Aldrich Family 40-02-27 (035) Carrier Pigeons

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Aldrich Family 40-02-27 (035) Carrier Pigeons
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Air Date: March 7, 2026
Original Show Air Date: February 27, 1940
Featured Story: "Carrier Pigeons" from The Aldrich Family

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Episode Overview

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio features the classic radio sitcom The Aldrich Family, specifically the episode titled "Carrier Pigeons." It transports listeners to a time when families gathered around the radio for laughter and wholesome tales, centering tonight on Henry Aldrich's latest entrepreneurial scheme—offering a carrier pigeon message service. Meanwhile, the household is in a mild uproar with the arrival of a new maid, Martha, who is not pleased to discover rabbits in the basement and pigeons in the attic. The episode masterfully mixes domestic comedy, family dynamics, and the timeless misadventures of a well-meaning teenage boy.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Highlights

1. Desk Cleaning and Saving Sentimental Items

• Setting: Opens in Henry’s bedroom with Mrs. Aldrich questioning Henry about the clutter in his desk.
• Henry stubbornly defends keeping odd items (broken pen, lead pipe, rocks, a World's Fair ticket, a Canadian penny), illustrating his sentimental attachment and three-generation family hoarding.
• Quote:
  • Mrs. Aldrich: “What are you saving this ticket to the World's Fair for?”
    Henry: “I might use it.”
    Mrs. Aldrich: “But it’s to the Chicago World's Fair. It was over several years ago.”
    Henry: “Even if I don’t use it, I'd like to have it for a souvenir.” (02:18–02:29)

2. New Maid Martha & The Animal Dilemma

• Mr. Aldrich laments the loss of his blotter and other items after a cleaning spree. The new maid, Martha, is bewildered by the rabbits in the cellar.
• Martha voices her objections to living with rabbits (and later, pigeons).
• Henry tries to bribe Martha with sentimental desk items and part of his allowance to tolerate the animals—with little success.
• Quote:
  • Henry: “Would you be interested in 20 cents a week and your choice of anything in my desk?”
    Martha: “What you got?” (06:14–06:19)
• Humorous negotiation over the value of a Canadian penny and a piece of "genuine Vermont granite."

3. The Carrier Pigeon Plan (07:44–13:38)

• Henry and his friend Tommy have taken out a newspaper ad for a “Carrier Pigeon Service: Messages delivered to any point in Centerville. Low rates.”
• Mrs. Aldrich and Mr. Aldrich are skeptical about the enterprise, questioning the practicality.
• Henry explains the relay system: a pigeon brings a message to their house, then a boy on a bicycle delivers it further.
• Quote:
  • Mr. Aldrich (sarcastically): “Supposing there’s an answer?”
    Henry: “Don’t you think that would be an exceptional case? After all, most people just send the message and that’s all there is to it.” (12:12–12:25)

4. Martha’s Reluctance and the Family’s Response

• With animals multiplying, tension rises over whether Martha will stay.
• The family debates whether to accommodate Martha’s demands or Henry’s ventures.
• Mrs. Aldrich wryly notes, “If we let her have her way on the pigeon, she'll want her way on everything.” (15:54–15:58)
• Mr. Aldrich confesses to bribing Martha with a dollar raise and his prized trout fly, which she wants as a hat ornament.

5. Pigeon Mission Goes Awry (17:14–24:31)

• The maiden voyage of the message pigeon (“Baby”) devolves into farce.
• The bird lands on the roof of the neighbors (the Kilmers), and elaborate efforts to retrieve it result in near-accidents, disputes about climbing ladders, and concerns over trespassing.
• Mrs. Aldrich's attempt to throw a stone to get the bird moving ends with breaking a neighbor’s window, and the pigeon flies away.
• Memorable Exchange:
  • Henry: “Could you throw a stick?”
    Mrs. Aldrich: “There aren’t any sticks.”
    Henry: “Could you just toss a stone in her direction?”
    Mrs. Aldrich: “All right, dear, enough.”
    (The stone ends up breaking the wrong window). (23:48–24:10)

6. Resolution: All for Martha (and Stew)

• To keep Martha (and enjoy her stew), Mr. Aldrich pays her more and offers trinkets.
• Ultimately, Henry is made to give up both his pigeons and rabbits to ensure Martha stays—though she remains nervous, requesting that Henry sit outside her door at night.
• Scene closes on Martha and Henry sharing a moment of comic trepidation about the dark and the possibility of loose animals.
• Quote:
  • Mrs. Aldrich: “Tell Martha there isn’t a pigeon left in the house.”
    Henry: “No. My father made me give them all away… Even gave his rabbits away, just so you’d stay.” (24:52–25:10)

7. Hilarious Climax: Chaos in the Attic

• Baby, the homing pigeon, returns—right into Martha’s room, confirming her worst fears.
• The final straw comes as chaos erupts with Martha, Henry, and the animals in the dark, leading Martha to finally decide to leave—much to the family’s resigned amusement.
• Quote:
  • Mrs. Aldrich: “What are you having for dinner, Mrs. Aldrich? Pigeon pie.” (23:38–23:42)

8. Tag Line & Preview

• Comic denouement where Henry, undeterred, contemplates taking a correspondence course to be a railway clerk, prompting more head-shaking from the adults.

