Aldrich Family 39-11-07 Coupon Craze

Summary

Episode Overview

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: The Aldrich Family – "Coupon Craze" (Original Air Date: 39-11-07)
Main Theme:
This classic comedy episode of The Aldrich Family revolves around Henry Aldrich's ambitious attempts to collect enough breakfast food coupons to redeem for an outboard motor. His determined yet naive schemes to amass the required coupons quickly spiral out of control, involving family members, friends, local businesses, and culminating in a farcical series of events at the town car dealership.

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Key Discussion Points and Story Segments

1. The Coupon Scheme Begins

[01:37]–[04:31]

• Henry’s Ambition: Henry desperately wants an outboard motor, which requires collecting thousands of breakfast food coupons. He tries to persuade his mother to buy large amounts of breakfast food.
  • “We can’t afford just 8 cents worth of breakfast food?” — Henry
  • "We are not stocking up with any 11,214 packages of breakfast." — Mrs. Aldrich
• Henry’s Logic: He attempts to guilt-trip and rationalize his request, offering to sacrifice his own room for breakfast food storage.
• Recruiting Others: Henry is enlisting kids (like Freddie, Judge Thompson’s son) and tries to expand his operation by getting other families and even his father’s colleagues involved, much to his mother's alarm.

2. Ethics and Rejection

[04:31]–[05:21]

• Sunday School Scheme: Henry asked Mr. Sutherland, his Sunday school teacher, to have the class support his coupon drive. Mr. Sutherland rejects the idea on ethical grounds.
  • “He said that he’d considered your proposition and he didn’t think it would be ethical.” — Mrs. Aldrich relaying the message from Mr. Sutherland ([04:36])
  • “If you ask me, I don't think Mr. Sutherland has a Christian-like attitude.” — Henry ([05:16])

3. The Car Dealer Escapade

[07:16]–[12:16]

• Visiting the Dealership: Henry and Freddie visit Johnson’s Automobile Agency, hoping to leverage Judge Thompson's car purchase to garner coupon support from the dealership staff.
• Classic Misunderstandings & Comedy: The boys feign authority by inspecting cars, leading to exasperation among the staff.
  • “Do you mind if we try sitting in it?” — Henry ([07:34])
  • “You mind my asking? Does either of you have $2800 in your pocket?” — Dealer ([08:41])
• Securing a Deal: They manage to persuade the team at Johnson’s to start saving coupons for them.
  • “You mean I gotta give up cinnamon buns?” — Johnson’s Employee ([10:12])
• Strategic Expansion: Henry realizes they can repeat the strategy at other dealerships to increase their coupon intake.

4. Crisis of Conscience

[14:43]–[16:09]

• Counting Coupons: Henry and Freddie have been amassing an enormous collection and begin to feel the weight of their actions.
  • “Do you think that what we've been doing resembles bribery?” — Henry ([15:00])
• Freddie reveals: His father (Judge Thompson) considers their actions questionable, which makes Henry nervous about confessing.

5. Judge Thompson's Suspicion

[16:09]–[18:51]

• Revelation: Judge Thompson receives mysterious breakfast coupon packages from local dealerships—suggesting widespread involvement.
  • “All containing coupons, Father.” — Henry ([17:39])
  • “I hope that no one in this town thinks that I have reached the age where I save them.” — Judge Thompson ([17:53])
• The Boys’ Guilt: The boys attempt to act innocent, but the judge hints at understanding the underlying scheme.

6. The Demonstration and The Race

[19:00]–[27:17]

• Escalation: A mob of car salesmen (each thinking they’ll make the sale) descends on Judge Thompson’s house, each offering test drives.
• Farcical Situation: The boys contemplate organizing a demonstration—eventually proposing a race between the different dealership cars.
  • “Couldn't all nine of you line up and we'll have a race?” — Henry ([25:09])
  • “A race? Nine cars have a race on a public highway?” — Dealer ([25:10])
• Intervention: A police officer interrupts the race; the boys and the salesmen are escorted back to town.

