The Waltons - Chats with Ralph Senensky & John Dayton part 5 - behind the scenes with Judy Norton

[@csbl63able]

I'm 61, and so love your channel Judy. Fond memories growing up with the Waltons. My mom had a massive stroke in 1976 at age 35. I was 13 when I saw her have it. Bringing Grandma/Ellen back after her stroke was a huge help to stroke awareness.

[@judynorton2598]

Oh my goodness. That must have been so tough for the family. Glad The Waltons was able to share awareness in such an impactful way.

[@sside8]

I could listen to Ralph’s stories all day!

[@judynorton2598]

Me too!

[@jamesleibensperger6489]

Ralph has been blessed in telling great stories, and I pray 🙏 his health is stable! Thanks so much Judy for sharing this great meeting!

[@judynorton2598]

It’s been such a treat for me to have them both as guests to share their wonderful stories.

[@jmsask]

Thank you for getting these stories on video. Without you these stories will be lost when the story tellers pass with time 🍻

[@judynorton2598]

I love being able to get these videoed for history.

[@shyman99]

Part 5 is as great as the prior parts. And I guarantee if we make it to Part 500 it will great as all of the others as well because Ralph's stories are so historically important & fascinating.

[@judynorton2598]

So happy you feel that way. I know I love hearing the wonderful stories.

[@andreacrashe9894]

*Judy thank you for another awesome guest episode with both Ralph Senensky & John Dayton & their wonderful stories of behind the scenes for them both. 🙂 I wish them both good health. 🙂nz*

[@judynorton2598]

Thank you for watching.

[@tamaragrootkarzijn2435]

4:18 Judy, thank you for this well done chat! This chat nicely highlighted various Ralph Senensky stories,and was also so beautiful and emotional for me as I recalled the green bean scene and replayed your segment from the episode 'Grandma comes Home'. I have even more respect for the wonderful,Ralph Senensky in his dermination to have that scene portray exactly the message he wanted to get across; that elderly, physically challenged family members need to be empowered to do as much as they can,and to be needed. This was portrayed so poignantly,in the scene, as Ralph wanted it to be filmed. I am so glad that he did his job with so much sentiment,tenacity,and faith and belief in the Waltons actors,that he rethought the scene and scrapped the dropping sugar on the table scene,and replaced it with the green bean scene.I can't have imagined this scene any other way? What do you think,Judy?

[@judynorton2598]

When I watch the episode now, I can’t imagine it any other way. It’s perfect.

[@TinaHarris-y5m]

This is a treat, thank you Judy so interesting. I so enjoy this 💗💗🍁🦃🦃🦃

[@judynorton2598]

So glad you enjoyed this.

[@JackKirbyFan]

I never got tired of Ralph Judy. You are preserving an important person's stories and I think what you did was the greatest gift you can give to anyone. A chance to share their memories and have them preserved.

[@judynorton2598]

So happy to hear that. It has been my pleasure.

[@michaelhayes1340]

Great interview

[@judynorton2598]

Thanks for joining us.

[@jaclynalley809]

as a big fan of Beulah Bondi, A huge thank you for this!!!

[@judynorton2598]

Our pleasure.

[@dtmlavaca]

I did a little research as I was listening to the interview, and I discovered that Beulah Bondi played Jimmy Stewart's mother four times on film and also on Stewart's television show.

[@judynorton2598]

Oh wow. That’s so interesting to hear. Thank you.

[@willnoiles2001]

Thanks, Judy, for this great Saturday surprise. I particularly enjoyed Ralph’s recollections of first meeting Beulah Bondi and of working with Ellen Corby on ‘Grandma Comes Home.’ I hadn’t realized she had spent a year re-learning how to speak before returning to the series. This only increases the admiration I had for Ms. Corby. I truly hope you have more of this interview with Ralph Senesky and John Dayton because it have thoroughly enjoyed watching them. If you don’t, I still want to say a big thank you to you three for doing this. I think it’s safe to say that we have all loved watching this interview!

[@judynorton2598]

So happy to hear that. Thank you.

[@lost-south-lake-crafters]

Thanks Judy, such a pleasure hearing all these Hollywood stories. Mr. Senensky's ability to recall such detail is absolutely unbelievable.

[@judynorton2598]

I agree - he’s remarkable.

[@DeniseEverett-e8u]

Wow, thank you all for another surprise Saturday video, it is great to hear the stories about The Waltons and Hollywood.