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Notable Quotes

• Henry (to Martha): “Very few people get to like a rabbit right away, Martha. But once you get to know those I have, you’ll say, gee whiz. Thanks, Henry, for letting me get to know them.” (05:42–05:51)
• Mrs. Aldrich (on house chaos): “Your room looked almost as bad as the room Henry keeps his rabbits in down in the cellar." (03:30–03:38)
• Mr. Aldrich: “Alice, if I don’t stop now, I’ll end by climbing everything in town.” (23:42–23:46)
• Martha (exasperated): “If you don't mind, Ms. Aldrich, frankly, I think I'll go.” (28:25–28:32)
• Mrs. Aldrich: “What year will that be?”
  Mr. Aldrich: “I have no idea, but she's staying until then.” (17:40–17:44)

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Important Segments and Timestamps

• [01:04] – Opening narration, introduction to animals in the Aldrich house
• [02:18–03:30] – Henry’s collectibles and cleaning disputes
• [04:50–06:14] – Maid Martha discovers the rabbits, Henry’s bribe attempts
• [07:44–13:38] – Henry and Tommy’s pigeon business plan and family’s reactions
• [15:38–17:44] – Parental negotiations about Martha and the pigeons
• [18:23–24:31] – The “Baby” pigeon rescue farce, neighborly mishaps
• [25:10–26:15] – Martha’s fear of the dark, Henry’s reluctant night watch
• [27:20–28:32] – Baby returns to Martha's room, Martha resigns
• [30:08] – Henry’s new career plan as a railway clerk

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Tone and Style

The episode retains a warm, homespun, and witty tone, true to the gentle parody of small-town family life. The humor is driven by misunderstandings, generational clashes, and Henry's innocent yet hapless schemes. Each character’s quirks come through in natural, brisk dialogue, with a focus on comedic timing, slapstick scenarios, and sentimental touches.

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Takeaway

"Carrier Pigeons" is a comedic slice of 1940s Americana, showcasing classic family squabbles, youthful enterprise, and the delightful chaos of pets and household help. The episode is a testament to the enduring charm of simple storytelling and well-drawn characters, leaving listeners amused, nostalgic, and grateful they don’t have pigeons in their attic.

Transcript

[Radio Announcer]

The 20% off wine sale is back at Grocery Outlet, your extreme value headquarters. Now through March 10th, every bottle of delicious wine is 20% off. That's right, every single bottle. Chardonnays, Cabernets, roses and everything in between. Whether you're hosting friends or unwinding after a long week. You don't have to spend big to pour something great, save more and sip more at Grocery Outlet. This deal is only available until March 10, while supplies last. So hurry to your local grocery outlet today.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Grocery Outlet Bargain market. Henry. Henry aldridge.

[Henry Aldrich]

Coming, mother.

[Narrator]

The Aldrich Family, Starring Ezra Stone. Written by Clifford Goldsmith. Brought to you by the makers of those delicious new desserts all America's talking about. Jell O Pudding. In the town of Centerville, most of the residents are ready for March to come in like a lion and go out like a lamb. But in the Aldrich family home on Elm street, these traditional animals have been relegated to the background. For Henry Aldrich has real rabbits hopping around the basement and live pigeons flapping about the attic. Our scene tonight opens in Henry's room with Mrs. Aldrich speaking to her son.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Do you want this broken fountain pen, dear?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Mother.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

You want this piece of lead pipe?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Mother.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Will you tell me what on earth for?

[Henry Aldrich]

Mother, please. I want everything in my desk.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

But, Henry, your desk is a sight.

[Henry Aldrich]

Let me explain something. Right this minute, I'm very busy. But the first time I'm not busy, I'll clean it out.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

You've been saying that for six months.

[Henry Aldrich]

But gee whiz, when you get through, I won't know where anything is.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

What are you saving this ticket to the World's Fair for?

[Henry Aldrich]

I might use it.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

But it's to the Chicago World's Fair. It was over several years ago.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yeah, I know. It's to the Chicago World's Fair. Even if I don't use it, I'd like to have it for a souvenir.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

What about these three pieces of rock?