7. Resolution and Revelation

[27:17]–[27:56]

• New Car: Judge Thompson reveals he's already purchased a car—from the boys’ Sunday school teacher, who also happens to be a car salesman.
  • “Didn't you know, Henry? ...your Sunday school teacher sells cars.” — Judge Thompson ([27:50])

8. Aftermath & Lighthearted Close

[29:08]–[29:43]

• Family Anecdote: A listener’s letter describes escalating dessert "wars" and the solution of making double batches of Jello pudding for family harmony.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Persuasive Tenacity

• Henry’s Sales Tactics:
  • “If I were asking you to buy chewing gum or candy, it might be different. But breakfast food? Think of all the nourishment there'd be in 200 boxes.” ([02:47])
  • "Mother, have you tried looking at it from this way? ...just 8 cents for breakfast food?" ([01:41])

Ethical Dilemma

• Mr. Sutherland’s Ethics:
  • “He said that he’d considered your proposition and he didn’t think it would be ethical.” — Mrs. Aldrich ([04:36])

Absurd Logic

• “But my father can’t go to the courthouse in a motorboat, can he, Freddie?” — Henry ([06:01])

Satirical Business Negotiations

• “You mind my asking? Does either of you have $2800 in your pocket?” — Car salesman ([08:41])

Comic Escalation

• “There are four cars out there and two station wagons are just pulling up.” — Freddie ([20:16])
• “You've timed all nine of us in first gear. You've timed all nine of us in second gear. You've even timed all nine of us in reverse. There isn't anything more a car can do.” — Mr. Johnson ([24:49])

Perfect Punchline

• “Didn't you know, Henry? During the week your Sunday school teacher sells cars.” — Judge Thompson ([27:50])
• “You say you never tasted anything so good.” — Narrator, on Jello puddings ([29:54])

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Coupon Pleas at Home: 01:37–04:31
• Sunday School Ethical Debate: 04:31–05:21
• Car Dealership Antics: 07:16–12:16
• Coupon-Counting Confession: 14:43–16:09
• Judge Thompson’s Suspicion: 16:09–18:51
• Car Seller Showdown & Race: 19:00–27:17
• Resolution: 27:17–27:56
• Listener Letter on Jello Pudding—Comic Relief: 28:32–29:43

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Episode Tone and Appeal

The episode is a charming, farcical slice of mid-century American life, brimming with youthful mischief, gentle family ribbing, overarching innocence, and clever satire about consumer culture. Henry’s hustling, the adults’ bewilderment, and the avalanche of unintended consequences combine for a gentle but hilarious comedy of errors. The showplayfully lampoons both youthful get-rich-quick schemes and the marketing tactics of the era.

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Summary

This “Coupon Craze” episode is a prime example of The Aldrich Family’s blend of situational comedy, quick wit, and satirical social observation. By having Henry’s innocent ambition to collect breakfast coupons spiral into a town-wide comedy involving parents, businessmen, judges, and police, the show delivers laughs and a subtle commentary on ambition, ethics, and American consumerism—wrapped up, as always, in a sugar-coated, pudding-filled finale.

Transcript

[Narrator/Advertiser]

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[Narrator/Announcer]

The Aldrich Family, starring Ezra Stone and written by Kimber Goldsmith. Brought to you by Jell O Puddings. Those delicious new desserts all America's been talking about. They say the happiest years of life. But I know one person who has his doubts.

[Henry Aldrich]

Henry Aldrich.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Henry has all the troubles and growing pains that most boys go through in their high school days. For Henry is a typical American boy. The scene opens in the Aldrich kitchen. The time is Saturday morning.

[Henry Aldrich]

But, Mother, why won't you.

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Because we can't afford it, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

We can't afford just 8 cents.

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

I'm sorry, but that is the condition this family is in. We can't afford 8 cents for what, Mother?

[Henry Aldrich]

Believe it or not, Mary, we can't afford just 8 cents worth of breakfast food.

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

You mean father's lost his law practice? Your father has not lost his law practice. 30 cents would be only the beginning.

[Henry Aldrich]

Of what? Well, Dizzy and I are saving breakfast food coupons, Mary, to get an outboard motor for a rowboat. And all I'm doing is asking Mother to stock up.

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Yes, dear. And you might also explain that all you need is 12,000 goods.

[Henry Aldrich]

But we don't, Mother. We've already got quite a few. All we need now is 11,000, 214.

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Well, we are not stocking up with any 11,214 packages of breakfast.

[Henry Aldrich]

I'm not asking anything so ridiculous, Mother. At the most, I'm just asking you

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

to buy 200 packages all at once, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Sure, we can use that in a year.

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Easy, Henry. I don't want to hear anything more about it.

[Henry Aldrich]

Okay? Has Mr. Sutherland called this morning?

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Not that I know of. What would he be filming for?

[Henry Aldrich]

Nothing, Mother. Just something I asked him to call me about.

