Okay. So Martha Corinne Walton is not a member of my family, nor is she a real person, but she is somebody I feel very sentimental about today. She is also a character that I would consider a "Fearless Female", so this post follows along with both of the prompts we have been given this month. Martha Corinne Walton, sister in law of Zebulon "Grandpa" Walton on one of my favorite television series, "The Waltons" plays a significant role in what has to be one of the most memorable and well written episodes of the show's entire run. She is brilliantly portrayed by Beulah Bondi, who also played Jimmy Stewart's mother (Ma Bailey) in "It's a Wonderful Life". The episode originally aired on 2 December, 1976 and was written by Jack Miller. I don't think I had a real appreciation for this particular episode until recently. I bought the entire fifth season dvd set and started watching from the beginning. This particular show revolves around the visit of Martha Corinne. She is quite elderly and has been living alone in a place far away from her mountain home. Her arrival at first brings excitement as she presents each family member with special gifts she has brought for them. In the days to come, however, she begins to intrude on their daily activites with her own opinions and stubbornness. Finally, tired of putting up with her, Olivia gently lets her know that the time for her visit has come to an end. John Boy is asked to take her home, but on the way she asks if he will take her to her old home on top of the mountain. While she is there, she remembers what it was like being there as a young bride with her husband as they built their home piece by piece with their own hands. She tells John Boy about his pioneer history and she says what has become one of my favorite quotes, "Roots. That's a good word for it. Everybody's got a family tree and just to know how those roots grew...well, that gives you a sense of who you are".
It soon becomes obvious to John Boy that his great aunt is not well and she finally has to admit that she is dying. When he realizes that she had come to be with the family so she would not be alone when she died, he demands that she come home with him. She makes him promise not to tell the family about her condition, but after he is pressed by Olivia, he must tell the truth, making Martha Corinne very angry. I won't give away the entire show in case you haven't seen it, but this particular episode deeply touches my heart. It's commuicates the importance of family roots and history in a way that few shows do, and today, it made me feel awfully sentimental.
Nice Lori, I don't remember seeing this episode of the Waltons and now may have to buy it so that I can see the ending! Great review!
ReplyDeleteGreat episode. It just aired again o
ReplyDeletetoday, 3/7/11. I've seen this episode before and it may be the best written one of all. I took a great liking to Martha and like the first time I saw it, it brought tears to my eyes. I just couldn't understand why the family thought she was interfering at first...I would've enjoyed her company. What a remarkable and memorable woman.
Wonderful episode. "The Pony Cart" one of my favorite "Walton" episodes. INSP Channel is airing "The Waltons" weeknights at 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. I have been tracing my "roots" since I was about 14 and some of that involves visiting cemeteries. Another Martha Corinne quote that is very powerful to me is "Neglected graves are a shameful thing." She has been one of my favorite TV characters for a long time. I told my children about the show and specifically, her character and just recently my daughter, Maria Corinne, had the opportunity to watch "The Pony Cart". Her name is no coincidence. Blessings! MP
ReplyDeletewas checking online for a reference to Martha Corrine,after watching that episode this evening. I've never tired of The Waltons,but,not having seen all the episodes,have been blown away by Martha Corrine,now that I've caught up! What a wonderful tribute that your daughter can trace her name to such a wonderful "person"...I almost felt like she was real x
ReplyDeleteI loved watching the Waltons as a child .. and to this day watch the re-runs every day. I never had a real loving family growing up and for this i love the show very much, I would have love to have a family like this one.. to this day i am very saddened by the ending of the shw i wish it could of went on forever.. I hope they never stop playing the re-runs..for me its the best show of all time and to which i hold very dearly.
ReplyDeleteBeulah Bondi was a fine actress. No one could have played Martha Corinne Tyler Walton better. I will never forget her face when she was picking daisies and Henry came to get her. Such happiness.
ReplyDeleteI really connected this episode with my own grandmother's roots.very beautiful episode.i greatly admire this here great strong women actress! I sincerely hope other new upcoming actresses look at her and See how her audience sees and feels alive in her character in her command to tap into the pioneer women of our American roots .She also showed us of what a family was during those times.good or laden with heavy burdens , they pulled together .young and old.we lost this togetherness and some who see this particular episode and remember the roots from there family and stories told by grandparents ,so no matter color or creed we are missing our family roots from our great grandparents and great aunts and uncles., No longer here.So Martha Corinne is all of our great auntie!
ReplyDeleteBeulah Bondi received an Emmy for her role in "The Pony Cart". It was her last performance as an actress. She and Ellen Corby both had roles in "It's A Wonderful Life".
ReplyDeleteMany people's favorites are the scene about neglected graves, while others like the family history emphasis. For me, it's the scene in the garden with Martha Corinne and Olivia. Martha Corinne talks about living in the past, and Olivia tells her that some things are worth remembering.
I've been doing genealogy for near 45 years now. For several hours each day, I live in the past. It's not a bad thing. People say you mustn't live in the past, but live for the day, look to the future. But I don't think anyone can look to their future without visiting their past.
I understand Martha Corinne more, now, than when I first watched this episode so many years ago when it first aired.
For about 5 years now, my thoughts wander back to my memories of when I was young. I dream about them. Maybe it's God reminding me of how wonderful my life has been. Or maybe He's preparing me for departure. Whatever the case may be, Martha Corinne and Olivia were right. And "The Pony Cart" will always be my favorite episode. And Martha Corinne will always be my favorite character on the show.
Carol...what a beautiful post. Our past is what makes us who we are. I too, loved the character of Martha Corinne. Reminded me of my grandmothers. Our memories as we age are the things that sustain us. I will pull out a box or an album of pictures and drift back to happy times. Let your memories be a comfort and a reminder of a life well lived.
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