[Henry Aldrich]

Mother? I brought all those back from Vermont last summer. I carried them back purposely. Where did you put them?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

In this lower drawer.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, there's a very good example of what I'm trying to tell you. Supposing I should suddenly need those rocks in a hurry? I'd have to go through everything I own.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Henry, you're exactly like your grandmother.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Alice, are you in Henry's room?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Yes, Sam.

[Henry Aldrich]

Did you want me, Father?

[Mr. Aldrich]

No, Henry. Alice, I realize you've wanted a maid for some time and that we now finally have one. But I do wish you'd ask her not to go in that spare room I used to work in.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

What's happened now?

[Mr. Aldrich]

She's just gone through the place like a tornado. She's taken half the things off my desk.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

The fact is, dear, I cleaned out your desk.

[Mr. Aldrich]

You cleaned it up?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Of course.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Well, what did you do with my pen?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

I put it in the pen holder.

[Mr. Aldrich]

What did you put it there for?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

My goodness. Sam, don't you want Martha to have any respect for us?

[Narrator]

Respect for us?

[Mr. Aldrich]

After all, are we hiring her or is she hiring us?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

But, dear, she's the only maid I've ever had. And this is her first day here. And your room looked almost as bad as the room Henry keeps his rabbits in down in the cellar.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mother, do we have to tell her about my rabbits?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Whether we do or not, Henry, I think you'd better be prepared for the day when she finds them.

[Henry Aldrich]

Come. Couldn't you put it up to her? Just tell her that if the rabbits will stay in their room and Father will stay in his, wouldn't she be happy?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Incidentally, who changed the blotter on my desk?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

I did.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Well, I didn't want to see it thrown out. I liked that old blotter.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

All right, dear, go it down and get it out of the trash barrel. If you want to, you may sleep with it under your pillow. But I certainly hope you won't let Martha see it.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Unfortunately, it had all my telephone numbers written on it.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

What do you want done with this Canadian penny, Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

I might go to Canada sometime.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Ms. Aldrich. Yes, Martha? Mr. Aldrich? In here.

[Mr. Aldrich]

I'm right here, Martha.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Mr. Aldrich, somebody wants you downstairs at the front door.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Gentleman?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

He's sort of a gentleman.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Well, did you ask him to step inside?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Yes. Ms. Aldrich, could I take up some of your time for something? What is it, Martha? I don't like to complain, but frankly, when I come to you this morning, you said there was only four in the family. That's all there are. But how about all those rabbits down in the cellar?

[Henry Aldrich]

Rabbits, Martha?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Yes, and didn't anybody know they was down there? Of course we knew they were down there.

[Henry Aldrich]

But, Martha, don't you like rabbits?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

My brother kept rabbits once, and frankly, I got awful tired of them.

[Henry Aldrich]

But they don't ever come upstairs and get in your way, do they?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Not yet, but two of them's working their way toward the cellar stairs. Martha, we're not keeping those rabbits always. Henry is simply going to raise them and then sell them very soon. Do they stay here nice?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, yes. They like it here very Much.

[Narrator]

Alex.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Yes, Sam?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Could you come down here, please?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Right away. I ain't gonna stay here with them rabbits.

[Henry Aldrich]

Martha. Martha, why don't you look at it this way? You know how lucky a rabbit's foot is.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

The rabbits my brother had. It was always just a lot of work.

[Henry Aldrich]

How long did you live with your brother?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Frankly, just a little while. I tried, but I couldn't get myself adjusted to it.

[Henry Aldrich]

But very few people get to like a rabbit right away, Martha. But once you get to know those I have, you'll say, gee whiz. Thanks, Henry, for letting me get to know them.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Well, I'll finish out today, but I can't stand it longer than that.

[Henry Aldrich]

Look, Martha, is there anything I could give you to make it worth your while?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Like what?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I could give you part of my allowance each week.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

How much would that be?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I. I could give you 20 cents of it.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

20 cents?

[Henry Aldrich]

And I'll do all the work that's in connection with the rabbits. Gee whiz, Martha. Isn't that a bargain?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Frankly, I wouldn't be interested.

[Henry Aldrich]

Would. Would you be interested in 20 cents a week in your choice of anything in my desk here?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

What you got?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, gee, I got a million things. How about a Canadian penny?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

How many you got?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, just one, but don't let that mislead you. It's only a penny in Canada. But here, Martha, how much is it here? Well, I wouldn't want to say. In this country, a thing like that is very rare.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Yeah.

[Henry Aldrich]

In fact, that's only the fourth one I've ever seen in my life. And you know how long I've been kicking around.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

What else you got?

[Henry Aldrich]

What else have I? Well, would you like a piece of genuine Vermont granite?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Martha, that's just a piece of stone, ain't it?

