Aldrich Family 40-05-21 (047) School Picnic

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio — "Aldrich Family 40-05-21 (047) School Picnic"

Episode Overview
In this classic episode from "The Aldrich Family," teenage Henry Aldrich finds himself in a comedic web of misunderstandings and social dilemmas as his school prepares for its annual picnic. Navigating the challenges of invitations, unrequited crushes, and family expectations, Henry's innocent blunders build to a classic farcical crescendo, capturing the awkward humor and sweetness of American adolescence in the pre-TV era.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Highlights

1. The Case of the Missing Lunch & Schoolyard Negotiations

• Henry's lunch goes missing [02:34]:
  • Henry laments, “Well, Dizzy, what I want to know is where it could have gone. Listen, a lunchbox isn't something a person just overlooks.”
  • He suspects Irwin Cooper but finds no resolution, humorously detailing the importance of his lunch (and pocketknife).
• Dizzy repeatedly tries to buy Henry’s knife, offering up to 50 cents, emphasizing the importance of small treasures and lunchroom bartering among teens.

2. School Picnic Preparations & Girl Troubles

• Dizzy is asked to the picnic by Violet Hawkins [03:50]:
  • “The girl I always wanted a date with and never dared dream she'd even look at me,” Dizzy confides.
• Uncertainty about asking girls [04:14]:
  • Dizzy explains, “You’re not supposed that you have to wait until a girl asks you.”
• Agnes tries to secure Henry as her picnic partner [06:12]:
  • Agnes: “Would you like to be my partner, Henry?”
  • Henry hedges, showing his indecision as he waits to be asked by someone else.

3. At the Drugstore: Awkward Encounters & Budget Lunch

• Henry navigates lunch on a tight budget [08:06]:
  • Orders apple pie and tries to avoid extra charges for ice cream and whipped cream, leading to confusion and negotiation with the counterman.
  • Classic teenage struggle: “Put a scoop of ice cream on it...You mean I gotta dismantle this thing?” [08:18]
• Henry meets Geraldine Love, the 'dream girl' [10:21]:
  • “My name's Henry Aldridge.”
  • “My name's Geraldine Love.”
  • Henry is clearly smitten, and this sets the stage for coming complications as he tries to secure a date with her.

4. Date Mix-ups: Henry Overcommits

• Through misunderstandings, Henry ends up with three picnic dates [16:22]:
  • “That makes three girls and one picnic,” Henry exclaims.
  • Dizzy thinks he’s helping but accidentally complicates Henry’s situation by arranging yet another date.

5. At Home: Family Involvement & Further Confusion

• Mothers get involved in date selection [18:27]:
  • Henry's mother and Agnes’ mother have deeply held opinions about who Henry should date, favoring Agnes.
• Henry tries to resolve the situation but fails to communicate [19:57]:
  • Miscommunication means Agnes is not properly told she’s been stood up, leading her to prepare for the picnic.

6. Picnic Day: Swaps, Snafus, and Slapstick

• Henry makes grand preparations [18:25]:
  • Sells personal items to fund the perfect lunch and accessories for Geraldine.
  • “Gee whiz, as though I could ask any girl to sit on Harvard.” [19:26]
• On the lake, things go hilariously wrong [26:03]:
  • Agnes, trying to balance lunch and herself, falls into the lake (Henry: “Agnes, pull your legs together. I’m gonna fall in!”).
  • Agnes is fished out, the lunch nearly lost, and Geraldine disappears in a canoe with Irwin.
• Henry’s romantic hopes end in chaos [27:39]:
  • “Where’s Geraldine?...they’re in a canoe and they took my lunch basket.”
  • The picnic partners all get mixed up, but everyone ends up laughing.

7. Classic Radio Family Wisdom

• Closing scene at home [30:42]:
  • Henry, nursing his wounds, says, “I'm sorry, Mother, but I'm through with them forever. Really, Henry, I've never seen a girl yet that didn't turn out to be a disappointment.”
  • His mother, sympathizing yet teasing, responds, “I'll ask Mary to [apply sunburn lotion].”
  • Henry: “Don’t let Mary get near me. She’ll put it right where my poison ivy is.”
  • Classic, gentle conclusion typical of the show’s affectionate, humorous tone.

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Memorable Quotes & Moments

• [02:34] Henry Aldrich: “Well, Dizzy, what I want to know is where it could have gone. Listen, a lunchbox isn't something a person just overlooks.”
• [05:19] Dizzy Stevens: "You just cut your tie in two."
• [10:21] Geraldine Love (to Henry): “What is your name?”
  Henry: “My name's Henry Aldridge.”
• [16:22] Henry: “That makes three girls and one picnic.”
• [19:26] Henry: “Gee whiz, as though I could ask any girl to sit on Harvard.”
• [26:03] Mrs. Aldrich: "Oh, Henry, look. She's got one foot on the dock and one foot in the canoe, and she's holding your lunch basket right over the water."
• [30:50] Henry: “I'm sorry, Mother, but I'm through with them forever. Really, Henry, I've never seen a girl yet that didn't turn out to be a disappointment.”
• [31:01] Henry: "Don't let Mary get near me. She'll put it right where my poison ivy is."

