday cake anyone has baked me in 30 years.
Then you have 30 years of wishes to come true.
You do the honors.
Are you certain this is a good idea?
You're the gentleman. She's the lady.
Mrs. Hunnicutt.
Cordelia.
I perceive...
this gift of flowers to be...
a proper acknowledgement of....
Uncle Cody, are you ready to go?
John-Boy, I am ready.
Do you think he went to see her?
He was mighty dressed up to ride along
with a load of lumber to town.
Did you notice?
He didn't even turn on the radio news this morning.
First one up this morning, too.
The children said he took a half hour bathing and shaving.
And that breakfast he packed away.
Four eggs and five pieces of toast.
That John-Boy and that husband of mine.
I just bet you they're in cahoots on this thing.
I don't know which is worse.
A bank 100 miles away that's locked him out of a job or--
Or a scandalizing woman that's been married four times...
and still counting.
Hello, Cordelia.
Why, Cody, come on in.
Isn't this a coincidence?
Why, sheer impulse had just about
sent me driving over to see you.
Well, I came here to see....
Here's flowers.
They are beautiful, Cody.
Like the thought behind them.
Let's say I perceived them to be...
a proper acknowledgement of having made your acquaintance.
You'll probably think this terribly forward of me but....
Surely you must have plans for this evening.
Plans?
There's a new Gable film playing in Charlottesville.
I see all the movies that come to town.
I never miss a movie that plays in Cincinnati.
This is a very beautiful automobile.
A gift from my late husband.
My sympathy.
What kind of car do you drive, Cody dear?
Drive?
Heavens, it's too expensive for me.
I ride the trolley.
I agree with Will Rogers. He said
"We are the first nation in the world
to go to the poorhouse in an automobile."
That is a very famous and true remark of Will Rogers.
Tomorrow night, Cody. Please. You must.
That sweet-talking woman.
You are being a very persuasive woman, Cordelia.
Sounds like he's playing hard to get.
Then say you will.
-I haven't danced in years. -Then it's settled.
Tomorrow I'll pick you up at 7:00 sharp.
-And, Cody? -Yes?
If today was wonderful, tomorrow can only be marvelous.
Just like a movie queen.
Mama says she's had four husbands.
Do they allow that many?
It's three more than we're used to.
John, she's working on a fifth husband, and you know it.
Somebody ought to set him straight.
Now, honey.
First you say he's too young to be acting so old.
Now you're saying he's too old to be acting so young.
Do you approve?
I don't know.
Good afternoon to you, Mr. Nelson.
And a very good day to you, Mrs. Hunnicutt.
I can hardly wait for you to meet
my dear friends, the Baldwin sisters.
Just like your feet were made for dancing.
"Is it possible?" he asked himself.
After all these years...
could it be possible he was loved by such a woman?
But why else would she seek out his company?
Why else would she not allow a day to pass
without being near him?
What better reason than the time of a courtship...
which, like the season,
had blossomed to steal their hearts?
The uncertainties of which could always await tomorrow.
-More tea? -No, thank you.
I hope my visit is not imposing
on your calendar of social events.
How considerate.
I believe my uncle has more than taken up
your schedule this past week.
We've been very good company for one another, yes.
Shouldn't I say that you have something to tell him?
Why not?
Now, you have something to say to me?
Born and raised a Virginian, weren't you, Cody dear?
Mind you, I've never been less than proud of it.
All my husbands were Virginians.
All four of them.
Four?
Venable Carlton from Albemarle County...
was my first husband.
He took a child bride of 16...
and sailed her off on a Continental honeymoon.
Sad to say, all those years of wedded bliss we planned...
were cut distressingly short...
when my Venable suffered a most complete heart attack...
during our brief stay in London.
Carter Wingfield Harrison...
of Lynchburg.
Carter aspired to a career in writing...
and I was to be the zenith of his inspiration.
Why, that man spirited me off to a New York elopement...
faster than you could say Theodore Dreiser.
We were mad about one another, until my money ran out...
and he proved himself to be a dreadful failure in the arts.
He was the first of two husbands I would abandon.
Abandon?
Divorce, Cody dear, is the legal definition.
I did have high hopes for Tommy Chester.
My military man. VMI, naturally.
I met him at the Christmas Cotillion in Richmond.
Having returned from a hero's service in the Philippines...
he was the dream of every college girl in attendance.
Honey, he took me like Grant took Richmond.
And a whole lot quicker, too.
As it turned out, marrying me
was his last promotion between wars.
I married Augustus for money and security.
He was a Richmond stockbroker.
Successful, ambitious, and important.
Why, I bought all my party dresses
in New York on Fifth Avenue.
Augustus' grandfather used to bellow in his bourbon...
that I was second only to Mary Todd Lincoln...
in running up charge account bills.
And some said she was crazy.
The market crash killed Augustus.
You could say he wasn't alone in dying for that cause.
Dear Judge Baldwin did his best on the settlement
after the bills were paid.
I own my house and the car.
As for cash money, sweetheart, look.
Even the rings of four marriages have had to pay their way.
Cody, have you ever been in love before?
Cordelia, women have held little interest in me.
Cody Nelson.
I am but an accountant who has spent his life
adding and subtracting.
If you have serious intentions towards me, Cody dear...
I must tell you that my intentions toward you...
are quite serious.