[@judynorton2598]

So glad you enjoyed this.

[@briansanders3750]

What a great opportunity to sit and visit with cinematic Hollywood Royalty. Their insight is priceless

[@judynorton2598]

I love just being a “fly on the wall”!

[@briansanders3750]

@ you make such a good looking fly too 🤣🤣

[@sweetfreddie]

I always enjoy these interviews especially the stories Ralph tells.

[@judynorton2598]

Glad you like them!

[@DaveD2488]

Aaaahhh another sneaky segment, caught me off guard. LOL I loved the Grandma Returns episode. It showed Ellen's courage and strength in returning. It was so similar to the same strength as her role as grandma. Glad she played the character as long as she could.

[@judynorton2598]

It was very special to have her back. She added so much.

[@darkvader7231]

Wow, the great duo Ralph and John peak my interests once again with their recollections from the past. How valueble all this knowledge is that's being passed on to us fans and how we appreciate it and indeed all the guests you have had Judy. A huge shout out to you Judy without who, none of this would have happened. I just love listening to your guests and especially Ralph and John. Thank you for this bonus segment and best wishes to you as always from your waltonian superfan in a cool but dry England😉

[@judynorton2598]

Thank you. That means a lot to me.

[@Angela-ho4qx]

Interesting how you are spacing all these Ralph Selenskey’s apart. These were taped in the summer as I recall. Wish I had known this was on yesterday. Love listening to him speak and tell his stories. Very interesting and fascinating. He is such a rare treasure. So is John, such a remarkable man. Amazing careers.

[@judynorton2598]

So glad you enjoyed it. Sometimes it depends on when my editor has time to put these together :)

[@fifi-32]

Love to hear his stories about the show and actors!

[@judynorton2598]

So glad. Thanks for joining us.

[@karolmiller6984]

Love the stories about behind the scenes from different episodes. Thank you

[@judynorton2598]

Thanks for watching.

[@chriscourtright3430]

My favorite show Thursday nights Mary Ellen and John boy my favorites😊

[@sandradarrough5677]

mine too 12:49

[@judynorton2598]

Thank you :)

[@lucillelaurenzi4510]

Thankyou Judy for sharing another video with Ralph and John.Your all gifted actors.I enjoyed the innerview with Ralph and John.They seemed to touch base all the beutiful memories of the Waltons shows.

[@judynorton2598]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@wonderrob3225]

Thank you Judy i love these behind the scenes talks about my favorite show

[@judynorton2598]

So glad. Thank you.

[@maryg.249]

Dear Ralph! You are an extraordinary man, what a memory you have! I can’t remember what I went in the kitchen for sometimes! John is always a delight to hear from too. Thank you Judy for bringing these special men to share their stories. Mary

[@judynorton2598]

Thank you so much for joining us.

[@padowado]

Great to have Ralph and John back again and Ralph's and John Great memories...Patrick in Ireland 🇮🇪

[@judynorton2598]

So glad you enjoyed this.

[@beckyhalvorsen2126]

Both of them are treasures. I hope somehow these stories are being preserved!

[@judynorton2598]

I’m so glad to be getting these on video.

[@PatriciaW80]

Beulah Bondi was my all-time favorite guest on The Waltons. “Neglected graves are a shameful thing.” Was she nominated for an Emmy for her performance?

[@judynorton2598]

Yes, she won for her guest performance.

[@chefvaleriewilson8738]

Always great to hear Ralph and John's stories. Thank you for another interesting video.

[@judynorton2598]

Thanks for joining us.

[@qiajenaehamilton6397]

Thank you, thank you, thank you all three!

[@judynorton2598]

Thanks for joining us.

[@qiajenaehamilton6397]

@@judynorton2598 Always a pleasure!

[@robertshawiv1513]

Great stories you three. Thank you for sharing them with us. Y’all made our Saturday a little extra special. 👍🏻

[@judynorton2598]

So happy to hear that. Thank you.

[@evmansuy2368]

These interview sections you have with Ralph are so precious and he is amazingly articulate for his age. I think he really loves discussing his work from the Waltons with you, Judy. Thanks for sharing them with us.

[@judynorton2598]

It’s such a pleasure to be able to hear all these wonderful stories.