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Isn't he your Sunday school teacher, Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Mary. Mother, have you tried looking at it from this way? If I were asking you to buy chewing gum or candy, it might be different. But breakfast food? Think of all the nourishment there'd be in 200 boxes.

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

And where Would we keep right here

[Henry Aldrich]

in the kitchen where they'd be handy?

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

And where would I cook?

[Henry Aldrich]

All right, you cook here in the kitchen. And I'll give over my room to the breakfast.

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

And then you can spend all your time up there reading it.

[Henry Aldrich]

All right, Mary. Ridicule me today. Or wait until you look out on a lake someday and see me in a rowboat with a 2 1/2 horsepower outboard motor on it. Then maybe you won't think I'm so humorous.

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Won't I?

[Henry Aldrich]

I'll answer the phone, Mother, as soon as Mary is through with that call. Do you mind if I phone Father's office? What?

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Call it?

[Henry Aldrich]

He is? Well, I want to remind him to get the folks at his office saving coupons.

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Henry, I don't like to discourage every suggestion you make, but I happen to know that your father is extremely busy preparing a case to be tried in court.

[Henry Aldrich]

But, Mother, this wouldn't take 10 seconds. And if I can get everyone at his office eating good breakfast, maybe his whole practice will take up.

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

You are not going to bother him, dear. And incidentally, your father does not want you to bother Judge Thompson's family anymore either.

[Henry Aldrich]

I haven't been bothering the Thompsons.

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

You've been trying to get Mrs. Thompson to save coupons for you. And your father finds it quite embarrassing when he has to try cases before Judge Thompson.

[Henry Aldrich]

But Judge Thompson ought to be grateful.

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

In what way?

[Henry Aldrich]

I'm employing his son.

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

I beg your pardon?

[Henry Aldrich]

Sure. Didn't I tell you? Freddie works for me.

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Doing what?

[Henry Aldrich]

Eating breakfast food. I pay him.

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

And who pays for the breakfast food?

[Henry Aldrich]

Judge Thompson. But Freddy's got to eat something, hasn't he? And he might as well eat this and have it count towards something.

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Henry, Mr. Sutherland just phoned and left a message for you.

[Henry Aldrich]

For me?

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Yes, Henry. He said that he'd considered your proposition and he didn't think it would be ethical.

[Henry Aldrich]

It wouldn't be ethical. It wouldn't be ethical. Can you imagine that?

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

What did you ask him to do, Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

If that isn't the most absurd thing I ever heard of.

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

What did you ask him to do?

[Henry Aldrich]

The most simple thing in the world. All I asked him to do was suggest at Sunday school that the class lend me a hen and eat my kind of breakfast food.

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Henry Aldrich, I don't blame you for

[Henry Aldrich]

feeling that way, Mother. It wouldn't have hurt him to ask them. And I would have been perfectly willing to give him a commission.

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

I believe it.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, you know what I'm going to do.

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

What?

[Henry Aldrich]

I'M going to change my church.

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Oh, no, you're not, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, yes, I am, Mother. If you ask me, I don't think Mr. Sutherland has a Christian like attitude.

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Will one you see who's at the front door, please?

[Henry Aldrich]

I'll go. Mary may be one of the men I have working for me. Hello, Henry. Oh, hello, Freddie. Come on in. I got some bad news for you. Yeah? My mother says I can't eat so much breakfast for you. Why not? Wants to buy a car. What's that got to do with it? We need the money. But I'm paying you good money. But look at what you're paying me. 50 cents for every 500 coupons. All right. If you keep on saving, I'll give you an interest in the motorboat, too. I still don't think my folks can afford it. Why don't you ask them which they'd rather have, a car or a motorboat? But my father can't go to the courthouse in a motorboat, can he, Freddie? Aunt, I. I'm not sure, but I think I just had an idea. Yeah? What else have I got to eat? Nothing. All you have to do is sit back and count. Where's your father? Buying the car. I heard him mention Johnson's Automobile Agency. Let's go down there. Why? If Johnson wants your father's business, they ought to be willing to cooperate a little, shouldn't they, by saving breakfast food coupons for us. Come on, Freddy, let's put it up to them. Joel, see who the two gentlemen are out in the showroom. Okay. Mr. Johnson. Hi. What can I do for you? How do you do? We're just looking. You have some very nice cars here. Are you buying a car? Well, we aren't exactly, but a friend of ours is. He is? Yeah, and he asked us to sort of look around for him. What's his name? Well, I'm not sure he'd want his name mentioned just now. He just wants your advice. Yes, sir.

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

How much is that car?

