ALL SCI-FI

[Pow]

The Waltons was created by Earl Hamner and ran on the CBS Network from 1972 until 1981.

This was a very well written, directed, and acted television series with heartwarming stories.

One of my favorite episodes was not what could be considered a typical one for this fine show.

"The Ghost Story" was first aired on February 14, 1974 (but really would have been better served as an episode run on Halloween, or close to All Hollow's Eve).

The episode delves into the paranormal when a young boy is staying with the Walton family. Strange events unfold that defy logic.

The episode was nicely directed by Ralph Waite who played the father of the Walton family.

He creates an eerie atmosphere and has some splendid shots. One is when John-Boy & his brother Jason are in the barn at night. The wind is blowing through the trees as they hunch over a Ouija board with just the glow of a single lantern.

The Inspiration Channel currently reruns TW and does so in episodic order. Interestingly I have noticed that they always skip over this particular episode.

[Gord Green]

I always love those episodes of "non-genre" series that include an episode of supernatural or sci-fi topics. It seems as if that even in the most basic realistic environment a touch of the unusual may arise.
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There comes a time, thief, when gold loses its lustre, and the gems cease to sparkle, and the throne room becomes a prison; and all that is left is a father's love for his child.

[Bud Brewster]

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Yes indeed, The Waltons had a few genuinely creepy episodes!

Remember the scene in Poltergeist with the large, clown doll is suddenly gone from a chair when lightening flashes illuminated it in the dark bedroom?

I recognized that scene as a less effective version of one in a Waltons episode that was incredibly spooky — despite being done with a Raggedy Ann.

The episode is The Changeling (s7-ep5).

Elizabeth is in her bedroom and strange things begin of occur — objects moving by themselves, etc. As I remember, the doll itself was never shown actually moving, the scene just cut to it a few times and it's shown in a new position . . . closer to the girl!


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Oddly enough, when I first composed this post I described the scene as taking place during lightning flashes in the darkened bedroom. But when I looked up info about the scene, I was completely mistaken!

Isn't it strange how our memory can play tricks on us? Kinda spooky, ain't it?
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Is there no man on Earth who has the wisdom and innocence of a child?
~ The Space Children (1958)