Aldrich Family 40-05-28 (048) Cross Country Race

Summary

Podcast Summary: Aldrich Family 40-05-28 (048) Cross Country Race

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Aldrich Family 40-05-28 (048) Cross Country Race
• Release Date: June 23, 2025
• Description: This episode features a classic radio show from the Golden Age of Radio, portraying the everyday adventures and challenges of Henry Aldrich and his family in a nostalgic setting.

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Overview

In this episode of "The Aldrich Family," listeners are transported to the small-town life of Henry Aldrich, a typical American teenager navigating the pressures of adolescence. The central plot revolves around Henry's determination to win a cross country race to fulfill his promise of taking Geraldine to the upcoming dance. This endeavor is intertwined with family dynamics, personal growth, and the humorous challenges that come with teenage life.

Main Characters

• Henry Aldrich: The protagonist, a responsible and eager teenager striving to meet his obligations.
• Mr. Aldrich (Sam Aldrich): Henry's father, who emphasizes discipline and responsibility.
• Mrs. Aldrich (Alice Aldrich): Henry's supportive mother, concerned about family harmony.
• Basil (Dizzy): Henry's friend and fellow student, who shares similar challenges.
• Geraldine: Henry's friend and dance partner, whose relationship with Henry adds emotional depth to the story.
• Coach: The track coach, who plays a pivotal role in Basil's racing ambition.

Plot Summary

Setting the Stage

The episode opens with Henry Aldrich at the dinner table with his family in Centerville. The conversation quickly reveals Henry's motivation: he is eating his broccoli not out of preference but to secure permission to take Geraldine to the upcoming dance. His friend Basil, also known as Dizzy, introduces additional stakes by explaining his need to win a cross country race to obtain a typewriter and a sleeping bag, essential for his plans to attend the dance.

Notable Quote:

Henry Aldrich [03:22]: "And the only reason Henry is eating broccoli is so he can take Geraldine to the dance Saturday night."

Family Dynamics and Challenges

The discussion shifts to Basil's predicament—his requirement to pass mathematics to receive the sleeping bag, adding academic pressure to his athletic goals. Mr. Aldrich emphasizes the importance of discipline and responsibility, while Mrs. Aldrich attempts to mediate and support her sons.

Notable Quote:

Mr. Aldrich [11:00]: "Which is more important, son? Winning that race tomorrow or building some character in the years to come?"

Training and Preparation

As the Aldrich family prepares for the race, Henry assists Basil in his training regimen. The brothers engage in various training exercises, highlighting their camaraderie and the humorous struggles of teenage athleticism. However, tensions rise when Basil becomes overwhelmed, leading to a brief conflict over training methods and family expectations.

Notable Quote:

Basil [06:15]: "This is going to over develop me."

The Cross Country Race

The narrative intensifies as the day of the cross country race arrives. Basil faces obstacles such as ill-fitting shoes and physical exhaustion, while Henry motivates him to push through. The race is depicted with vivid detail, capturing the competitive spirit and the personal battles each character faces.

Notable Quote:

Coach [18:42]: "Central has got to win, see?"

Climax and Resolution

During the race, Basil encounters multiple setbacks, including a broken shoestring and challenging terrain. Just as it seems he might falter, Henry steps in to provide support, embodying the themes of friendship and perseverance. The race concludes with Henry crossing the finish line triumphantly, securing the victory needed to grant Basil his rewards.

Notable Quote:

Basil [24:23]: "But I'll finish, but I hope there's nobody there to see me."

Post-Race Reflections

In the aftermath of the race, the Aldrich family reflects on the events of the day. Mr. and Mrs. Aldrich express pride in their sons' achievements and growth, emphasizing the importance of character over mere victories. The episode concludes with a heartwarming acknowledgment of family support and the triumph of personal effort.

Notable Quote:

Mrs. Aldrich [26:31]: "I've got 35 cents I'd be willing to put towards a pair of shoes."

Key Interactions and Insights

• Family Support: The episode underscores the role of family in fostering responsibility and supporting personal goals. Mrs. Aldrich's attempts to mediate and Mr. Aldrich's emphasis on character development highlight differing parenting styles that complement each other.

  Mr. Aldrich [11:20]: "It's not a question of money."