[Henry Aldrich]

795. That's the kind he's considering. How much is that sedan over there? 2840. 2,840.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yes, sir.

[Henry Aldrich]

Is that fob or delivered fob. How many spare tires does that include?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Two.

[Henry Aldrich]

Only two? Do you mind if we try sitting in it? Do you have to sit in that one? Well, we would like to see what it's like. No, you sit in the back, Henry. Why should I sit in the back? Who's buying this?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Boys, Let me show you some.

[Henry Aldrich]

When you push each other against the doors like that. It scratches. Gee, that's the trouble with a black car. It shows every button you. Gee, I must have hit it. Don't touch anything in there. No, sir. Not a bad dash, Freddy. I don't like it as well as last year's. Henry. Yeah. Well, is that the speedometer? That's the clock. That isn't the right time, though. It isn't even running. What's this? That's an ash receptacle. Would you mind putting it back, please? Gee, it broke right off. I asked you not to touch it. I know, but it shouldn't break like that. Well, what do you know about that? You mind my asking? Does either of you have $2800 in your pocket? I haven't. You have it between you? No, sir. Well, will you step real carefully, like

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

out of the car?

[Henry Aldrich]

Wouldn't you be interested in our making an offer for this job? Well, it's a proposition for any car.

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

No.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, he knows somebody that's buying. Well, what's your offer? Well, do you mind if I ask what you eat for breakfast? What's that got to do with it? Wouldn't hurt to tell us, would it? Would yous mind getting out of this and out of this showroom? Sure. We'll get out gladly. I guess he doesn't know who your father is, Freddy. Nor do I care who he is. What is it, Joel? Just a couple of wanderers, I guess. I guess you don't want his father to buy his car here, huh?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Who is his father?

[Henry Aldrich]

Judge Thompson. You're Judge Thompson's boy? I sure am. Well, certainly glad to know you, young man. Thank you. How do you do? I'm the son of Sam Aldrich. Sam Aldrich. Well, you look just like him. Yes, sir. That's what everybody says, man. Make yourselves a yes. You want the rest of your fenders ruined? What's your team? Scratch. Now, if there are any questions you'd like to ask, boys, just begin to shoot. Yeah. What kind of breakfast food do you eat? What's that? You heard them.

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Yeah.

[Henry Aldrich]

You see, we're saving coupons, and we thought maybe. What kinder? Coupons? Well, I've got one right here in my pocket. Here it is. We don't eat that kind right now, but I'll certainly speak to my wife about it. You will? I'll get her to try it someday. You couldn't get her to start tomorrow morning, could you? Well, Joe, see this coupon?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah.

[Henry Aldrich]

Beginning tomorrow morning, you get your wife to save these. You mean I gotta give up Cinnamon buns. Well, we're going to help these boys out. Tell the fellows out in the shop they're to eat this too. Oh, gee, that's pretty nice of you, but here's what you could do for me. They judge the is thinking of buying one from the Yellow Arrow people. It's a good car if you don't

[Narrator/Announcer]

want to drive it very far.

[Henry Aldrich]

The Yellow Arrow. And you'll tell them about our car? Oh, sure. Which model here do you think your dad would like, Freddy? I like that $2800 job. You hear that, Joe? The boys have taste. You think so? Now then, when would you like to have us send a demonstration car over for you to ride in, Jerry? Sure. Gee, are you doing anything next week, Henry? Not that I'm planning next week. It is now. Here, boys, before you go, I've got something for you right here on this table. Here's two blotters for you, young man, and two blotters for you. Well, gee whiz, what'll it be next? You'll find that we'll treat you right.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Mr. Johnson. What?

[Henry Aldrich]

Isn't that Judge Thompson across the street? Judge Thompson, sir? Sure it is. You like to have me call him? I don't think you ought to bother him right now. He's probably in a rush someplace. Well, let's call him anyhow. Well, he may not like to be pushed into a cell. Oh, George. Hey, Judge.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yes?

[Henry Aldrich]

I'd like to have you come back here to the showroom a minute.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I couldn't possibly stop right now. Has you been there?

[Henry Aldrich]

Pretty.

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Henry wanted me to look at something.