[@rogertemple7193]

Great to see more of You, John and Ralph talking about the Walton's and other great Walton related stuff take care and have a wonderful week thank you Judy.🇺🇲📺🇺🇲

[@judynorton2598]

Thank you so much.

[@user-di3ko1te9v]

Ralph is amazing! Thank you for this series of interviews, Judy.

[@judynorton2598]

It has been such a pleasure to hear all these stories and be able to share them with all of you.

[@susanna3]

This was such a moving chat 😢 thinking about the strength of Ellen Corby.❤ Ralph and John are wonderful guests and as always Judy, excellent interview❤

[@judynorton2598]

So glad you enjoyed this latest segment.

[@ArleneBaker-nt7ln]

Ralph once more is phenomenal!!!! We love hearing his history and experiences. So interesting about the reading with Beulah Bondi who we also enjoyed on the Pony Cart especially. She was so humble per Ralph’s account of his interactions with her. Keep these coming Judy. Great interview as always.

[@judynorton2598]

So glad you enjoyed this. Beulah was another of our remarkable guests I wish I’d spent time talking with to hear more of her own stories. I appreciate Ralph sharing them now.

[@springstud]

this is great video one of my fav episodes was pony cart and grandma comes home and the episode where bulah was in that she had leave her mountain home

[@judynorton2598]

All real stand-out episodes.

[@ladyk63200]

Hello Judy! It's always so wonderful to see you, Ralph and John, on a Saturday. What a lovely way to start the weekend! Did Beulah ever comment on the fact that the reading was canceled and missing the show she had tickets for? Just being able to meet and talk with a great legend and actress has her must have been amazing. Also, did you have different films to choose from when you did theater scenes and actually showed films? Thank you all so MUCH for brightening my Saturday! 🥰

[@judynorton2598]

I never heard about the cancelled reading until Ralph shared this story. The “kids” were never invited to the readings. Good question about the films in the theatre scenes. Not sure who made those decisions. Could have been “rights” related. Just guessing. Perhaps Ralph can answer that.

[@cadeevans4623]

Love hearing these stories and watching these interview segments

[@judynorton2598]

So glad. Thanks for joining us.

[@pmx2726]

Thank you for these interviews with these two amazing gentlemen!

[@judynorton2598]

Our pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@melaniethies379]

HI Judy this was interesting to listen to Ralph and John thanks for sharing

[@judynorton2598]

Our pleasure.

[@Hosty_Tim]

Gooooood afternoon, Judy! Fascinating stories and history. Thank you!

[@judynorton2598]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@kallen868]

Another great one from the three of you! Much thanks Judy!🥰

[@judynorton2598]

Thanks for joining us!

[@ritalafleur4417]

Thanks for doing a special event on Saturday, Love you and loved this.

[@judynorton2598]

Thanks for joining us.

[@randyshanofsky9903]

When you cut in that clip from the green bean scene, why did I start crying?! 🥲 And that Joe Biroc story!! This interview series is the best!!

[@judynorton2598]

Thank you so much. I’m so glad you are appreciating this piece of Hollywood history.

[@robertcabral8152]

Thanks for the Saturday treat Judy! 👍❤️🙂

[@judynorton2598]

Our pleasure.

[@chrissimpson1183]

More great stories from Ralph...

[@judynorton2598]

Glad you like them!

[@duanebarbic3786]

Sure do enjoy these group chats with Ralph Sendesky and John Dayton. All the details that add to the stories. The magic of Hollywood is alive and well right here on this KZbin channel of yours. An unexpected Saturday bonus surprise. See you next time around. :⁠-⁠)

[@judynorton2598]

Thank you for joining us.

[@duanebarbic3786]

@judynorton2598 ❤️👍👏

[@theresacarlson8822]

Love these segments. Thank you

[@judynorton2598]

So happy to hear that.

[@larrydemaar409]

Ralph Senensky has such great stories and memories of Beulah Bondi and Ellen Corby.

[@judynorton2598]

He sure does.

[@peaceshepherding529]

A great treat - especially w/election fears this country will become “The Fire Storm” John Boy & Mrs. Brimmer stood strongly against & Mr. Senensky Directed with such deft and moving expression, the threats to and moral imperatives for safe community were deeply felt. I know half the country does not realize or hold these concerns. Yet all of us owe prior generations & current lives that we learn from history and suffering and prevent more. We’re in this together. We sink or swim together by upholding Constitutional protections as a collection, not selectively. I ask that we all stay alert to moves toward Autocracy and, as Waltons did, openly stand against them - swiftly and firmly. Not waiting for others, applying the Golden Rule to protect others so they may join. Thanks, Neighbors

[@RalphSenensky-bb2vv]

AMEN!

