My grandma had a stroke as well and lived with us for a few years after it so I saw first hand the struggle stroke victims have. She was paralyzed on her right side and had to re-learn everything. Seeing this episode remi ds me of the stength my own Grandma had.
When both of them passed several years apart twice there were two 🕊️🕊️ in patio both doves were in pine tree at resting place in Newport Beach if that is peaceful I don't know what is 🙏🕊️
I was a little girl and my Grandfather had had a stroke...so seeing her come back was very healing for us as a family and especially for my Grandfather. I'm sure my family wasn't the only one touched by these shows
My grandparents were like Esther and Zeb Walton and they raised 9 children during the depression. Watching The Waltons is like stepping back in time is and getting to see my mom, aunts and uncles growing up. My mom would have been Mary Ellen because she was the oldest girl and a tomboy. My mom passed away a few years ago and my dad had never seen the Waltons until I found a station that shows old TV series. He loves watching it and it brings back his childhood memories. He said not everything was awful during the depression if you had family and friends around. Amen to that! Thank you for sharing the behind the scenes stories! 😊❤
the mentality level it takes to make a show like the Waltons doesn't exist anymore.......now, it's all sex and violence and more sex, and filth.....I don't even watch TV anymore, except for classics.....MeTv is my go to network, hard to beat......
The show wouldn't have been the same without her. Glad the producers let her stay on the show. What was fantastic is she lived a very long time after her stroke. Probably one of the most powerful episodes of the series.
Ellen was such a great actress. I can’t imagine anyone else playing her part. It took courage to come back after her stroke, I’m sure. What a great lady she was.
@@judynorton2598 I'm glad she came back! And you could tell by the look on her face that she was glad to be back! I always had the feeling that her being welcomed home wasn't acting!
I often see The Waltons referred to as "sweet" and "corny." This is a big disservice to the series, as it was so much more than that. The writing is too deep, the characters too rich, and the acting too skilled to write it off so simply. This episode is a perfect example. Ellen's stroke became a conversation in the culture, and her return to the series was highly anticipated. I remember so well when this aired. There were so many heart wrenching moments, culminating in the slapping of Zeb with the broom and Esther fighting to eke out her signature line, "you old fool." That bit still flattens me to this day. Amazing. How ironic this would be the last we would see them together on screen. Beyond that, Ellen holding on to life until 1999 is a tribute to her resilience. A beautiful example for all us.
I thought that was so hilarious! And I really liked Cindy Walton to, she was so beautiful and the perfect girl for Ben to set him straight, he needed that.
I absolutely loved when she hit Grandpa on the rear end and he picks her up and twirls her around.The scene with Olivia was also wonderful on the porch with the beans.
Ole granpaw there, he to was hilarious. I like the scene whare ole granma there was boiling clothes and granpaw there says, double double toil and trouble. She turns around and smakes him and You old fool! Back in those old days, they boiled clothes to clean them and especially all white clothes together to make sure they came out pure white in color and to keep them clean and fresh like they were still bran new.
Hi Judy. I grew up in the 70's watching the Waltons and now my girls and I are watching an episode or two every night. We have just started season 6 and finished the two hour special if The Grandchild! The girls and I are loving this, but I am not revealing anything to them, just letting them find out themselves! All of the cast are truly amazing, some ate quite underrated I might add. What a wonderful show! Thanks so much for giving us the behind the scenes, I've enjoyed it so much!
I had forgot that Ellen Corby's return episode ended up being Will Geer's last before he passed during the offseason. I can only imagine that both of them must have been a joy to work with.
Such a special moment when she came home and so ironic it was Will’s last. It was also heartwarming knowing he went to her house knowing something was wrong. So real, so loving and so Walton like ♥️
That scene with “Olivia” and “Grandma” makes me tear up every single time I see it - and I’ve seen it many many times. It’s the tears in Ellen’s eyes that gets me.
I'm going to get my DVDs out and start rewatching episodes. I have a partial set of the Waltons. Enough to keep me busy for awhile. It will be nice to watch the commentary and the show.
@@judynorton2598 I was just going to ask if she used her eyes and facial expressions to compensate for her impaired speech. I thought she did and was so impressed by that.
Loved this episode. I didn't realize Will Gear passed between the 6th and 7th season. I am a huge fan of what you are doing here. Thanks for enlightening your fans on all these heart warming behind the scenes documentaries.
He actually died 22 days after this episode aired. Watched it today. Knowing it was her homecoming and his last made me emotional and I lost it good on the last scene on the porch. What a perfect last scene between them.
My grandfather had a stroke in 1965 when I was 7 years old and he spent a long time in a hospital bed at home. I spent many hours sitting and talking to him each day even though he couldn't speak and he just smiled at me. Eventually he did start to say names and basic short 3 or 4 word sentences and get up so he could ride in a wheel chair and walk with a cane. I come from a fairly large family too and my grandmother told me years later that my sitting with him helped his recovery. When this episode came out I felt very moved and could relate to it quite a bit.
Yes, it was an incredibly touching moment with Grandma after her stroke. The episode was beautifully written, especially "Mamma's" response to grandma's "don't need me" line as well as when grandpa handed her the broom telling her she had to "earn her keep".