[Henry Aldrich]

Not in Vermont, it isn't. In Vermont, that's granite. And you can't get better granite unless you want to import it. You certainly wouldn't want to go to all that trouble.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

You got anything else?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, there's a compass here, only I wouldn't want to give you that. It's broken. Gee whiz, if you got lost with that, where would you be?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

I don't want to do that.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, here's something for you. Gee whiz. What is it? How would you like a ticket to the World's Fair?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

To the World's Fair?

[Narrator]

Sure.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

You going to give me this?

[Henry Aldrich]

Of course, if you'll only stay with the rabbits.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Martha, may I speak with you just a minute, Ms. Aldrich. Martha, that visitor downstairs did not want to see Mr. Aldrich. He wanted to see Henry. Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Somebody's here to see me, Mother.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Come right on up, Tommy.

[Narrator]

Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Up here.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

I'm up in my room, Tom.

[Henry Aldrich]

Martha, Is it all set?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Well, I see it to the fair open.

[Henry Aldrich]

Henry, take a look at this. What is it? It's the morning paper. Not so loud, Tommy. But it's got the ad we put in. Yeah? Let's see. I'm telling you, Henry, we're gonna make money. Hand over fit. Has anyone phoned your house yet? Oh, it's too early. But I'm asking you, Henry, who else in town would have thought of using carrier pigeons this way? Not so loud, I tell you. What's the matter? I mean, what's the matter? We've got a new maid, and she ought to get used to one thing at a time. Doesn't she like pigeons? We don't know yet. She doesn't know you've got some up in the attic. She'll find it out, Tommy. She'll find it out. They're in the room right next to hers.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Oh, Henry, is your mother in there?

[Henry Aldrich]

No, she isn't, Father. Tommy, fold the paper up quick and stick it on my desk.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Where'd she go? Who?

[Henry Aldrich]

Mother.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

What is it, Sam?

[Mr. Aldrich]

I dug my old blotter out of the trash barrel. I also found one of my good trout flies in there.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

I almost hook myself on that thing every time I go into your desk drawer.

[Mr. Aldrich]

You've no right to go in there, dear. That's my drawer, and everything in there is mine.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Mr. Aldridge.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Yes, Martha?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Polly wants to speak to you on the telephone.

[Mr. Aldrich]

I'll be right there.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Henry, isn't that the morning paper sticking out of your desk?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, that isn't ours, Mother. That's Tommy's. I'll take it, Mrs. Aldridge. There's no use bothering you with that.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

May I see it, please?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, Mother, have you ever noticed how this piece of granite sparkles?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Henry, I'm looking at the advertisements before I do my shop.

[Henry Aldrich]

Wouldn't you like to have me look at them for you?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

I certainly would not.

[Henry Aldrich]

Have you noticed the ads on this other page, Mrs. Alden?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Over here.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yeah.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Why should I buy a piano?

[Henry Aldrich]

I don't know. They say they're good pianos.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Alice, will you please tell Martha not to call me every time the phone rings?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Who was that call for?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Tommy Walsh's. Mother wants to talk with him.

[Henry Aldrich]

She wants to talk to me, Mr. Aldridge. She wants me.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Yes, Tommy.

[Henry Aldrich]

Henry, the first one's come.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

The first one's come.

[Mr. Aldrich]

What has come?

[Henry Aldrich]

A message he was expecting.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Sam, did you see this advertisement?

[Mr. Aldrich]

What advertisement?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

I think it might interest Henry, too.

[Henry Aldrich]

What's it for, Mother?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

A clearance of men's and young men's shoes. Shoes?

[Henry Aldrich]

Let me say it here.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Henry, are you too warm?

[Henry Aldrich]

Warm?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Mother, what's the matter with you?

[Henry Aldrich]

I just thought I'd go down and see Tommy. Father, could I have the paper, please?

[Mr. Aldrich]

One moment. Here. Alice, did you see this?

[Henry Aldrich]

What?

[Mr. Aldrich]

This notice. It says, carry a pigeon service. Messages delivered to any point in Centerville. Low rates. Our birds can make 60 miles per hour under favorable conditions. Signed Ulrich and Walsh, Incorporated.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Sam, read that again.

[Mr. Aldrich]

I'd rather not.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Henry, do you still have those pigeons up in the attic?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, less than a dozen, Mother.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

What do you suppose Martha's going to do when she finds them?

[Henry Aldrich]

But, Mother, Tommy and I can make some money.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Henry, you don't imagine anyone is actually going to use any such messenger service, do you?

[Henry Aldrich]

Why not? We only charge 10 cents a message and the whole thing's clear profit.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Do you mean to say, dear, your pigeons can go any place you send them?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I couldn't go so far as to say that, Mother. But they're trained almost that.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Well, when Martha leaves, can your pigeons be trained to do the housework?

[Henry Aldrich]

Could I keep the pigeons in my room, Mother?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

No, dear.

