I just watched Earl Hamner Storyteller and wanted to share my impressions and reactions. I am not eloquent or artful with words but let me give this a try. As a long time Waltons fan and a fan of Earl Hamner I was eagerly awaiting this documentary's release. It was every bit as good as I had heard. To see Earl Hamner walk the area where he grew up and visit his childhood home was wonderful. To hear all the actors, family members and others who have worked with Mr. Hamner over these many years share their memories and impressions was moving and heartwarming.
Earl Hamner has given us much entertainment over these many years. He not only gave us The Waltons but he brought us Falcon Crest, several episodes of The Twilight Zone, Gentle Ben and Nanny and the Professor. He also brought us the animated adaption of Charlotte's Web (1973 film). He produced great Novels like; Fifty Roads to Town (1953), Spencer's Mountain (1961), You Can't Get There From Here (1965), The Homecoming: A Novel About Spencer's Mountain (1970), and Generous Women: An Appreciation (2006). He also gave us great TV movies like; Heidi (1969), Appalachian Autumn (1969), Aesop's Fables (1971), The Homecoming (for CBS, 1971), Where the Lilies Bloom (1972), The Gift of Love: A Christmas Story (1983) and more!
I have read how and why this documentary was made. In October 2013, Producer Ray Castro viewed a Waltons reunion on Good Morning America and noticed that Mr. Hamner was placed in the back, behind all of the actors. I read that Ray said, "I thought it was very disrespectful," and "They didn't mention his name or even talk to him and, knowing Earl, that must have hurt. Without him, we wouldn't have The Waltons. And it bothered me when I was watching it." A few days later, Castro met with producer and writer Michael McGreevey, who also was passionate about Hamner's work, the two along with producer Tim McAbee decided to start the project.
I think this documentary pays a heartfelt and well deserved tribute to Mr. Hamner.