Ralph Waite Movies
Upon earning his BA at Bushnell University, Ralph Waite embarked upon no fewer than three careers before deciding upon acting. First, Waite was a social case worker in New York's Westchester County, a job he quit after running into the stone walls of indifference and bureaucracies. Then, after spending three at the Yale School of Divinity, he was a practicing Presbyterian minister; this, too fell by the wayside due to Waite's unwillingness to conform to church protocol and his disenchantment over the perceived hypocrisy of his fellow clerics. Finally, he worked as a religious editor for the publishing firm of Harper & Row. This job might have panned out, but Waite, separated from his wife and suffering an identity crisis, felt the need to "prove himself" by entering a tougher, more competitive field. Thus, at the age of 30, Waite began taking acting lessons. His professional debut in the off-Broadway production The Balcony proved so disastrous that it is little wonder he chooses to regard his 1965 Broadway bow in Hogan's Goat as the true beginning of his career. After an excellent showing as Jack Nicholson's impotent brother in Five Easy Pieces (1971) the offers began pouring in. In 1972, Waite was cast as John Walton in the immensely popular TV series The Waltons. During the nine-season run of that ratings bonanza, Waite helped form the Los Angeles Actors' Theatre. He also was prominently featured in the blockbuster miniseries Roots (1977), and wrote and directed (but did not star in) the 1980 film On the Money. His post-Walton credits include the TV series Mississippi (1985) and such films as Cliffhanger (1993). In retrospect, it is fitting that two of Ralph Waite's TV-movies of the 1990s bore the titles Crash and Burn and Sin and Redemption. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide- 1982
Featuring a reunion of most of the cast of the long-running family series, The Waltons, this touching drama centers on the attempt of the now grown and scattered brood of Olivia and John Walton to regroup for an old fashioned family holiday. Unfortunately, John-Boy is not among them. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1982
A Wedding on Walton's Mountain has no John-Boy (Richard Thomas) or Olivia (Michael Learned),but does feature five regulars from the long-running TV series: Ralph Waite as John Walton, Ellen Corby as Grandma, Mary Elizabeth McDonough as Erin, Jon Walmsley as Jason and Judy Norton-Taylor as Mary Ellen. The year is 1947, and the wedding is Erin's, about to tie the knot with lumberman Paul Northridge (Morgan Stevens). Erin's ex-boyfriend (Louis Welch) threatens to gum up the works, but with the help and support of her family the girl is successfully wed. The first of several Waltons TV movies following the demise of the series in 1981, The Wedding on Walton's Mountain turned out to be an unexpected ratings magnet. It assured the Faithful that there would be many minings of the Waltons vaults for future made-for-TV specials--the most recent of these appearing in early 1995. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1982
The second of three TV-movie spinoffs of the long-running series The Waltons, Mother's Day on Walton's Mountain marked the return of actress Michael Learned in the role of Olivia Walton, a part she had relinquished when her contract expired one year before the original series' cancellation in 1981. Still consigned to a tuberculosis sanitorium, Olivia has only a few scenes in the film, though she does return to Walton Mountain in time to help her daughter Mary Ellen (Judy Norton-Taylor) weather a crisis. It appears as if Mary Ellen, newly wed to longtime beau Jonesy (Richard Gilliland) will be unable to have children, thanks to an auto accident; meanwhile, the rest of the Walton clan has problems of their own, including son Ben's (Eric Wilton) efforts to restore harmony between himself and his own wife Cindy (Leslie Winston). Of the original Waltons cast, only Richard Thomas, Ellen Corby and the late Will Geer were absent from the proceedings. Mother's Day on Walton's Mountain debuted May 9, 1982, on NBC. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jon Walmsley
- 1981
Made for television, The Gentleman Bandit stars Ralph Waite as a popular priest whose life is shattered by a case of mistaken identity. Waite is fingered by a witness as a holdup man; during a lineup, several other witnesses confirm this. Despite his protestations, Waite cannot account for his actions during the crime, and is vilified by the newspapers and by his own superiors. Only the priest's parishioners believe him--but that may not be enough to keep him out of prison. Based on the real-life ordeal of Baltimore priest Fr. Bernard Pagano, Gentleman Bandit was filmed under the title The Bandit Priest. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
