Aldrich Family 53-04-26 (582) The Delivery Bicycle

Summary

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Podcast Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio – "Aldrich Family 53-04-26 (582): The Delivery Bicycle"

Date: November 14, 2025
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Episode Theme:
A classic slice-of-life comedy from "The Aldrich Family" (originally aired April 26, 1953), this episode, "The Delivery Bicycle," explores the humorous chaos that ensues when Henry Aldrich's job as a delivery boy for the local drugstore overlaps with his plans to attend a pivotal spring dance. Family members become entangled in a web of miscommunications, resulting in a series of comical mix-ups involving responsibility, growing up, and neighborly favors—all centered on a humble delivery bicycle.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Stage: A Family in the Golden Age

• The episode opens with Henry’s parents, Alice and Sam Aldrich, discussing Henry's responsibilities as a delivery boy for Mr. McCall’s drugstore and his desire to attend the country club dance with Eleanor (01:58).
• Generational Views on Responsibility: Sam is adamant Henry should deliver the bike himself, reinforcing the episode's recurring theme: balancing youthful fun with obligations.
  • Quote:
    “If his employer wants that bicycle, Henry should take it to him, no matter how far it is.” – Sam Aldrich (03:11)
• Alice is more sympathetic, believing youth should be enjoyed:
  • Quote:
    “You think his employer realizes that Henry is only young once and that this is one of the most important dances?” – Alice Aldrich (03:17)

2. The Delivery Dilemma Grows

• Henry, preoccupied with the dance, believes his mother has arranged for his sister Mary to return the bicycle. Mary, in turn, is worried about her stockings damaged by the bike, with no idea she’s supposed to deliver it (04:43–05:59).
• Alice tries to delegate the task further by calling Homer, Henry’s friend, who also has dance plans and declines the errand (06:33–07:13).

3. Parental Sacrifice & Neighborly Complications

• Seeing no other option, Alice attempts to return the bike herself, encountering Mrs. Hooper, who mistakes her for pushing a baby carriage (08:06).
• At the drugstore, Alice is roped into making deliveries by Mr. McCall, who mistakes her for Henry’s sister, further playing up the farcical misunderstandings (10:02–11:12).
• Quote:
  “You mean you’ll take them out for me?” – Mr. McCall (11:02)

4. Dance Night Confusion Continues

• At the dance, a web of misinformation unravels: Henry thinks Mary handled the bike, Mary is angry about the stockings, and Homer is too distracted by Agnes to help (11:50–12:55).
• Henry tries to bribe Homer to run the errand, but even Homer gets entangled in his own issues (14:05–14:51).
• Quote:
  “Gee whiz, all you have to do is talk to him the way you do and you can get him into his shoes.” – Henry, about his mother's persuasive skills with Dad (14:51)

5. Delivery Disasters Escalate

• Alice recruits her neighbor Harriet to finish the ice cream delivery (15:14–17:12), resulting in more comic confusion at the Allison’s party.
• Alice's blend of directness and exasperation shines:
  • Quote:
    “Now, Harriet, do you remember on your 13th birthday when you were too bashful to ask Bill Townsend to your party and I did it for you and you swore you’d do anything in the world for me anytime I ask you?” – Alice (16:06)

6. Fathers Caught in the Crossfire

• Mr. Brown (Homer’s father), Sam Aldrich, and Mr. McCall get caught up in the cascading confusion, with phone calls crossing and no one able to reliably locate the bicycle or finish the deliveries (19:03–23:41).

7. Comic Climax: The Case of the Chocolate Frosted

• Sam Aldrich, left to mind the drugstore, tries and hilariously fails to make a chocolate frosted for a customer, unable to distinguish between chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and mayonnaise (25:09–26:41).
  • Memorable Dialogue:
    “Isn’t that whipped cream?” – Alice
    “Oh, so it is. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen any whipped cream. We’re both wrong. It’s mayonnaise.” – Sam (26:29–26:41)
• Alice’s cycling misadventures finally culminate in her awkwardly delivering the ice cream, only to literally stumble out of the Allison’s house (28:06–29:15).

