Aldrich Family 44-01-27 (222) Movie Star

Summary

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Aldrich Family 44-01-27 (222) "Movie Star"

Main Theme

In this classic Golden Age radio comedy, Henry Aldrich is inspired by a film, "The Generous Gentleman," to embark on a stint of selfless deeds and helpfulness to everyone he meets. However, Henry’s well-intentioned efforts comically escalate into a string of mishaps, much to the exasperation of those around him—including his family and a hapless golf club patron, Mr. Eddy. As always, the episode showcases the warm, often chaotic, dynamic of the Aldrich family and the perils of teenage good intentions.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Dinner Table Ambitions (02:07–05:19)

• Henry tries to be unusually generous and helpful at dinner, offering to pass peas and butter and refusing his allowance. His mother and father are immediately suspicious of his odd behavior.
• Henry reveals he's gotten a job but is coy about details, insisting he pays his way for food and lodging.
• Inspired by "The Generous Gentleman," he vows to do good deeds and help everyone:

  “From now on, I'm going to help my friends and do little things for strangers that are in trouble.” (04:49, Henry)

Henry Attempts to Caddy (05:19–13:00)

• Henry’s first job is caddying for the demanding Mr. Eddy at the golf course.
• He strains to be helpful, offers advice, and attempts to repair problems—often making things worse.
• Notably, Henry gets distracted discussing the movie, mishandles Mr. Eddy’s golf clubs and coat, and inadvertently damages property.
• He tries to fix a garden hose for a girl, bending Mr. Eddy’s golf club and breaking her water faucet in the process:

  “I think if I just slip the handle of this golf club into the spokes of the faucet, I can get a little leverage on it.” (10:49, Henry)

• Henry insists on paying for damage with money meant for his mother’s cards.

Escalating Good Deeds Gone Wrong (13:00–15:20)

• Rushing to help, Henry gets involved in pushing one car stuck in the mud, then another—with both vehicles ending up in deeper trouble.
• He offers extensive help to a stranger, Mrs. McGill, even promising his lawyer father’s assistance with her court troubles—without permission:

  “My father's a lawyer and I'll phone him, too, and tell him to go down and fix things for you.” (14:49, Henry)

The Domino Effect: Chaotic Results (15:22–18:24)

• Herbert, Henry’s friend, is busy collecting golf balls instead of helping, compounding Henry’s troubles.
• Henry is torn between various responsibilities—helping Mr. Eddy, calling a plumber, bailing out Mrs. McGill, and returning to his caddying duties.

Mr. Eddy's Ordeal & Climax (18:27–24:32)

• Back at the golf course, Henry’s incompetence finally breaks Mr. Eddy’s patience.
• Mr. Eddy’s number three iron is bent beyond repair, thanks to Henry (19:01).
• A series of phone calls leads to a plumber shutting off all the water in the clubhouse, leaving Mr. Eddy literally covered in soap suds after a shower:

  “Did you ever walk around with suds on you? … Try it sometime, Mr. Eddy.” (24:07, Mr. Eddy)

• Mr. Eddy’s car is mistakenly towed away, again due to one of Henry's errant phone calls.
• In his exasperation, Mr. Eddy declares he's giving up golf—thanks to Henry’s "help":

  “For 15 years my wife has been trying to get me to give up golf. Today I’m giving it up forever.” (22:15, Mr. Eddy)

Family Fallout & Reflection (24:56–27:09)

• At home, Henry tries to redirect blame for his calamities onto Herbert.
• His father laments missing a business meeting to bail Henry out of jail for “impertinence to an officer.”
• Henry’s mother needles him for forgetting to buy bridge cards and reflects on his failed attempts at generosity.
• Henry admits all his earnings went to Mrs. McGill to pay her fine.
• His father, resigned yet tender, gives Henry a dollar “for the Red Cross” but delivers a pointed punchline:

  “They’re having enough problems without your going over and help.” (27:09, Father)

• In a closing comic twist, Henry asks to go to the movies as a reward, but is promptly grounded.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Over-eager help:
  “No more free eating for me.” (03:41, Henry)
• Unintended impact:
  "Personally, I think if you're being paid to do something, you ought to do it, even if it's just to keep quiet." (05:42, Henry)
• Attempting repair:
  “Imagine, I almost spend his number. Number three iron double.” (11:06, Henry)
• Practical philosophy:
  “Well, gee whiz, that's the least I can do. This reminds me of a moving picture that's in town this week.” (14:08, Henry)
• Mr. Eddy’s exasperation:
  “Well, I hire a caddy to look for my golf balls. And I spend my whole day looking for my caddy!” (23:07, Mr. Eddy)
• The lesson learned:
  “Well, it's a funny thing, but things didn't work out like this in the generous gentleman.” (25:30, Henry)