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Noteworthy Timestamps

• [02:34] — Henry’s missing lunch and knife negotiations with Dizzy
• [03:50] — Dizzy shares news of his date with Violet
• [06:12] — Agnes asks Henry to the picnic
• [08:13] — Henry’s budget lunch order at the drugstore
• [10:21] — Henry meets Geraldine Love
• [16:22] — Henry realizes he’s dated three girls for one picnic
• [18:25] — Henry's elaborate picnic lunch preparations
• [19:26] — Joke about the Harvard pillow
• [26:03] — Classic slapstick as Agnes falls in the lake
• [27:39] — Geraldine escapes in a canoe with Irwin, taking Henry's lunch basket
• [30:50] — Henry’s final declaration and mother’s teasing sympathy

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Tone & Style

The episode balances light, self-deprecating adolescent humor with warm family dynamics and slapstick chaos. Henry’s muddled attempts at romance and etiquette, his mother’s bemused wisdom, and the tangle of boy-girl relationships all reflect the wholesome, affectionate ribbing typical of 1940s American radio sitcoms.

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Conclusion

This episode delights in the timeless comedy of youthful mishaps and misunderstandings. Charming performances, memorable lines, and a brisk, playful script make it a standout. Henry's innocent but bungling efforts to navigate social life—and the episode's warm, gently mocking family humor—capture vintage radio at its most endearing.

Transcript

[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Henry aldrich.

[Henry Aldrich]

Coming, mother.

[Narrator/Announcer]

The Aldridge Family, written by Clifford Goldsmith and starring Ezra Stone as Henry Aldrich. Brought to you by the puddings that are tops in taste. Jello pudding. Do you remember when you were in your teens? Well, when you listen to Henry Aldrich and his pals, we think you'll sort of be able to detect a little of yourself. For Henry Aldrich is a typical American boy from a typical American family. Just listen and see if I'm not right. It's noon in Centerville, and as the scene opens, Henry and his pal Dizzy Stevens are just coming down the Stone steps of Central High School on their way to lunch.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, Dizzy, what I want to know is where it could have gone. Listen, a lunchbox isn't something a person just overlooks. Well, you certainly overlooked yours. Oh, no, I didn't. Somebody took mine. Boy, I didn't eat any breakfast this morning.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Can't you buy anything?

[Henry Aldrich]

How am I going to buy anything? The only thing I've got in my pockets is this knife.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Gee whiz, Henry, you wouldn't like to sell that knife, would you?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, no. It's got two blades, a corkscrew, and a combined can opener and nail file.

[Dizzy Stevens]

I'll give you 20 cents for it.

[Henry Aldrich]

No.

[Dizzy Stevens]

I'll give you 30 cents.

[Henry Aldrich]

No. Say, Dizzy, I think I know who took my lunch. Yeah?

[Dizzy Stevens]

Who?

[Henry Aldrich]

Irwin Cooper. And he's right over there. Hey, Erwin, I'll wait here.

[Dizzy Stevens]

What do you have, Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

My boy? Erwin, I don't like to insinuate anything, but you haven't by any chance seen my lunch, have you? What are you trying to do, kid me? Don't you have the locker next to mine? What if I have? Well, I remember distinctly when I put my lunchbox in my locker this morning. You were standing right by it go off. Now, wait, Erwin. Don't try to walk away. Erwin.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Hey, Erwin. Hey, Henry.

[Dizzy Stevens]

What do you think just happened to me?

[Henry Aldrich]

What?

[Dizzy Stevens]

Do you remember Violet Hawkins?

[Henry Aldrich]

Who's she?

[Dizzy Stevens]

The girl I always wanted a date with and never dared dream she'd even look at me.

[Henry Aldrich]

I don't know her.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Sure you know her. She's the one that slapped me in the face the time I tied her to the desk.

[Henry Aldrich]

Did she just slap you again?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

No.

[Henry Aldrich]

Wait till I tell you.

[Dizzy Stevens]

She just asked me to be a partner at the class picnic.

[Henry Aldrich]

She did?

[Dizzy Stevens]

Sure. Who are you going with?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, I haven't asked anyone yet.

[Dizzy Stevens]

You're not supposed that you have to wait until a girl asks you.

[Henry Aldrich]

I do?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Sure.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Hasn't anyone asked you yet?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I've been too busy for anyone to ask me. How could they even find me when I've been here, there and everywhere looking for something? I found you. Dizzy. Do you happen to know the name of that girl in our class with blonde hair?

