Aldrich Family 40-04-30 (044) Model Airplane

Summary

Aldrich Family 40-04-30 (044) "Model Airplane" - Detailed Summary

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Aldrich Family 40-04-30 (044) "Model Airplane"
Release Date: May 11, 2025

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Episode Overview

In the "Model Airplane" episode of The Aldrich Family, listeners are transported to Centerville, where Henry Aldrich and his friend Dizzy become embroiled in a suspenseful mystery following a model airplane race. This episode captures the essence of the Golden Age of Radio, blending family dynamics, youthful ingenuity, and moral lessons.

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Key Characters

• Henry Aldrich: The protagonist, a diligent and inquisitive young boy passionate about model airplanes.
• Mr. Aldrich: Henry's supportive father, involved in the airplane racing effort.
• Dizzy: Henry's loyal friend, eager to assist in uncovering the truth.
• Mr. Collins: The race referee, whose integrity becomes questionable.
• Billy Walker: The competitor who wins the race under suspicious circumstances.
• Mr. Jones: Owner of Jones's Sporting Goods Store, suspected of foul play.
• Phyllis & Molly: Supporting characters providing additional perspectives.

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Plot Summary

1. The Controversial Race Conclusion (00:43 – 03:37)

The episode commences on a hillside in Centerville, immediately after a tightly contested model airplane race. Henry Aldrich and his father believe they were unfairly defeated by Billy Walker, whose airplane finished just half a second ahead. Henry confronts Mr. Collins, the race referee, questioning the accuracy of the timing, especially considering the strong headwind Henry's plane faced.

Henry Aldrich (02:01): "Yes, but Mr. Collins, my plane was flying against a very strong headwind."

Mr. Collins explains that he accounted for the wind conditions, but Henry remains skeptical, especially when Dizzy challenges the type of stopwatch used to time the race, hinting at potential bias.

2. Uncovering Suspicious Evidence (04:10 – 10:30)

Determined to verify their suspicions, Henry and Dizzy investigate the origin of Billy Walker's model airplane. Dizzy reveals a crucial observation: the winning plane from the race closely resembles a model available at Jones's Sporting Goods Store, differing only in color.

Dizzy (04:38): "There's only one thing about it that's different. Billy's is blue and the one at the store was red."

Armed with this insight, the duo devises a plan to collect fingerprints from all suspects, believing this evidence will expose the cheating duo.

3. Implementing the Fingerprint Scheme (11:04 – 21:00)

Henry and Dizzy procure fingerprint powder and ink, planning to discreetly gather prints from Mr. Walker, Mr. Jones, and others. Their plan involves subtle manipulations, such as shaking hands with guests to leave ink marks, aiming to identify the true source of the airplane.

However, their covert operations attract unwanted attention. Mr. Collins catches wind of their activities, leading to confrontation and raising the stakes of their investigation.

Mr. Aldrich (17:55): "What do you think we should do in a case like this?"

4. The Truth Unveiled (22:00 – 26:14)

As tensions rise, it's revealed that Billy Walker genuinely needed the airplane to cheer up his ill son, explaining his earnest participation in the race. Mr. Collins confesses that Mr. Walker legitimately purchased the plane from the store, dispelling the allegations of cheating.

Mr. Collins (25:05): "Mr. Walker did buy that plane."

Henry grapples with guilt over the misunderstanding, and the episode emphasizes themes of honesty, the dangers of assumptions, and the importance of thorough investigation before making accusations.

5. Resolution and Reconciliation (26:15 – End)

The narrative concludes with Henry and Dizzy reconciling their missteps. Mr. Collins acknowledges the boys' good intentions despite the misguided approach. The episode wraps up with a light-hearted advertisement break for Jell-O pudding, maintaining the period-appropriate radio show ambiance.

Henry Aldrich (25:16): "We can go after all."

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Notable Quotes

• Henry Aldrich (02:01):
  "Yes, but Mr. Collins, my plane was flying against a very strong headwind."

• Dizzy (04:38):
  "There's only one thing about it that's different. Billy's is blue and the one at the store was red."

• Mr. Collins (25:05):
  "Mr. Walker did buy that plane."

• Henry Aldrich (25:16):
  "We can go after all."

• Mr. Collins (27:13):
  "For once, Henry, your mathematics are absolutely correct."

• Dizzy (27:04):
  "You do. Of course. Well, I'll be done, Henry. I guess you're right."

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Themes and Insights

1. Youthful Determination and Ingenuity:
   Henry and Dizzy exemplify the proactive spirit of youth, taking matters into their own hands to seek justice.

2. Honesty and Integrity:
   The episode underscores the importance of truth, showing that assumptions without evidence can lead to misunderstandings.

3. Parental Guidance and Support:
   Mr. Aldrich's role highlights supportive parenting, guiding his son through ethical dilemmas.