8. Resolution & Loose Ends

• In a whirl of mistaken phone calls, missed connections, and mounting exasperation, Alice and Sam each try to pass off responsibility, ending with Henry announcing he’s quitting the drugstore for “nice outdoor work, mixing cement” (31:34–31:56).
  • Quote:
    “Father, I thought you said this was McCall. How do I keep getting the wrong number?” – Henry (31:39)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “You’re only young once.”
  Repeated by several characters as a refrain throughout, reflecting the episode’s central tension (Various, e.g., 07:13, 14:59).
• Sam’s Chocolate Frosted Disaster (25:14–26:41)
  A classic piece of physical comedy and confusion, ending with Sam trying to use mayonnaise as ice cream topping.
• Alice’s Struggles with Deliveries and Social Graces
  Her mortification at delivering ice cream in front of excluded neighbors and falling over her bicycle (28:06–29:15).
• Ending Exchange
  Henry’s relief at quitting his job leads to Sam’s punchline:
  “Now, Henry, you’re not getting your mother mixed up in any cement.” (31:56)

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Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | Highlight | |-----------|-----------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------| | 01:58 | Family debates responsibility | Sets up the key conflict | | 04:43 | Mary’s ruined stockings | Adds to the bicycle confusion | | 06:33 | Homer declines the errand | No one can deliver the bicycle | | 10:04 | Alice delivers bicycle to Mr. McCall | Parent takes on the child's task | | 11:02 | Alice tasked with drugstore deliveries | New set of comic mishaps begins | | 12:55 | Henry tries to bribe Homer for help | Generational responsibility clash | | 14:51 | Henry on his mother’s powers of persuasion | Mother as family fixer | | 25:09 | Sam's chocolate frosted debacle | Peak of slapstick humor | | 28:06 | Alice at Allison’s party | Social anxiety meets farce | | 31:34 | Henry quits his job (for cement mixing) | Final comic twist |

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Tone and Style

The episode’s tone remains lighthearted, brisk, and genuinely warm, driven by the bumbling sincerity of each character’s attempt to help, dodge responsibility, or simply enjoy a night out. The rapid, overlapping dialogue and mistaken identities amplify the classic sitcom feeling, supported by the show's gentle humor and family-centric outlook.

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For Listeners Who Missed the Episode:

This Aldrich Family episode is a delightful snapshot of comedic confusion, responsibility (dodged and delegated), and the joys and setbacks of family life in simpler times. Through deft comic timing, memorable lines, and a surprisingly modern message that “you’re only young once,” the story weaves a multi-generational farce centered on a wayward delivery bicycle—ultimately reminding us that family is about picking up the pieces together, even if you drop the ice cream along the way.

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Transcript

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[Sam Aldrich]

Now it's the Aldrich family on NBC.

[Alice Aldrich]

Henry? Henry Aldrich.

[Henry Aldrich]

Coming, Mother.

[Sam Aldrich]

Yes, it's the Aldrich family. It's transcribed. Written by Clifford Goldsmith the wonderful thing about the teenage time of your life is the fact that you can experience it twice. Once in your own growing up and more or less continually thereafter. And the misadventures of your own are your neighbors. Henry Aldrich. The scene opens in the Aldridge living room. The time is.

[Alice Aldrich]

Evening, Sam. I don't think you're looking at this from Henry's point of view.

[Sam Aldrich]

You're quite right, I'm not. I'm looking at it from Mr. McCall's or whatever his name is point of view. And if you'll remember, Alice, I advised Henry in the first place not to take that job unless he was sure he could stick to it.

[Alice Aldrich]

Well, dear, that's the whole point. Henry isn't working tonight because he isn't supposed to work. He's taking Eleanor to the spring dance at the country club.

[Sam Aldrich]

Yeah? Well, then what's all the fuss about?

[Alice Aldrich]

Well, there isn't any fuss. Mr. McCall down at the drugstore phoned a few minutes ago and wanted to know where the bicycle is.

[Sam Aldrich]

A what?

[Alice Aldrich]

The bicycle Henry delivers packages on.

[Sam Aldrich]

You mean he's lost it?

[Alice Aldrich]

Oh, no, Sam, of course he hasn't. The bicycle is right out on the front porch.

[Sam Aldrich]

Well, what's wrong with that?

[Alice Aldrich]

Well, nothing, dear, except that Henry didn't understand that he was to return it tonight. And don't you think Mr. McCall could be reasonable and let him bring it back tomorrow? Because there isn't any other way to get it back, is there?

[Sam Aldrich]

Alice, you. You aren't by any chance leading up to the suggestion that I take the bicycle back, are you?

[Alice Aldrich]

Why, dear, that hadn't even entered my head. Would you want to?

[Sam Aldrich]

I would not. And, Alice, if his employer wants that bicycle, Henry should take it to him, no matter how far it is.

[Alice Aldrich]

But, dear, do you think his employer realizes that Henry is only young once and that this is one of the most important dances the club is having all season?