[Dizzy Stevens]

With blonde hair? Yeah, that's the way half of them are.

[Henry Aldrich]

No, she. She's the one that when she speaks, it's in sort of a low voice. Oh, you know who I mean? No. Well, I'll tell you, Dizzy. She wears high heeled shoes and Irwin Cooper is crazy about her.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Oh, I think I know the one you mean. That darn girl. Henry, what's the matter with her?

[Henry Aldrich]

Boy, I wish she'd asked me to go to the picnic.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Henry, do you realize what you're doing with that knife?

[Henry Aldrich]

What?

[Dizzy Stevens]

You just cut your tie in two.

[Henry Aldrich]

She whizzed. And that was one of my best.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Henry, you ought to sell that night before you do some real serious damage.

[Henry Aldrich]

No.

[Dizzy Stevens]

I'll give you 50 cents for it.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yeah?

[Dizzy Stevens]

Yeah. With 50 cents you can buy out the school cafeteria.

[Henry Aldrich]

I'm hungry, but I'm not going to sell this knife. And besides, look. What is it? I just found 10 cents in my pocket.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Are you sure that isn't mine?

[Henry Aldrich]

How would your dime get in my pants pocket?

[Dizzy Stevens]

Well, I had a diamond change this morning.

[Henry Aldrich]

He was busy standing in front of me.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Quick, what's the matter?

[Henry Aldrich]

Come on, let's go across the street to DeHaven's drugstore.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Hurry up.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Dizzy.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Wait for me. Henry.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Henry, somebody's calling.

[Henry Aldrich]

Agnes Lawson. She ruins every lunch hour I have.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Yeah, well, I'm gonna leave you before she ruins mine.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Lizzie, come back. Henry. Henry. Henry, I want to ask you something.

[Henry Aldrich]

I'm busy, Agnes.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

But wait, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

What for?

[Geraldine Love]

Henry?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Do you like fried chicken?

[Henry Aldrich]

Do I like what?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Do you like peanut butter sandwiches?

[Henry Aldrich]

How many do you have?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Do you like deviled eggs?

[Henry Aldrich]

Listen, Agnes, I'll take anything.

[Geraldine Love]

Well, how would you like to take me to the picnic?

[Henry Aldrich]

You mean you haven't got any of those things with you?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Of course I haven't. Would you like to be my partner, Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, the only thing is.

[Geraldine Love]

Oh, has somebody else asked you?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, somebody asked me not to accept any offers until I see about something else.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

I love to put up a lunch, Henry. I just get the biggest kick out of it.

[Henry Aldrich]

Don't talk anymore about food, Agnes, huh? I'm starved. The last class I had was in nutrition.

[Mrs. Lawson (Agnes's Mother)]

Oh, gee, that's too, too bad, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee whiz, I'm hungry enough to eat a well balanced lunch. Say, Agnes, you know who that was that just went into DeHaven's drugstore there just now? Yeah, that girl with blonde hair and high heeled shoes.

[Geraldine Love]

Oh, come on, let's go in and see.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, I don't think you better go in too. I'm going in to meet a couple of the fellows in here. Oh, you are?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Well, will you let me know about the picnic, Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yeah. Give me three days, Agnes. But if you'd rather not wait that long, I'll understand.

[Geraldine Love]

Goodbye, Henry.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Hey, Henry.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Hiya, Homer. Henry, come over by this table a minute.

[Henry Aldrich]

What do you have?

[Dizzy Stevens]

Do you know who that girl is sitting at the counter?

[Henry Aldrich]

Which one?

[Dizzy Stevens]

The blonde with the blue eyes.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yeah. Isn't she a beauty though?

[Dizzy Stevens]

You couldn't loan me a dime, could you?

[Henry Aldrich]

That's all I got myself, Homer.

[Dizzy Stevens]

I'll pay you 25% interest.

[Henry Aldrich]

No, I've got to go over to the counter and get my lunch.

[Dizzy Stevens]

I saw first, though.

[Henry Aldrich]

Henry. Yeah? What do you have? I, I, I, I guess this young lady was here first.

[Geraldine Love]

Oh, well, I haven't decided yet.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, mister, is that baked ham there? Yes, sir. What's that next to it?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Roast beef.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, what's this? Sliced chicken. Well, I'll take apple pie.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Apple pie?

[Henry Aldrich]

A small paste. That's a nickel, isn't it?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yes, sir.

[Henry Aldrich]

Put a scoop of ice cream on it.

[Geraldine Love]

Could I trouble you for a paper napkin, please?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, oh, sure. How many would you like?

[Geraldine Love]

Just one.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Here.

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee whiz. Take the whole container.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Do you want whipped cream on that pie?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, no extra charge. Shoot the works. Hey, not bad.

[Narrator/Announcer]

That'll be 15 cents.