4. Community Trust:
   The interactions within Centerville’s community reflect the challenges of maintaining trust and fairness in competitive environments.

5. Historical Nostalgia:
   Incorporating authentic-era advertisements for Wayfair and Jell-O pudding enriches the nostalgic experience, transporting listeners to a bygone radio era.

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Conclusion

"Aldrich Family 40-04-30 (044) Model Airplane" is a quintessential example of classic radio storytelling, blending family values, suspense, and moral lessons. Through Henry and Dizzy's adventure, the episode delivers timeless messages about integrity, the value of evidence, and the complexities of human relationships. The seamless integration of period-specific advertisements further enhances the immersive quality, making it a memorable installment for both nostalgic listeners and new audiences alike.

Transcript

[Nicole Byer]

We interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfair message. Wayfair's got style tips for every home. This is Nicole Byer helping you make those rooms flyer today's style tip. When it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals. Go wild like an untamed animal. Print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table. From wayfair.com Ooh, fierce. This has been your Wayfarer style tip to keep those interiors superior.

[Dizzy]

Wayfair Every style. Every home.

[Henry Aldrich]

Henry Aldrich.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Coming, Mother.

[Narrator]

The Aldrich Family Starring Ezra Stone Written by Clifford Goldsmith. Brought to you by Jello Puddings Their tops in taste. To the gallery of typical American boys such as Penrod, Tom Sawyer, Peck's Bad Boy, we add the name of Henry Aldrich. For now, let's go out of the little town of Centerville. Our scene opens on a hillside on the outskirts of town. The model airplane race Henry and his father worked for weeks to win has just finished. Henry is talking to Mr. Collins, the referee.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Yes, but Mr. Collins, my plane was flying against a very strong headwind.

[Mr. Collins]

But I made allowance for the headwind.

[Mr. Aldrich]

You did?

[Mr. Collins]

Yes, Henry.

[Dizzy]

Mr. Collins, what kind of a watch did you time Henry's plane with?

[Mr. Collins]

With this stopwatch.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Is it a pretty good one?

[Mr. Collins]

It is. Billy Walker's model covered the course in one half of a second less than Henry's.

[Dizzy]

Not buy my watch, Mr. Collins.

[Mr. Collins]

Is yours a stopwatch, Dizzy?

[Dizzy]

No, but it used to belong to my grandfather.

[Mr. Collins]

Is your grandfather an official for this race?

[Dizzy]

No, but he carried this watch for 35 years and nothing ever happened. Hey, gee whiz, look at us.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Did it break, Dizzy?

[Dizzy]

Henry, you're standing on the mainspring.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Oh, yeah. Excuse me. Here's the stem, too.

[Dizzy]

Well, where did Mr. Collins go?

[Mr. Aldrich]

He walked away.

[Dizzy]

That's a swell thing for him to do.

[Mr. Aldrich]

How?

[Dizzy]

You ought to make him pay for this watch, Mr. Collins.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Hey, Mr. Collins.

[Mr. Collins]

Now wait a minute. I just went over and got these figures.

[Mr. Aldrich]

What are they, Henry?

[Mr. Collins]

When your plane was flying, the wind was blowing at 11 and a half miles an hour. When Billy Walker was flying, the wind was four and a half miles an hour. So I naturally made an allowance of six miles an hour in Henry's favor.

[Dizzy]

Wow, Henry, does that sound right to you?

[Mr. Aldrich]

As a matter of fact, isn't four and a half from eleven and a half seven?

[Mr. Collins]

No, sir.

[Dizzy]

No, no.

[Mr. Aldrich]

I guess six is right.

[Narrator]

Of course it is.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Only it certainly looks like seven.

[Dizzy]

And I could swear Henry's plane went faster someplace.

[Mr. Aldrich]

There's been a big mistake what seems.

[Mr. Collins]

To be the trouble, Henry?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Father, you and I lose the race by just half a second.

[Mr. Collins]

And a half a second is a half a second.

[Mr. Aldrich]

I know, Mr. Collins, but that's all it is.

[Mr. Collins]

Henry, may I speak with you?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Where, Father?

[Mr. Collins]

Right over here.

[Dizzy]

You want to speak to me, too, Mr. Aldridge?

[Mr. Collins]

No, thank you.

[Mr. Aldrich]

What is it, Father?

[Mr. Collins]

Henry, don't you think that as long as we lost the race. It would be better if we said nothing more about it?

[Mr. Aldrich]

But, Father, Dizzy's watch didn't register 16 and a half seconds.

[Mr. Collins]

Does his watch have half seconds on it?

[Mr. Aldrich]

No, but up until a few minutes ago, it always kept perfect time.

[Mr. Collins]

Henry, I happen to be doing some business with Billy Walker's father. And it might be just as well if you didn't say anything more about it.

[Mr. Aldrich]

But, dad, look at all the time we spent building that plane.