The ninth and final season of The Waltons opens with the series 200th episode, in which John Walton (Ralph Waite) pays a visit to President Franklin D. Roosevelt in order to clear his black friend Harley Foster (Hal Williams) from a trumped-up criminal charge. As for the other resident of Walton Mountain, John's wife Olivia continues battling TB at a health spa in Arizona (actress Michael Learned is no longer a regular); oldest son John-Boy (Robert Wightman) has recovered from his wartime injuries and is working as a news correspondent in Paris. Another son, Ben (Eric Scott), has been captured by the enemy but is released when WW2 ends, whereupon he returns to his Viriginia home with plans of becoming an engineer. Not long after applying for medical school, daughter Mary Ellen (Judy Norton-Taylor) discovers that her husband Curt (Tom Bower), reported killed at Pearl Harbor, is still alive -- which puts her in quite a dilemma since in the intervening years she has fallen in love with another man. And son Jason (Jon Walmsley) is engaged to WAC Toni Hazelton (Lisa Harrison). With hostilies in Europe at an end, John-Boy returns to America to launch a new aspect of his journalistic career at an experimental college TV station; ultimately, however, he comes back to Walton mountain. As the series comes to a close, John Walton prepares to leave Virginia to join Olivia in Arizona -- but who will take charge of the family's lumber mill? ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ralph Waite, Robert Wightman, (more)
- 1980
Angel City plays like a Grapes of Wrath updated to the 1980s. Ralph Waite plays a West Virginia farmer who, faced with the prospect of starving to death on his unproductive land, packs up his family and moves to the so-called Promised Land of Florida. There he goes to work on what is euphemistically called a collective farm. But soon he finds himself surrounded in squalor and misery, working back-breaking hours for slave-labor wages. Paul Winfield, Jennifer Warren and Mitchell Ryan co-star in this made for TV movie, which debuted November 12, 1980. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1980
The Skid Row derelicts that occupy most of the screen time in this uneven drama about the effects of alcohol addiction do nothing to gain an audience's sympathy. Sam (Donald Moffat) has kicked his habit and picked himself up out of the gutter only to find that no avenues are open to take him away from the gutter. Then he learns that his friend C.G. (Ralph Waite, also the director) is in trouble. As one sequence of aimless, drunken behavior follows another and the audience is regaled by C.G.'s commentaries delivered in an alcoholic stupor, it is hard to understand why Sam is teetering on the brink of sloshing around in this world again. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ralph Waite, Donald Moffat, (more)
- 1980
Former series regular Ellen Corby makes a return appearance in this episode, which revolves around a crisis in the home of the Baldwin sisters. Although Mamie Baldwin (Helen Kleeb) must have cataract surgery or risk total blindness, she refuses, citing the fact that her dear, departed daddy died on an operating table. John turns to Grandma and asks her to talk sense to Mamie -- if such a thing as possible. Elsewhere, Elizabeth (Kami Cotler) loses one boyfriend but gains another, thereby introducing Tony Becker in the semi-regular role of Drew Cutler. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1980
Jason (Jon Walmsley) befriends a young Polish-American Jew named Ted Lupinsky (Todd Susman). When Ted tells the Waltons that his grandfather died in an extermination camp, the story seems too incredible (and too horrible) to believe. Eventually, however, Ted persuades the family that he is telling the truth -- and along the way, he helps Elizabeth (Kami Cotler) overcome her feelings of rejection for being more intellectual and less frivolous than her classmates (one of whom is played by Erica Hunton, who previously essayed the title role in "The Foundling," the very first episode of The Waltons). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Despite rumors that The Waltons would be canceled at the end of its seventh season, the series was back on the CBS docket for season eight in the fall of 1979. Although Richard Thomas had long since exited the role of John-Boy Walton, the character was revived during this season ever so gradually and carefully (reported missing in action in WW2, John-Boy is rescued in a comatose state, remaining largely incommunicado throughout most of the year), the better to unveil a new actor, Robert Wightman, in the role. Also returning after declaring her independence from the series is Michael Learned as John-Boy's mother Olivia, though only as a recurring rather than a regular character. Having contacted TB at the end of season seven, Olivia recovers sufficiently to return home, but only long enough to take a job as an army nurse, leaving her household responsibilities in the hands of her cousin Rose Burton (Peggy Rea), who arrives at Walton Mountain with grandchildren Serena (Martha Nix) and Jeffrey (Keith Mitchell) in tow. Another cast addition takes place when Walton son Ben (Eric Scott) and his wife Cindy (Leslie Winston) have a baby daughter named Virginia. By season's end, the population in the Walton home continues to fluctuate, with all four of the Walton sons in one branch or other of the military. But with things moving so rapidly, the war should be over any minute now! ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ralph Waite, Michael Learned, (more)
- 1979