[Dizzy Stevens]

15 cents?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Nickel for the pie. Dime for the large ice cream.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Yeah.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, that's fair enough. Only, did I happen to order ice cream in the first place? You don't want this? Well, would it be an awful lot of trouble if I didn't take it? You mean I gotta dismantle this thing? Well, I'm afraid so.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Listen, what do you want?

[Geraldine Love]

Well, could I have the menu, please?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, sure. You wouldn't like a piece of apple pie on me, would you?

[Geraldine Love]

Oh, I don't think I should.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, why not? Gee whiz, mister, One apple pie and I think I'll take the same.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Just plain?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, sir. Plain. Well, it certainly seems good to have spring here. I like spring. I like to go on picnics, too.

[Geraldine Love]

You do?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yeah.

[Geraldine Love]

Are you going to the class picnic?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, I'm not saying yet, buddy. What's the idea of shaking pepper all around? Gee whiz, mister, I didn't even know I had it in my hand.

[Geraldine Love]

Would anyone mind if I should take ice cream on my pie?

[Henry Aldrich]

You want ice cream, too?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Large or small?

[Geraldine Love]

Well, I think I'll take small, not large.

[Henry Aldrich]

How about you, buddy? Well, as a matter of fact, I don't think I'll eat anything at all.

[Geraldine Love]

I must be hungrier than you.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yeah. Frankly, I was just going to eat to kill time anyhow.

[Geraldine Love]

Oh, could I have a chocolate malta, too?

[Henry Aldrich]

A chocolate Malden.

[Dizzy Stevens]

One choc.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, one chocolate Malden.

[Geraldine Love]

What is your name?

[Henry Aldrich]

My name's Henry Aldridge.

[Geraldine Love]

My name's Geraldine Love.

[Henry Aldrich]

It is? Gee whiz. Geraldine Love.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Who takes the check?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, I'll pay for it. I wonder. I wonder if.

[Geraldine Love]

Who are you looking for?

[Henry Aldrich]

I just thought there might be someone in here. I know who. I wonder whether there could be anyone outside looking for me. Would you mind excusing me for just a second while I step out?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

How about this check? I'll be right back.

[Henry Aldrich]

Get that AMEX Gold Card ready. I'm too tired to cook.

[American Express Announcer]

We feeling Five Guys or the Cheesecake Factory? Both earn up to $120 a year in statement credits at participating partners. Up to $10 each month when you pay with the AMEX Gold card. Learn [e-mail] Explore Gold enrollment required terms apply.

[Mrs. Lawson (Agnes's Mother)]

Access to affordable credit helps me pay my employees.

[Dizzy Stevens]

But I don't really need it. Inflation is killing me.

[Henry Aldrich]

But who cares?

[Dizzy Stevens]

Big retailers are making record profits.

[Henry Aldrich]

That's why we support the Durbin Marshall credit card bill.

[Dizzy Stevens]

See, banks and credit unions help small businesses make payroll.

[Mrs. Lawson (Agnes's Mother)]

This bill would cut the vital resources

[Henry Aldrich]

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

[American Express Announcer]

Stop the Durbin Marshall money grab for

[Narrator/Announcer]

corporate megastores paid for by the Electronic Payments Coalition.

[Henry Aldrich]

Dizzy. Hey, Dizzy.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

What'll you have?

[Henry Aldrich]

Come here. I'm in a terrible position.

[Dizzy Stevens]

What happened?

[Henry Aldrich]

Hurry up. Here's my knife.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Give me that.

[Henry Aldrich]

50 cents.

[Dizzy Stevens]

I haven't got 50 cents anymore.

[Henry Aldrich]

No, no.

[Dizzy Stevens]

I've been getting something to eat.

[Henry Aldrich]

Haven't you anything?

[Dizzy Stevens]

Just 30 cents.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, gee whiz, that'll make 40 cents. Give it to me. Here's the knife.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Oh, did you decide to eat after all?

[Henry Aldrich]

Only in a way I did.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Well, here. Gee, thanks.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

So.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yeah, I've got to go back in.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Was anyone out in front?

[Henry Aldrich]

Was there? And was it a good thing I saw him?

[Narrator/Announcer]

That'll be 20, 30, 40 cents.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, is that all?

[Geraldine Love]

Aren't you going to eat anything?

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee, if you could have seen the lunch I brought from home.

[Geraldine Love]

Oh, you've already eaten.

[Henry Aldrich]

I. I stuffed myself.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Hey, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

What do you have?

[Dizzy Stevens]

Dizzy, Your mother's out here.

[Henry Aldrich]

My mother?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Henry, dear, I've been looking all over for you.

[Henry Aldrich]

Is somebody sick, Mother?

[Geraldine Love]

No, Dee.

[Mrs. Lawson (Agnes's Mother)]

You left your lunchbox at home in

[Henry Aldrich]

the living room, Mother.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Well, Dee, you can't go all day

[Mrs. Lawson (Agnes's Mother)]

without anything to eat.