[Mr. Collins]

After all, we did finish second.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Sure, Henry, I want to tell you.

[Dizzy]

And your father something.

[Mr. Collins]

Sorry, Dizzy, but I've got to go back to the office.

[Dizzy]

But you'd be very much interested, Mr. Aldridge.

[Mr. Collins]

Tell Henry.

[Dizzy]

Henry, I knew all the time there was something phony. Henry, wasn't every plane that was supposed to go in the race be made by a father and a son?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Sure.

[Dizzy]

Well, I'll bet you anything Billy Walker and his father didn't make. They asked.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Well, where do you think they got it?

[Dizzy]

I know where. I was just overlooking at it. And I remember seeing the very same thing down in Jones's Sporting Goods store.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Are you sure, Dizzy?

[Dizzy]

There's only one thing about it that's different. Billy's is blue and the one at the store was red.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Then it can't be the same plane, can it?

[Dizzy]

No, that's what you think. I scratched a little of the blue paint off. And right underneath was the red paint.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Yeah.

[Dizzy]

Yeah. Henry, if you win, it means a trip to the Capitol.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Well, gee whiz, I don't care what my father says. I'm going down to Mr. Walker's office.

[Dizzy]

Now, wait a second. Don't go rushing into this.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Why not?

[Dizzy]

I've got a book at home that'll tell you exactly what to do in a case like this.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Well, what should we do?

[Dizzy]

Well, before we come right out and accuse anybody, we've got to get proof. That's the important thing, Henry.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Naturally. Dizzy, anybody knows that because you accuse somebody doesn't mean he's guilty. You've got to get proof. I hope you don't think I didn't know that.

[Dizzy]

Yeah, but you don't know as much about those things as I do. Henry.

[Mr. Aldrich]

No. Well, I know where I'm going.

[Dizzy]

Where?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Follow me. When we bust this case open, it'll. It'll shock everybody.

[Dizzy]

Sure.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Especially my father.

[Mr. Walker]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Aldrich]

When he hears of it, he'll be speechless.

[Dizzy]

Henry, where are we going?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Where are we going? Wait until I show you. Wasn't it funny, Dizzy, when we were talking with Mr. Collins, I could have sworn four and a half from 11 and a half would leave seven.

[Dizzy]

Same here. But I guess you gotta put it down on paper before you can believe it.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Yeah. Must have been the fractions that threw us off.

[Dizzy]

Didn't I tell you, Henry? Look in the window. Look.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Well, you mean here in Jones's sporting goods store?

[Dizzy]

Yeah.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Well, that's the same identical plane the Walkers had. Come on.

[Dizzy]

Now, wait a second, Henry. Let's do this carefully.

[Mr. Aldrich]

We're going to. We aren't going to rush into it. We'll. We'll just be casual.

[Dizzy]

That's it. And all we'll do is make out we want to buy something. And then we'll gradually lead up to the plane.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Right.

[Dizzy]

Come on in. Well, where is Mr. Jones?

[Mr. Aldrich]

I guess he must be in the back. When he comes out, don't mention why we're here.

[Mr. Collins]

Something you boys want?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Why? Why, we just thought we'd look around, Mr. Jones, at airplanes.

[Dizzy]

Did I say airplanes? What I meant was that's the only thing we aren't interested in.

[Mr. Collins]

I see.

[Dizzy]

Mr. Jones, do you carry baseball bats?

[Mr. Collins]

You're looking right at baseball bats.

[Dizzy]

Am I? Oh, yeah. Oh, maybe that's why I mention them.

[Mr. Aldrich]

How much are they, Mr. Jones?

[Mr. Collins]

50 cents up.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Oh, yeah?

[Dizzy]

How much are your tennis rackets?

[Mr. Collins]

$95 up.

[Dizzy]

Oh, yeah? Well, how much you fish and tackle?

[Mr. Collins]

$25 down.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Oh, dizzy, look at the airplane models.

[Dizzy]

Oh, sure enough. I haven't seen those before.

[Mr. Collins]

Which kind?

[Dizzy]

The kind Mr. Walker bought.

[Narrator]

I mean, what kind did he buy?

[Dizzy]

Oh, did he buy one? Who? I thought you said Mr. Walker bought one.

[Mr. Collins]

When did I make that statement?

[Mr. Aldrich]

No, Dizzy, you misunderstood. What? Mr. Jones.

[Mr. Collins]

Now, just what did you boys come in here for?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Well, Mr. Jones, would you mind if we should ask you something confidentially?

[Mr. Collins]

What?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Did Mr. Walker buy one of those planes you have in the window?

[Mr. Collins]

Buy one? Not here he didn't. I only stocked up with five, and.

[Narrator]

They'Re all right there.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Are you sure you couldn't have miscounted them?

[Narrator]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Collins]

Why?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Oh, nothing, nothing. We were just asking out of sheer curiosity.