[@hollyavillella554]

❤️🤍💙🙏🕊️

[@peaceshepherding529]

@@RalphSenensky-bb2vv Thank you, Mr. Senensky💜 for ALL of your gifts!! You have cultivated these with enduring determination and great generosity of spirit! Your presents to the world continue bringing joy, beauty and light that inspires. Your art reminds me of one of the best phrases I’ve read. It happened to be on a bumper sticker, I bet you’d like. It said, *The Best Thing We Can Do In Life is Introduce Each Other* Thank you, for all ~ onward! & Happy Holidays soon

[@peaceshepherding529]

@@hollyavillella554 Thank you, Holly. You know I love your joy and care and the good will you always send to all! 💞🙏🏽🕊️ (You know, a Holly emoji is past due!) Stay warm🍁 🍂 we’re getting the Autumn chill :)

[@Curly34584]

👋❤️

[@MerryleeMullinax]

Thank you so much for all your hard work with such enjoyable content

[@judynorton2598]

Thanks for joining us.

[@sandradarrough5677]

😂😂😂❤❤

[@ToneyDaleWanamaker]

♥♥♥♥ Beulah was my grandmothers (mothers) name. Yes, I heard about her being one of the black listings "of what" she was involved in. Loved the time Miss Ellen came back, it showed so much inner strength I always admired her. "NEED ME" bless it, that scene made me cry.........Mr. Senensky has a huge heart, it showed so much here. Please, keep interviewing him, he has so much knowledge..............

[@judynorton2598]

Thank you for joining us for these chats.

[@ToneyDaleWanamaker]

@@judynorton2598 ♥

[@faisalahmad3309]

Thanks 🙏👍

[@judynorton2598]

Glad you enjoyed this.

[@Kenneth-h4y]

Good day Judy and what a wonderful and unexpected gift from " the big 3" . Always glad to hear from the trio that brings interesting and informative information to the fans of the Waltons. Grandma Comes Home is a fan favorite and another episode of how the Waltons didn't shy away from reality. Liked hearing the story on... It's a Wonderful Life. R.S. is just a human encyclopedia when it comes to his craft. Who needs google, we have Ralph. Have a question for you. Although Ellen Corby (Grandma) held her own, is it standard practice to have a medic or other medical personnel on standby in case someone (cast/crew) is injured during filming? Thanks Judy.

[@judynorton2598]

So glad you are enjoying these chats. There is a first aide person on set or easily on call if filming on the studio lot.

[@samc7447]

I am so excited to have found your channel this so much fun! I just recently rewatched the waltons beginning to end on prime. It was such a great way to spend much of my free time to hear these stories. Another great way to spend time! So happy you've done this

[@judynorton2598]

Welcome aboard! So glad you have found my channel and are enjoying these segments.

[@samc7447]

@judynorton2598 I thank you right now I'm watching one of your films and I see from your channel that I have hours of things to watch. I can't wait. I'm watching space limbo Right now it's amazing. I have to give you all sorts of props

[@samc7447]

I actually was just going to start at part 1 with Ralph and John. Saw this. I'm going to get you it all eventually

[@royalwolf5684]

Great video judy😊

[@judynorton2598]

Thanks for watching!

[@stacystoltz8722]

Thank-you 😊 👋 Story about the Walton Great 👍🏼🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🌏

[@judynorton2598]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@krill173]

I have to say, Mr Senensky's memory at 101 is better than mine and I'm only in my 60s!

[@judynorton2598]

So true!

[@markgordon5387]

Such respect for Miss. Beula Bondi, even for so many years later. He is a veteran actor, and still calls her Miss Bondi. She was a great actress.

[@judynorton2598]

A legend, for sure.