[Henry Aldrich]

Don't be late for lunch. It's too bad he isn't going to come in. Yeah, it is, isn't it? Well, I guess we better be going ourselves. Goodbye. Goodbye. Goodbye. What do you know about. Come on, Freddie, we've gotta hurry. Where are we going now? Where do you think? Why, just stop at Mr. Johnson's. Let's get the Yellow Arrow Company eating for us too.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, Henry doesn't miss a trick, does he? And while he's trying to persuade the Yellow Arrow Company to do a little eating for him, I'd like to mention something about eating myself. Something I bet all of you ladies will agree with. It's simply this. The real spice and charm of family suppers is in variety. Something new and different all the time. Lots of good desserts at your fingertips. There's the trick. And jello puddings are one mighty swell answer. Or you can have infinite variety easily and inexpensively for instance, serve Jello Vanilla Pudding with juicy raisins added or a covering of fluffy coconut, or fold in

[Henry Aldrich]

some tempting chopped dates.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Jello Vanilla Pudding has a mellow, bland flavor that combines perfectly with fruits or coconut and gives you a new treat every time. Then try Jello Chocolate Pudding, rich and dark and luscious, and a Jello Butterscotch pudding as mouth watering as golden taffy candy with a wonderful smooth richness. All three Jello puddings are quick as a flash to make. Simple directions are in every package, and when you've tried these three grand new desserts, you'll know why. Every day, more and more people are saying to their grocers, give me Jell O Puddings in all three luscious flavors. From Henry Aldrich's Activity over the last few days. His coupons should be arriving in truckloads.

[Grocery Store Announcer]

Safeway and Albertsons have made saving easier than ever with great savings on family favorites this week. 16 ounce sweet strawberries are two for $5 member price. And don't miss the incredible deal on Signature select boneless skinless chicken breast value packs for $2.97 per pound limit. One plus medium avocados or mangoes are five for pounds $5 member price. Fresh and delicious savings for every meal.

[Henry Aldrich]

Hurry in.

[Grocery Store Announcer]

These deals won't last. Visit Safeway or albertsons.com for more deals and ways to save.

[Greenlight Advertiser]

Greenlight helps kids learn about money the way most of us never did by actually using it. It's a debit card and money app that teaches kids to earn, save and spend in real life, not just swipe and hope for the best. Learning happens naturally in the moment. Parents can set limits, see spending in real time, and guide better habits along the way. One place without constant check ins or cash runs. Don't wait. Try Greenlight Risk free [e-mail] Try Greenlight.

[Narrator/Announcer]

We pick him up now as he is counting with Freddy and Judge Thompson's home.

[Henry Aldrich]

24652466 I'm getting tired, Freddy. Don't tell me you want to stop.

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Maybe.

[Henry Aldrich]

Maybe it's because I don't like to do anything that's wrong. Well, go on and count, Henry. Okay. 2,467. Listen, Freddy, do you think that what we've been doing resembles bribery? Bribery? My father thinks it does. How does he even know about it? In an unguarded moment, I told him everything. Oh, just one or two of the high spots, and he says we ought to go to your father and confess. Forget it all. We've Done is ask somebody to save a few breakfast food coupons. Sure. That's the way I think I'll look at it. And besides, Mr. Johnson hasn't even given all of his yet. That's what I say. Well, 2,468. 2,000. No matter what you say, Freddy. I'm going to tell you, Henry, you want to make the mistake of your life. But it was last Saturday that we did it, and I haven't slept since. Well, don't go down to the courthouse to confess it. You mean it would make it legal if I did it down there? He doesn't like to be bothered. He's very strict about a thing like that.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hello.

[Henry Aldrich]

Where did you come from?

[Narrator/Announcer]

I always spent Saturday afternoon at home.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mother here? She's out someplace.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Sat in there with me.

[Henry Aldrich]

Just Henry, where? Judge Thompson, could I speak with you a minute? Henry, you're only going to upset him

[Narrator/Announcer]

just as soon as I take my coat off and put these packages on.

[Henry Aldrich]

If you tell him, he's going to look at it from a purely technical point of view. Yeah, but my father's trying a case in front of him. He says I've got to get things straightened out. But you don't know what you're walking into, Father. Can't stand crime. Crime? Here, help me pick these coupons up. Stick them inside your shirt. I'll put some in mine. What we ought to have is a vacuum cleaner.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Okay.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What is it that's on your mind?

[Henry Aldrich]

Judge Thompson, my father asked me to tell you something.

[Narrator/Announcer]

All right, Henry, proceed.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I just wanted to say, is it true you're buying an automobile?

[Narrator/Announcer]

I have been thinking of it.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, I think that's a very good idea.

[Narrator/Announcer]

That reminds me, there are several packages here that were left in my name at the courthouse. I wonder whether you boys would know anything about them.