What a brave woman just even to want to come back considering her new limitations!! I so respected the fact that they wrote stories to involve her. Yes, she lived a long time after that, but who knew that then?
This has always been one of my very favorites episodes & I cry each time I watch it!! Especially love when Grandpa yells, "you've come home Esther!" Gets me everything (including this time).😭❤
The end where she whacked him with the broom was so great, it’s was such a meaningful part of the show, especially now knowing it was the last show they were on together. Never will be a greater Grandma and Grandpa.
One of my favorite episodes. When grandma said " you old fool", I knew she was back. I'm in my 40s and didn't watch it much as a kid but I appreciate so much more now as an adult. Btw Grandpa was my favorite character, Maude Gormley was 2nd. I loved her personality.
Thank you for reloading this video. Loved Ellen in the role of Esther Walton. She was a natural. Loved the end of this episode when Will picked her up and said "you've come home Esther you've come home". That scene was priceless! Thank you Judy! Stay well!
Judy, it was such a walk down memory lane for me, too, with this discussion of Ellen Corby and Will Geer. I have such vivid memories of when I first noticed them in movies. Will was a co-star in the 1950 release of Broken Arrow while Ellen was a co-star in Shane from 1953. Both great movies with very strong characters. Your reminisces of Ellen's efforts to act while enduring the effects of that stroke must have truly touched all of your hearts. As a viewer, it was not lost on me or my family at what we were witnessing, too. I was always impressed with both Will and Ellen's acting over many years. May they continue to rest in peace.
This is Jennifer Sinclair. I did not realize that there was only like one episode that had grandpa AND grandma after her stroke. Thank God that God allowed that episode to be created before He took Grandpa to Heaven.
I think it is incredible that they continued her character after her stroke. It was wonderful how they incorporated it into the script because that is what a family would do!
It was so true to life at the time, according to people I know who lived then. People would live at home with family. I'm just a few years older than me Kami Colter.
I have said since I saw this episode during quarantine that none of you were really acting during the scene where Grandma is driven up to the house by Grandpa. That was pure joy and love you all were expressing to one another, as actors! You all seem to be welcoming ELLEN back, not just her character, and she seems genuinely thrilled to be HOME! 😉👍🥰
Thank you! One of the best-ever episodes. No matter how many times I watch 'Grandma Comes Home,' I always, always cry (even watching your commentary!). The emotions are so real and raw. I've always thought that Will Geer's expression after Ellen calls him 'you old fool' was absolutely real, not acting at all.
It was such a joy when Ellen returned to the show. Made it complete again, if just for one episode before Will died. Please do a video soon on the episode where Grandpa had died, oh and also "The Best Christmas", if you haven't already.
After all these years, I still remember watching this episode with my parents, when I was a kid. The bravery shown by Ellen Corby was extraordinary. I also found it interesting about her characters promise to God about no longer being judgmental towards others. From what we learned, Ellen Corby originally added that aspect of her character herself.
@@judynorton2598 Earl Hamner said in interviews that when he first saw Ellen’s performance he was taken back. He went to talk to her and basically said that she was portraying the character of his grandmother much harsher than she was in real life. Ellen responded :”Young man you have got an awful lot of sweet people on this show, the viewers are going to end up with sugar diabetes. I’m going to give you some vinegar!”
I remember her having the stoke and returning. We missed seeing her too. She always showed her strength and when you did not thing she could be stronger ,she did! Inspiring. It was just like the uncertainty of life grandma come through it and you lose Grandpa. The Walton showed us how life isn’t fair but also how to carry on. Thank you for the the insight of Miss Corby.
it was so heartbreaking that Grandma comes home and right after that, Grandpa passes away......after being without her for so long, he doesn't get to be with her but for such a short time.......I want you to know that I cry almost with every episode!!!! No matter how happy or sad the episode might be, I cry because y'all were so REAL and so much of what a family should be......and I just miss y'all SO much......I grew up watching the series when it first started, and watch it now in re runs......I didn't cry back then, lol......but things have changed so much nowadays, that to see and hear the way things used to be, is just so so very sad........days gone bye
My all time favorite "Good night" ending involved Grandma. It was when they finish all the "good nights" and then you hear Jim Bob's Peacock make a loud yell. The very last thing you hear is Grandma..... "GOOD LORD!!" LOL
Patricia Neal had had a stroke awhile before she was Olivia in the Homecoming...her stroke was probably not as severe but if you watched some of the movies she was in before the stroke you would see the big change in her speech. I never knew any of my grandparents and watching the Waltons and especially Grandpa was such a joy to me. I was 17 when it first came on and my mom said that her dad was very much like Grandpa Zeb. I still to this day cry like it was yesterday when I watch the scene at the grave of Grandpa right after his death. Thanks
Patricia Neal’s stroke (actually multiple burst aneurisms during her last pregnancy) was pretty severe. She was in a coma for three weeks. The difference was she was 39 while Ellen was 65 when she had her stroke. Age makes a difference how one recovers from stroke or really any brain injury.