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Timestamped Highlights

| Timestamp | Segment | Description | |-----------|-----------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------| | 02:07 | Dinner Table | Henry acts unusually considerate; hints at plans to “help” everyone. | | 05:19 | On the Golf Course | Henry’s disastrous first day as a caddy for Mr. Eddy begins. | | 10:49 | The Faucet Incident | Henry breaks a faucet while trying to help a girl. | | 13:41 | Stuck Cars | Henry’s attempt to help two drivers ends with both vehicles in the mud. | | 18:27 | Mr. Eddy’s Breaking Point | Henry’s blunders continue as he juggles disasters; Mr. Eddy’s club breaks.| | 24:07 | The Sudsy Shower | The water is shut off mid-shower in the locker room, leaving Mr. Eddy with soap suds. | | 26:02 | Dinner Debrief | Henry’s family reviews the day's chaos; Henry confesses giving away his earnings. | | 27:09 | Father’s “donation” | Henry’s father gives him a dollar, but “for the Red Cross” to keep him out of more trouble. | | 28:28 | Final Movie Punishment | Henry’s request to see another movie is denied; end of episode humor. |

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Tone & Language

The episode’s tone is warm, witty, fast-paced, and gently satirical, capturing both the naive earnestness of Henry and the exasperated affection of his family and “victims.” Henry is chipper, guilelessly verbose, and perpetually optimistic, while blustery adults (especially Mr. Eddy) provide comedic contrast.

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Summary for New Listeners

In this episode, Henry Aldrich’s attempt to live like a “generous gentleman” backfires, resulting in a day full of slapstick chaos—from sabotaged golf games and home plumbing to car trouble and accidental legal entanglements. The humor arises from Henry’s sincere but ill-judged efforts to help, causing a ripple effect of complications for everyone involved. The show delivers a classic lesson: even the best intentions can go hilariously awry, especially when you’re a teenage boy in Centerville.

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Transcript

[Narrator]

Jello presents the aldrich family. Written by clifford goldsmith and starring ezra stone.

[Henry Aldrich]

Henry.

[Mrs. McGill]

Henry aldrich. Coming, mother.

[Narrator]

Now that autumn is on the doorstep, folks, the corner grocery store has begun to take on added color. Piled high on the fruit counter are heaps of shiny red cheeked apples, yellow peaches and big glossy grapes. Yes sir, it's a mighty attractive sight. But even more inviting is the sight of a bright colorful Jell O fruit cup made with some of these same apples, peaches and grapes. Better yet, this swell dessert is wonderfully easy to prepare. You first arrange diced tart apples, seeded grapes and diced peaches and sherbet glasses. Then make up one package of orange jello according to directions on the box and pour over the fruit. Then chill. And take it from me friends, there is a real treat, a top notch treat that you can serve either as an appetizer or as a dessert. You'll be surprised to find how delightfully the cool tang of orange Jello blends with the rich flavor of ripe summer fruit. How Jello makes a grand fruit cup taste even grander. So tomorrow try this tempting Jello recipe. A combination of juicy red apples, tender golden peaches, rich purple grapes and delicious orange Jello. All of us know a town like Centerville, a family like the Aldrich's, and all of us know a teenage boy like Henry Aldrich. Anything is likely to happen when Henry is around. And it usually does. As our scene opens tonight, we find Henry Aldrich in the dining room with his father and mother.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mother, will you have some more peas?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

No, thank you. You finish the few peas there are there.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, I wouldn't think of touching them. Father, wouldn't you like these peas?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

No, thank you.

[Henry Aldrich]

I think you ought to have them, Father. I'll just scrape them into your plate.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Henry, I don't want them.

[Henry Aldrich]

Would you. Would you like some bread, mother? No dear.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Now just stop passing things and eat.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, if you don't do want anything, just ask for it, huh? Boy, did I see a swell movie this afternoon.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

I'm going out and get some butter.

[Henry Aldrich]

Sit still, Mother. I'll go out and get it.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

I'll get it.

[Henry Aldrich]

Give me the dish, Mother. My goodness, one would think you had nothing to do but run around waiting on all of us.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Sam, will you please tell me what's gotten into Henry?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

I have no more idea than you. I offered him his allowance a few minutes ago and he refused it.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Well, something's wrong.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

After dinner you'd better take his temperature.

[Henry Aldrich]

Here you are, Mother. Will you have some Butter?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

No, thank you.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, go ahead and take a little.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

I have some.

[Henry Aldrich]

Dear, did I tell you I saw.

[Mrs. McGill]

A movie this afternoon?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

I believe you did.