[Henry Aldrich]

But Mother, I've had more than enough. I. I left that box home on purpose. Hi, Geraldine, Is that you in there?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Oh, hello, Irwin.

[Henry Aldrich]

Listen, where did you come from? Irwin? I see you found your box, Henry. Now maybe you can eat something, Henry. Mother, do you mind if I change the subject for just a minute? I want you to meet Geraldine, love.

[Geraldine Love]

Hello.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Come on, Edwin, let's go over to school.

[Henry Aldrich]

Okay.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

It was nice to have met you, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee, where she's gone.

[Mrs. Lawson (Agnes's Mother)]

Who is that young woman, Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

She's the best looking girl in school, Mother.

[Mrs. Lawson (Agnes's Mother)]

She's hardly the best mannered.

[Henry Aldrich]

But you don't really know her. And while I appreciate your bringing this lunchbox, I do think you could have handed it to me more cautiously.

[Mrs. Lawson (Agnes's Mother)]

Henry, Agnes Lawson's mother phoned this morning. Well, she said I wanted to know whether you would like to go to the class picnic with Agnes.

[Henry Aldrich]

I hope you didn't tell her I would.

[Mrs. Lawson (Agnes's Mother)]

Why wouldn't you, dear?

[Henry Aldrich]

Mother, I couldn't possibly.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Why not?

[Mrs. Lawson (Agnes's Mother)]

Because, Henry, there isn't any girl you know quite as nice as Agnes.

[Henry Aldrich]

But Mother, she can't begin to compare with Geraldine.

[Mrs. Lawson (Agnes's Mother)]

I'm sure she isn't as rude as that young woman.

[Henry Aldrich]

You're just jumping at conclusions, Henry.

[Mrs. Lawson (Agnes's Mother)]

Agnes's mother has always been so nice to you.

[Henry Aldrich]

And so is Agnes. But she's still not my idea of a girl I'd like to go on a picnic with.

[Mrs. Lawson (Agnes's Mother)]

Then I don't think you should accept any more of her hospitality, Henry.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Say, Henry, aren't you going to be late to class? Oh, hello, agnes. Oh, hello, Mrs. Aldrich.

[Geraldine Love]

The last bill may ring any minute, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, they still last lots of time, Agnes.

[Mrs. Lawson (Agnes's Mother)]

Henry, don't you think this would be a good time to tell Agnes what we were just discussing?

[Henry Aldrich]

Mother, look at the clock. I didn't know it was so late.

[Mrs. Lawson (Agnes's Mother)]

It won't take one minute.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

What is it about?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, Agnes, would you like to have me go to the picnic with you?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Oh, Henry, of course.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I'd like to go with you. See that, dear?

[Mrs. Lawson (Agnes's Mother)]

It didn't take one second.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

I'm so glad you can go, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

I think I better hurry.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Do you mind if I walk with you?

[Henry Aldrich]

No.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Goodbye, dear.

[Henry Aldrich]

Goodbye, Mother.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Goodbye, Mrs. Aldrich. When are you going to eat your lunch?

[Henry Aldrich]

During music?

[Geraldine Love]

Henry.

[Mrs. Lawson (Agnes's Mother)]

Look, hurry across the street.

[Geraldine Love]

Oh, Henry Aldridge.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, gee whiz, Geraldine.

[Geraldine Love]

Could I see you alone, Henry?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

I'll wait for you right at the entrance, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

You better go right on in, Agnes.

[Geraldine Love]

Henry. Well, Henry, Irwin Cooper can't go to the picnic. Would you like to be my partner?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

I

[Henry Aldrich]

be your partner?

[Geraldine Love]

Of course.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, gee whiz, would you? The only thing is, has someone else asked you? I can fix it. All right. I can fix it. I'm sure I can.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Really?

[Henry Aldrich]

Of course.

[Geraldine Love]

Oh, Henry. Henry, I'm so thrilled you can go.

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee whiz, think how I feel. I'm going with you, Boy. I'm going with you.

[Geraldine Love]

Can you bring the lunch, Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

I bring it.

[Geraldine Love]

Oh, I just hate to put up an old lunch.

[Henry Aldrich]

Sure, I'd be very glad to.

[Geraldine Love]

Oh, my goodness.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

We better hurry, Henry.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Hey, Henry, I've got a message for you. Come here.

[Henry Aldrich]

What is it, Dizzy?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Come here.

[Henry Aldrich]

Could you excuse me, Geraldine?

[Geraldine Love]

You won't forget, Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

Forget? How could I?

[Dizzy Stevens]

Listen, Henry, let me tell you, boy, you're gonna pass right out.

[Henry Aldrich]

Why, I fixed it up for you. You fixed what up? For me?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

To go to the picnic.

[Henry Aldrich]

With who?