• Friendship and Loyalty: Henry's unwavering support for Basil during the race exemplifies true friendship and the willingness to help others overcome their challenges.

  Henry Aldrich [24:39]: "Come on, Henry, run."

• Personal Growth: Both Henry and Basil undergo significant personal growth, learning to balance academic responsibilities with extracurricular ambitions, reflecting the universal teenage struggle to juggle multiple aspects of life.

  Basil [24:28]: "I don't care whether I pass my math. I don't even care whether I take Geraldine to the dance."

Conclusion

"Aldrich Family 40-05-28 (048) Cross Country Race" is a quintessential representation of Golden Age radio storytelling, blending humor, drama, and relatable family dynamics. Through Henry Aldrich's quest to support his friend Basil and fulfill his promise to Geraldine, the episode explores themes of responsibility, friendship, and personal growth. Notable quotes punctuate the narrative, providing memorable lines that resonate with listeners. This episode not only entertains but also imparts valuable life lessons, making it a cherished installment for fans of classic radio dramas.

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Note: Advertisements and non-content segments, such as those promoting Indeed and Jell-O pudding, have been excluded from this summary to focus solely on the narrative and thematic elements of the "Aldrich Family" episode.

Transcript

[Narrator]

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[Henry Aldrich]

Henry.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Henry Aldrich.

[Henry Aldrich]

Coming, Mother.

[Announcer]

The Aldrich 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 6:30 in Centerville and the scene opens with Henry taking dinner at the home of his palace. Busy, Stevens.

[Basil]

Mrs. Stevens, could I trouble you for the bread, please?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Oh, yes, certainly, Henry.

[Basil]

Gee whiz, I almost took two slices.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Well, wouldn't you like to take two?

[Basil]

No, thank you. I never take more than one at a time.

[Henry Aldrich]

Why only one, Henry?

[Basil]

My mother has asked me not to. Dizzy.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Basil.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Father?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Supposing you put back three of the four slices you took.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Aldrich]

And eat your broccoli.

[Henry Aldrich]

Father, I don't like broccoli.

[Mr. Aldrich]

You aren't supposed to like it. Just eat it.

[Henry Aldrich]

The only. The only way I can make broccoli go down is with bread.

[Basil]

Mrs. Stevens, I'm very sorry to interrupt you, but could I have a second helping of broccoli, please?

[Henry Aldrich]

Of course.

[Basil]

Now that's the way I like to see a young man eat. Thank you, Mrs. Stevens. I just wish Basil had such nice table manners.

[Henry Aldrich]

I do, Mother, when I'm visiting. Oh, yes, but when I'm home, I like to relax. And the only reason Henry is eating broccoli is so he can take Geraldine to the dance Saturday night.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Won't Geraldine go to the dance with him?

[Henry Aldrich]

Unless he eats broccoli, she won't be able to.

[Mr. Aldrich]

I see.

[Basil]

That, Mr. Stevens, is why I have to have the typewriter.

[Mr. Aldrich]

The what?

[Basil]

The typewriter. But I'm not worried. I'm almost positive I can get it. If I can only get the sleeping bag. I need a sleeping bag.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

What kind of a dance is this, Henry?

[Basil]

A masquerade? Oh, no, it's just a dance.

[Mr. Aldrich]

But before you can go to it, you have to eat broccoli and get a typewriter and a sleeping bag.

[Basil]

Yes, sir. There's just one drawback. I can't get the bag if I don't pass my mathematics.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Molly, may I have the salt, please?

[Henry Aldrich]

Don't you understand, Father? That's why Henry has to win the cross country race.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Perfectly clear.

[Basil]

Mrs. Stevens. Do you understand? Yes, entirely.

[Mr. Aldrich]

There's just one point I missed.

[Basil]

Which one was that?

[Mr. Aldrich]

I don't know.

[Henry Aldrich]

I'll explain it to you again.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Father, eat your broccoli.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, sir.

[Basil]

Mr. Stevens, I'm going to run in a cross country race for Central High. And our track coach is my math teacher. That's why I have to win or I don't pass my math.

[Mr. Aldrich]

In which case you will. Or you won't need a sleeping bag.

[Basil]

I will. Frank, will you have some more potatoes?

[Mr. Aldrich]

I've lost my appetite.