[Henry Aldrich]

Boy, was there a swell guy in it.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Sam, don't forget when you're downtown tomorrow to get two decks of cards and bring them home at noon.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Are you giving a bridge party?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

I am.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, listen, there's no reason in the world why I couldn't get those cards for you.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

That's what I was waiting for.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Give him a dollar, Sam, if he wants to help.

[Mr. Eddy]

Henry, are you quite sure none of.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

This has anything to do with your conscience?

[Henry Aldrich]

My conscience? Mm. What conscience?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Then you haven't any?

[Henry Aldrich]

No, sir.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

I'm not surprised.

[Mr. Eddy]

Mother.

[Henry Aldrich]

About how much do you spend a week on food while mary's away?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

About $14.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, from now on I'm paying my share.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Why, Henry Aldrich, you're not going to do anything of the kind.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, I am, Mother. No more free eating for me.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Have you struck oil, Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

I haven't struck oil, but I've got a job. How much do you think I ought to pay a week for my room?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

I have no idea.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, supposing I was a stranger here and you didn't know me, and I came to the door and said, I want a room. How much would you charge me?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Personally, I wouldn't even let you in.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, why not?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Not if your hands look the way they do right this minute.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, gee whiz. I'll go right up and wash them. But before I go, let's settle on a price. Would $3 a week be too much?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

What kind of a job do you have?

[Henry Aldrich]

You'll learn soon enough. I begin tomorrow morning and I'm going to give half of every cent I make to the Red Cross or something.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Well, isn't that fine?

[Henry Aldrich]

That movie I saw this afternoon was called the Generous Gentleman, and boy, was it swell. The gentleman did kind things for everybody, did he? And did people like him. Even when he became old, everybody liked him. And this swell looking girl that never liked him before finally fell in love with him.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Henry, eat your mashed potatoes.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Father. From now on, I'm going to help my friends and do little things for strangers that are in trouble. And from now on, Mother, you'll never have to tell me more than once to do anything.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Then for the last time, will you please go up and wash your hands?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Mother. But first let me tell you how I'm going to help.

[Mr. Eddy]

Young man, have I ever seen you around this golf course before?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I've Been around it.

[Mr. Eddy]

Ever had any experience caddying?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, after all, there isn't much to carrying a bag of clubs, is there?

[Mr. Eddy]

If there were any other boys on hand, I wouldn't even consider you. Now stand back while I put this ball on the tee.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, sir. But you don't have to worry about me. I know that when you're going to hit the ball, I should keep very quiet.

[Mr. Eddy]

That's fine.

[Henry Aldrich]

Personally, I think if you're being paid to do something, you ought to do it, even if it's just to keep quiet. Do you want me to put that ball back on the tee for you?

[Mr. Eddy]

No, thank you. Just stand back.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Eddy]

And keep your eye on this ball When I hit it. I left my glasses at home.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, gee, I have wonderful eyesight.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Good.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, sir. Everybody speaks about it. Have you seen the picture called the Generous Gentleman?

[Mr. Eddy]

Will you please stand back? I'd like to hit this ball or down there.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, I know who that is down there.

[Mr. Eddy]

What do you mean by yelling just as I swing?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, did I frighten you?

[Mr. Eddy]

I didn't make a terrible shot.

[Henry Aldrich]

Have you hit it already?

[Mr. Eddy]

Didn't you have your eye on it?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, we'll find it all right. It might have gone over here to the left.

[Mr. Eddy]

What makes you think so?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, we'll look to the left first and then work around.

[Mr. Eddy]

The reason I didn't hit it straighter is because of this coat.

[Henry Aldrich]

Would you like to have me carry.

[Mr. Eddy]

Your coat all the way around the course?

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee, I don't mind a little thing like that, especially if it helps anybody.

[Mr. Eddy]

All right.

[Henry Aldrich]

Here, I'll throw it right over my shoulder.

[Herbert Thompson]

Ah, Herbert. Hiya, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

I thought that was you.

[Herbert Thompson]

Boy, are there a lot of bulls out on this course. I picked up fours just since I got here.

[Mr. Eddy]

Cathy, have you found my ball?

[Henry Aldrich]

Not yet, Mr. Eddy, but Herbert says this is a very good place to look for them.

[Mr. Eddy]

Here it is, right here.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, have we found it? I thought it would be to the left.

[Mr. Eddy]

Let me have my mashie.

[Henry Aldrich]

Your mashie? Do you think that's the best one to use for a shot like that?

[Mr. Eddy]

I'd like my mashie.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Eddy]

And when I hit the ball this time, keep your eye on it.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, sir. No more talking.

[Mr. Eddy]

And this other young man, don't stand so near.

[Henry Aldrich]

No, sir. Herbert, have you seen a picture called the Generous Gentleman?

[Mr. Eddy]

Young man?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, sir. Herbert, Shh. Why, he's about to swing the club.