[Dizzy Stevens]

The girl you said you wanted to meet.

[Henry Aldrich]

But I just met her.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Oh, no, Henry. That isn't the girl you wanted to meet. I just talked to the one you want. She's crazy to have you go.

[Henry Aldrich]

But, Dizzy, I've already got a date with this one.

[Dizzy Stevens]

It's too late to tell the one I've talked to. You can't go, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

She busted a date Purposely?

[Dizzy Stevens]

Boy, aren't I your pal?

[Henry Aldrich]

I'll say you're my pal. That makes three girls and one picnic.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You know, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls of Henry's age often say and do a lot of things that puzzle parents. But among the most surprising things about all boys and girls is their strange powers of hearing. Your own son, for instance, may be just upstairs in his room when you call him from the kitchen.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Tommy. Oh, Tommy. Come down here a minute, Tommy.

[Narrator/Announcer]

But no answer. So you call again. And this goes on for several minutes until you finally say to yourself, well,

[Mrs. Lawson (Agnes's Mother)]

I did think he might want this

[Henry Aldrich]

extra dish of Jell O chocolate pudding. But if he doesn't, I'll eat it myself.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Wait a minute, Mother. Here I am. Where is it?

[Henry Aldrich]

Aha.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You see, it just goes to prove that all you have to do is mention, just barely whisper, Jell O chocolate pudding, and folks young and old will come a running. Because seriously, ladies and gentlemen, Jell O chocolate pudding is a mighty delicious treat. It's a grand satisfying dessert. Delightfully smooth and creamy. And every tempting spoonful is rich with swell chocolatey flavor. You'll be glad to know, too, that Jello chocolate pudding is easy to make and that it costs only a few pennies. So try some real soon for keen, luscious enjoyment. Jell O chocolate pudding is in a class by itself. Now, getting back to Henry Aldrich. When we left him, Henry, through no fault of his own, was dated with three girls for the class picnic. Now the scene opens on the morning of the picnic. Henry, wearing an apron, is working in the Aldridge kitchen.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mother, is this all the wax paper we have?

[Mrs. Lawson (Agnes's Mother)]

Well, Henry, you've already used two rolls,

[Henry Aldrich]

but I'm making the sandwiches big.

[Mrs. Lawson (Agnes's Mother)]

May I ask how big Geraldine's mouth is?

[Henry Aldrich]

Look, Mother. Look at this swell bottle of stuffed olives.

[Mrs. Lawson (Agnes's Mother)]

Where did you get enough money to buy those?

[Henry Aldrich]

I sold a picture that was up on my wall.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Mother.

[Henry Aldrich]

I wonder why Geraldine doesn't like to put up a lunch.

[Mrs. Lawson (Agnes's Mother)]

What did Agnes say when you told her you couldn't go with her?

[Henry Aldrich]

Very little.

[Mrs. Lawson (Agnes's Mother)]

Well, Henry, I still don't like it.

[Henry Aldrich]

But don't you think it was all right for me to tell the girl Dizzy fixed up for me that I couldn't go?

[Mrs. Lawson (Agnes's Mother)]

That was entirely different.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Henry, what's become of the portable phonograph that was up in my room?

[Henry Aldrich]

Mary, I meant to speak to you about that. Do you need it today?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

What's more, I'd like to know what became of that pillow that was up in my room?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, which one? The Princeton one. Couldn't I borrow that? If I take very good care of it, I'm going to rent a canoe, Mary.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Why can't you take my Harvard pillow, Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee whiz, as though I could ask any girl to sit on Harvard.

[Mrs. Lawson (Agnes's Mother)]

Why not, Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, in the first place, it's coming out at the seams, though.

[Geraldine Love]

Agnes will notice that.

[Henry Aldrich]

Agnes? I'm not going with Agnes.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

I thought you were.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mary, didn't you tell Agnes?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Tell her what?

[Dizzy Stevens]

Mary?

[Henry Aldrich]

Mary, the message I gave you.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

When?

[Henry Aldrich]

When you were going over to her house yesterday. I called downstairs to you.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

I didn't hear you.

[Henry Aldrich]

You must have. I said, mary, will you please tell Agnes I can't take her to the picnic because I have a very urgent engagement.

[Geraldine Love]

Well, I certainly didn't understand you, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

But gee whiz, if that doesn't leave Agnes in an embarrassing position.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Why, Agnes?

[Henry Aldrich]

Why Agnes? She'll have to eat her lunch a lot.

[Mrs. Lawson (Agnes's Mother)]

Oh, no, she won't, dear.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mother, I couldn't take her. You certainly will, dear, but what will Geraldine think?

[Mrs. Lawson (Agnes's Mother)]

You've known Agnes a great deal longer than you have Geraldine.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mother, haven't you caught on? I'm not fond of Agnes. If I take her, I'll be embarrassed the whole afternoon.