[Henry Aldrich]

Packages, Judge Thompson? Of what, Father?

[Narrator/Announcer]

That's the curious part of it. This first package was left by some representative from the Johnson Automobile Agency. It contains several breakfast food coupons.

[Henry Aldrich]

Isn't that strange?

[Narrator/Announcer]

It certainly is. Another package is from the Yellow Arrow Agency. And here is one from the Center Field Used Car Emporium.

[Henry Aldrich]

All containing coupons, Father.

[Narrator/Announcer]

All containing coupons.

[Henry Aldrich]

Do you suppose they're giving breakfast food coupons with cars this year?

[Narrator/Announcer]

You boys aren't by any chance saving breakfast food coupons, are you?

[Henry Aldrich]

Saving them?

[Narrator/Announcer]

I hope that no one in this town thinks that I have reached the

[Henry Aldrich]

age where I save them. Ah, I should think not at first.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I was afraid you boys might be taking advantage of the fact I was considering a car. But knowing you as I do, I'm sure that bribery would be the last thing either of you would stoop to.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, sir. If there's one thing that's terrible, it's bribery.

[Narrator/Announcer]

It certainly is. And it's one thing I never tolerate.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, sir.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I'll tie these up again.

[Henry Aldrich]

You mean you're going to return them?

[Narrator/Announcer]

I certainly don't know why I should keep them. But let's get back to what you were going to tell me.

[Henry Aldrich]

Wire Freddy. Do you remember what it was? It certainly skipped my memory. I had it right on the tip of my tongue. Judge Thompson, I couldn't tell you now if I had to.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Freddie, what in the world do you have wadded up inside your shirt?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, that must be my underwear.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What do you do, just carry it? There, I see. Henry's does the same thing.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yeah, mine keeps slipping down. I'll answer the phone, father.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I'll answer. Thank you. I'll take it upstairs. May be the call I'm expecting.

[Henry Aldrich]

Friendly.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Take a look out the window coming up the walk.

[Henry Aldrich]

It's Mr. Johnson. It's a fine time for him to come. Didn't I tell you I should have confessed? I certainly didn't stop you. You go to the door, Henry. You go yourself. This is your house, Henry.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Do you see who it is at the north, please?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, is somebody there? Here I am, boys. As good as my word. Yes, Sir. That's good. Mr. Johnson, we. We don't feel we should be of any more trouble to you. Now, don't you worry about that. The car is right out in front. By the way, here are some more blotters for you. Yes, father. Who's at the door? A man with some blotters. Wasn't that your dad that called? Yes, sir. Ask him to come along with us. I don't think he'd have time, Mr. Johnson. I'll do him good to get out for a ride. I don't think we better even bother you. And let me step in and ask.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Penny, do you mind closing a door? Closing a draft up here.

[Henry Aldrich]

See how nervous he is? And if we like the car, that's all that counts with him. Well, okay. You wait in the car and we'll be with you just as soon as we get our things on. Hurry up, Penny. Got your coat? You gotta get out of here. Freddie, take a look out the window. Hi. There are two more men coming up the walk and they both got cars out by the curb. They're crazy. There are four Cars out there and two station wagons are just pulling up. Let's go out the back door and leave him here with my father? Well, I don't want them. You suppose we could get in Mr. Johnson's car and tell all the rest to follow?

[Narrator/Announcer]

And what?

[Henry Aldrich]

And give them each a try along the way? Sure. Have a demonstration of nine cars all at once, I suppose. How do you do? I was sent up here from the Marvel Car Cutter Agency. And I'm from the Honest Coating Company. Yes, sir. We'll be right out as soon as we get our coats. And. And could you please tell the others to wait in their cars? And would you mind my asking about how many cars your father is buying? Just one.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Just one.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yeah, but he's going to be very open minded about it. Sure, I can see that. Boy, I'll say. Come on, Frank. Out.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Lord.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, yes, sir.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Why don't you take a look out

[Henry Aldrich]

the window, out the back window, out the front window.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Those tires out there. What do you suppose it is? Rain?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, maybe it's a traffic jam. I wonder who that could be. I didn't see anyone come up the walk.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Suppose you let me go to the door.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, I'd just as soon answer it. Judge Thompson.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Henry, you bumped into a chair.

[Henry Aldrich]

I'll pick it up and I will go to the door. Well, Freddy, here's where everything busts open. And all because of an idea you had. I didn't think of all of it. At least I did think of this part.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, how do you do?

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

How do you do, judge? Henry is Mrs. Thompson.