This episode was so great & inspirational, grandma coming back ,she was I thought the glue that held everything together, the grandma and grandpa moments were so uplifting I really miss them both 😪,felt again like they were family ,❤ thanks judy
What a FABULOUS and heart-felt tribute you gave to Grandma Walton/Ellen Corby! Thank you for sharing your comments and insights - this particular episode, my entire family watched with tears in their eyes when it first aired all those years ago, I remember that like it was yesterday!
Ellen proved to be a great actress even without the power of speech. I cry every time I watch the scene with Michael and Ellen on the front porch with that big bowl of green beans.
Judy, I mentioned to you before,that this episode were Esther said " You Old Fool " to Zeb was my Favorite Episode of the Season. To find out that it was the last episode of that season and of Will Geers passing during the hiatus. I'm glad that it shows them embracing at the end. To me it shows the love that they had for one an other, not only as Co Star's but as True Friends in real life. I still to this day tear up watching this episode. Thanks to You and Everyone on The Walton's for making such an Amazing Show for us Fan's to watch.
MY FAVORITE, I JUST ADORED THESE EARLY EPISODES, AND THE PASSING OF WILL GEER WAS A HURTFUL SHOCK FOR ME , I MISS THEM BOTH , ELLEN CORBY WAS A GREAT ACTRESS , I SURE DO CHERISH ALL THOSE EARLY EPISODES ,
Judy, a very sweet tribute to Ellen! She showed so much courage in returning to the show! And, I think her character’s strengths were more obvious after returning! No doubt, the strengths of the show was that each and every one of you played an integral role not diminished by the others! Thanks for sharing!💫
Loved it when she came home but dreaded the next episode (S7) as Will Geer had passed and was no longer with us. I never knew my own grandparents from either side of my family so Esther and Zeb were the closest I ever came to knowing what having grandparents was like to a child. Keep em coming and thanks from England!!
The Waltons is still the best show on TV. This was one of my favorite episodes for sure. I loved Ellen Corby and Will Geer so much. They were my grandparents too in my mind. I had lost my one and only grandpa when I was 7 years old, so Will Geer in particular was special to me. Thanks in part to Ellen's stroke when my husband had a stroke in 2015 I recognized it for what it was and got him to the hospital. She was an extraordinary woman. I was so sad when Will Geer died, the episode where you all said goodbye to him had me sobbing. I thank you all so much for this show, it still means a lot to me. I'm about your age I think, so I grew up with the show. I remember watching it with my parents and my sister and then with my future husband in college. I've watched every episode over and over and over again, I have the books written about the show, and I've seen every single reunion and everything I can find on the internet about the show. I'm a huge fan.
It was a bittersweet episode in that unbeknownst to anyone at the time it was the last time Ellen and Will would appear together on the show since Will died during the hiatus. I always tear up at their last scene together on the porch.
It took a great deal of love and courage for the show to embrace Ellen's return as much as it took that same love and courage for Ellen to come back. I've always thought some of the best televison and movies happen in a biographical mirror. The chaos of making 'Apocalypse Now' was embedded in the movie. To have Ellen return and Will pass could be felt when the family goes up the mountain to pay homage. You could feel his presence. I remember seeing Ellen long after The Waltons in a 1948 William Holden movie, 'The Dark Past' . Thanks so much Judy. Peace.
I remember this time very well. Watching the Waltons with my parents every week. Your show was one of my parents favorite tv shows. I was in grade school when the show started. What I would give to be back with my parents watching it again.
I remember watching Ms. Corby saying “you old fool” in that episode and laughing and a tear falling down my cheek. I cannot imagine actually being there to witness it in person. Thank you for sharing your memories with us! 💜
Judy not only do I enjoy this I love it! I was born in 1970 and grew up watching The Waltons so it really became a part of me. It is one of the most wholesome shows ever. You actually learn how to be a better person by watching. I didn't always apply those lessons but hey nobody is perfect. Thanks for the fond memories!!!
One of my most favorite episodes. How you do some of these without crying all the way through just goes to show what a wonderful actress you truly are.
Originally filming? or doing these new ones looking back? When originally filming there was so much going on, it was harder to always sense the final impact of the episode. And now - I often do find myself tearing up when rewatching episodes :-)
@@judynorton2598 I was talking about when doing these but either way, you are an exceptional actress. My best friend’s brother is an actor so I know from him the sequences aren’t always in order so the impact would be different but watching you with these, it seems like you hold it together pretty well.
What a brave decision by CBS to ask Ellen to come back to the show, and so brave of Ellen to agree to it knowing it may have been a real struggle to perform. The scene on the front porch with Michael and Ellen, where grandma tries to express how she feels she is not needed anymore, is one of the most moving scenes filmed on any TV show or film and, despite knowing what’s coming, it leaves me in tears every single time I watch it. Wonderful video Judy, as are them all! ❤️❤️❤️
You old fool was grandma's way of saying I love you... Through out the series...but that last scene with Will it was loud and clear in her eyes. I love the scene in the car with jim-bob. The smile on her face said she was happy to be home....with the sounds....smells and sights of thr mountain she loved so much....she was with one of the people she loved. And like you the scene with Michael on the porch when grandma explains how she feels....brings tears to my eyes. It just goes to show everyone needs to be needed....and those with disabilities may have challenges with some tasks....they want to be given the chance to try. Ellen proved with the stroke and resulting difficulties that she can convey a wide range of emotions without saying a word. It must have been quite a shock for all cast and crew when word of Ellen's stroke came. You mentioned your least favorite shoot...what was your favorite shoot? Once again pure perfection judy.