[Dizzy]

Casually.

[Narrator]

Well, look who's coming across the street.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Oh, gee whizzy. It's Mr. Walker. Well, Mr. Jones, I guess we better be going.

[Mr. Collins]

Good afternoon, Jones. Oh, Hello, Walker.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Hello, Mr. Walker.

[Mr. Collins]

Sorry my boy and I had to beat you today.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Oh, we were glad to have you win. I think I'll be going to.

[Dizzy]

I think I might as well, too.

[Mr. Collins]

Walker, maybe you can answer a question for these boys.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Oh, that's all right, Mr. Jones. Don't bother him about it.

[Mr. Collins]

What was the question?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Well, I can assure you, Mr. Jones, I don't know how the question even came up.

[Mr. Collins]

Oh, Walker. Henry and his buddy thought you bought an airplane here. You mean the plane Billy and I won the race with?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Oh, no, Mr. Walker.

[Mr. Collins]

Well, what plane did you mean?

[Dizzy]

Oh, not any, Mr. Walker. Henry's just confused.

[Mr. Collins]

Oh, well, I'm relieved to hear that. I'll be seeing Henry's father down at his office in just a few minutes.

[Henry Aldrich]

Hello, Henry.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Hiya, fellas.

[Phyllis]

I just saw your father, Henry.

[Mr. Aldrich]

You did?

[Phyllis]

Mr. Collins was talking to him. Mr. Collins was quite mad about something.

[Dizzy]

About what?

[Mr. Aldrich]

I'm leaving, Dizzy.

[Dizzy]

Well, so AM I. Goodbye, Mr. Walker.

[Mr. Collins]

Goodbye.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Gee whiz, does he now look at what you've done.

[Dizzy]

Well, I at least tried, didn't I?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Didn't I tell you my father doesn't want to upset Mr. Walker.

[Dizzy]

You never mentioned her.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Well, you should have known anyhow. All we did was practically accuse him of cheating.

[Dizzy]

Henry.

[Mr. Aldrich]

What?

[Dizzy]

Never mind about your father. Here comes mine right towards us.

[Mr. Collins]

Good.

[Mr. Aldrich]

I hope the first thing he asks is where your watch is.

[Dizzy]

That's friendship. I tried to help you win the race, and what thanks do I get?

[Mr. Aldrich]

What does Phyllis want?

[Phyllis]

What do you think? I just heard Mr. Jones say to Mr. Walker back in the store.

[Mr. Collins]

What?

[Phyllis]

They looked at each other very suspiciously. And Mr. Walker said. Where do you suppose those boys got that idea?

[Mr. Aldrich]

He did, Phyllis.

[Phyllis]

Yeah.

[Dizzy]

Do you see that, Henry? And now. Now do you say I haven't helped you?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Well, it's a. I don't know.

[Dizzy]

Did he say Anything else, Phyllis?

[Phyllis]

Mr. Jones said. Well, I guess we spiked that.

[Dizzy]

Oh, we did, eh?

[Phyllis]

Is that important?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Is it important, Phyllis? Is it important?

[Phyllis]

Well, I gotta go, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

I'll see you later.

[Dizzy]

Gee whiz, Henry, all we gotta do now is to go through with her.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Don't you think so?

[Dizzy]

I've got a fingerprint outfit at home, and I always knew that someday it would come in handy. We'll find out whether that plane of Billy Walker's did come from the store. Sure.

[Mr. Aldrich]

All we have to do is get Mr. Jones's fingerprints.

[Dizzy]

And then Mr. Walker's only.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Maybe we ought to be careful about taking Mr. Walker's.

[Dizzy]

He won't even know we're doing it. And listen, Henry, we ought to be really systematic and get everybody's print in town.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Everybody. Do you realize how big this town is?

[Dizzy]

But, Henry, look what they do in Washington. They don't get a few, they get millions.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Well, I guess maybe if they can do that in Washington, we can handle this town. Come on.

[Narrator]

Well, here it is, friends. The sixth week of spring. Spring, spring, glorious spring. When a young man's fancy lightly turns to thoughts of. Well, you know the rest of that saying, but now that we mention it, just how true is that old saying about a young man's fancy? Suppose we see if we can't find out. Let's ask some young man for his opinion. Listen.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Yes, the statement is perfectly true. In the spring, my fancy certainly does turn to thoughts of Jell o vanilla pudding. Oh, in fact, I think I eat more Jell O vanilla pudding in the spring than in any other season of the year. Except, of course, winter, summer and fall.