[Henry Aldrich]

Didn't I tell you, Henry? It's hard to understand, Father. If he doesn't pass in his math, his father won't give him his old sleeping bag.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Is that a punishment?

[Basil]

If he doesn't give it to me, I won't be able to swap it for Shorty woods typewriter.

[Henry Aldrich]

In which case.

[Basil]

In which case what, Mr. Stevens?

[Mr. Aldrich]

It's a fielder's choice.

[Basil]

See, the dance committee needs a typewriter and if I get them one, they'll give me four tickets free.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Oh, well, I'm glad to hear that straightened up.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yeah, that's the only reason why Henry is eating his broccoli.

[Basil]

My whole future depends on winning that race.

[Mr. Aldrich]

That would be putting it mildly.

[Basil]

Could I have some more, please? Are you sure you're not eating too much, dear?

[Henry Aldrich]

Don't discourage him, Mother. I have just as much a stake on his winning as he has.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Hey, Molly. Don't ask Basil. Why? Well, it's just because we don't want to know.

[Basil]

But I was.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Mother.

[Basil]

Would you like to have me tell you, Mrs. Stevens? No, dear. Well then, could I have a little more of everything? Plays.

[Henry Aldrich]

1, 2, 3, 4. 1, 2. Lift your knees higher. Henry.

[Basil]

I have to run like this even in a cross country run.

[Henry Aldrich]

Don't you want to develop?

[Basil]

But this is going to over develop me.

[Henry Aldrich]

1, 2, 3. Higher. I'll hit my chin. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Henry. Basil, are you and Henry upstairs? Yes, Mother. Oh. What are you doing? We're just talking a little something over.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Well, is that noise you're making while you're talking necessary?

[Henry Aldrich]

I'm developing Henry. Well, why can't you develop him outdoors? It's raining. And besides, if Henry would run on his toes as he should, you wouldn't even hear him.

[Basil]

Well, please ask him to get up.

[Henry Aldrich]

Henry, and start again.

[Basil]

I'm quitting.

[Henry Aldrich]

You mustn't. Sit down, Henry. Do you want a stiffen?

[Basil]

I ate too much broccoli. Dizzy. Besides, I don't think I'll ever be able to make time in your father's golf shoes.

[Henry Aldrich]

Why not?

[Basil]

They weigh five pounds each. They've got spikes on the bottom.

[Henry Aldrich]

Sure they have. That's to give you a grip on the road. You want to go into a three and a half mile race, slipping and sliding all over the course.

[Basil]

I'm not in training anymore.

[Henry Aldrich]

So you don't want to go to the dance and take Geraldine? You don't even care whether you get the two tickets you promised to give me.

[Basil]

No, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Do you realize what Middleton High did to us last year? The final score for the meet was 65 to nothing but dizzy.

[Basil]

Why not leave our training and just let me go into the race fresh?

[Henry Aldrich]

Okay, okay. If you know more about how to run than I do. Okay, then.

[Basil]

All right. What is it I have to do next?

[Henry Aldrich]

You're to run up and down the front stairs, but quietly. With these shoes on, you won't hurt the stairs. I spread newspapers on each step.

[Basil]

I'm not gonna do it.

[Henry Aldrich]

Look, I'll go to the trouble of timing you with my watch. Come on, just five times down and five times up.

[Basil]

Okay, five times, but no more. Okay?

[Henry Aldrich]

Get on your mark, Henry. Yeah, and remember the old toes.

[Basil]

Keep up on my toes going down.

[Henry Aldrich]

It'll strengthen them.

[Basil]

Oh.

[Henry Aldrich]

Get on your mark.

[Basil]

Yeah.

[Henry Aldrich]

Get set, go. What's the matter, Henry?

[Basil]

There's one step there that doesn't have a piece of paper on it.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, skip that one. Come on, get on your mark. Get set, go.

[Basil]

I'm off.

[Henry Aldrich]

Come on, Henry, let her out. Come on. Let's see what you can do now. Come on, back up. Middleton's right behind you. She's closing in on you. She's gaining. You're crazy. She is, too. Now spot down again. What's going on here? Little town's trying to pass them.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Well, come down here.

[Henry Aldrich]

My head.

[Announcer]

What is this?

