| "An Easter Story" | |
|---|---|
| The Waltons episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 1 Episode 24 |
| Directed by | Philip Leacock |
| Story by | Earl Hamner Jr. |
| Teleplay by | John McGreevey |
| Narrated by | Earl Hamner Jr. |
| Produced by | Robert L. Jacks |
| Featured music | Arthur Morton |
| Cinematography by | Russell Metty |
| Editing by |
|
| Original air date | April 19, 1973 (1973-04-19) |
| List of episodes | |
"An Easter Story" was the final episode of the first season of The Waltons. It was also the first two-hour show of the series.[1]
Olivia begins to experience pain and fatigue, and eventually collapses after church. Numbness in her legs turns to paralysis, and she is diagnosed with polio. However, she refuses to believe that she will never walk again.
Jason is inspired by Grandma as she does her housework. He composes a song he calls "The Ironing Board Blues" which he performs in an amateur talent contest. He wins the contest and a new guitar. The family watches him perform. Back at home, they reenact the contest for Olivia and Erin.
When John-Boy checks in to apply at the University of Virginia, he finds out there is a doctor who specializes in the treatment of polio. John-Boy seeks the doctor out and he tells John-Boy of a new experimental treatment. John-Boy and Grandma encourage Olivia to try the exercises against the advice of the doctor, who suggests that the experimental treatment could leave her worse off. At first, she has hope of recovery by Easter, but then she becomes discouraged and resigns herself to life in a wheelchair. However, shortly before Easter, she dreams that Elizabeth calls out for help, and she gets up out of bed without effort.
Olivia attends the Easter sunrise service on the mountain with her family, celebrating the apparent miracle.
The episode was produced by Robert L. Jacks. The teleplay was written by John McGreevey, based on a story by Earl Hamner, Jr.[2]: 78
The song Ironing Board Blues used in the episode was written and performed by Jon Walmsley.
In 2009, TV Guide ranked this episode #77 on its list of the 100 Greatest Episodes of All Time.[3]
| Award | Year[a] | Category | Nominee | Result | Ref(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emmy Award | 1973 | Outstanding Drama Series | Won | [4] | |
| Emmy Award | 1973 | Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series | Richard Thomas | Won | [5] |
| Emmy Award | 1973 | Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series | Michael Learned | Won | [6] |
| Emmy Award | 1973 | Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series | Ellen Corby | Won | [7] |
| Emmy Award | 1973 | Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series | Will Geer | Nominated | [8] |
