The Waltons was a TV staple to many of us who grew up in the 70's. Writer Earl Hamner, Jr. created the series as a fond remembrance of his childhood growing up in small town Schuyler, Virginia and was wholesome viewing for nearly a decade. "A Walton Thanksgiving Reunion" is one of several reunion specials after the series ended and for the most part, it is an effective and enjoyable watch. It takes place in November of 1963 intertwining side stories involving the now grown Walton clan amidst the backdrop of the Kennedy assassination. Though the time line doesn't exactly match up with the age of the Walton children, it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the Special.
Touching themes that were a series trademark characterize the movie. The memory of Grandpa Walton is ever-present, as a photo of the late Will Geer is acknowledged. A tender moment occurs when John Walton, at odds with son Ben over the running of the family mill, seeks guidance from his late Pa in a private reminiscence. John and Livia struggle with the decision to relocate, leaving the family home and all its cherished memories. And the other children deal with marital woes and separation from a once large and happy household.
Watching actress Ellen Corby in a compromised state due to the after-effects of a real life stroke brings mixed emotions. While I understand the feelings of those who felt it unnecessary to include her in a diminished capacity, I have tremendous respect for her desire to continue and for the creator and producer who felt a loyalty in wanting her to be a continued part of the show.
While it is always difficult, if not impossible to recapture the magic of an original series, the subsequent Waltons Reunion movies did a credible job of it, continuing what was an outstanding show and great memory of childhood.
Touching themes that were a series trademark characterize the movie. The memory of Grandpa Walton is ever-present, as a photo of the late Will Geer is acknowledged. A tender moment occurs when John Walton, at odds with son Ben over the running of the family mill, seeks guidance from his late Pa in a private reminiscence. John and Livia struggle with the decision to relocate, leaving the family home and all its cherished memories. And the other children deal with marital woes and separation from a once large and happy household.
Watching actress Ellen Corby in a compromised state due to the after-effects of a real life stroke brings mixed emotions. While I understand the feelings of those who felt it unnecessary to include her in a diminished capacity, I have tremendous respect for her desire to continue and for the creator and producer who felt a loyalty in wanting her to be a continued part of the show.
While it is always difficult, if not impossible to recapture the magic of an original series, the subsequent Waltons Reunion movies did a credible job of it, continuing what was an outstanding show and great memory of childhood.