[Henry Aldrich]

It's your mother.

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

I'm just passing by and I wondered whether she might be in.

[Henry Aldrich]

Would you like to have me go home with you? Mother? Wait a minute. You're not going to leave me with all the gang out there? But my mother may want some help.

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Henry. I don't need any help.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I'm sorry, Mrs. Thompson is out.

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Perfectly all right, Judge Thompson. My goodness, Henry, let me fix your shirt.

[Henry Aldrich]

I can fix it all right. Thank you.

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

What did it do, dear? Shrink.

[Narrator/Announcer]

That's the way they wear them this year.

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

By the way, Henry, this isn't why I dropped in, but have you seen your father's humidor around the house any place?

[Henry Aldrich]

His humidor? You mean that big? Sort of a mahogany box?

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Yes.

[Henry Aldrich]

I wonder whether that's the same one that's up under my bed.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I hope, Henry, you haven't taken to smoking your father's cigars.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, no, Judge Thompson. I've just been using it to keep my coupons in your coupons. Did I say coupons? Yes, Henry, you said coupons. Well, that's what I mean. Coupons. Soap coupons, Henry. Yeah. Soap coupons. What soap deal. Why, I wonder what that would be. Couldn't I answer that door, please?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Stay right where you are, son.

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Yes, dear? Never open a door that belongs to somebody else.

[Narrator/Announcer]

How do you do that?

[Henry Aldrich]

Judge Thompson, about how much longer is it going to be? For what? Why, for the demonstration.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You're planning a demonstration? A political demonstration? A power demonstration.

[Henry Aldrich]

What the car can do.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You don't say so, of course.

[Henry Aldrich]

Maybe there's a mistake someplace. You don't have two boys here, do you?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Two boys? Yes.

[Henry Aldrich]

Don't tell me I've been eating breakfast food three times a day just for nothing.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Boyer.

[Henry Aldrich]

You want us, Father? Oh, there you are, Freddie. Look, there's a man here to give us a demonstration. I guess. Hello there.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You boys are buying a car?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, not for ourselves. We're just looking into it for somebody. For my Sunday school teacher, Mr. Sutherland. Are you coming? Goodbye, Father. Goodbye. Goodbye, Mother.

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Goodbye.

[Henry Aldrich]

Isn't it funny your father didn't say more? Now, listen, is your dad buying a car or isn't he?

[Narrator/Announcer]

That's just what I was going to ask.

[Henry Aldrich]

Sure, he's gonna buy a car. Are you sure? Because my family's eaten enough breakfast food in the last week to use up the commission on three cars. The trouble is, my father's sending all a few pounds back to you.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Good.

[Henry Aldrich]

That's just fine. And until he buys a car, we keep them. And you can thank yourselves for that noise. Don't you think we'd better tell a few of them to go home, Henry? No, Freddy. I've got a swell idea. Another one. Let's get in Mr. Johnson's car and tell the rest to follow him.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Where to?

[Henry Aldrich]

Out to the edge of town. All of them? Sure. And on the way, Mr. Johnson, would you mind driving me by my girl's house over on Walnut? Now, listen, boys. You've timed all nine of us in first gear. You've timed all nine of us in second gear. You've even timed all nine of us in reverse. There isn't anything more a car can do. There's just one thing more, Mr. Johnson. There is? Sure. This is a peach of a road, and there's hardly any track upon it. Couldn't all nine of you line up and we'll have a race?

[Narrator/Announcer]

A race?

[Henry Aldrich]

Nine cars have a race on a public highway? Why not? Are you crazy? And anyhow, there aren't nine of us anymore. What became of the rest? They've given up breakfast food and have gone back to their normal life. You mean the sale is between us too? It is. Well, why can't we see you two race? Oh, no, you're afraid to. What do you mean, I'm afraid to? Certainly looked it wouldn't be a race. I'd leave them so far behind. Says who? I do when line up.

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Then you will race.

[Henry Aldrich]

If it's speed you want, we'll give it to you. How fast does judge Thompson usually drive a car? Oh, quite fast. As a rule, he does. Well, then this is the car for him. Here he is. All set? He's all ready, Henry. I'll start him. Oh, no, no, no. Let me start them. It was my idea, Freddie. Okay, get on your mark. Get set. Got her, Mr. Johnson? I've got her.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Go.

[Henry Aldrich]

Hey, Freddy, can't you. Can't you sort of open her up, Mr. Johnson? It is open. Yeah, but he's way ahead. We'll beat him. And I'll give you the collar. Look at her. Pick up, Rick. We're passing him. We're passing him.