[Herbert Thompson]

Oh, what's the name of that picture?

[Henry Aldrich]

Henry Caddy.

[Mr. Eddy]

May I ask who this Young man is.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, I guess I didn't introduce you, did I? This is Herbert.

[Herbert Thompson]

How do you do, sir?

[Mr. Eddy]

What are you doing here?

[Henry Aldrich]

I asked him to meet me here.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

What for?

[Henry Aldrich]

He wants to learn how to caddy. I told him the easiest way would be to watch me.

[Mr. Eddy]

I see. Well, supposing, Herbert, you go over and sit under that shady tree. Not the nearest tree, nor the one just beyond, but the one way over on the far side of the fairway.

[Herbert Thompson]

Yes, sir.

[Henry Aldrich]

Don't be hurt, Herbert. People that are new at this game are always easily upset.

[Mr. Eddy]

Young man.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, sir?

[Mr. Eddy]

Have you your eye on this ball?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Very well then.

[Mr. Eddy]

Here goes.

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee whiz, what a sock.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Where did it go?

[Henry Aldrich]

It hit that tree. Where did you learn to shoot so straight?

[Mr. Eddy]

I never made a shot like that before.

[Henry Aldrich]

I didn't think you should have used your mashie.

[Mr. Eddy]

The whole trouble is this sweater.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, that's all right. Just take it off. I'll carry it.

[Mr. Eddy]

You're sure you don't mind?

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee whiz, I'm here to serve you, aren't I? I.

[Mr. Eddy]

All right, give me the number three iron.

[Henry Aldrich]

The number three?

[Mr. Eddy]

Yes, sir.

[Henry Aldrich]

You want me to roll that log out of your way?

[Mr. Eddy]

No, thank you. I'll show you how to put the ball right straight down on that green.

[Henry Aldrich]

Okay.

[Herbert Thompson]

And don't say a word.

[Henry Aldrich]

No, sir.

[Herbert Thompson]

Hey, Henry Wiz.

[Henry Aldrich]

Look at that bull travel, Herbert.

[Herbert Thompson]

Almost in a circle.

[Mr. Eddy]

That's the first time I ever made a shot like that.

[Henry Aldrich]

You know, Mr. Eddy, I had a feeling you shouldn't use that number three.

[Mr. Eddy]

The trouble is my collar's too tight.

[Henry Aldrich]

Want me to take your necktie?

[Mr. Eddy]

You sure it won't be too much trouble?

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee, no. I'll just roll it up and stuff it in my pocket.

[Mr. Eddy]

Did you see where the ball landed?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, sir. Do you see that clump of trees to the left?

[Mr. Eddy]

Uh huh.

[Henry Aldrich]

And that house on the other side of the road?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Yes.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, it went right in the yard of the house, just beyond.

[Mr. Eddy]

How did it do that?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I. I guess you just laid into it.

[Mr. Eddy]

All right, all right. Give me another ball there.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

I'll hit it on down.

[Mr. Eddy]

You go over and get that other one and meet me at the breathe.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, sir. Here you are. I'll run all the way.

[Mr. Eddy]

And don't come back without that ball.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, you don't have to worry. I saw exactly where it went. I think. Pardon me. Pardon me.

[Mrs. McGill]

Was there something you wanted?

[Henry Aldrich]

Did you see a golf ball land in your backyard?

[Mrs. McGill]

Well, if one did, you better get it Before Papa does.

[Henry Aldrich]

I should?

[Mrs. McGill]

Yes. Papa says it's because things like that that our chickens won't lay.

[Henry Aldrich]

I wonder where that one of mine went.

[Mrs. McGill]

Well, I'd help you, only I'm having some trouble with this garden hose.

[Henry Aldrich]

What's the matter?

[Mrs. McGill]

Well, the spigot on the side of the house won't turn on.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, gee whiz, let me give you a hand.

[Mrs. McGill]

Well, don't get all wet.

[Henry Aldrich]

Don't worry about me. I can turn it. Have you seen the Generous Gentleman?

[Mrs. McGill]

The what?

[Henry Aldrich]

It's a swell picture. I saw yesterday. In it, a guy went out in the rain as a favor to somebody. And guess what? He got soaking wet too.

[Mrs. McGill]

He did?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yeah. That's strange.

[Mrs. McGill]

Won't it turn off?

[Henry Aldrich]

You know, I think I can fix it.

[Mrs. McGill]

Stay. Say, isn't it your ball Right here.

[Henry Aldrich]

So it is. Look, I. I think if I just slip the handle of this golf club into the spokes of the faucet, I can get a little leverage on it.

[Mrs. McGill]

Oh, my goodness, look at your shoes.

[Herbert Thompson]

Look, the club just fits in now.