[Narrator]

Yes, well, that, ladies and gentlemen, is an observation that everybody will be glad to echo. Because just about everyone who has ever tasted it agrees the jello vanilla pudding is a mighty swell dessert. Jell o vanilla pudding has a gloriously smooth texture as smooth as golden rich cream. And the flavor of Jell o vanilla pudding, well, it's simply irresistible. A grand vanilla flavor that hits a new high for luscious, delicate goodness. So try this tempting treat just as soon as you can and find out the truth of another popular saying which goes like this. When there's jello vanilla pudding for dessert, the thing you think of first is second. Now, getting back to the troubles of Henry Aldrich. Henry feels that he has been cheated out of first place in an airplane model contest and is trying his best best to prove it. The time is evening. The scene opens in Henry's room.

[Dizzy]

It's a funny thing, Henry, how my grandfather was able to carry this watch for 35 years and I drop it at the end of a week.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Listen, Dizzy, put that away. Haven't we got work to do?

[Dizzy]

I've got to get it all back together. I've got it all back together except for these two wheels. And if I don't find out where they go, my father will kill me.

[Mr. Aldrich]

He will, huh? But we're coming. The most crucial part of our job. Here we are. We've got fingerprint powder and fingerprint ink.

[Dizzy]

Henry, aren't your folks having some guests here? Tonight.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Well, I don't think we ought to take their fingerprints.

[Dizzy]

Dizzy, listen, I thought you weren't going to show favoritizzy.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Yeah, I know, Dizzy, but they're all right.

[Dizzy]

Then we just as well not start this.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Well, can this fingerprint ink do any damage?

[Dizzy]

How could it?

[Mr. Aldrich]

But supposing it should get on something?

[Dizzy]

It comes right out. Listen, here are the instructions for Washington. It says, easy method for removing. No worry need be caused by damage. Merely dip in kerosene, rinse and wash with strong abrasive. If first results are not satisfactory, add lemon juice and rub harder.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Well, gee, there isn't anything to worry about, there, is there?

[Dizzy]

Of course there isn't.

[Mr. Aldrich]

The only thing is, Dizzy, when you shake hands with a person, I should think they'd feel the ink pad in your hand.

[Dizzy]

Do you think they would?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Why not? What would they think?

[Dizzy]

It was almost anything. For what?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Name me one other thing that feels like a pad of ink. All right.

[Dizzy]

How would this be? Well, just rub a little ink on the palms of our hands.

[Mr. Aldrich]

That might work.

[Dizzy]

Sure. Look, I've got some on already. Now, watch. When I hold my hand down here at my side, do you notice it?

[Mr. Aldrich]

No. Yeah, I think I'll put a little on.

[Dizzy]

Well, hurry up so we can be downstairs when the guests begin to come.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Okay, I'm all fixed.

[Dizzy]

Wait a. Wait a second. Have you got a handkerchief?

[Mr. Aldrich]

What for?

[Dizzy]

I've got a. I've got a.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Use your own.

[Dizzy]

My watches wrapped up in it.

[Narrator]

What's.

[Mr. Aldrich]

My watches? Here, take mine.

[I]

We interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfair message. Wayfair's got style tips for every home. This is Stiles Mackenzie helping you make those rooms sing. Today's style tip. When it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals go wild like an untamed animal. Print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table. From wayfair.com fierce this has been your Wayfair style tip to keep those interiors superior.

[Henry Aldrich]

Wayfair?

[Narrator]

Every style, every home.

[Dizzy]

Never mind. I haven't got there anymore.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Come on downstairs.

[Dizzy]

When we go into the living room, you let me shake hands with your mother and father.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Why can't I have one of them?

[Dizzy]

Why should you, their son, step up.

[Mr. Aldrich]

And shake hands with him?

[Dizzy]

Do you want to give the whole thing away?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Well, I get the first two guests, then. Yeah.

[Dizzy]

And when I get the ink on your mother and father, watch them carefully. The minute they touch something, socko, we've got them.

[Mr. Aldrich]

You don't think my mother or father bought that plane, do You.

[Dizzy]

But you never can tell. Someday they might be wanted for something.

[Phyllis]

Henry.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Yes, Mother?

[Henry Aldrich]

Are you out in the hall?

[Mr. Aldrich]

We're just coming into the living room.

[Henry Aldrich]

You mustn't stay down here long.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Oh, we won't, mother.

[Dizzy]

Good evening, Mr. Aldridge.

[Mr. Collins]

Good evening.

[Dizzy]

Wouldn't you like to shake hands with me?

[Mr. Collins]

Shake hands? Weren't you here with us for dinner?

[Dizzy]

Yeah, but I just came downstairs again.

[Mr. Collins]

I don't think it's necessary to shake hands. Henry, could you hand me my pipe, please?

[Dizzy]

I'll hand it to him, Henry.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Let me hand it to him, Desi.

[Dizzy]

Please, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Here, Sam, I'll hand it to you.

[Mr. Collins]

Thank you, Alice.

[Dizzy]

Mrs. Aldridge, wouldn't you like to shake hands with me?

[Henry Aldrich]

No, thank you, Dizzy.