[Henry Aldrich]

Henry, may I come in? Yes, Tommy. Listen, Henry, Mrs. Persons wants us to deliver a very important message for you. It's all off, Tommy.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Tommy, what is the message Mrs. Persons wants delivered?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, she didn't say. She just said we should come over right away.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

May I ask how a pigeon could possibly deliver a message for us?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, it'd be simple, Mother. We've got Dizzy Stevens working for us on a commission. Say he takes one of our pigeons over to Mrs. Persons and fastens the message on her foot, see?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Onto Mrs. Persons Foot.

[Henry Aldrich]

No, onto the pigeons.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

How does it know where to go?

[Henry Aldrich]

It comes here whether the message is

[Mr. Aldrich]

for us or not.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, this is a relay junction. One of us then detaches the bird from the message, jumps on a bicycle and delivers it. Sure, sure. That's all there is to it, Mr. Aldrich.

[Mr. Aldrich]

You don't say so.

[Henry Aldrich]

Could anything be more simple?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

And where is Mrs. Persons all this time?

[Henry Aldrich]

That's the beautiful part of it. Once the message leaves her hands, she can forget the whole thing.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Supposing there's an answer.

[Henry Aldrich]

What's that?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Supposing there's an answer.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, Mr. Aldrich, don't you think that would be an exceptional case. I mean, after all, most people just send the message and that's all there is to it. Sure, that's what I should think.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Well, Martha will never stand for our keeping those pigeons.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Alice, what does Martha have to do with it? The boys have an idea here.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Don't you want me to keep a maid?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Well, I don't think she should be spoiled.

[Henry Aldrich]

That's what I think.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Can't you explain to Martha what Henry wants to do?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Well, if I can't understand it, certainly Martha can.

[Narrator]

Mother.

[Henry Aldrich]

Look at it this way, Henry.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

There's no use arguing. Martha is not going to like pigeons.

[Henry Aldrich]

But, Mother.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Henry, let me talk to your mother. Alice, I don't think what Henry wants to do is going to laugh. But I do think he should be allowed to try it. And I don't see why Martha should

[Henry Aldrich]

be afraid of pigeons.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Would you like it if a pigeon should get into your room in the middle of the night?

[Mr. Aldrich]

What harm could it do?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Well, I'm sure I wouldn't like it.

[Henry Aldrich]

Where does the trouble seem to be, Henry? No place, Tommy. We just have a temperamental maid.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Henry, if you must go through with this, supposing you wait while I have a talk with Martha.

[Mr. Aldrich]

If you want my advice, don't mention the pigeons to her and she won't even notice they're there. What on earth is that?

[Henry Aldrich]

It's coming from the ax.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

I think it's Martha.

[Henry Aldrich]

She's found the pigeons.

[Narrator]

A week or so ago, ladies and gentlemen, one of our listeners gave a party. And a few days afterwards, she received a note of thanks from one of the guests. Now, you've all heard people refer to such a note as a bread and butter letter. But this one was a pudding letter, because here's the way it read.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Dear Helen, just a line or two to tell you how much Bob and I enjoyed the party. It certainly was a big success and we all had a grand time. Incidentally, the real hit of the evening was that wonderful pudding you served for dessert. Bob keeps asking me to find out how you made it. So why don't you be a good girl and send me the recipe? Love, Julia.

[Narrator]

Well, the next day, Helen answered her friend's letter. And if you could have peeked over her shoulder, you'd have read this.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Dear Julia, the pudding was called Jello Orange Vanilla Whip. And I heard about it on the radio on the program called the Aldrich Family. Here's the way Harry von Zell said to make it.

[Narrator]

Well, first you take one package each of orange jello And Jell O vanilla pudding and make them up as you usually do. Then chill the orange jello and whip it as directed on the box. Next, you chill the Jello vanilla pudding and add it to the whipped jello, beating constantly until blended. Then mold and there you have a truly swell dessert. A glorious combination of golden orange Jell O and smooth, creamy Jell O vanilla pudding. Easy to make and downright inexpensive. P.S. now, why not try some yourself, friends, and see how soon it becomes one of your special favorites. For rich, tangy flavor, for rare, distinctive goodness, Jello Orange Vanilla whip is absolutely tops. Now getting back to the problems of Henry, the Aldrich's have a new maid who apparently does not like pigeons. The scene opens on the second floor of the Aldrich home.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Sam, I've about decided you were right.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Regarding what, Alice?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Well, I don't think we should make Henry get rid of those pigeons just because Martha doesn't like them.

[Mr. Aldrich]

You certainly aren't going to let her go, are you?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

I thought you said I should.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Well, that was before she made that beef stew we had for lunch. That was the best beef stew Alice, I ever ate in my life.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

But if we let her have her way on the pigeon, she'll want her way on everything.