Please? We'd love for you to help us.
You run along and do the planting.
I'll do the watching from here.
Come on, Reckless.
Uncle Cody, we just heard the news!
The President's ordered all the banks open!
I do believe we should celebrate the day
by taking another crack at that old catfish.
They're only opening certain
Federal Reserve banks in certain cities.
Cincinnati's a city, isn't it?
Job or no job, I am leaving tomorrow.
I do believe that's all the more reason
for us getting on down to the river today.
What do you say?
Grandpa, you better go on alone.
If Uncle Cody wants to spend his last day alone...
that's his business.
I'm gonna go cut some wood.
I reckon it's just as well.
Not doing himself any good here.
He's just been sitting out there all day, for three days now.
All my husbands were Virginians.
All four of them.
Two husbands I would abandon.
Divorce, Cody dear, is the legal definition.
Have you ever been in love before?
My intentions toward you are quite serious.
You don't have to tell me.
I know I got no cause to blame myself.
Sooner or later somebody had to make an honest woman of her.
I am just sorry it had to be.
But it was for his own good,
and it was better sooner than later.
And what if they were really in love? Both of them?
The coffee's perked....
I would like to borrow your son for the afternoon.
What?
What can I do for you, Cody?
I would like to borrow your son for the afternoon.
I'd like to oblige you, but I really can't spare him.
All right. I'll walk!
All right, son, go ahead.
Uncle Cody, wait for me.
Daddy changed his mind. If you'd like me to take you somewhere...
I'd be willing to do it. Where do you want to go?
I don't have much money...
but I suspect a plain gold wedding band
like your mother's will do, don't you?
What do you think?
I haven't asked her yet. That's our first stop. Come on.
Are you thinking what I'm thinking?
I'm thinking exactly what you're thinking.
I never would have met her if it hadn't been for you.
And here I was trying to figure an apology
for doing you such a favor.
John-Boy, if the lady accepts my apology...
I'll ask you to be my best man.
As you can see, I'm scarcely prepared
to receive a gentleman caller.
Get some light on the subject.
You'd better understand this about me.
I've never tried to go through life...
with the world by the tail on a downhill pull.
I suppose you heard the news...
about some banks in some cities opening for business.
I heard.
Don't get your hopes up. Even if they open...
they won't be needing all the employees they had before.
Perhaps you underestimate your worth.
Am I?
There are upwards of 15 million people
out of work, and I am one of them.
If you've come to say goodbye....
My roots are here.
My home in Cincinnati.
A one-bedroom apartment in the University section of the city.
Modest, but pleasant.
The rent of $25 is precisely one quarter of my monthly salary.
Perhaps, should I be rehired...
I would have enough due me from retirement and pension...
to purchase a home for us.
I love you with all my heart.
And I would be proud if you would consent
to become my first wife.
Should you accept...
I've asked John-Boy to be my best man.
He's assured me that...
a Reverend Fordwick would be available...
to perform the wedding at the home of my family...
the Waltons tomorrow.
We do have time to get the ring and license today.
Cody...
I love you.
You're looking mighty pleased with yourself.
Well, I got myself the prettiest woman in the world...
a houseful of thoroughbred babies...
and I just sold $2 worth of firewood.
Aren't you keeping any for yourself?
What are you gonna live on?
Woman, I'm living on love.
With money short, and a wedding coming up...
that $2 didn't hang there very long.
It became our family's contribution
to paying the preacher.
The bridegroom was with me. We went after that catfish.
And I almost had him, but my net broke.
I'll just consider it a lesson in patience.
When you catch up with that catfish,
don't forget me, Mr. Walton.
I'm looking forward to blessing that meal.
John, we're ready. Children. Mary Ellen, Jason. It's time.
Come along, now.
Careful, honey.
Now.
Please be seated.
Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here...
in the face of this company...
to join together this man and woman...
in holy matrimony.
Cody, wilt thou have this woman as thy wedded wife?
I will.
Wilt thou love him, comfort him, honor and keep him...
forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him...
so long as you both shall live?
I will.
I, Cody, take thee, Cordelia...
to be my wedded wife.
To be my wedded wife.
For better or worse, for richer or poorer...
In sickness and in health, to love and to cherish...
Till death do us part.
Those whom God hath joined together...
let no man put asunder.
And now, by the powers vested in me
by the Commonwealth of Virginia...
I pronounce you man and wife.
Here they come!
-Happy returns of the day. -Thank you.
Oh, Livia...
I want you both to know...
I want you to consider us your family always.
This house will always be your home.
No two people in love could start life with a better gift.
Best man.
Everybody!
Look this way!
Quickly, Sister, don't let the sun get behind a cloud.
Cody's bank did reopen...
and he was hired back to his old job...
in the accounting department.
There he remained until his retirement a year later.
Great Uncle Cody died in 1953...
and Cordelia followed him within six months.
There are many who believe
that she died of a broken heart.
John-Boy, what happens if you get married to a girl
and find out you don't like her?
Better make sure you love her before you get married, Ben.
But maybe there's things you might not know about.
Maybe she sleeps with her teddy bear, or snores,
or wears socks to bed.
If you really love her, you'll put up with such things, Ben.
-Good night, Ben. -Good night, John-Boy.
In a moment, some scenes from the next episode of
The Waltons.