[Henry Aldrich]

Henry, now look what you've done to the stairs.

[Basil]

But, Father, I'm not asking you to get track shoes and track pants for me.

[Mr. Aldrich]

I thought you were.

[Basil]

Oh, no. You'd really be getting them for Central high.

[Mr. Aldrich]

I see.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mr. Aldridge, do you realize that last year every man on the Middletown High School team finished before any of ours did?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Did they?

[Henry Aldrich]

And we certainly don't want a thing like that to repeat itself. Gee, after all, a thing like that involves everybody in town. Everybody's pride is hurt.

[Mr. Aldrich]

I see. Perhaps I could get the Chamber of Commerce to buy Henry's outfit.

[Basil]

Well, I'll certainly be handicapped if I have to run in any old thing.

[Henry Aldrich]

If worse came to worse, Mr. Aldridge, would you be willing to buy Henry just ordinary sneakers?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Didn't Henry tell you? Why I can't buy him any? Henry, if I were you, I wouldn't swing those Indian clubs here in the living room.

[Basil]

Yes, Father. I didn't even realize I was.

[Mr. Aldrich]

You're not to swing them in this house.

[Basil]

Now, Father.

[Henry Aldrich]

Henry, which way has your father decided regarding the other question?

[Mr. Aldrich]

I've decided he may have neither shoes nor a suit. And I'm quite sure Henry understands.

[Henry Aldrich]

Why did you disobey your father, Henry?

[Mr. Aldrich]

You were playing cats right out in front of the house, weren't you, son?

[Basil]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Aldrich]

And I told you that if you didn't go some other place, you'd have an accident, didn't I?

[Basil]

Yes, sir.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, then what happened, Henry?

[Basil]

The ball went through this living room window. Yes, and Father was sitting right beside it. Oh, Father, I know I should be punished. But think of how I'll feel when I have to tell them at school.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Henry, let's not mention the subject again.

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee whiz, what's all that noise?

[Basil]

How should I know?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, it's something.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Sounds miracle bad.

[Henry Aldrich]

I know. Look out the window. They're having a rally for the track meet tomorrow. Come on, let's go.

[Basil]

Out you go, Dizzy. I'm going to stay here.

[Mr. Aldrich]

There goes both of them.

[Basil]

Do you think I want him to see me?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Which is more important, son? Winning that race tomorrow or building some character in the years to come?

[Henry Aldrich]

I suppose building some character, Mr. Aldridge, if it would help any, I've got 35 cents I'd be willing to put towards a pair of shoes.

[Mr. Aldrich]

It's not a question of money.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Henry, why aren't you and Dizzy out with the crowd?

[Basil]

Why should I, Mother? Father doesn't care whether I win or not.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Henry, that isn't exactly fair.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Is this still about practice?

[Basil]

Yes, Mother. What do you think about it?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

I agree entirely with your father.

[Henry Aldrich]

You do, Mother.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

I'm sorry.

[Basil]

Come on, Dizzy, let's go upstairs.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I guess the only thing to do, Henry, is train all the hard.

[Basil]

I've trained to the breaking point as it is.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Sam, what of it?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Couldn't we let Henry get what he.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Needs after we've told him he can't?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

But, Sam, you've always wanted Henry to go in for athletics.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Well, he may still go in, but he must also learn to obey.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

But he always does obey. Oh, every boy his age forgets now and then, dear.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Very well. Supposing we let him get some shoes and pants. How are we going to save face?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

We can make out they came from Aunt Harriet or someone.

[Mr. Aldrich]

I'm not so sure. Alice, we should do it.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Name one time Henry has recently deliberately.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Disobeyed you when he threw that ball through the window.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

No, I mean one other time.

[Mr. Aldrich]

What's that?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

It's an Indian club. Coming downstairs?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Yes, Henry Orange.

[Basil]

I didn't realize it was going to slip.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Father, didn't I ask you only 5 minutes ago not to swing those clubs in this house?

[Basil]

Did that include the second floor?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Is the second floor in this house?

[Basil]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Is there any reason you can't train out on the porch?

[Basil]

No, sir.

[Henry Aldrich]

What's the trouble, Henry?

[Basil]

Come on down, Dizzy.