[Mr. Aldrich]

It might interest you to know, Alice, that Martha no longer objects to the pigeons.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

How do you know?

[Mr. Aldrich]

I had a little talk with her.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

What did you tell her?

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[Mrs. Aldrich]

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[Mr. Aldrich]

Well, I told her we'd give her a dollar a week more.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Sam Aldrich. You should never have told her that.

[Mr. Aldrich]

But I like her stew.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

I Still don't believe she's going to stay in a house with something she's scared to death of for only $1 a week extra.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Well, if you must know, I gave her something else.

[Henry Aldrich]

What?

[Mr. Aldrich]

My trout fly. She wanted it for a hat ornament.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Well, at least I won't be hooked on it anymore.

[Mr. Aldrich]

I also gave her a timetable.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

I thought she was staying.

[Mr. Aldrich]

She is until the Chicago World's Fair reopens.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

What year will that be?

[Mr. Aldrich]

I have no idea, but she's staying until then.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Mother, where are you? Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

I'm coming down the attic stairs. Have any pigeons flown in any windows down here yet?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

None that I've seen.

[Henry Aldrich]

Isn't that strange?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

How's your messenger service working?

[Henry Aldrich]

Fine. I wonder how you can account for a thing like that. You got to give our bird time, Henry. But Baby's the fastest bird we have.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Nothing seem to have gone wrong, Henry?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Oh, nothing, Father.

[Henry Aldrich]

Nothing. Just seems to be a minor delay. The only thing that's wrong is we don't know where our pigeon went. Of course, maybe Dizzy Stevens hasn't even got her over to Mrs. Persons yet. That's what happened. Sure. Dizzy probably took the nickel we paid him and is out blowing it in. Come on up. Back up into the attic, boys.

[Mr. Aldrich]

You haven't forgotten your promise to stay out of Martha's room while you're up there?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, we haven't been near her door, Father. Henry, what do you suppose has become of Baby Gee whiz. There's probably a strong headwind holding her back. But Mrs. Persons Only lives a mile from here. Maybe she arrived when we weren't looking and couldn't see that this attic window here was open. She can find this house. She certainly ought to be able to tell whether a window was open. Tommy. Tommy, take a look outside. At what? Look. She's coming 90 miles an hour. That isn't the direction Mrs. Persons lives in. What difference does it make? She's coming, isn't she? She probably went around so she could come in on the wind. Where is she now? She's straight up there. Henry. Henry, I think I can see the message. Father.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Mother, come up for the landing.

[Henry Aldrich]

Stand back from the window, Tommy, so we don't frighten her. Where is she? She's overhead.

[Mr. Aldrich]

She.

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee whiz, she went right by. To where? I don't know. She didn't stop just when we need her. As a matter of fact, that might have been some other bird. You know, what we need is a pair of binoculars.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Has she landed, Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

Not yet. Father, it was just an airplane or something.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Martha's on her way up there.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, well, come right up.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Martha. All alone?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Martha wants you to come down and meet her.

[Henry Aldrich]

Sure, I'll escort you up. Martha.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Ain't none of them piggins loose up there, is it?

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee whiz, no, Martha. Every bird up here is in her own cage. And look, Martha, they won't hurt you. I put my fingers right through the bars and they don't even touch me.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Just let me in my room here.

[Henry Aldrich]

There you are, Martha.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Close that door.

[Henry Aldrich]

Sure. Henry, take a look out the window. Where? She's right over there on the roof

[Mrs. Aldrich]

of the next house. Tommy.

[Henry Aldrich]

Tommy. There she is. Hiya, baby. Father.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Mother.

[Henry Aldrich]

Hey, everybody look outside. Come on, baby. Come on.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Martha. Martha, what's the matter?

[Henry Aldrich]

Leave your window open in case baby wants to come in that way.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

I'm going back to clothing right now.

[Henry Aldrich]

Tommy, is Baby coming? Here, baby. Here, baby. She just sits on the roof of Mrs. Kilmer's house. Maybe she wants a rest for a minute after flying just one mile. Can you see the message? Sure. Look, Henry, she's coming. She's coming. Yeah. Only to the end of the roof, though. Well, that's in our direction, isn't it? Her instincts are right.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Boys, do you have your bird yet?

[Henry Aldrich]

Where are you, Father?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Down here on the back walk.

[Henry Aldrich]

She just flew onto the windowsill. Maybe she likes that house. Maybe she thinks we live there. Mr. Aldrich, could you get a stick and poker?

[Mr. Aldrich]

There's no stick down here that long.

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee, if everybody would keep quiet a second, maybe she'd come over here. Naturally, Henry. She coming? She walked this way. That means she's getting ready. See that? What'd she do? She sat down. Mr. Aldrich, could you ring the bell next door and ask the people to push her off the windowsill?