[Mrs. McGill]

Oh, good gracious, look at what you've done to it.

[Henry Aldrich]

Imagine, I almost spend his number. Number three iron double.

[Mrs. McGill]

Well, can you straighten it?

[Henry Aldrich]

I think I can. Fortunately, it's steel there. Unless you held it right up to your eye, you'd hardly notice it had been bent. I'll try the faucet once more.

[Mrs. McGill]

Oh, now look at what you've done.

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee whiz, I broke it off. You don't have another faucet, do you?

[Mrs. McGill]

Oh, of course we don't.

[Henry Aldrich]

Do you have a telephone? No, we don't. Well, don't you have anything for an emergency like that?

[Mrs. McGill]

No.

[Henry Aldrich]

I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll run over to the clubhouse and telephone for a plumber.

[Mrs. McGill]

But how about the basement? Oh, it's running right into it.

[Henry Aldrich]

I'll have someone here before you know it. Imagine this.

[Mrs. McGill]

What is it?

[Henry Aldrich]

I found a dollar in my pocket. It's to get my mother some playing cards. But I can get them with the money I earn for caddying. Here, you take it.

[Mrs. McGill]

What for?

[Henry Aldrich]

To pay for the faucet.

[Mrs. McGill]

Why should you pay for it?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I broke it, didn't I? Here, go ahead. You take it.

[Mrs. McGill]

Well. Well, thank you.

[Henry Aldrich]

I'll take these clubs and this sweater and coat and I'll run every step of the way.

[Mrs. McGill]

Well, hurry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Goodbye. And I'm very glad to have been.

[Herbert Thompson]

A help to you.

[Henry Aldrich]

To you.

[Herbert Thompson]

Hey, Henry, is that you?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Herbert.

[Herbert Thompson]

Does this road swing around to the clubhouse? Yeah. Where have you been?

[Henry Aldrich]

I've been busy.

[Herbert Thompson]

Well, Mr. Eddy says he needs you.

[Henry Aldrich]

I wonder whether I ought to help him a little before I put in that call.

[Herbert Thompson]

I see. A ball.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Henry.

[Herbert Thompson]

I'll see you later.

[Man with stuck car]

Hey, buddy.

[Herbert Thompson]

Who's that?

[Man with stuck car]

Come back up here on the road a second, will you? My car's stuck in the mud.

[Henry Aldrich]

The only trouble is I've got a couple other things to do.

[Man with stuck car]

Couldn't you lend a fellow a hand?

[Henry Aldrich]

You need some help?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Yes.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, maybe I can assist you. Start your motor. No, don't start it quite so fast.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Okay.

[Henry Aldrich]

Just start it real slow, see? Look, I'll tell you what. Back up until I stop moving my hands.

[Narrator]

You won't let me drop into the ditch, will you?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, no, there's some boards over it.

[Mr. Eddy]

Okay, come on.

[Herbert Thompson]

Come on. Oh, gee whiz.

[Narrator]

You ought to hear what I'm saying.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mister. Do. Do you have a shovel?

[Man with stuck car]

What would I be doing with a shovel?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, you certainly need one. Wait a minute. Here comes a car behind you.

[Herbert Thompson]

Hello, there. Hello.

[Mrs. McGill]

Won't you please let me. Goodbye.

[Henry Aldrich]

Could you pull up against this gentleman and push?

[Mrs. McGill]

Oh, my goodness.

[Henry Aldrich]

I can't drive that well. Well, would you like to have me take the wheel?

[Mrs. McGill]

Well, if it won't take more than a minute. I'm in a terrible hurry.

[Henry Aldrich]

It won't take a second. You better there, so you don't get any mud splashed on you.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Well, that's very thoughtful of you, I'm sure.

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee whiz, that's the least I can do. This reminds me of a moving picture that's in town this week.

[Man with stuck car]

How are you coming?

[Henry Aldrich]

Are you ready? Ahead there.

[Herbert Thompson]

Come on.

[Henry Aldrich]

Here we go.

[Herbert Thompson]

Be careful.

[Henry Aldrich]

Isn't that strange?

[Man with stuck car]

How far in are you?

[Henry Aldrich]

Even deeper than you.

[Mrs. McGill]

And what am I to do?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I'll tell you, miss. I've got to go to the clubhouse and phone a plumber. Anyhow, I'd be very glad to put in a call for a tow car at the same time.

[Mrs. McGill]

And in the meantime, I'm due downtown at court.

[Henry Aldrich]

You are?

[Mrs. McGill]

And if I'm not there, I have to forfeit $25.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, my father's a lawyer and I'll phone him, too, and tell him to go down and fix things for you.

[Mrs. McGill]

Are you sure he can?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, gee, he's like me. He likes to do things for people.