[Henry Aldrich]

Okay. Does your father want to speak to me, too?

[Basil]

Come on out onto the porch.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Sam, may I speak with you in the living room?

[Henry Aldrich]

I certainly do, Mrs. Aldridge. Were you speaking to me?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

No, Dizzy. I was saying something to Mr. Aldrich.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, excuse me. Hey, Henry, wait. I'll go out with you.

[Basil]

We can practice out here on the porch.

[Henry Aldrich]

Hey, did you hear what I heard? Why, your mother said something to your father that makes me think she's going to bring him around to your side.

[Basil]

She did? Yeah.

[Henry Aldrich]

I think she's going to work on him. Boy, if you even get a pair of sneakers, you can't lose that race.

[Basil]

Look, Desi, look in the window.

[Henry Aldrich]

Sure, they're talking it over. Your mother's even laughing.

[Basil]

Gee, maybe it's all set.

[Henry Aldrich]

Come on, Henry. Let's get back to work. Yeah.

[Basil]

What do I do next? The whole routine.

[Henry Aldrich]

Raise your Indian clubs.

[Basil]

Okay.

[Henry Aldrich]

Out.

[Basil]

Straight. Right.

[Henry Aldrich]

Begin. 1, 2, 3, 4. 1, 2, 3, four.

[Basil]

Oh, gee whiz. My club.

[Henry Aldrich]

Slip, Henry. Ulrich, I've got to go home. Henry. Is anybody hurt, Father?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Not yet, but will you please come in the house?

[Announcer]

Well, friends, it's just about time for Henry's high school and other high schools and colleges to hold their mid year graduating exercises and award prizes for various scholastic attainments. And speaking of honors being presented, that reminds us of another honor being awarded every day in thousands of homes all over the country. It's an honor that might be presented in the following words, ladies and gentlemen.

[Mr. Aldrich]

For rich mellow flavor, for smooth creamy goodness, and for all around satisfaction, we proudly present the award Natha cum laude, Magna cum laude, but summa cum laude to Jello Chocolate Pudding and we designate it Most Likely to Succeed.

[Announcer]

Yes folks, Jell O Chocolate pudding certainly does carry off top honors when it comes to real downright goodness. It's a swell, luscious pudding, velvety, smooth through and through, just the way a perfect pudding should be. And Jello chocolate pudding is simply unexcelled for rich chocolatey flavor. A chocolate flavor developed especially for Jello by the famous Walter Baker Company. So try this mellow treat real soon, won't you? You'll find that in your family too. The dessert most likely to succeed is Jell O Chocolate Pudding. Now getting back to Henry Aldrich. Henry is to run for Central High in a cross country race. Unfortunately, when we left him, he had neither track shoes nor a track suit. As we return, we find him warming up at the starting line.

[Narrator]

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[Henry Aldrich]

How are the shoes Henry?

[Basil]

Well, I.

[Henry Aldrich]

Let's see.

[Basil]

You're running them well, I'm glad your father let me borrow these golf shoes.

[Henry Aldrich]

I thought you said they were too big for you.

[Basil]

I've got three pairs of socks on.

[Henry Aldrich]

That'S using you old head. How do you feel boy?

[Basil]

Guess I never felt better in my life. That's swell.

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee, that's a great idea of your wearing your swimming suit.

[Basil]

Yay.

[Henry Aldrich]

Older Rock Rock Rock. Yay.

[Basil]

Dizzy.

[Henry Aldrich]

That Was for me. The whole school's in back of you. It's up to you, Henry.

[Basil]

Don't worry about me.

[Henry Aldrich]

Boy.

[Basil]

Did you hear Gwendolyn yell out like that? Did you see that Middleton team over there? If I can't pass them, I'm gonna give up running.

[Henry Aldrich]

The main thing is, do you understand where the course goes?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Sure.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yeah. Well, where does it go?

[Basil]

We start right here at Scott's Corners and follow the main highway inter Centerville till we come to the big four.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yeah. Well, do you turn to the left or to the right?

[Basil]

To the left. Anyone knows that that's the shortest way into town.

[Henry Aldrich]

Okay, but remember, you don't go to the right. And listen, Henry, if you can start right with a gun, remember this is a three and a half mile race. If you can get a quick start, you're in.