Judy Norton Anyone growing up in the 70’s and watched the Walton’s regularly as My family did, Ellen Corby’s RETURN to the Walton’s was EPIC WATCHING Television 📺: My family gathered around the TV as if it was the Space Landing: I’ll NEVER forget this!! Oh Judy Norton-YOU have reawakened such Glorious times: THANK YOU 🙏🏽!!
When Ben put that pig in the stroller, that was hysterical. That's the looney stuff my brothers, sister and cousins would do to each other. Ellen had a lot of character to return after her stroke, God bless her, those scenes are unforgettable.
Such a special episode and so bittersweet that it was Will Geer's last episode. That last scene on the porch was perfection!
That really was a great last scene for Will Geer, not knowing at the time it was his last.
My grandma had a stroke as well and lived with us for a few years after it so I saw first hand the struggle stroke victims have. She was paralyzed on her right side and had to re-learn everything. Seeing this episode remi ds me of the stength my own Grandma had.
I moved to San Clemente to take care of both of them 🙏God has blessed me dearly 3 yrs remission asophageal cancer
When both of them passed several years apart twice there were two 🕊️🕊️ in patio both doves were in pine tree at resting place in Newport Beach if that is peaceful I don't know what is 🙏🕊️
I love it when Grandma whacks Grandpa with the broom and says, "You OLD fool!" Then they share a wonderful embrace as John and Olivia look on.
Ellen Corby's return--one of the gutsiest things I've ever seen an actor do.
Courage!
Very much agreed!!!!! Take a bad situation and use it to do something remarkable!!!
I was a little girl and my Grandfather had had a stroke...so seeing her come back was very healing for us as a family and especially for my Grandfather. I'm sure my family wasn't the only one touched by these shows
My grandparents were like Esther and Zeb Walton and they raised 9 children during the depression. Watching The Waltons is like stepping back in time is and getting to see my mom, aunts and uncles growing up. My mom would have been Mary Ellen because she was the oldest girl and a tomboy.
My mom passed away a few years ago and my dad had never seen the Waltons until I found a station that shows old TV series. He loves watching it and it brings back his childhood memories. He said not everything was awful during the depression if you had family and friends around. Amen to that!
Thank you for sharing the behind the scenes stories! 😊❤
I absolutely agree!
“They don’t make em like they used to” I cannot think of any show these days that comes close to The Waltons. We watch that and Little House everyday.
the mentality level it takes to make a show like the Waltons doesn't exist anymore.......now, it's all sex and violence and more sex, and filth.....I don't even watch TV anymore, except for classics.....MeTv is my go to network, hard to beat......
Amen!
@@sophiarieber7558 Same here!!
@@sophiarieber7558 Me too! Hallmark and Hallmark Drama good too. 'Drama' is a more expensive package.
Absolutely watch every day get to the end I start them over 😊
Yes Judy when grandma smacked grandpa with the broom was my favorite part.
I liked the one when she smacked Ben, saying, young fool, then the picture of Zebulian Walton saying, old fool.
The show wouldn't have been the same without her. Glad the producers let her stay on the show. What was fantastic is she lived a very long time after her stroke. Probably one of the most powerful episodes of the series.
If everybody had grandparents and parents and family like the Waltons this world would be a better place
Ellen was such a great actress. I can’t imagine anyone else playing her part. It took courage to come back after her stroke, I’m sure. What a great lady she was.
Yes, she was.
@@judynorton2598 I'm glad she came back! And you could tell by the look on her face that she was glad to be back! I always had the feeling that her being welcomed home wasn't acting!
Patricia Neal who played Olivia Walton in the Homecoming had a stroke also.
So missed when they were gone and many potential episodes with them.
Ellen was such a wonderful actress and was perfect for the role of Grandma....it is fitting the Will Geer saved her life ❤️
I often see The Waltons referred to as "sweet" and "corny." This is a big disservice to the series, as it was so much more than that. The writing is too deep, the characters too rich, and the acting too skilled to write it off so simply. This episode is a perfect example. Ellen's stroke became a conversation in the culture, and her return to the series was highly anticipated. I remember so well when this aired. There were so many heart wrenching moments, culminating in the slapping of Zeb with the broom and Esther fighting to eke out her signature line, "you old fool." That bit still flattens me to this day. Amazing. How ironic this would be the last we would see them together on screen. Beyond that, Ellen holding on to life until 1999 is a tribute to her resilience. A beautiful example for all us.
Thank you... so very true, I appreciate that.
Kleenex time for me was when she finally hit Grandpa with the broom, & he yelled whoopi!!! They were both so happy after that...
Me too
And when she said "you old fool" had me bawling like a baby 😭
@@cathymac6472 yeah that part hit me too
“You’re BACK!”