[Mr. Collins]

Won't you boys sit down before one of you knocks something over?

[Dizzy]

I think I will.

[Mr. Aldrich]

I guess I will, too.

[Henry Aldrich]

Henry.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Yes, Mother?

[Henry Aldrich]

I don't like to seem rude, but we are expecting guests.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Well, couldn't we stay down here just until they've arrived?

[Henry Aldrich]

Mother, why do you want to do that?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Well, don't you think it'd be nice for us to help greet them?

[Mr. Collins]

Henry, I do as your mother asks.

[Dizzy]

Well, in that case, I think I'll be going home.

[Phyllis]

Oh, must you go?

[Dizzy]

I think I will. You like to shake hands? Now that I'm leaving, Ms. Ord, I.

[Mr. Collins]

Don'T think it will be necessary.

[Dizzy]

I may not be seeing you again right away.

[Mr. Collins]

No, Sam.

[Henry Aldrich]

The least you can do is shake hands with the boy.

[Mr. Collins]

Well, if it'll make him any happier, here, shake hands.

[Dizzy]

Goodbye, Mr. Aldridge.

[Mr. Collins]

Goodbye.

[Dizzy]

Would you like to shake hands, too, Mrs. Aldridge?

[Henry Aldrich]

I'm sorry, but I've got to go out today.

[Mr. Aldrich]

I'll go to the door with you, Dizzy.

[Dizzy]

You know, I think I changed my mind, Henry. I may not go home after all.

[Mr. Collins]

Just one minute, boys.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Something you wanted, Father?

[Mr. Collins]

Dizzy, what's this I have on my hand?

[Dizzy]

Why, this black ink. Why? Well, how. How do you suppose that could have gotten there?

[Mr. Collins]

May I see your hand?

[Dizzy]

My left hand?

[Mr. Collins]

Your right hand.

[Dizzy]

Oh, well, what do you know about that? Do you suppose I could have gotten that from you?

[Mr. Collins]

Henry, May I see your hand?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Were you talking to me, Father?

[Mr. Collins]

May I see it, please?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, will you look at that?

[Mr. Collins]

If I were you, I would go upstairs and wash my hands.

[Dizzy]

Yes, Mr. Aldridge. That's the least we can do.

[Mr. Collins]

I agree. And please do not come back down while the guests are here.

[Mr. Aldrich]

But, Father, we've got to.

[Mr. Collins]

What for?

[Dizzy]

We've got to get their fingerprints.

[Mr. Collins]

You're not going to do any such thing.

[Dizzy]

No, Mr. Aldridge, no.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Come on, Dizzy.

[Mr. Collins]

Now I've got to go out to the kitchen and wash my hands.

[Mr. Aldrich]

You know, Dizzy, I had a feeling all the time we shouldn't be doing this.

[Dizzy]

Well, that's only part of the trouble. There's something you don't even know anything about.

[Mr. Aldrich]

What?

[Dizzy]

Well, when I came in the front door this evening, I put some ink on the doorknob on the outside, on both sides.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Gee whiz, Dizzy, I did it so.

[Dizzy]

We'D be sure to get everybody. Well, we've got to wipe it off. If we do, Henry, we won't have principals. Anybody but our own boys.

[Henry Aldrich]

Have you gone upstairs?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Yeah, in one minute, Mother.

[Henry Aldrich]

I hope we won't have to tell Dizzy's father and mother when they come.

[Mr. Aldrich]

When who comes?

[Henry Aldrich]

Your mother and father.

[Dizzy]

We've got to wipe that doorknob off.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Give me a handkerchief, Henry. Yes, Father. We're just going to open the front door.

[Mr. Collins]

You will please go upstairs as I ask you to.

[Mr. Aldrich]

But, Father, a mistake has been made.

[Mr. Collins]

Please march, Mr. Aldridge.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Could I tell you, both of you.

[Mr. Collins]

Go up those stairs.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Yes.

[Dizzy]

What do you think we should do in a case like this?

[Mr. Collins]

Well, hello there, Frank Stevens.

[Mr. Walker]

Oh, so you decided to let us in.

[Henry Aldrich]

Hello there, Molly.

[Phyllis]

Hello, Alice.

[Mr. Collins]

Well, what do you have there, Frank? Brand new hat.

[Mr. Walker]

Spring has struck the Stevens. This color is what is known as dove gray.

[Phyllis]

That suit he has on is new, too.

[Mr. Walker]

Molly, just because you don't like checks. Say, how'd that smudge get on my hat?

[Phyllis]

Oh, Frank Stevens.

[Mr. Walker]

You suppose they sold it to me that way?

[Phyllis]

I told you all the time the car needed washing.

[Mr. Walker]

That isn't off the car.

[Phyllis]

If those smudges were on your new suit, I wouldn't mind.

[Mr. Collins]

May I take your hat, Frank?

[Mr. Walker]

You may.