[Narrator]

In the same way.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I'll beat it over and phone right away.

[Mrs. McGill]

Well, My name is Mrs. McGill.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, ma'.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Am.

[Mrs. McGill]

And the charges are for talking back to an officer.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, ma'. Am. And if you get a chance to see that picture of the guy that was so nice to everyone, don't miss it.

[Herbert Thompson]

Henry, I thought you were going to see Mr. Reddy.

[Henry Aldrich]

Herbert. Herbert, will you go over to the clubhouse for me?

[Herbert Thompson]

I can't, Henry. I'm finding too many balls.

[Henry Aldrich]

You are? Sure.

[Herbert Thompson]

I just sold six of us already.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, where is he?

[Herbert Thompson]

You go right through those trees there under the underbrush.

[Henry Aldrich]

Okay.

[Herbert Thompson]

And then go straight through to the swamp.

[Henry Aldrich]

Okay.

[Herbert Thompson]

Tell him he's foolish to look in there, though. I've already cleaned that part out.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mr. Eddie.

[Herbert Thompson]

Oh, Mr. Eddy, where have you.

[Henry Aldrich]

I, I, I just want to tell you. I'll be right back.

[Mr. Eddy]

Where are you going?

[Henry Aldrich]

To call a plumber.

[Narrator]

What for?

[Henry Aldrich]

I got a lady in a ditch.

[Mr. Eddy]

How did you get a lady in a ditch?

[Henry Aldrich]

I was trying to get another guy out.

[Mr. Eddy]

When?

[Henry Aldrich]

Right after I busted a faucet for a girl.

[Mr. Eddy]

What faucet? The girls.

[Henry Aldrich]

Would you like to wear your coat or sweater or anything?

[Mr. Eddy]

I would not.

[Henry Aldrich]

Boy, have I been having a tough time.

[Mr. Eddy]

You've been having a tough time? I just played four holes with one club.

[Henry Aldrich]

How did you do, young man?

[Mr. Eddy]

Have you had a sunstroke?

[Henry Aldrich]

No, sir. Do I look pale?

[Mr. Eddy]

Are you going to caddy for me?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I'll tell you, Mr. Eddy. I'll give you two more clubs. That ought to hold you while I go up and phone.

[Mr. Eddy]

Oh, no, you don't. You can'ty. Now or never.

[Henry Aldrich]

But you don't realize the position you're putting everyone in.

[Mr. Eddy]

Come here with that bag.

[Henry Aldrich]

I can't help them.

[Mr. Eddy]

You're going around with me if I have to drive you around with this.

[Narrator]

You know, folks, sometimes it's not the things Henry says, but the way he says them that make all the difference in the world. And that's true of a lot of things we all say. Take the simple phrase, oh, yes and just notice what a variety of meanings a person can put into it. For example, suppose you were invited out to dinner and your hostess asked you if you had ever heard of Jell O. Your answer would be as follows. Oh, yes. Then when she informs you that there's to be Jell O for dessert, you might say eagerly, oh, yes. And later, when she asks you if you want a second dish, your reply is sure to be, oh, yes. So you see, friends, it does make a big difference the way you may say a thing. Now that's true when you say oh, yes to a second dish of Jell O. And it's just as true when you order a package of Jell O at the store, bear that in mind, ladies and gentlemen. And the next time you ask the grocer for some Jello, don't just say, I want some Jello, say I want Jello. Then you can be sure of getting genuine Jell O and Jello's famous extra rich flavor because Jello is a trademark, the property of General Foods. And those big red letters on the box assure you of getting America's favorite gelatin dessert, Jell O. Now getting back to the troubles of Henry Aldrich. Henry has decided to be kind and helpful to everyone he meets. So far, he's done very well. While caddying on the golf course for a Mr. Eddy, he's broken a water spigot and run two cars into a muddy ditch. Well, as the scene opens, Henry is speaking.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mr. Reddy. Mr. Eddy, as soon as you've knocked the ball over this water hazard, could I just run up and phone?

[Mr. Eddy]

Give me my number three iron.

[Henry Aldrich]

Your number three iron? Isn't that the one you used that took me away for so long?

[Mr. Eddy]

May I have it?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Mr. Reddy. Then may I put in that call?

[Mr. Eddy]

Stand back, please.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Eddy]

You know, if I hadn't left my glasses behind, I'd swear this club was crooked.

[Henry Aldrich]

You really think so, Henry?

[Herbert Thompson]

What, Herbert? Which way's he gonna hit?

[Mr. Eddy]

That fall over the water hazard and you keep away from it.

[Henry Aldrich]

Come here, Herbert.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

4.

[Herbert Thompson]

Boy, what a shot. I wasn't his ball. That was the head of his club.