@@cathymac6472 , sadly that was grandpa's last appearance on the show. Will Geer died shortly afterwards
I liked the episode that Grandma teaches Ben's wife to take a broom to him. "Old fool. Young Fool."
So cute.
ROFL!
I thought that was so hilarious! And I really liked Cindy Walton to, she was so beautiful and the perfect girl for Ben to set him straight, he needed that.
That was a good episode as well. Smart woman. Ben deserved it.
I absolutely loved when she hit Grandpa on the rear end and he picks her up and twirls her around.The scene with Olivia was also wonderful on the porch with the beans.
Perfection!
@@judynorton2598 thanks for always answering 🎄❄️⛄⛸️🌬️🎅
Absolutely!!!
Ole granpaw there, he to was hilarious. I like the scene whare ole granma there was boiling clothes and granpaw there says, double double toil and trouble. She turns around and smakes him and You old fool! Back in those old days, they boiled clothes to clean them and especially all white clothes together to make sure they came out pure white in color and to keep them clean and fresh like they were still bran new.
Just have to tip my hat to the producers for actually bringing Ellen back. It made The Walton's even more real. TY Judy for sharing this story. :)
Glad you enjoyed.
Hi Judy. I grew up in the 70's watching the Waltons and now my girls and I are watching an episode or two every night. We have just started season 6 and finished the two hour special if The Grandchild! The girls and I are loving this, but I am not revealing anything to them, just letting them find out themselves!
All of the cast are truly amazing, some ate quite underrated I might add. What a wonderful show! Thanks so much for giving us the behind the scenes, I've enjoyed it so much!
I love that your girls are now also enjoying The Waltons.
I had forgot that Ellen Corby's return episode ended up being Will Geer's last before he passed during the offseason. I can only imagine that both of them must have been a joy to work with.
Yes they were.
A family within a family, that's what the actors are 😀
Yes!! Just saw a post from Eric where he, Leslie, Mary and Judy were touring DC together. A “meet up” just like my family did a few years ago!! ❤️❤️
If they’re lucky.
I just loved this episode. I only wish that Grandpa Walton could have been around for a few more episodes between them. ❤️
I think some of the brilliance of the show was that the writers and actors worked through the real life issues and did not hide them.
I think you are right.
Such a special moment when she came home and so ironic it was Will’s last. It was also heartwarming knowing he went to her house knowing something was wrong. So real, so loving and so Walton like ♥️
Totally. Thanks for sharing.
Amen. Will saved her life!
Ellen Corby was such a spunky little lady. She managed to still show that spunk returning to work after her stroke. What a lady she was!
Absolutely!
Grandma Walton (Ellen Corby) was the perfect person to play the part. The same with (Will Geer) as Grandpa
That scene with “Olivia” and “Grandma” makes me tear up every single time I see it - and I’ve seen it many many times. It’s the tears in Ellen’s eyes that gets me.
One of the most memorable scenes ever shot on our show.
I 💘 when gramma came back to show after her stroke.She did a excellent job playing her part as gramma recovery her stroke.
Ellen Corby was a spectacular actress.
Yes she was.
Ellen Corby "photographed" differently after her stroke, what I mean is that in particular, her eyes really seemed to sparkle, thanks for the upload.
Yes!! I noticed that too! How funny! 😉🥰
It also seems like they focused more on her closeups since she did all her acting with her eyes... and brilliantly.
I'm going to get my DVDs out and start rewatching episodes. I have a partial set of the Waltons. Enough to keep me busy for awhile. It will be nice to watch the commentary and the show.
@@judynorton2598 I was just going to ask if she used her eyes and facial expressions to compensate for her impaired speech. I thought she did and was so impressed by that.
One of the Best shows on television then and still today.
Loved this episode. I didn't realize Will Gear passed between the 6th and 7th season. I am a huge fan of what you are doing here. Thanks for enlightening your fans on all these heart warming behind the scenes documentaries.
Much appreciated!
He actually died 22 days after this episode aired. Watched it today. Knowing it was her homecoming and his last made me emotional and I lost it good on the last scene on the porch. What a perfect last scene between them.
My grandfather had a stroke in 1965 when I was 7 years old and he spent a long time in a hospital bed at home. I spent many hours sitting and talking to him each day even though he couldn't speak and he just smiled at me. Eventually he did start to say names and basic short 3 or 4 word sentences and get up so he could ride in a wheel chair and walk with a cane. I come from a fairly large family too and my grandmother told me years later that my sitting with him helped his recovery. When this episode came out I felt very moved and could relate to it quite a bit.
Wow thanks for sharing. That's wonderful you did that.
I remember that scene on the porch between grandma and grandpa; an unforgettable moment.
Yes, indeed.
I loved that grandma came home and loved when she said, “need me” and the broom situation. Now I’m bawling. Thank you for sharing this.
I know right? I'm bawling myself.
You are so welcome!
Yes, it was an incredibly touching moment with Grandma after her stroke. The episode was beautifully written, especially "Mamma's" response to grandma's "don't need me" line as well as when grandpa handed her the broom telling her she had to "earn her keep".
Sometimes I laugh and cry at the same time when I see these scenes.
