The Homecoming: A Christmas Story

The Homecoming: A Christmas Story is a 1971 made-for-TV movie. It served as a pilot for the long-running television series "The Waltons". The story centers on the Walton family on Christmas Eve, 1933, during the Great Depression. John-Boy Walton, played by Richard Thomas, is sent by his mother to find what has become of his father (who has been away and is late returning home), because it's snowing and she has become worried.

Trivia
Most of the familiar TV series cast is featured in the movie, with the notable exceptions of the parents and grandfather. Patricia Neal and Andrew Duggan play Olivia and John Walton in this movie. In the series their characters would be portrayed by Michael Learned and Ralph Waite. Grandpa Walton is played by Edgar Bergen, later played by Will Geer on the series.

Cast

 * Patricia Neal: Olivia Walton
 * Andrew Duggan: John Walton
 * Edgar Bergen: Grandpa Zeb Walton
 * Ellen Corby: Grandma Esther Walton
 * Richard Thomas: John-Boy Walton
 * Jon Walmsley: Jason Walton
 * Judy Norton-Taylor: Mary Ellen Walton
 * Eric Scott: Ben Walton
 * Mary Beth McDonough: Erin Walton
 * David W. Harper: Jim-Bob Walton
 * Kami Cotler: Elizabeth Walton