[Mr. Eddy]

I never did a thing like that before.

[Henry Aldrich]

See? They certainly make clubs poorly nowadays.

[Mr. Eddy]

Give me my number two iron.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mr. Eddy, I really think you ought to let me pay for that number three.

[Mr. Eddy]

What became of my ball?

[Henry Aldrich]

Herbert, put that ball back.

[Herbert Thompson]

I just wanted to see whether it was his.

[Mr. Eddy]

Whose did you think it would be?

[Herbert Thompson]

It's yours all right.

[Henry Aldrich]

Herbert, could you step over here to one side a minute?

[Miss Pearson]

What do you have?

[Mr. Eddy]

Now then, let's see what this iron does.

[Henry Aldrich]

Listen, Herbert, I want you to go to the clubhouse and put in three phone calls. If they won't let you, say it's for Mr. Eddy. One call is to a plumber to shut off some water. One is to a garage to talk.

[Narrator]

Miss Pearson?

[Miss Pearson]

Yes, Mr. Aldrich?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Will you take a letter, please?

[Miss Pearson]

Mr. Aldrich? While you were out to lunch, a young man by the name of Herbert Thompson telephoned.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Herbert? Oh, Henry's friend. What did he want?

[Miss Pearson]

Well, the fact is, he seemed rather confused. At any rate, you're to go down to court at once and help get Henry out of trouble.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

What kind of trouble?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

All I understand was your son has.

[Miss Pearson]

Talked back to some officers.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

That's a fine thing. I can't possibly go down. I'm scheduled for a conference. Impertinence to an officer, huh? What do you say to him?

[Miss Pearson]

I don't know.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Well, Henry can just stay down there. I don't believe in interfering with the law.

[Miss Pearson]

I understand. If you don't straighten things out, the fine will be $25.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

$25? 20. Call the committee and tell them I'll be late.

[Miss Pearson]

You're going to court?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Of course I am. I can't afford to pay $25 any more than anyone else can. Who's that?

[Miss Pearson]

I have no idea. Hello? Yes. One moment please. Mr. Aldridge, I have a message for you.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Who is it?

[Miss Pearson]

Mrs. Aldrich says she has a whole house full of guests waiting to play bridge. And there aren't any cards.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Didn't Henry get them?

[Miss Pearson]

He doesn't seem to have.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Here, take this dollar, close up the office and get her some cards.

[Henry Aldrich]

Excuse me, sir.

[Man with stuck car]

What is it, young man?

[Henry Aldrich]

Have you seen Mr. Eddy around the clubhouse? Here.

[Man with stuck car]

Oh, Mr. Eddy is still down in the locker room.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, will you tell him I found his coat? But I'm sorry, we mislaid his sweater.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Eddy]

One moment, young man.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, I, I, I found your coat, Mr. Eddy. But I think I ought to tell you the fellow with the lawnmower ran over one of the sleeves.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

He did?

[Mr. Eddy]

Well, I'm not surprised.

[Henry Aldrich]

But Mr. Eddy, all I was trying to do when I carried it was to help you. Yes, I was trying to serve you.

[Mr. Eddy]

Here's 50, 60, 75. $1. Now let's just forget that we ever even met.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, frankly, I don't feel I should even take the money.

[Mr. Eddy]

Just take it. And let's not say anything more about it. There's just one thing for which I suppose I ought to thank you.

[Henry Aldrich]

What's that?

[Mr. Eddy]

For 15 years my wife has been trying to get me to give up golf. Today I'm giving it up forever.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Forever?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I'm certainly sorry.

[Mr. Eddy]

That's not discuss it anymore. If we ever meet on the street, let's not even speak to each other.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Mr. Eddy.

[Mr. Eddy]

Now then, do you think you can do one more thing for me and do it right?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, yes, sir. Anything you say.

[Mr. Eddy]

All right. Go around in front of the clubhouse and tell the boy to bring my car here.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Eddy]

But don't you go near the car. Don't you even touch the car.

[Henry Aldrich]

No, sir. And will you be where Will you be here?

[Mr. Eddy]

I mean, I will be right over here at the desk talking to Mr. Blodgett.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Yes, sir.

[Man with stuck car]

Did you want me, Mr. Eddy? I do something gone wrong, Mr. Eddy?

[Herbert Thompson]

Wrong?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Wrong.

[Mr. Eddy]

I just want to tell you what I think of the way your entire club is run.

[Man with stuck car]

Did something in particular go wrong?

[Mr. Eddy]

I. I hire a caddy to look for my golf balls. And I spend my whole day looking for my caddy. Well, do you know what my score was? 185. Well, I usually do it in 120. And then to add insult to injury, I come into the locker room looking forward to a shower.

[Man with stuck car]

Oh, just a minute, Mr. Eddy. That's something I want to say.