Loved when she called Zeb an old fool
What a brave woman just even to want to come back considering her new limitations!! I so respected the fact that they wrote stories to involve her. Yes, she lived a long time after that, but who knew that then?
Yes. It was so great they brought her back.
The chemistry between Ellen and Will was wonderful.
I recall seeing a very young grandma Walton in A Wonderful Life😊
That was 1946!! You should have seen her in the 1939 " Little Women"..even younger!!
@@janeiwasduncan8463 thanks, will check it out!
This has always been one of my very favorites episodes & I cry each time I watch it!! Especially love when Grandpa yells, "you've come home Esther!" Gets me everything (including this time).😭❤
The end where she whacked him with the broom was so great, it’s was such a meaningful part of the show, especially now knowing it was the last show they were on together. Never will be a greater Grandma and Grandpa.
One of my favorite episodes. When grandma said " you old fool", I knew she was back. I'm in my 40s and didn't watch it much as a kid but I appreciate so much more now as an adult. Btw Grandpa was my favorite character, Maude Gormley was 2nd. I loved her personality.
I loved Maude too!
Ellen Corby was born in my hometown, Racine Wisconsin. I think thats kinda cool.😊
Ellen and Michael's scene tore me up. You could tell they truly cared and loved each other in it as well, for real.
Thanks Judy!
Absolutely.
Thank you for reloading this video. Loved Ellen in the role of Esther Walton. She was a natural. Loved the end of this episode when Will picked her up and said "you've come home Esther you've come home". That scene was priceless! Thank you Judy! Stay well!
Glad you enjoyed it
Judy, it was such a walk down memory lane for me, too, with this discussion of Ellen Corby and Will Geer. I have such vivid memories of when I first noticed them in movies. Will was a co-star in the 1950 release of Broken Arrow while Ellen was a co-star in Shane from 1953. Both great movies with very strong characters. Your reminisces of Ellen's efforts to act while enduring the effects of that stroke must have truly touched all of your hearts. As a viewer, it was not lost on me or my family at what we were witnessing, too. I was always impressed with both Will and Ellen's acting over many years. May they continue to rest in peace.
David i love both of those movies. Will was also in winchester 73 with jimmy stewart
Thanks... Watching Broken Arrow on TH-cam Now
Amen.
@@waltonsfan7257 Yes, another great memory and movie.
@@davidwolf226 jimmy stewart and will geer are two of the greatest. Mickey rooneys one of my favorite actors too.
This is Jennifer Sinclair. I did not realize that there was only like one episode that had grandpa AND grandma after her stroke. Thank God that God allowed that episode to be created before He took Grandpa to Heaven.
Yes, we were very fortunate.
I think it is incredible that they continued her character after her stroke. It was wonderful how they incorporated it into the script because that is what a family would do!
So true.
It was so true to life at the time, according to people I know who lived then. People would live at home with family.
I'm just a few years older than me Kami Colter.
Corby one the best!
I have said since I saw this episode during quarantine that none of you were really acting during the scene where Grandma is driven up to the house by Grandpa. That was pure joy and love you all were expressing to one another, as actors! You all seem to be welcoming ELLEN back, not just her character, and she seems genuinely thrilled to be HOME! 😉👍🥰
Absolutely... as the show went on we all acted less and just interacted for real :)
Ellen was a wonderful actress and touched us all. She was the Grandma to us all. She is smiling down on you Judy for this wonderful memory you shared
My pleasure
That sure was an emotional episode!
so thankful we were given 1 last moment between Grandma and Grandpa
Yes.
Thank you! One of the best-ever episodes. No matter how many times I watch 'Grandma Comes Home,' I always, always cry (even watching your commentary!). The emotions are so real and raw. I've always thought that Will Geer's expression after Ellen calls him 'you old fool' was absolutely real, not acting at all.
Absolutely. So moving.
I liked her as Aunt Trina, in I Remember Mama. She worked alongside great actors and actresses. She was part of the golden age of Hollywood.
Yes indeed.
It was such a joy when Ellen returned to the show. Made it complete again, if just for one episode before Will died. Please do a video soon on the episode where Grandpa had died, oh and also "The Best Christmas", if you haven't already.
So glad you enjoyed. Best Christmas is coming "for Christmas week" :) Will do Will's passing soon.
I've never seen a actor on the show.come back after a stroke
I admired Ellen Corby.All the Walton's cast did a great.job.
After all these years, I still remember watching this episode with my parents, when I was a kid. The bravery shown by Ellen Corby was extraordinary. I also found it interesting about her characters promise to God about no longer being judgmental towards others. From what we learned, Ellen Corby originally added that aspect of her character herself.
I had not heard that.
@@judynorton2598 Earl Hamner said in interviews that when he first saw Ellen’s performance he was taken back. He went to talk to her and basically said that she was portraying the character of his grandmother much harsher than she was in real life. Ellen responded :”Young man you have got an awful lot of sweet people on this show, the viewers are going to end up with sugar diabetes. I’m going to give you some vinegar!”
I remember her having the stoke and returning. We missed seeing her too. She always showed her strength and when you did not thing she could be stronger ,she did! Inspiring. It was just like the uncertainty of life grandma come through it and you lose Grandpa. The Walton showed us how life isn’t fair but also how to carry on. Thank you for the the insight of Miss Corby.