[Mr. Collins]

Well, there seems to be a smudge on the crown, too.

[Mr. Walker]

Yeah, it's beginning to look like a tweed cap.

[Henry Aldrich]

Put it down, Sam. You probably didn't wash your hands.

[Mr. Collins]

I washed them perfectly clean. Alice, look at them. Yes, look at them, Sam Aldrich. Well, I certainly thought I washed.

[Phyllis]

Frank, let me turn your coat collar down.

[Mr. Walker]

How did that get up?

[Phyllis]

My goodness, dear. There, Frank, there's a smudge on your collar, too.

[Mr. Collins]

Well, I didn't put it there.

[Mr. Walker]

Well, all of you just stand back from me. Until I came into this house, I was the best dressed man in town.

[Mr. Collins]

Molly, maybe you'd better hang this hat up.

[Phyllis]

I can't take it right now, Sam. I'm going to powder my nose.

[Henry Aldrich]

You want a mirror?

[Mr. Collins]

Molly?

[Phyllis]

No, thank you.

[Mr. Walker]

She knows where her nose is just the same.

[Henry Aldrich]

Molly, would you mind looking in the mirror?

[Phyllis]

What's the matter with me?

[Mr. Walker]

Never mind. Just look in the mirror. That's where all those smudges have been coming from.

[Henry Aldrich]

Molly, go upstairs and wash. And Sam, you go out in the kitchen.

[Mr. Walker]

Do you have one more place.

[Mr. Collins]

Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

Sam. What do you want Henry for?

[Mr. Collins]

Never mind. I'm going upstairs. Henry Aldrich.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Yes, Father?

[Mr. Collins]

Will you and Dizzy please come here?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Has something gone wrong, Father?

[Mr. Collins]

Something has.

[Dizzy]

Of what nature, Mr. Aldridge?

[Mr. Collins]

Did either of you boys put ink.

[Dizzy]

Around this house on the front door knob?

[Mr. Collins]

Yes.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Well, the fact is, Father, what is.

[Mr. Collins]

All this fingerprinting nonsense?

[Mr. Aldrich]

That's what we tried to tell you. We didn't do it as a joke. We're trying to prove Mr. Walker is guilty.

[Mr. Collins]

Didn't I tell you to forget Mr. Walker?

[Mr. Aldrich]

But he wasn't fair.

[Dizzy]

Tell him about what we have in your room, Henry.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Yeah, sure. We've got a cardboard box we found in the Walker trash barrel. And it's the box their airplane came in.

[Mr. Collins]

Henry, I want you to go straight to bed.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Yes, ma' am.

[Dizzy]

Where do you want me to go, miss?

[Mr. Collins]

You Dizzy May go downstairs and take a look at your father's hat.

[Dizzy]

Are there some fingerprints on it?

[Mr. Collins]

There are. Do I hear Basil's voice up there?

[Dizzy]

I'm coming right down.

[Mr. Walker]

Father, do you know anything about this?

[Dizzy]

Well, I.

[Mr. Collins]

It's.

[Dizzy]

It's this way.

[Mr. Aldrich]

I.

[Mr. Walker]

What's the matter with you?

[Dizzy]

I'm going to sneak.

[Mr. Collins]

Where's your handkerchief?

[Dizzy]

It's right here.

[Mr. Walker]

Basil. Look at your grandfather's watch.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Father, could I please come down?

[Mr. Collins]

I'll see you at breakfast. Sam.

[Henry Aldrich]

Quick.

[Mr. Collins]

What's the matter?

[Henry Aldrich]

Another guest is at the front door.

[Phyllis]

Henry.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Yes, Mother?

[Henry Aldrich]

Will you please come to your breakfast?

[Mr. Aldrich]

I'm on the telephone, Mother. Hello, Mr. Stevens? Yeah, I just started to give you the directions. Dip your hat in kerosene, see? Yeah. And if that doesn't work, do you have any lemons in the house? Yes, sir. Just straight lemon juice. And then I think you'll find everything will come right out of your hat. Yes, sir. How's Dizzy this morning? Is that right? Is that right? I won't be seeing him until the end of the week. Goodbye, Mr. Stevens.

[Mr. Collins]

Henry, may I talk with you?

[Mr. Aldrich]

I haven't eaten my breakfast yet, Father.

[Mr. Collins]

I'd like to see you now before I leave for the office.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Yes, Father.

[Mr. Collins]

Sit down on this sofa here.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Yes, Father.

[Mr. Collins]

Did I ask you yesterday not to go around trying to prove that Mr. Walker and his son did not honestly win that race.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Yes, sir, but that was before we knew everything.

[Mr. Collins]

Father, finding an empty cardboard box is hardly sufficient evidence to prove someone has been cheating.

[Mr. Aldrich]

But don't you see? You and I are being gypped out of a trip to the Capitol.

