The Waltons Movie Collection

Reviewer: Alyice Edrich

Movie

Plot

The Walton children are all grown up and trying desperately to keep their family together as they forge lives of their own.

Starring

John Walmsley, Richard Thomas, Michael Learned, Ralph Waite, Ellen Corby, Judy-Norton-Taylor, Jon Walmsley, Eric Scott, Mary Beth McDonough, David W. Harper, Kami Cotler, Robert Whitman, and more.

The Review

Growing up, The Walton family gave me something to aspire for. Watching that family beat struggle after struggle and still remain close knit and loving was inspirational. As a young girl, I didn’t know if the plot was real or fake, but oh how I hoped it was real—how I hoped families like that could really exist.

Then one day, John Boy was gone and I stopped watching. I couldn’t believe that John Boy would abandon his family for dreams of fame and riches and so my illusion was busted.

Years later, I caught a few of the later episodes and found myself confused: Where had Grandpa gone? What happened to Olivia? Why wasn’t John, the father, living at home? How was John Boy doing?

Yet, when the movies came out, I never watched them. I’m not sure why, but they just didn’t interest me. Then a week or so ago, I got a copy of the six movie series that updates the lives of The Waltons and the missing pieces were put into place: grandpa died, grandma had a stroke, and Olivia was hospitalized with TB.

To be honest, I was surprised at how well the actors fell back into their roles as Waltons. I was surprised at how well the movies reflected the televised series and how it much it felt as though no time had passed since I last saw The Waltons.

And it was disheartening to learn that the Richard Thomas refused to take part in “A Day For Thanks On Walton’s Mountain” because as much as I tried to like Robert Wightman, as John Boy, I couldn’t. Though a good actor, there was just something about him that didn’t sit right, that made him appear to be an outcast.

As mentioned earlier, there are six movies in this set. The first three movies reflect the era right after the televised series ended—1947 to 1949.

A Wedding on Walton’s Mountain originally aired in 1982 and centers around Erin’s betrothal to her boyfriend, Paul Matthew Norhtridge.
Mother’s Day on Walton’s Mountain originally aired in 1982 and centers around Mary Ellen’s accident—which ultimately leaves her unable to bear anymore children.
A Day For Thanks On Walton’s Mountain originally aired in 1982 and centers around Elizabeth’s need to have her entire family home for Thanksgiving—when all the family wants to do is leave Walton’s Mountain for find more out of life.

The last three movies reflect an entirely different era, bringing the family into the early 60s.

A Walton’s Thanksgiving Reunion originally aired in 1993 and centers around the assassination of John F Kennedy, jumping the series into the early 60s.
A Walton Wedding originally aired in 1995 and centers around John Boy’s wedding and Olivia’s return of her health and desire to return to college.
A Walton Easter originally aired in 1997 and centers around the 40th Wedding Anniversary of Olivia and John, and the birth of John Boy’s twins.

As much as I enjoyed the movie series, I must admit that I missed seeing grandpa impart his wisdom, and grandma keep him in line. And yet, I can’t tell you how much this beloved series has once again touched my heart. Or how much I’ll miss seeing the characters evolve and grow as they build their own families.

In truth, they just don’t make television like this anymore. Today’s series just don’t have the heart and soul that shows like The Waltons had. And that’s a real shame because our children can use positive role models more than ever!

If you’ve ever wondered what happened to the Walton kids, after the televised series ended, you need to pick up this movie collection. In true Walton’s fashion, there are trials and tribulations, lessons to be learned, and lots of forgiveness, acceptance, and love.

Order The Waltons Movie Collection Today!