This is my favorite film to watch each Christmas. One reviewer did not understand how this film could be liked more than the series. For me the film is superior. It's the only Walton's story shot on location with real snow. The Walton's house and barn are also more realistic for the times than the series. Mother, father, grandfather, Ike Godsey, the sheriff, and Charlie Snead are all played by different actors from the series. And higher level actors in my opinion. Being from the south myself, I appreciate small touches such as the sheriff pouring a pack of peanuts into his bottle of soda. This was a real southern "thing". Try it yourself. This film is great at capturing the atmosphere of a time long past.