Homecoming, The: A Christmas Story The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation Presents 02:26 Tabs About A 1971 CBS TV Christmas movie based on the writings of Earl Hamner, Jr. It became the pilot for The Waltons. See The Waltons show page for more information about the series. Who talked about this show Earl Hamner, Jr.View Interview Earl Hamner on the genesis of The Waltons and creating the "Homecoming" special Earl Hamner on bringing The Waltons to television and creating the "Homecoming" special Michael LearnedView Interview Michael Learned on The Homecoming: A Christmas Story, the made-for-television movie that served as the pilot for The Waltons Pam PolifroniView Interview Pam Polifroni on casting The Homecoming: A Christmas Story, the television movie that led to The Waltons Lee RichView Interview Lee Rich on how he kept Lorimar afloat by doing movies of the week like, The Homecoming: A Christmas Story, which inspired the series The Waltons Richard ThomasView Interview Richard Thomas on originating the role of "John-Boy Walton" in the made-for-television movie The Homecoming: A Christmas Story, and on working with Patricia Neal and Edgar Bergen