Walton's Mountain may be in for a name change when both the Baldwins and the Godseys come across evidence that their families, and not the Waltons, were the first to settle on the mountain. The Baldwin sisters are so certain that they will be able to prove their "ownership" that they begin formulating plans for a gala Founder's Day celebration -- only to have their bubble burst by dear old Grandma Walton (Ellen Corby). Elsewhere, Jason (Jon Walmsley) is under great pressure to compose a classically-based piece for his final examination at Klineberg Conservatory. This final episode of The Waltons' seventh season is capped by the touching "closure" narration of the adult John-Boy Walton, which was written by series creator Earl Hamner under the assumption that the series had been cancelled by CBS (It wasn't). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Having suffered a stroke which kept her from working throughout most of 1977 and 1978, Waltons regular Ellen Corby gallantly (albeitly briefly) returns to the role of Grandma Walton as the series inaugurates its seventh season. Unfortunately, Grandma is now a widow; actor Will Geer had died in April of 1978 -- and so, logically, did his series character, Grandpa Walton. Also missing from the series is oldest son John-Boy Walton, actor Richard Thomas having left the series to pursue other acting opportunities. Of the remaining Waltons, Mary Ellen (Judy Norton-Taylor) moves out of the family home and into an apartment with sister Erin (Mary Elizabeth McDonough), and later becomes addicted to prescription drugs while studying for his nursing finals. Brother Jason (Jon Walmsley), an aspiring entertainer, lands a platters-and-chatter job on a local radio station -- and with war clouds gathering (the year is 1941), he considers registering as a conscientious objector. Finally, Elizabeth Walton (Kami Cotler) turns 13, whereupon brother Jim-Bob (David W. Harper) valiantly offers to teach her to drive. Tragedy stalks the Waltons throughout Season Seven. Mary Ellen receives a letter from the war department, notifying her that husband Curt was killed in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor; and Mary Ellen's mother Olivia (Michael Learned) contracts tuberculosis and heads to a sanitarium (this plot device was developed because actress Learned had announced her plan to leave the series -- at least as a regular). But on a happier note, Mary Ellen's brother Ben (Eric Scott) impulsively marries a cutie named Cindy Brunson (Leslie Winston). There was talk in the industry that the seventh season of The Waltons would be the last. In case this happened, the season's final episode "Founders Day" was cunningly written in a manner that it could serve as the series finale if the show did leave the air -- or could merely be just another episode if the property was renewed. ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ralph Waite, Michael Learned, (more)
- 1978
Frustrated by her humdrum existence on Walton's Mountain, socialite-turned-storekeeper Corabeth Godsey (Ronnie Claire Edwards) secretly begins drinking. Before long, she is on the verge of becoming a full-fledged alcoholic, and despite the concerted efforts of John (Ralph Waite) and Olivia (Michael Learned) she may already be beyond help. Meanwhile, the Walton boys struggle manfully--and fail spectacularly--to teach sister Elizabeth (Kami Cotler) how to drive. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1978
While Walton's Mountain is abuzz with news about the Nazi invasion of Norway and Denmark, a family of German immigrants arrive to visit their American relative, Mrs. Brimmer (Nora Marlowe). Jumping to the "obvious" conclusion, Elizabeth (Kami Cotler) is convinced that the Mountain is being invaded, and soon rumors are flying about the hapless German visitors. A combination of unfortunate coincidences and blind bigotry results in a near-tragedy for all concerned. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Although it was clearly established during season five that the events of The Waltons were taking place in 1937 and 1938, we've jumped ahead to 1940 as the series launches its sixth season. With Richard Thomas having left the program (save for a trio of guest appearances), it is explained that young aspiring journalist John-Boy Walton has gone off to seek fame and fortune in New York City. Also absent this season is John Ritter as Reverend Matthew Fordwick (Ritter) was now starring in his own sitcom, Three's Company. Thus, Fordwick is written off as having joined the army, whereupon he is replaced in the pulpit by Rev. Hank Buchanan (Peter Fox). Likewise conspicuous by her absence is Grandma Walton, due the fact that actress Ellen Corby had suffered a stroke the previous season. Happily, Grandma will return to the series for Season Five's final episode. Unhappily, that same episode will prove to be the last for Grandpa Walton; actor Will Geer died in April of 1978, not long after shooting wrapped. In other developments, eldest Walton daughter Mary Ellen (Judy Norton-Taylor), now married to Dr. Curt Willard (Tom Bower), gives birth to a son named John Curtis; Mary Ellen's brother Jason (Jon Walmsley) launches a career as a professional pianist; and younger sister Erin (Mary Beth McDonough) falls in love with a soldier named G.W. Haines, who, alas, is killed in a training accident. Also, Mary Ellen and Curt are separated when he signs up with the army; another Walton daughter, Elizabeth (Kami Cotler), is crippled in a fall, possibly permanently; and just as the Waltons are on the verge of paying off their mortgage, they opt to give the money to a truly needy family. ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ralph Waite, Michael Learned, (more)
- 1977