[Basil]

I thought you didn't want me to take the lead.

[Henry Aldrich]

Take it until you can jockey for position. After that, hold back, see?

[Basil]

Yeah.

[Henry Aldrich]

Save yourself.

[Basil]

Oh, sure.

[Henry Aldrich]

And don't try to pass whoever grabs a lead. It's a come on. They always put a sprinter in there purposely to tie you.

[Geraldine]

Hello, Henry.

[Basil]

She was Geraldine.

[Geraldine]

I'm going up to the finish line. Henry, are we going to the dance tonight?

[Basil]

Sure. If I win this race and pass in my math, I am. And Geraldine, will you promise to save all your dances for me?

[Geraldine]

Oh, Henry, of course I will.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Hey, Aldrich.

[Basil]

Who's calling me?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Aldrich, come here.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, gee.

[Basil]

Did you want me, Coach?

[Mr. Aldrich]

How are you feeling?

[Basil]

Oh, gee, Coach, I could race 10 miles.

[Announcer]

Fine. Now I'll tell you what I want you to do.

[Basil]

Yes, Coach.

[Announcer]

Central has got to win, see?

[Basil]

Yes, Coach.

[Mr. Aldrich]

But you and Irwin Cooper are the.

[Announcer]

Only two I can spare for this race.

[Basil]

Yes, Coach.

[Announcer]

And there will be six running against you from Middletown.

[Basil]

Yes, Coach.

[Announcer]

The whole thing is up to you.

[Basil]

Yes, Coach.

[Announcer]

Now here's the dough. Take the lead right at the start.

[Basil]

Yes, Coach.

[Announcer]

Run those six boys from Middletown right off their feet.

[Basil]

Yes, Coach.

[Announcer]

And then when you shot everything you've got. Irwin Cooper has been holding back. Well, come forward and win the race.

[Basil]

Yes. I don't win it.

[Announcer]

Well, after all, isn't this for the school?

[Basil]

Yes, Coach. This isn't the time to ask it, but could you tell me if I passed my math exam?

[Announcer]

I'll let you know about that when the race is over. Well, there's the two minute signal. Now go in there and give everything you've got.

[Basil]

How far? Okay, Coach. Gee whiz, Henry. What'll you have, Mother?

[Henry Aldrich]

Don't you think you ought to be.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Wearing a coat, dear?

[Basil]

Mother, don't embarrass me.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Good luck, son.

[Basil]

Thanks, father. Only I can't win the race. They aren't going to let me. If you see Geraldine, will you tell her?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Oh, you'll win it?

[Basil]

They don't want me to.

[Mr. Aldrich]

And your mother and I are going to get in the car and drive on up the road a ways.

[Henry Aldrich]

Henry. Henry.

[Basil]

What do you think has happened?

[Henry Aldrich]

Why, Irwin Cooper just turned his knee and he can't run.

[Basil]

You mean I'm the only one running for such?

[Henry Aldrich]

Right.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Clear the way, everyone, so the boys can line up here.

[Henry Aldrich]

Coach. Hey, Coach.

[Basil]

Yes, I have. Do you still want me to take the lead?

[Announcer]

Oh, do whatever you can. Just get in there and run.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, coach.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Sure.

[Announcer]

Line up, boys.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Yay, Central. Central. Central all day. Get on your mark. Get set.

[Henry Aldrich]

Kill him, Henry. What's that? James Henry again. Go on, Henry. Go on. I'll on my bicycle. Don't interfere with me dissing. You're doing great, boy.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

I am?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yeah. Could you put on just a little steam? The six Middleton guys have already rounded the turn.

[Basil]

I'm holding back on purpose.

[Henry Aldrich]

Ah, that's using the old head. I got it all figured out. Sure, but don't you think you ought to run a little faster?

[Basil]

Don't talk to me so much. Darn it all anyhow.

[Henry Aldrich]

What's the matter?

[Basil]

My shoestring busted?

[Henry Aldrich]

What difference does that make? Come on, keep going. Henry, I can't run with my shoe half there.

[Basil]

I kicked it off.

[Henry Aldrich]

Now you're coming. Look up ahead. They're less than a quarter of a mile in the lead.

[Basil]

I'll never be able to catch them in one shoe.

