"The Waltons" (1972) TV series 1972-1981

Creator:

Earl Hamner Jr.

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | unknown

Release Date:

14 September 1972 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Family | Romance

Plot:

The life and trials of a 1930's mountain family.

Plot Keywords:

1930s | Virginia | Great Depression | Male Female Relationship | Farm Life

Awards:

Won 2 Golden Globes. Another 16 wins & 42 nominations

Cast

Jon Walmsley	...	Jason Walton (210 episodes, 1972-1981)
Mary Beth McDonough	...	Erin Walton (210 episodes, 1972-1981)
Eric Scott	...	Ben Walton (210 episodes, 1972-1981)
Earl Hamner Jr.	...	Narrator (210 episodes, 1972-1981)
Judy Norton-Taylor	...	Mary Ellen Walton (209 episodes, 1972-1981)
David W. Harper	...	Jim-Bob Walton (209 episodes, 1972-1981)
Kami Cotler	...	Elizabeth Walton (209 episodes, 1972-1981)
Ralph Waite	...	John Walton, Sr. / ... (194 episodes, 1972-1981)
Joe Conley	...	Ike Godsey (171 episodes, 1972-1981)
Michael Learned	...	Olivia Walton (166 episodes, 1972-1979)
Will Geer	...	The Grandfather (141 episodes, 1972-1978)
Ellen Corby	...	Esther Walton (140 episodes, 1972-1980)
Richard Thomas	...	John-Boy Walton (122 episodes, 1972-1978)
Ronnie Claire Edwards	...	Corabeth Walton (107 episodes, 1974-1981)

Also Known As:

Spencer's Mountain (USA) (working title)

Runtime:

60 min (221 episodes)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Singapore:PG | New Zealand:PG (season 1) | Australia:G

Filming Locations:

Burbank, California, USA

Company:

Lorimar Productions

Trivia:

'Richard Thomas' came back to the show for a few guest appearances before his role as John-Boy was taken over by 'Robert Wightman'.

Quotes:

Grandpa (Zeb) Walton: I could do another sandwich, Esther.
Grandma (Esther) Walton: You're the one at this table who could do a little starving.
Grandpa (Zeb) Walton: Esther, we have got to keep our strength up.
Grandma (Esther) Walton: Strength? I think you just get weak carrying all that around.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Friends: The One with the Boobies (#1.13)" (1995)

Great show

TV Land is showing the series in sequence (for the most part), and I'm enjoying seeing it again, for only the second time. The acting is excellent, as are the production values. The terrible reunion shows of the 90s did not do justice to the series. They "messed" with the chronology, jumping ahead in time, for the sake of historical landmarks, when they should have respected the reality of the series. Granted, the last two seasons were strained, but I am currently viewing Season Six, the first without John-Boy, and it works quite well. Some complain that the series is a 70s version of the 30s/40s, but in 2004, I would not agree. I grew up in Virginia during the 60s, and I definitely feel that the series creators have adequately presented the dignity and attitude of the Southeast. Again, the reunion shows were idiotic. (Did these people never buy new appliances, or pave their driveway? The last reunion, set in 1969, was ridiculous. The characters were ten years younger than they should have been. The youngest child would have been around 41 years old, not 30.)

12/2006 NOTE: The current Walton's home set is NOT the original - just check with the studio.