
The life of a Depression-era family in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains is the subject of this wholesome series. The show is seen from the point of view of eldest son John Boy, who eventually goes to college, serves in World War II and becomes a novelist.

Erin is strangely attracted to a troubled artist (Jared Martin) just returned from Paris; Grandma gets a canary that refuses to sing.

Jim-Bob tries to teach Elizabeth to drive; Corabeth's business ventures are ruined by her secret drinking. Directed by Ralph Waite.

Ike is hospitalized after a heart attack, leaving Elizabeth in charge of his store; Ben and Jim-Bob go into the molasses business.

Verdie's daughter Esther (Joan Pringle) arrives with her child, bitter over the frustrations of being a college-educated black woman.