[@stacystoltz8722]

🫡🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@wardarcade7452]

More interesting stories from Mr. Senensky. Although he claims he knew not nothing about whether there'd been any residual tension between Miss ['Call me BEULAH']Bondi and Mr. Geer re having different POVs of the Blacklist years (as Richard Thomas has claimed), I don't think she'd have called Mr. Geer out over having blown off that reading for attending the play she herself had had a ticket for had she not already believed she had a reason to dislike him previous to the shoot. BTW, it should be noted that Miss Bondi and Miss Corby DID work on 'It's a Wonderful Life' but had no scenes together and I'm not sure whether they crossed paths at that time. He made a very good point about how Miss Corby's actions and reactions to the words 'Need ME' were VITAL to how impactful the scene which conveyed how much Grandma (and likely Miss Corby herself) wanted to feel that they were STILL needed by their loved ones despite the challenges of having to contend with the effects of a devastating stroke which made even the 'simplest' tasks a major struggle. One interesting dynamic between Martha Corrine's and Esther's characters was that being the elder (and the widow of the elder brother), Martha Corrine had some 'rank' on Grandma which she wasn't above using (and IIRC they had both been born Tylers so may have even been literal blood relatives). In the first episode, it was interesting to see the normally . ..assertive petite Grandma actually defer to the even tinier Martha Corrine but then in 'The Pony Cart' Grandma actually was chomping at the bit and ready to tell her SIL off! To bring this back ontopic, since Mr. Senensky also directed this episode, I have to wonder if he contributed to giving both characters more depth re how they interacted. I notice that Mr. Senesky seems to be even more dependent on the cannula than before but he definitely is doing all he can to recall the many dynamics here. Great that he's doing all he can to pass on his knowledge while he CAN! Thanks so much for this!

[@judynorton2598]

You raise interesting points, most of which I’m unable to contribute any facts towards. Except relating to Ralph’s direction of Ellen and Beulah - they were both such experienced pros and brought so much to a character, that the most Ralph might have done would be discuss the scene or answer questions, along with the actual staging of the scene. Most directors only give actors acting direction if something isn’t working, or they want to add another element, or try it differently. In television especially where things move soooo fast. Typically it isn’t necessary to direct the performances as you’ve already hired actors who embody the characters so they already bring a wonderful scene interpretation to the scene.

[@wardarcade7452]

@@judynorton2598 That's rather interesting about how much performing direction that directors actually give. Of course, there have been micromanagers (e.g. Chaplin and Hitchcock)among the ranks but it makes sense that most directors would have confidence in the performers giving their best interpretations of the scripted characters- especially for old pros like Miss Corby and Miss Bondi. Thanks for giving such a thorough explanation!

[@DawnBenchley-gt6hu]

It's A Wonderful Life is a great film! Love Jimmy Stewart

[@judynorton2598]

A holiday classic.

[@davidvandreser8446]

🥰

[@wildwes.]

Hi judy.have a blessed day 💗

[@judynorton2598]

Thank you.

[@wildwes.]

@judynorton2598 your welcome sister 💗

[@darrelljohnson1319]

Beulah Bondi was Fantastic professional I doubt the rumors she spoke out . The best thing Lorimar did was bring back Ellen who was still a giant presence dominating the show as Matriarch after Will Geer died devastating fans .

[@judynorton2598]

It was remarkable they brought Ellen back after her stroke. I have no doubt there were many concerns about her health and if she would cost the company time… Bravo to the company for doing it.

[@darrelljohnson1319]

@@judynorton2598 Best thing they did was give her what she worked for . She added everything to the Show especially after her stroke , Still an Actress with much to offer

[@victorbuhler-tw6gh]

Judy, Richard talked about Will being upset with working with Beulah Bondi. She was alongside Adolphe Menjou, so they say, about the blacklist. I don't think Ellen was ever affected by the blacklist. Ellen was a Republican. Will was an FDR Democrat. Will was the one affected by the blacklist. But I think Ronald Reagan was more involved in it than anyone. I can believe there was tension. Richard said he could feel it on the set. Stella, Ellen's caregiver, told me that she had to work with Ellen a long time for her to be able to say "You Old Fool" in 'Grandma Comes Home'.

[@judynorton2598]

Interesting. I never heard any of them talk about it.

[@EggCup-vv6vp]

In The Prophecy S4, John tells his female classmate (Rachel?) that he has four boys and two girls. I can’t believe no one involved in the production caught that!

[@judynorton2598]

Oh wow - I’ll have to check that out. Never caught that one!

[@EggCup-vv6vp]

@@judynorton2598 Love your channel!

[@chrissimpson1183]

Great interview.

[@stacystoltz8722]

🎄🎁🎄🦃🦃👋🎁🫡