[Mr. Aldrich]

I happen to know the Kilmers are

[Henry Aldrich]

out at a time like this. Father, could you go inside and push her off?

[Mr. Aldrich]

I could not.

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee whiz. Do you suppose she's going to nest

[Mrs. Aldrich]

on that window sill?

[Henry Aldrich]

Maybe she's going to lay an egg. Father, do you see that ladder right there by the side of our house?

[Mr. Aldrich]

I do, but I'm not going to climb up it.

[Henry Aldrich]

But she may be gone by the time we get down there.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Sam, put that ladder against the house and help the boys.

[Henry Aldrich]

Where are you, Mother?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

I'm down here with your father.

[Mr. Aldrich]

I'm not going to climb up the side of Kilma's house.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Well, wasn't it your idea that the boys. Go ahead with this.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Well, I certainly didn't know it was going to lead to breaking in the houses, Sam. All right, I'll help them.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Oh, Henry, step into Martha's room and tell her it's time to start dinner.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Mother.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Martha.

[Henry Aldrich]

Martha.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

What do you want?

[Henry Aldrich]

My mother says it's time to start dinner.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

You got that flying devil caught yet, Martha?

[Henry Aldrich]

If you come out, we'll give you protection to the foot of the stairs.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Martha.

[Henry Aldrich]

Isn't she timid, though, Father, if you can get Baby down, I think we can get Martha out.

[Mr. Aldrich]

You don't say so.

[Henry Aldrich]

Don't talk to him, Henry. You want him to fall off that ladder?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Must you mention my falling?

[Henry Aldrich]

Just talk to her, Father, and she'll come.

[Mr. Aldrich]

What shall I say to her?

[Henry Aldrich]

Just say, here, baby.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Come, Baby. Here, baby.

[Mr. Aldrich]

I'm not going to say anything of

[Henry Aldrich]

the kind, Mr. Aldrich.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

If you'll stand on the top rung

[Henry Aldrich]

in reach, I think you can get her.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Sam, don't fall.

[Henry Aldrich]

Grab her quickly, but carefully. Father?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Yes?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Is there anyone else who would like to give me advice? Oh, gee.

[Henry Aldrich]

Look who's opening that window.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Was there something you wanted? Sam Aldrich.

[Mr. Aldrich]

How do you do, Mrs. Kilmer? Where did the pigeon go?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

What pigeon?

[Henry Aldrich]

She didn't fly in your window, did she?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

What are you talking about?

[Henry Aldrich]

My father.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

He's trying to get a message to me.

[Henry Aldrich]

No. From a pigeon.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Henry. You're not helping matters any, Mr. Roberts.

[Henry Aldrich]

She's down there on the rim of that tree. Father. All you have to do is move your ladder.

[Mr. Aldrich]

I'm not going to climb anything more.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Sam, if we don't get that bird, we won't have any.

[Mr. Aldrich]

I can't help it.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

What are you having for dinner, Mrs. Aldrich? Pigeon pie.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Alice, if I don't stop now, I'll end by climbing everything in town.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mother, could you climb up the tree?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

No, dear.

[Henry Aldrich]

Could you throw a stick?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

There aren't any sticks.

[Henry Aldrich]

Could you just toss a stone in her direction?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

All right, dear, enough.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Toward me, Alice.

[Henry Aldrich]

Be sure not to hit Baby either.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Here it goes. You're too high, Mother. Who do that?

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee, where's Mother? Duck around the corner. It went through Martha's window.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Didn't I tell you? You couldn't trust him there. Kidding.

[Henry Aldrich]

And now Baby's flown away.

[Mr. Aldrich]

If you ask me, Alice, no maid on earth is worth it.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Well, she's just gone up to the attic and she's perfectly happy.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Well, she had better be. It cost me $3 to get Henry to go out of business.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mother. Mother. You down in the living Room.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Yes, dear. Where are you?

[Henry Aldrich]

Could you come up to the second floor? Just a minute.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Now, what is it?

[Henry Aldrich]

Martha doesn't want to go up to her room.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Tell Martha there isn't a pigeon left in the house. No.

[Henry Aldrich]

No. My father made me give them all away. Martha. Yes, Martha.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Henry even gave his rabbits away just so you'd stay. I appreciate that. Only I never been up there before in the dark. Well, there's a light in your room. Not till I get to it.

[Henry Aldrich]

Martha, what if it is dark? As soon as you get to your door, you snap the switch on and there's light. Yeah.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Henry isn't afraid. Certainly. You shouldn't leave. Henry, Will you go up there with me?

[Henry Aldrich]

Go on.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Of course he will. In fact, Martha, if it'll make you any happier, Henry will even sit in the chair just outside your door until

[Henry Aldrich]

you get to sleep in the dark.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Mother. Of course. I thought you weren't afraid.

