The Homecoming: A Christmas Story

TV Movie
1971
PG
1h 40m

IMDb RATING

YOUR RATING

Richard Thomas, Judy Norton, Kami Cotler, Andrew Duggan, David W. Harper, Mary Beth McDonough, Patricia Neal, Eric Scott, and Jon Walmsley in The Homecoming: A Christmas Story (1971)

On Christmas Eve 1933, the Waltons prepare for the holiday, but they are becoming increasingly worried because John Walton, who was forced to take work in another part of the state, has not ... Read allOn Christmas Eve 1933, the Waltons prepare for the holiday, but they are becoming increasingly worried because John Walton, who was forced to take work in another part of the state, has not yet returned home.On Christmas Eve 1933, the Waltons prepare for the holiday, but they are becoming increasingly worried because John Walton, who was forced to take work in another part of the state, has not yet returned home.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

8.2/10

2.3K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Nominated for 3 Primetime Emmys
- 1 win & 5 nominations total

Photos53

+ 47

‘Snow White’ Stars Test Their Wits

Rachel Zegler, Gal Gadot, and director Marc Webb take our Ultimate Disney Quiz.

Watch now

9:57

Storyline

Edit

Did you know

Edit

Trivia
Earl Hamner's two children, Scott and Carrie, are in the film as two of the children listening to the missionary lady'; he is the boy with paler hair and she is the short-dark-haired girl in a homemade hat.

Goofs
In one scene, the Waltons listen to "The Johnson Wax program": "Fibber McGee and Molly" on the radio. However, the film takes place in 1933 and that program did not debut until 1935--and the specific episode they're listening to is from 1947.

Quotes
John Boy [Narrator]: Christmas is the season where we give tokens of love. In that house we received not tokens but love itself. I became the writer I promised my father I would be, and my destiny led me far from Walton's Mountain. My mother lives there still. Alone now, for we lost my father in 1969. My brothers and sisters, grown with children of their own, live not far away. We are still a close family and see each other when we can. And like Miss Mamie Baldwin's fourth cousins, we're apt to sample the recipe and then gather around the piano and hug each other while we sing the old songs. For no matter the time or distance, we are united in the memory of that Christmas Eve. More than 30 years and 3,000 miles away, I can still hear those sweet voices.

Alternate versions
The original TV showing had an introduction sequence before the film began. This introduction is featured on the newly released DVD version of the film.

Connections
Featured in The 24th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards (1972)

Soundtracks
O Holy Night
(uncredited)
Music by Adolphe Adam
Lyrics by John Sullivan Dwight
Performed by Cleavon Little and Congregation

User reviews47

Featured review

9/10

A country family is living in Virginia during the depression and is awaiting Christmas

I am an old farm girl who grew up in central PA. I remember when this movie came out. I was around 8 years old. Of course it led to the very popular series the Walton's that ran for many years on CBS. I just love this movie for it's simplicity, authenticity and staying true to the roots of Earl Hamner's (and many country folks) life. It stars a young Richard Thomas who became a great character and Broadway actor and the great late Patricia Neal. About 5 years ago I bought a copy of this video and I watch it religiously every Christmas season just like "It's a Wonderful Life". If you want a wholesome family video that has a nice ending - try this movie - you won't be disappointed!