[Mrs. Lawson (Agnes's Mother)]

Mary, could you let me speak to Henry alone, please?

[Geraldine Love]

Yes, mother.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

But I fully disapprove of the whole thing.

[Henry Aldrich]

That's because neither one of you is a boy. And what's more, you've never had to take out Agnes.

[Mrs. Lawson (Agnes's Mother)]

Henry, I realize Geraldine must be a very pretty girl.

[Henry Aldrich]

She's beautiful, mother.

[Mrs. Lawson (Agnes's Mother)]

Well, let's grant she's the most beautiful girl that ever lived. But don't you see how Agnes is going to feel? And her mother's always been so nice to you.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, don't misunderstand me, mother. I'm very fond of Agnes, mother. In fact, if it were a choice, I'd rather take her.

[Mrs. Lawson (Agnes's Mother)]

I'm sorry, dear. I'm not going to say anything more.

[Henry Aldrich]

I see.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Does.

[Henry Aldrich]

Does that mean yes or no?

[Mrs. Lawson (Agnes's Mother)]

Mother, I've said all I'm going to.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Henry, Dizzy's at the front door.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Hey, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

I'm coming, Des.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Henry, I'm in an emergency.

[Henry Aldrich]

What's the matter?

[Dizzy Stevens]

You want to buy this knife? I'll let you have it for 50 cents.

[Henry Aldrich]

It isn't worth 50.

[Dizzy Stevens]

You try to sell it to me for 50. And if you don't buy it, I won't have any lunch at the picnic.

[Henry Aldrich]

Why not?

[Dizzy Stevens]

My girl can't go.

[Henry Aldrich]

She can't? Dizzy. No, it would Be your girl. Listen, Dizzy, if I'll fix you up with one of the swellest girls you ever met in your life, will you give me that knife?

[Dizzy Stevens]

Are you kidding me?

[Henry Aldrich]

Do you like fried chicken? Oh, and peanut butter sandwiches and deviled eggs? Oh, sure I do. Give me the knife, Dizzy. Here.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Who is it?

[Henry Aldrich]

Come here while I telephone, boy, or you in luck. Hello, operator?

[Dizzy Stevens]

Gee whiz, what's she like?

[Henry Aldrich]

She's a dream. Yeah, and she's got the swellest mother. Operator, I want Walnut373. Walnut, three.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Now, wait a minute, Henry. Isn't that Agnes's number?

[Henry Aldrich]

Dizzy, her mother can cook.

[Dizzy Stevens]

I know, Henry, but I'm not interested.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

She's.

[Henry Aldrich]

She's got a lunch basket that's really a laundry hamper.

[Dizzy Stevens]

She has?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, operator, the line's busy. Well, will you let me know when it isn't? Boy, am I going to have a swell time with Geraldine. You know what I'm going to do, Dizzy?

[Dizzy Stevens]

What?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I'm going to rent a canoe.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Where'd you get the money?

[Henry Aldrich]

I sold a set of books I never read and. Hey, look at this phonograph.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Gee whiz, what did you sell or get that?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, nothing. Want to listen to something swell? Ever hear anything like it?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Does he?

[Henry Aldrich]

I got a pillow from Princeton, too. Yeah, I'm going to let Geraldine sit on it right in the middle of the canoe. And then you know. What?

[Dizzy Stevens]

And then what?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, you know that cove way over on the far side of the lake?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah.

[Henry Aldrich]

Boy, is that a swell place to eat lunch. Gee whiz.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hello,

[Dizzy Stevens]

Henry. Look what happened to the record.

[Henry Aldrich]

Hello, Agnes. Agnes, how would you like to have me arrange a very pleasant surprise? How would you enjoy going today with Dizzy Stevens?

[Dizzy Stevens]

What does she say, Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, no, Agnes. I think you've got the wrong idea of him.

[Dizzy Stevens]

What's that?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, no, Agnes, he isn't like that.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Hang up, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Henry, to whom are you talking to, Agnes?

[Dizzy Stevens]

Mrs. Aldridge.

[Mrs. Lawson (Agnes's Mother)]

Henry, you are not to tell her you can't take her.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yeah, but, Mother, did you hear me? Yes. Hello, Agnes. I'd like to go with you. No, I'd be very glad to. I'll pick you up in about an hour. Goodbye.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Henry, could I have my knife?

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee whiz, am I going to have a swell time. Agnes and Geraldine, both at once. Do you see anyone coming, Agnes?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Maybe she changed her mind.

[Henry Aldrich]

Henry, are you sure Geraldine is coming? She told me she was.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Couldn't we get into the canoe here? You know, I've always wanted to go in a Canoe?

[Henry Aldrich]

Haven't you ever been in one?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

No.

[Henry Aldrich]

Can you swim?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

No, I can't.

[Henry Aldrich]

Is that right? Oh, gee, look who's coming down the path.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Who is it?