[Henry Aldrich]

I'm not. I'm not.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

I'll open the door to the stairs for you. There you are, Henry. You go in first.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, you can go first, Martha. Then if anything happens, you know I'm right in back of you. Henry.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mother, I'll lead the way. Are you coming, Martha? Yes.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Good night.

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee, I. I didn't realize it was so dark up here. What's that? It's the chair outside your door. There's the light. Martha. Go right in.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

You gonna sit out here?

[Henry Aldrich]

Sure. I don't mind in the dark.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Good night.

[Henry Aldrich]

Good night, Martha.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Ain't Fred, either?

[Henry Aldrich]

Martha?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

What you want?

[Henry Aldrich]

Do I have to sit out here like this very long?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

You'll get used to it after a couple of nights. Where did I put my nightgown? Come over here, you little rascal. To say good night.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Mother.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

You should all know I like to talk to myself. Now, Martha, turn out the light and get into bed. My goodness. But it's quiet in this room. Henry. Mr. Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well,

[Mrs. Aldrich]

I'll let you know when I'm sleeping. I guess this place ain't so bad after all.

[Henry Aldrich]

Who that?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Who that? There ain't nothing, Martha. Just lie right still. If Miss Orange didn't give me her word, I swear there's birds in here. There is words in here. Are you all right, Martha? There's eagles in here. Get away from me. Penny, where are you?

[Henry Aldrich]

I thought I'd go downstairs for something. Martha.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Well, come back.

[Henry Aldrich]

Turn on the light.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Peter. They all come back. What in the world is going on up there? Look. Only one came back. One's enough. And it's Baby. It's Baby.

[Henry Aldrich]

Where is she? Sitting right over there on Martha's dresser.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

She's right on my ticket to the Wood Fair.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mother. Mother, you hold Martha while I save Baby.

[Mr. Aldrich]

What's the trouble here, Martha?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

What is that rabbit doing beside your bed? I hope you don't mind my keeping Just one, Ms. Alter. Frankly, I just took the likely little fellows. And I kind of took the one that keep one of all of them. Martha.

[Henry Aldrich]

I just got the message. Father, Mrs. Persons wants a man to hurry over and fix her oil burner this afternoon.

[Mr. Aldrich]

You don't say.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

So, Martha, what are you getting your suitcase out for? If you don't mind, Ms. Aldous, frankly, I think I'll go.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Well, frankly, Martha, we don't mind.

[Narrator]

Henry Aldrich will be back again in just a moment. Ladies and gentlemen, here is a full length description of perfect dessert enjoyment summed up in only three little words. Yes, just three words. Jell O Butterscotch Pudding. All you have to do is mention these three magic words to your grocer and you'll be all set to enjoy a rich, mellow dessert that tastes just right and offers you a world of hearty zestful satisfaction. Jello butterscotch pudding has a rare tantalizing flavor brim full of swell buttery brown sugar goodness. And you'll be simply delighted with its creamy smoothness and tempting golden color. So, friends, try this easy, inexpensive recipe for a delicious treat. You can guarantee yourself a real pleasure, a grand adventure in good things to eat the very first time you meet up with this popular new dessert. Jell O Butterscotch pudding.

[Henry Aldrich]

Tommy. Tommy. Look at the advertisement I just answered. What is it? I'm going to take a course. I'm going to be a railway clerk. Do your folks mind? You're leaving home? I'm not telling them until I'm all ready.

[Narrator]

Well, maybe Henry will be sorting your mail. The Aldrich Family, starring Ezra Stone is written by Clifford Goldsmith and will be heard next week at the same time. Original music is composed and conducted by Jack Miller. This is Harry Von Zell speaking and wishing you good night for those delicious new desserts. All America is talking about Jell o pudding. This is the National Broadcasting Company.

[Autotrader Advertiser]

Are you really buying a car online on Autotrader right now?

[Henry Aldrich]

Really?

[Autotrader Advertiser]

At a playground?

[Grainger Advertiser]

Yeah, really. Look at these listings from dealers.

[Autotrader Advertiser]

Wow, your search can really get that specific.

[Grainger Advertiser]

Really?

[Autotrader Advertiser]

And you just put in your info and boom. Cars in your budget.

[Grainger Advertiser]

Mom needs a second.

[Autotrader Advertiser]

Honey, you can really have it delivered.

[Grainger Advertiser]

Really? Or I can pick it up at the dealership. One sec, sweetie.

[Narrator]

Mommy's buying a car.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Mommy, look.

[Autotrader Advertiser]

I think your kid is walking up the slide.

[Henry Aldrich]

Kyle.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Again?

[Grainger Advertiser]

Really? Autotrader. Buy your car online? Really?

[Health PSA Speaker]

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