[Henry Aldrich]

You've got that much less to carry than they have, haven't you?

[Basil]

Yeah, but look.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, take the other one off and then you won't have anything holding you back.

[Basil]

Okay. While I take it off, you keep your eye on Middletown.

[Henry Aldrich]

I'm watching them. I won't let them get out of your sight. All you have to do now is sprint a little and you pass them in no time.

[Basil]

Oh, boy, does that feel good. Watch me go.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, aren't you glad you took them off, Henry?

[Basil]

Darn that stone anyhow.

[Henry Aldrich]

Henry, I forgot you gotta run on gravel for the next two miles.

[Basil]

That's gonna help Lizzie. I'll never be able to catch up with him.

[Henry Aldrich]

We'll get over and run in the ditch.

[Basil]

Yeah, that's an idea. Oh, gee whiz. Why didn't you tell me there was water in here?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, get out.

[Basil]

I'm certainly glad I wore my bathing suit. Look at them up ahead.

[Henry Aldrich]

I've got an idea. Henry, you keep on running, see? Where are you going? Never mind. I'll be back and save the day before you know it.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Sam, how many have gone by so far?

[Announcer]

6.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

How many are there in the race?

[Mr. Aldrich]

7.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Are you sure Henry wasn't one of the first to pass?

[Mr. Aldrich]

I certainly haven't seen anyone go by in a red bathing suit. Trouble with the coach is having him hold back.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Hold back?

[Announcer]

Uh huh.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Well, what's the sense in that strategy, Alice? You save yourself till the finish and then you put on a burst of speed.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Well, isn't that smart of Henry to think of it?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Oh, here he comes, Alice.

[Henry Aldrich]

He's coming around the curve on a bicycle.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Oh, no, no. That's strange. That's dizzy, Mr. Aldridge.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mr. Aldridge. Dizzy? Has something happened to Henry? He lost his shoes.

[Mr. Aldrich]

What was that?

[Henry Aldrich]

He's grooming in the stockings, feet on gravel. And Mr. Aldridge needs some sneakers.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Well, we couldn't possibly get any sneakers now.

[Henry Aldrich]

Sure we can get some. It's only a minute. Up to the store.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Well, all right. Hurry up. Get in the car.

[Basil]

Okay.

[Henry Aldrich]

Sam.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

I thought you said it would ruin Henry's character if we bought him too.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Character? Character. Think of his arches.

[Henry Aldrich]

Doesn't that make a difference? Henry? Henry, don't those shoes make a difference?

[Basil]

Hey, Henry, I can hear you. I can't speak.

[Henry Aldrich]

Put on the stain, boy.

[Basil]

Yeah, let me get on your bicycle with you.

[Henry Aldrich]

You're not gonna quit, are you?

[Basil]

What's the use of my keeping on? The rest have already finished and the crowd's probably gone home.

[Henry Aldrich]

But Henry, no matter how tired you may be, you should always finish your race. You've only got another quarter of a mile.

[Basil]

I don't care whether I pass my math. I don't even care whether I take Geraldine to the dance.

[Henry Aldrich]

But do you want Central High to go down in history? Is not finishing this race.

[Basil]

Well, I'll finish, but I hope there's nobody there to see me. Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Henry, run. Come on, Henry, run.

[Basil]

What for?

[Henry Aldrich]

They're behind you.

[Announcer]

Who?

[Henry Aldrich]

The Middleton guys.

[Basil]

Behind me? They're behind me.

[Henry Aldrich]

Almost a quarter of a mile. How could they be? They must have taken the wrong fork. Run, Henry, run. Gee whiz, I'll do all I can. Come on, Henry. They're gaining.

[Basil]

Am I moving at all?

[Henry Aldrich]

Sure. You've only got 200 yards to go. Come on, let's swindle. And up ahead. Henry, I Can't see her. She's waving to you. I can't see her. Henry, go towards the finish line. Keep on the course. How much water is it? 60 yards. They're coming like wind.