[Henry Aldrich]

Geraldine? I'll be back in a second, Agnes.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Oh, gosh. Henry, why don't you wait here on the dock?

[Henry Aldrich]

I've got to help her carry her sweater.

[Geraldine Love]

Hello, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I saw you came, huh? Let me carry your sweater for you.

[Geraldine Love]

Thank you ever so much.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Henry.

[Geraldine Love]

Who's that down on the dock?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, it seems, Geraldine, there was a misunderstanding.

[Geraldine Love]

Henry, that girl isn't going with us, is she?

[Henry Aldrich]

Geraldine, she's just a friend of the family.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

But I asked you to go.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I'm here to go with you. She's really going. Just for my mother. Hi, Geraldine. Now, look.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Oh, Erwin Kufa.

[Geraldine Love]

I thought you couldn't come.

[Dizzy Stevens]

I'm here, though.

[Henry Aldrich]

How are you, Henry? Glad to see you, my boy. I'm glad to see you.

[Geraldine Love]

Oh, we're both glad to see you, Henfrey.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Who's that calling you, Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

Ah, it's just a girl. Yes, Agnes.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Selfie. What's the matter? Oh, Henry, look. She's got one foot on the dock and one foot in the canoe, and she's holding your lunch basket right over the water. Hey, Agnes, pull your legs together. I'm gonna fall in. Well, put that lunch basket down, Agnes. I'm going. Henry. Henry, look, he fell in.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Yeah, I know it.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

I'll pull her out.

[Henry Aldrich]

It's only three feet deep.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Grab the canoe, Agnes. Stand up. Get your head out of the water. Okay, Agnes, don't be childish.

[Henry Aldrich]

Just get off your knees,

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

then wade in. I'm coming, Henry. Open your eyes. You're waiting the wrong way. Oh, Jesus.

[Henry Aldrich]

Here, give me your hand, Agnes.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

All right, here.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Come on out up

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

there.

[Henry Aldrich]

Don't drip in the lunch basket.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

I won't, Henry. I. I'll just squeeze my dress out a little here and there. I'll be all right.

[Henry Aldrich]

Now, look, Agnes, don't you think you ought to go right straight home?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Oh, no. The sun is awfully warm.

[Geraldine Love]

We can get in the canoe and

[Mrs. Lawson (Agnes's Mother)]

I'll be dry by the time we

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

get to the other side of the lake.

[Henry Aldrich]

Where's Geraldine?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Oh, there she is. Look. Out on the lake with Irwin.

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee whiz, they're in a canoe and they took my lunch basket.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Come on.

[Geraldine Love]

Come on, Henry, get in this canoe with me, huh?

[Henry Aldrich]

Sure, I'll get in.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Isn't it lucky you have this crimson pillow for me to sit on?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yeah. Say, did you know your hair has all come Down.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

I let it down on purpose. And me?

[Mrs. Lawson (Agnes's Mother)]

Do you mind if I played his

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

phonograph while I lean back in the sun?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, if you have to,

[Geraldine Love]

My giddy Penley.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Henry's Mother)]

Aren't we lucky? Everything has ended up just beautifully.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You know, ladies and gentlemen, when folks get to talking about favorite desserts, there's one they never fail to mention. And that's butterscotch pie. Yes, sir, butterscotch pie is a mighty swell treat. And it's marvelously easy and inexpensive to make, too, when you make it with Jell O Butterscotch pudding. Because when you use Jello butterscotch pudding for the filling, you do away with all guessing. You save time and effort and you make certain that every single pie will be a grand success. Furthermore, this rich, taffy colored pudding gives you a pie filling that's as creamy and satin smooth as can be. And you'll be delighted with its golden butterscotch flavor, its zestful, satisfying goodness. So follow the lead of so many smart, modern housewives. Tomorrow night, treat the family to a luscious butterscotch pie made the easy way with Jell O Butterscotch Pudding. Ask your grocer for several packages of this tasty dessert. But be sure to say Jello butterscotch pudding. Because only Jello butterscotch pudding can give you such rich, mellow enjoyment.

[Henry Aldrich]

I'm sorry, Mother, but I'm through with them forever. Really, Henry, I've never seen a girl yet that didn't turn out to be a disappointment.

[Mrs. Lawson (Agnes's Mother)]

Why?

[Henry Aldrich]

I don't know. I don't know. Maybe I'm just hard to please. Oh, could you put some more sunburn lotion on me?

[Mrs. Lawson (Agnes's Mother)]

I'll ask Mary to.

[Henry Aldrich]

Don't let Mary get near me. She'll put it right where my poison ivy is.

[Narrator/Announcer]

The Aldrich family starring as the stone is written by Clifford Gold Smith. Original music composed and conducted by Jack Miller. This is Harry Bonsell speaking and wishing you good night. For the puddings that are tops in taste, Jell O Puddings.