My pleasure.
@@judynorton2598 ❤️🤟
One of my favorite episodes. I love when she said you old fool you knew grandma was going to be alright. Thanks for doing these video
Glad you like them!
it was so heartbreaking that Grandma comes home and right after that, Grandpa passes away......after being without her for so long, he doesn't get to be with her but for such a short time.......I want you to know that I cry almost with every episode!!!! No matter how happy or sad the episode might be, I cry because y'all were so REAL and so much of what a family should be......and I just miss y'all SO much......I grew up watching the series when it first started, and watch it now in re runs......I didn't cry back then, lol......but things have changed so much nowadays, that to see and hear the way things used to be, is just so so very sad........days gone bye
This episode is very touching makes you want to cry almost did brought a tear to my eye
My all time favorite "Good night" ending involved Grandma. It was when they finish all the "good nights" and then you hear Jim Bob's Peacock make a loud yell. The very last thing you hear is Grandma..... "GOOD LORD!!" LOL
I remember this episode. Really good
Patricia Neal had had a stroke awhile before she was Olivia in the Homecoming...her stroke was probably not as severe but if you watched some of the movies she was in before the stroke you would see the big change in her speech. I never knew any of my grandparents and watching the Waltons and especially Grandpa was such a joy to me. I was 17 when it first came on and my mom said that her dad was very much like Grandpa Zeb. I still to this day cry like it was yesterday when I watch the scene at the grave of Grandpa right after his death. Thanks
You are so right about Patricia Neal... if only Ellen’s stroke had been like Patricia’s and she was able to recover mobility and speech.
Patricia Neal’s stroke (actually multiple burst aneurisms during her last pregnancy) was pretty severe. She was in a coma for three weeks. The difference was she was 39 while Ellen was 65 when she had her stroke. Age makes a difference how one recovers from stroke or really any brain injury.
This episode was so great & inspirational, grandma coming back ,she was I thought the glue that held everything together, the grandma and grandpa moments were so uplifting I really miss them both 😪,felt again like they were family ,❤ thanks judy
You are so welcome
Judy, sincerely, thank you for sharing. I totally love them.
You are so welcome
This was one of my favorites. Ellen Corby and Will Geer were wonderful together! That was one of my favorite scenes as well.
Thank you so much for sharing I enjoy that episode
You are so welcome
Lord this has made me cry lol great job as always
I cried like a baby on this one. Then she went for a ride in Jim bobs car. I loved that car...
Ahhh, so glad you enjoyed it.
I'm Tearing Up Such A Touching Moment Thank You Judy For Another Great Back Story
You are so welcome
Thank you for a good cry, Judy. These are such a treat!
Glad you like them!
Thank you Judy for another wonderful behind the scenes look at one of my forever all time favorite series, The Waltons.
What a FABULOUS and heart-felt tribute you gave to Grandma Walton/Ellen Corby! Thank you for sharing your comments and insights - this particular episode, my entire family watched with tears in their eyes when it first aired all those years ago, I remember that like it was yesterday!
You are so welcome
Lovely tribute! I always tear up when Ellen says, “Old fool” at the end on the porch. It was a lovely episode. Thank you for sharing your memories.
You are so welcome!
Ellen proved to be a great actress even without the power of speech. I cry every time I watch the scene with Michael and Ellen on the front porch with that big bowl of green beans.
Absolutely.
Judy, I mentioned to you before,that this episode were Esther said " You Old Fool " to Zeb was my Favorite Episode of the Season. To find out that it was the last episode of that season and of Will Geers passing during the hiatus. I'm glad that it shows them embracing at the end. To me it shows the love that they had for one an other, not only as Co Star's but as True Friends in real life. I still to this day tear up watching this episode. Thanks to You and Everyone on The Walton's for making such an Amazing Show for us Fan's to watch.
Yes - a fitting moment for their characters
MY FAVORITE, I JUST ADORED THESE EARLY EPISODES, AND THE PASSING OF WILL GEER WAS A HURTFUL SHOCK FOR ME , I MISS THEM BOTH , ELLEN CORBY WAS A GREAT ACTRESS , I SURE DO CHERISH ALL THOSE EARLY EPISODES ,
Judy, a very sweet tribute to Ellen! She showed so much courage in returning to the show! And, I think her character’s strengths were more obvious after returning! No doubt, the strengths of the show was that each and every one of you played an integral role not diminished by the others! Thanks for sharing!💫
My pleasure... thanks for watching and sharing.
Loved it when she came home but dreaded the next episode (S7) as Will Geer had passed and was no longer with us. I never knew my own grandparents from either side of my family so Esther and Zeb were the closest I ever came to knowing what having grandparents was like to a child. Keep em coming and thanks from England!!
Glad you enjoyed.
