The Homecoming: A Christmas Story
WALTON MOUNTAIN SERIES
The Waltons Β· Season 1 Β· Episode 1
0:00 / 1:14:20
DIRECTOR
Fielder Cook
RUNTIME
74 minutes
ORIGINAL AIR DATE
December 19, 1971
GENRE
Family Drama, Holiday
CAST
Patricia Neal
Richard Thomas
Edgar Bergen
Ellen Corby
ABOUT THIS EPISODE
"The Homecoming: A Christmas Story" is the pilot episode that launched the beloved Walton Mountain television series. Set in rural Virginia during the Great Depression on Christmas Eve, the story follows the Walton family as they await the return of their father. When he doesn't arrive, the eldest son John-Boy sets out to find him. This heartwarming Christmas special captures the spirit of family during hard times and started one of television's most beloved series.
Series Note: This was the only appearance of Patricia Neal as Olivia Walton. The role was recast with Michael Learned for the subsequent series.