Jim-Bob (David W. Harper) has a new friend, 16-year-old Joe Douglas (Peter Miner), who shares his love of aviation. Joe claims that he is on his way to sign up with the Air Corps, and suggests that Jim-Bob go along. The truth, however, is that Joe is a runaway orphan--and the authorities are hot on his trail. Meanwhile, Elizabeth (Kami Cotler) semi-adopts old Maude Gormley as her "temporary" grandma. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1977
Filmed primarily at NASA's Manned Space Center in Houston, the made-for-TV Red Alert is an apocalyptic "man vs. machine" spellbinder. A potentially dangerous explosion at a nuclear power plant near Minneapolis is fortunately kept under control. The huge plant-monitoring computer named Proteus concludes that the explosion was the result of wide-spread sabotage. Security-investigator William Devane concludes instead that only one saboteur was responsible-and that saboteur is trapped in the reactor room, which Proteus is programmed to protect. Devane races against time to find a way into the reactor room to prevent the saboteur from wreaking further havoc. First telecast May 18, 1977, Red Alert was based on Paradigm Red, a novel by Harold King. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1977
John Boy, Ben, and the rest of the rosy-cheeked Walton clan are back for this Christmas-oriented heartwarmer, which involves the family's efforts to help two WWII refugees from England contact their mother. ~ Michael Hastings, All Movie Guide
- 1977
Jason (Jon Walmsley) falls in love with Vanessa (Lynda Purl), the sister of his brother-in-law Curt (Tom Bower). Unfortunately, Vanessa arrives on the mountain with considerable "baggage": she has deserted her husband to pursue a singing career. Blind to Vanessa's fickle, opportunistic nature, Jason begins neglecting his schoolwork to help her fulfill her ambitions. Meanwhile, John-Boy (Richard Thomas) tests out public reaction to his novel by publishing excerpts in the "Blue Ridge Chronicle." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1976
In this drama, a college president takes a sabbatical so he can work as a ditch-digger and a cafe cook. The story is based on John Chapman's autobiographical book, Blue Collar Journal. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
Season five of The Waltons finds the people of Jefferson County, VA, seguing from 1936 to 1937, the latter year pinpointed when aspiring journalist John-Boy Walton (Richard Thomas) covers the arrival -- and explosion -- of the dirigible Hindenburg in Lakehurst, NJ. No, John-Boy has not landed a job at one of the big-city rags; frustrated with being a mere employee, he has launched his own local newspaper, the "Blue Ridge Chronicle." No sooner has the first issue gone to press than John-Boy finds himself up to his neck in controversy, thanks to his decision to warn the locals of the ever-growing Nazi threat in Germany by publishing excerpts of Hitler's Mein Kampf. Meanwhile, John-Boy's sister Mary Ellen (Judy Norton-Taylor) is now a student nurse, nearly ending her medical career before it begins by making a potentially fatal prescription error. On a somewhat happier note, Mary Ellen is being squired by several handsome young doctors, one of whom, David Spencer, asks her to become his bride. But just before the wedding ceremony, Mary Ellen realizes her heart belongs to Dr. Curt Willard (Tom Bower), and it is he to whom she ultimately says "I do." Elsewhere on the romantic scene, Mary Ellen's younger sister Erin (Mary Beth McDonough) impulsively elopes with a former boyfriend; eventually she comes to her senses and returns home, just in time to graduate from high school. As for the other Walton men, dad John (Ralph Waite) has a falling out with wife Olivia (Michael Learned) -- and everyone else in the family, for that matter -- when he refuses to be baptized; rebellious son Ben (Eric Scott) once again looks for work outside the family's lumber mill; and idealistic son Jason (Jon Walmsley), sensing that the war clouds are gathering in Europe, joins the National Guard. In the last episode of the season, John-Boy leaves Virginia and heads to New York in hopes of getting his novel published -- and thus does series regular Richard Thomas leave The Waltons as a regular, though he will return for a trio of guest appearances in season six. ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ralph Waite, Michael Learned, (more)
- 1976
John-Boy (Richard Thomas) takes pity on Muffin Maloney (Vicky Schreck), a 12-year-old runaway who claims that her stepfather beats her night and day. When John-Boy allows Muffin to stay with the Waltons for a while, Grandpa (Will Geer) takes an immediate dislike to the girl, convinced that she is a compulsive liar. Actually Muffin is not so much a liar as a con artist--just like her grandfather Nifty Mulligan (Bert Conway), whom she hopes to spring from jail by playing on John-Boy's eagerness to act as her surrogate "big brother." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1976
When celebrated evangelist Ezekial Henshaw (John Karlen) comes to the Mountain, Olivia (Michael Learned) insists that every member of the Walton family be baptized--including those notorious "hold-outs", John (Ralph Waite) and Ben (Eric Scott). Turned off by Rev. Henshaw's hellfire-and-brimstone rantings, John staunchly refuses. But it looks like he'll have a change of heart when he is felled by a bolt of lightning! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