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Keep her open.

[Henry Aldrich]

Keep her open. Mr. Johnson.

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

He's shooting ahead.

[Henry Aldrich]

I haven't even started to go. Maybe there's a buyer someplace.

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

It's a policeman.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yeah, he's racing, too.

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

You mean.

[Henry Aldrich]

You mean we can't finish the race? All right, stay right we are. What is this anyhow? Oh, we were just racing, officer. That's going to be a big help. You know what the law permits. Yes, sir. All right, follow me back to town. We're gonna have an escort. Certainly are. Pull over to one side and let this cottage come and go by. Freddie, look who it is. Who is it, Judge? You couldn't have come along at a better time. Uh oh, here's my father.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Something going wrong, Boyd?

[Henry Aldrich]

Where did you get the new car, dad?

[Narrator/Announcer]

I bought it with him. It was delivered just after you left.

[Henry Aldrich]

It was? Is that right, judge? You ought to take $10 from both of these men.

[Narrator/Announcer]

They were demonstrating with the boys. Were they?

[Henry Aldrich]

We were.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, report at the courthouse tomorrow morning, gentlemen, and I'll give you both a good talking to.

[Henry Aldrich]

What becomes of the coupons?

[Narrator/Announcer]

We say we'll turn those over to the police department. Perhaps they can get some new instruments for the men.

[Henry Aldrich]

Where did you buy your car, Judge Thompson?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Didn't you know, Henry? During the week your Sunday school teacher sells cars.

[Henry Aldrich]

Him?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yes.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, what do you know about that? Henry?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Aldrich will be back with us in just A moment. We don't like to think, ladies and gentlemen, that Jell O footage could ever create what might be termed a. Well, a domestic situation. But, well, just listen to our latest letter of the week. The author, Mr. Rodman Powell of San Francisco is here in our Hollywood studio right now enjoying a visit to the city of Stars as a guest of those star desserts, Jello puddings. And I'm going to ask him if he'll just read us what he wrote.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mr. Powell, my favorite Jello pudding is chocolate. And it used to be that when my wife served it, she always made my dish a bit larger than the rest. Well, that started trouble right away. First, my daughter gave me a big hug and kiss and wanted to trade dishes with me. Next week, my son offered me a free copy of the magazine he sells if I trade with him. So now we always make up two packages for each meal instead of one, you know, and we all have extra big dishes. My wife doesn't mind because it's as easy to prepare two boxes as one. And in this way, everybody's happy.

[Narrator/Announcer]

So everything's all right now.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mr. To tell the truth, I don't

[Narrator/Announcer]

know whether it is or not.

[Henry Aldrich]

There's some talk about three packages for each meal and we may end up with four, one for each of us. Because when it comes to devil puddings, about the only word my family seems

[Narrator/Announcer]

to know is more. Well, that just proves that you folks know a good thing when you taste it. And speaking of more. More and more families every day are discovering the smooth, mellow delight of Jell O chocolate pudding, exclaiming over its rich, old fashioned, chocolatey flavor. They like Jello, vanilla and butterscotch pudding, too, and they enjoy them often because they're easy and economical to serve. So try these three delicious new Jello puddings yourself, ladies and gentlemen. You say you never tasted anything so good.

[Henry Aldrich]

You know, Mary, Mr. Putney says I have a perfect lip for it.

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

A perfect lip for what, Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

For the cornet, Mary. He says he'll have me playing Jingle Bells by Christmas.

[Mary Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Where will the rest of us be by then?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yeah, but once you get used to the cornet, it'll develop your musical appreciation.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, musical appreciation with fanfares, frills, trills and many laughs will be coming your way next week. So be sure to listen at the same time for more adventures of Henry Alvin. The Aldrich Family, starring Ezra Stone is written by Clifford Goldsmith. Original music composed and conducted by Felix Mills. Don Wilson speaking and wishing you good night for those delicious new desserts. All America's talking about Jell o Pudding.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Access to affordable credit helps me pay my employees, but I don't really need it.

[Grocery Store Announcer]

Inflation is killing me, but who cares? Big retailers are making record profits. That's why we support the Durbin Marshall credit card bill.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

See, banks and credit unions help small businesses make payroll. This bill would cut the vital resources

[Henry Aldrich]

they need while increasing megastore profits. They deserve it, don't they?

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Tell Congress, stop the Durbin Marshall money grab for corporate megastores paid for by the Electronic Payments Coalition.