[Mr. Collins]

The fact still remains I ask not to do anything more about it.

[Mr. Aldrich]

But why, Father?

[Dizzy]

Why?

[Mr. Collins]

Because, Henry, Mr. Walker did buy that plane.

[Mr. Aldrich]

He did?

[Mr. Collins]

Yes.

[Mr. Aldrich]

I knew all the time. He cheated us. Who told you?

[Mr. Collins]

Mr. Walker told me when he came over to my office yesterday.

[Dizzy]

Oh, gee whiz.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Then we did get first prize.

[Dizzy]

We can go after all.

[Mr. Collins]

Henry. Henry, did you know that some weeks ago Billy Walker was taken ill?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Yes, but, Father, that was way back in February.

[Mr. Collins]

Did you know that? Off and on for nearly two months, the boy lay in bed with a high fever?

[Mr. Aldrich]

He wasn't sick the day of the race, though. I know he wasn't. I saw him walking around with my own eyes.

[Mr. Collins]

That's the point, son. What finally broke Billy's fever was the announcement in the Centerville Times of that airplane race.

[Mr. Aldrich]

How could that break it?

[Mr. Collins]

From the time he went to bed, it was the first and only thing he took any interest in.

[Mr. Aldrich]

He certainly couldn't have wanted to go into it any more than I do.

[Mr. Collins]

Now.

[Mr. Walker]

Wait, son.

[Dizzy]

Wait.

[Mr. Collins]

The doctors told Mr. Walker it was absolutely imperative for Bill to have a plane and go into the race. That's the reason. And that's the only reason Mr. Walker went out and bought the plane.

[Mr. Aldrich]

I know, Father, but gee whiz. Look at it this way.

[Mr. Collins]

I'm going to leave it entirely up to you. You may do anything about it you care to.

[Mr. Aldrich]

You mean to say that Billy's going to take that trip to the Capitol when he knows he cheated?

[Mr. Collins]

He doesn't know he cheated. Aside from you and I, son, there are only two people in this town who know that plane wasn't built in Walker's basement.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Where are they?

[Mr. Collins]

One is Billy's father, and the other is Mr. Jones.

[Mr. Aldrich]

I knew all the time Mr. Jones was lying. And he humiliated me right in front of Mr. Walker.

[Dizzy]

Henry, are you in the house? There. Is that you, Dizzy? Excuse me for coming right in, but I've got some great news for you.

[Mr. Collins]

Good morning, Nazim.

[Dizzy]

Good morning, Mr. Aldrin. I shouldn't be here, but I've got to tell Henry. Listen, I was lying in bed this morning, and I got to subtracting.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Subtracting what?

[Dizzy]

Those figures are, Mr. Collins. When you take four and a half from eleven and a half you don't get six.

[Mr. Aldrich]

No, you get seven.

[Dizzy]

Billy Walker didn't win that race. You won it by more than a second.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Yeah, sure.

[Dizzy]

It's as clear as anything.

[Mr. Aldrich]

The only thing is, dizzy. When you subtract four and a half from eleven and a half, you do get six.

[Dizzy]

No.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Sure you do.

[Dizzy]

You do. Of course. Well, I'll be done, Henry. I guess you're right.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Sure, sure. I. I couldn't have won the race. Isn't that right, Father?

[Mr. Collins]

For once, Henry, your mathematics are absolutely correct.

[Narrator]

Ladies and gentlemen, is there a swell, tasty dessert in the house? The answer is yes when you've got a package of Jell O chocolate pudding on the pantry shelf. There's no doubt about it. With Jell O chocolate pudding for dessert, you're all fixed for a feast. Because this grand pudding has a flavor that's really and truly delicious. And with the first dip of the spoon, you'll know you're in for a lot of keen enjoyment. Jell O chocolate pudding is full of rich, chocolaty goodness. A pleasing, mellow flavor that spells real satisfaction. It's a creamy, smooth dessert unsurpassed for topping off a meal in top notch style. And you'll find that Jello chocolate pudding is both easy and inexpensive to serve. So tomorrow night for dinner, delight the family with this tempting chocolate treat. There's a world of luscious pleasure already and waiting for you in Jell O chocolate pudding.

[Dizzy]

Sam.

[Mr. Collins]

Henry, I can't begin to tell you how pleased I was with you this morning.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Thank you, Father. Oh, do you. Do we have any steel wool in the house?

[Mr. Collins]

What do you want it for?

[Mr. Aldrich]

I'm going over and help Dizzy clean his father's hat.

[Narrator]

Well, if there is anything left of Mr. Stevens hat when Henry and Dizzy get through with it, I'll eat mine. The Aldrich Family, starring Ezra Stone is written by Clifford Goldsmith. Original music is composed and conducted by Jack Miller. This is Harry Von Tel speaking and wishing you good night for Jell O pudding.

[Phyllis]

It.