The chemistry and interaction between grandpa and grandma in all the scenes between them over the years were absolutely brilliant Pat in Ireland
The Waltons is still the best show on TV. This was one of my favorite episodes for sure. I loved Ellen Corby and Will Geer so much. They were my grandparents too in my mind. I had lost my one and only grandpa when I was 7 years old, so Will Geer in particular was special to me. Thanks in part to Ellen's stroke when my husband had a stroke in 2015 I recognized it for what it was and got him to the hospital. She was an extraordinary woman. I was so sad when Will Geer died, the episode where you all said goodbye to him had me sobbing. I thank you all so much for this show, it still means a lot to me. I'm about your age I think, so I grew up with the show. I remember watching it with my parents and my sister and then with my future husband in college. I've watched every episode over and over and over again, I have the books written about the show, and I've seen every single reunion and everything I can find on the internet about the show. I'm a huge fan.
It was a bittersweet episode in that unbeknownst to anyone at the time it was the last time Ellen and Will would appear together on the show since Will died during the hiatus. I always tear up at their last scene together on the porch.
Indeed, the last scene, and the first moment she comes home
Yes... I'm glad we didn't know - would have made it so difficult to film.
She was incredible....for me, easily the most extraordinary performance in television history....she was that good.....
A wonderful story. And yes it is sad to lost loved ones.
It took a great deal of love and courage for the show to embrace Ellen's return as much as it took that same love and courage for Ellen to come back. I've always thought some of the best televison and movies happen in a biographical mirror. The chaos of making 'Apocalypse Now' was embedded in the movie. To have Ellen return and Will pass could be felt when the family goes up the mountain to pay homage. You could feel his presence. I remember seeing Ellen long after The Waltons in a 1948 William Holden movie, 'The Dark Past' . Thanks so much Judy. Peace.
Thank you so much.
Love this one! ❤ Miss them and the ones who passed on off the Show. Thanks for this one Judy 😊💗
Loved this episode💜
The best show on tv I’m still watching it on tv. THANK YOU
I remember this time very well. Watching the Waltons with my parents every week. Your show was one of my parents favorite tv shows. I was in grade school when the show started. What I would give to be back with my parents watching it again.
I remember watching Ms. Corby saying “you old fool” in that episode and laughing and a tear falling down my cheek. I cannot imagine actually being there to witness it in person. Thank you for sharing your memories with us! 💜
My pleasure.
Judy not only do I enjoy this I love it! I was born in 1970 and grew up watching The Waltons so it really became a part of me. It is one of the most wholesome shows ever. You actually learn how to be a better person by watching. I didn't always apply those lessons but hey nobody is perfect. Thanks for the fond memories!!!
You are so welcome!
There was some sad moments in this episode very touching moments judy Ellen was great in it and so was the rest cast
One of my favorite episodes
One of my most favorite episodes. How you do some of these without crying all the way through just goes to show what a wonderful actress you truly are.
Originally filming? or doing these new ones looking back? When originally filming there was so much going on, it was harder to always sense the final impact of the episode. And now - I often do find myself tearing up when rewatching episodes :-)
@@judynorton2598 I was talking about when doing these but either way, you are an exceptional actress. My best friend’s brother is an actor so I know from him the sequences aren’t always in order so the impact would be different but watching you with these, it seems like you hold it together pretty well.
What a brave decision by CBS to ask Ellen to come back to the show, and so brave of Ellen to agree to it knowing it may have been a real struggle to perform.
The scene on the front porch with Michael and Ellen, where grandma tries to express how she feels she is not needed anymore, is one of the most moving scenes filmed on any TV show or film and, despite knowing what’s coming, it leaves me in tears every single time I watch it.
Wonderful video Judy, as are them all! ❤️❤️❤️
Glad you enjoyed it.
I love this episode and have it among my recorded Episodes of the Waltons
You old fool. I'm still smiling 😂👍
Thanks Judy, That description you gave of the episode came rite from the Heart.
Yes, indeed :)
My tears where flowing remembering One of many of my favorites episodes of The Waltons
You old fool was grandma's way of saying I love you... Through out the series...but that last scene with Will it was loud and clear in her eyes. I love the scene in the car with jim-bob. The smile on her face said she was happy to be home....with the sounds....smells and sights of thr mountain she loved so much....she was with one of the people she loved. And like you the scene with Michael on the porch when grandma explains how she feels....brings tears to my eyes. It just goes to show everyone needs to be needed....and those with disabilities may have challenges with some tasks....they want to be given the chance to try. Ellen proved with the stroke and resulting difficulties that she can convey a wide range of emotions without saying a word. It must have been quite a shock for all cast and crew when word of Ellen's stroke came. You mentioned your least favorite shoot...what was your favorite shoot? Once again pure perfection judy.
Thanks so much for sharing. Favorite shoot? Hmmm... hard to pick a single favorite. So many special moments.
Judy Norton Anyone growing up in the 70’s and watched the Walton’s regularly as My family did, Ellen Corby’s RETURN to the Walton’s was EPIC WATCHING Television 📺: My family gathered around the TV as if it was the Space Landing: I’ll NEVER forget this!!
Oh Judy Norton-YOU have reawakened such Glorious times: THANK YOU 🙏🏽!!
When Ben put that pig in the stroller, that was hysterical. That's the looney stuff my brothers, sister and cousins would do to each other. Ellen had a lot of character to return after her stroke, God bless her, those scenes are unforgettable.
Such fun with Ben and the pig :)
Wonderful actress!