[Basil]

Yeah.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yeah, four of them. Here they come, Henry. Give them the works. They're 20 yards behind you. Yeah, Henry, they're 10 yards.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Come on, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

They're closing in. Henry, they're right behind you. Henry, you've won. You've won.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Sam, I think this is the grandest idea you had. Our dropping in for a few minutes and watching the young people dance.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Henry will probably be the hero of the ball.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Yes, and my goodness, has he been busy today. First he won that race, and then after getting his mark in mathematics, he had to exchange the sleeping bag you gave him for the typewriter so he could get the tickets and take Geraldine. I should think he'd be exhausted.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Here we are. I'll open the door.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Oh, thank you, Sam. Well, you don't suppose Henry's winning that cross country race had anything to do with his getting 98 in mathematics, do you?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Why, no. No, it couldn't have. No. Alice, I've decided that boy has character. Yes, character, as I'm really encouraged. Come on, let's go.

[Announcer]

India. Thank you.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mr. And Mrs. Aldridge. Oh, yes, Geraldine, have you any idea.

[Geraldine]

Where Henry could be?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

What do you mean, dear?

[Geraldine]

Well, he disappeared. Nobody can find him.

[Mr. Aldrich]

What do you mean he disappeared?

[Geraldine]

Well, he brought me to the dance and nobody's seen him since.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Hasn't he even danced with you?

[Geraldine]

No, I've just been sitting and waiting and waiting.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Sam, what do you suppose has happened?

[Henry Aldrich]

Hey, Mr. And Mrs. Aldridge.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Dizzy. Dizzy, have you seen Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

I've been trying to find him.

[Geraldine]

Oh, my goodness.

[Henry Aldrich]

Maybe Middletown's kidnapped him. Why, boy, they were certainly very indignant when he won that race. I know who might know where he is. Who? The coach. He's down in the basement sneaking a smoke. Come on with me, Geraldine.

[Basil]

All right.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Dizzy, will you come back and tell us?

[Henry Aldrich]

Look out for these stairs, Geraldine.

[Geraldine]

Dizzy, do you think Middletown really has done anything to him?

[Henry Aldrich]

Come on around the landing here. If they've even touched them, we'll get him. Oh, gee whiz.

[Geraldine]

What's the matter?

[Henry Aldrich]

Do you see what I see? What? Henry. He's gone to sleep. Right here on the stairs.

[Geraldine]

He's gone to sleep. Oh, so that's all he cared about bringing me. Hey, Henry, don't wake him. I'm going upstairs. Hey, Henry, I'm going up and dance with anyone I please.

[Henry Aldrich]

Henry.

[Basil]

Well, move over, boy.

[Henry Aldrich]

I'm tired, too.

[Announcer]

Tomorrow night for dinner, ladies and gentlemen, how about serving a dessert wonderfully easy to make. Yes, and believe me, mighty easy to. To take, too. The dessert I'm thinking about, of course, is Jell O vanilla pudding. Served as is or mixed with bananas or any other fruits or nuts you may have handy. Jell O vanilla pudding is a perfectly grand treat that the whole family will love. And they'll want to enjoy it again and again. It takes only a few brief moments to prepare. It's very simple, and it's quite inexpensive. Yet few desserts, no matter how costly or complicated, can rival Jell O vanilla pudding for gratifying goodness. It has a flavor that is really swell. A rich, delicate flavor that you'll find supreme for sheer satisfaction. So enjoy some Jello vanilla pudding tomorrow. And try those other delicious Jello puddings, too. There are Jell? O chocolate pudding and Jell? O butterscotch pudding. You'll be delighted with their mellow, creamy flavor. The flavor that has made Jello puddings topped in tape.

[Basil]

Father, did I tell you I'm going into partnership with another guy and buy a car?

[Mr. Aldrich]

You don't say so.

[Basil]

Yeah. Here's the ad for it in the paper. It says, take your pick for $50.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Isn't that an ad for building lots of.

[Basil]

No, Father.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Look.

[Basil]

It says, big sale. These cars won't last much longer.

[Announcer]

The Aldrich family, starring as the stone is written by Clifford Goldsmith. Original music is composed and conducted by Jack Miller. This is the last program in the current series of Aldrich family broadcasts. But Henry Aldrich will be back on the air on Sunday night, June 23, in place of Jack Benny. So remember, all summer long, Henry Aldrich will come to you on Sunday evenings at the same time and on the same station. You now hear Jack Benny. This is Harry Fonzel speaking and wishing you good night for the puddings that are tops in taste, Jello pudding.