[Mr. Eddy]

Oh, interrupt me. I get under the shower and in the midst of my bath, the water is shut off. Completely shut off.

[Man with stuck car]

That's what I want to explain. It's something of which we had no clue. Through some misdirection, a plumber came here and unknown to us, shut off all the water in the clubhouse.

[Henry Aldrich]

Why?

[Man with stuck car]

Well, all we know is some young man called in.

[Mr. Eddy]

That is no excuse. The fact still remains that underneath my clothes, right this minute, I am covered with soap suds.

[Man with stuck car]

Well, I'm very sorry.

[Mr. Eddy]

Sorry. Did you ever walk around with suds on you?

[Man with stuck car]

Oh, no, sir.

[Mr. Eddy]

Try it sometimes, Mr. Eddy.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mr. Reddy, I have some rather disconcerting news for you. Now, what happened was yours a black roadster?

[Mr. Eddy]

What has happened to it?

[Henry Aldrich]

Nothing, except that the fella out in front says that sometime this afternoon a man from a garage came and towed it away.

[Mr. Eddy]

Told it. Who told him to do that?

[Henry Aldrich]

He didn't know. He just said somebody had phoned for him to come and get it. Father. Father, would you like some more butter?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

No, thank you.

[Henry Aldrich]

Are you sure you're going to have enough?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Henry, if I were you, I wouldn't bother your father anymore.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, is he tired?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Mother, he is both tired and embarrassed.

[Henry Aldrich]

Did something go wrong?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Not a thing. All I did was miss a yearly business meeting in order to bail my son out of jail for talking back to an officer who didn't know anything about it.

[Henry Aldrich]

Father, that was entirely Herbert's fault.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Oh, no, no, it wasn't. It was your fault. Trying to be kind to someone you didn't even know.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, it's a funny thing, but things didn't work out like this in the generous gentleman.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Did the generous gentleman forget to bring cards for his mother's bridge party?

[Henry Aldrich]

Mother, I'm going to pay you back that dollar you gave me for the cards. I really am. I give you what I earned this afternoon. Only I. I paid that to Mrs. McGill. Toward her fine.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

You gave your dollar to Mrs. McGill?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, sir. And I told her if there was ever anything I could do to help her, I'd be very glad to.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

And what did she say?

[Henry Aldrich]

She said she was quite sure there wasn't a thing I could do. Oh, I'll answer the phone, Mother.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Just eat your dinner.

[Miss Pearson]

I'll see who it is.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Mother.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Henry, when does school start?

[Henry Aldrich]

In a few days. Why?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

No reason. I was just wondering.

[Henry Aldrich]

Is there anything I can pass you, Father?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

No. No. No, thank you.

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee, the more I think about how Herbert balled things up today.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Did you know a Mr. Eddy?

[Henry Aldrich]

Mr. Eddy? Yeah, in a way. Why? He just phoned for me. Does he want me to caddy for him tomorrow?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

He wants to know whether you have his necktie.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, gee whiz. I've got it in my pocket. I'll take it to him tomorrow.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

He said you're not to take it to him.

[Henry Aldrich]

Him.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

You're to mail it to him.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, that's certainly very thoughtful of him, because I'd planned to do something else tomorrow.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

What?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I wasn't able to give the Red Cross any money today, and I thought I'd go over and help them instead.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Here, Henry, is a dollar.

[Henry Aldrich]

A dollar?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

What for? For the Red Cross. They're having enough problems without your going over and help.

[Narrator]

Butter, eggs, potatoes and flour are food products that housewives refer to as staples. Foods that have a variety of uses and must always be kept on hand. And the same definition fits Jello and Jello puddings, too. They're really what you might call staple desserts because they're so handy, so easy to adapt to different recipes, that they've won an established place on the average pantry shelf. You'll find that Jell O and Jell O puddings are simple to make, inexpensive and truly delicious. So ask your grocer for both of these swell desserts tomorrow. Jell O and Jello. British.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Henry, I want to tell you how nicely you helped with the dishes.

[Henry Aldrich]

Thank you, Mother. Thank you very much. Could I go out to the movies this evening? There's a swell picture.

[Narrator]

What's the name of it?

[Henry Aldrich]

Jesse James.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

No, for one week, you're not to go inside a movie.

[Narrator]

The Aldrich Family, starring Ezra Stone is written by Clifford Goldsmith. Original music is composed and conducted by Jack Miller. Listen every Thursday night to the Maxwell House Good News show and the Aldrich family, which immediately follows it. Remember, 60 solid minutes of grand entertainment every Thursday night. Now, this is Harry Von Zell saying good night for Jello, America's favorite gelatin dessert now pleasing more people than ever. This is the National Broadcasting Company.