[Sam Aldrich]

No, I don't imagine he does.

[Alice Aldrich]

Do you?

[Sam Aldrich]

Do I? Once. Yes. I realize a boy is young only once and a man reaches my age only once. And I'm going to sit in this chair and read this paper and not deliver any bicycle.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mother. Mother, are you too busy to fix my necktie, please?

[Alice Aldrich]

Oh, no, Henry. Sit down on the arm of this chair while I straighten it.

[Henry Aldrich]

Okay. Did I just hear you and father talking about Mr. McCall's bicycle?

[Sam Aldrich]

You did?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, look, Father, be sure to remember this. When you first push back on the brake, your feet will go all the way around once, but the second time around you'll stop. At least you'll usually stop.

[Sam Aldrich]

I won't stop at all.

[Henry Aldrich]

You won't? You mean Mother didn't have a chance to explain things to you?

[Alice Aldrich]

Henry, if I gave you the impression that I was going to ask your father to take that bicycle back for me. I'm afraid you misunderstood me. I'm going to ask Mary to do it.

[Sam Aldrich]

Mary?

[Henry Aldrich]

Mary isn't even here.

[Alice Aldrich]

Well, she will be. She'll be back any minute.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, are you sure? Because I feel very responsible for that bicycle and Eleanor and the dance.

[Alice Aldrich]

Well, you haven't one thing to worry about. Now, you run upstairs and put your coat on.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Mother, sure. Thanks very much.

[Alice Aldrich]

Sam, did you see that?

[Sam Aldrich]

Did I see what?

[Alice Aldrich]

How conscientious he is. Why, he wouldn't even put his coat on until I assured him that Mary would take care of the bicycle.

[Sam Aldrich]

All right, Alice, just so Mr. McCall gets it back to me.

[Alice Aldrich]

Sam, you talk as though retaining a bicycle were the most awful problem in the world. Mother. Oh, yes, Mary, I'm coming. My goodness, Mother, look at what I've just done to my brand new stockings. Mary Aldridge, how did you do that on that old bicycle out on the front porch? And, Mother, I was planning to wear these stockings to the dance tonight. Mary, you didn't tell me you were going to the dance. Well, Mother, don't you remember? I told you at breakfast this morning and I'm late as it is. Well, you Mean you haven't time to. To. I haven't time to what? Nothing, dear. You're only young once. Go on up and get your clothes changed. I've got to put in a phone call. Number, please. Elm 232. Elm 232. Mother, don't you think it'd be all right if I tell Henry he has to pay for these stockings? Mary, Henry only earns 50 cents for a whole afternoon's work, and Those stockings cost 98. No, Mother. They cost $1.15. Well, that makes it worse. Aren't you shamed? Hello, Mrs. Brown? Speaking. Oh, hello, Elizabeth. This is Alice. Is Homer there? Why, just a minute, Alice. Homer, you're one on the telephone. Alice, while he's on the way down, I want to ask you, did you know about the Allisons party? The Allisons? Are they giving a party? Yes, dear. I understand they've invited scads of people. Really? When is it? It's tonight. Tonight, Elizabeth. Well, aren't you invited? No. You mean you want either? Well, no, no. Well, I guess you and I just aren't included. Well, isn't that terrible? Oh, I'm not surprised about myself, Alice. But after all, you've entertained the Allisons. Well, that's the way things are, Elizabeth. You never know. Oh, just a minute, Alice. Here's Homer. Hello. Why can't you say hello, Mrs. Aldrich?

[Henry Aldrich]

I didn't know it was Mrs. Aldridge. Hello, Mrs. Aldridge.

[Alice Aldrich]

Hello, dear.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mother, could you be lacing my shoes? How are you, Mrs. Aldrich?

[Alice Aldrich]

Homer, how would you like to earn a little money?

[Henry Aldrich]

Some money, boy.

[Alice Aldrich]

Well, it won't be very much, but it'll probably come in very handy.

[Henry Aldrich]

Okay, sure. When do you want me? Tomorrow morning?

[Alice Aldrich]

No, dear, tonight.

[Henry Aldrich]

Tonight?

[Alice Aldrich]

Yes, dear. You can do the whole thing tonight.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I'm not working tonight, Mrs. Aldridge. I'm meeting Agnes at the country club.

[Alice Aldrich]

You're going to the dance? Well, are you sure you wouldn't like to do just one little errand?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, gee, no. I've got to save myself to dance.

[Alice Aldrich]

Well, I suppose you're only young once. What's that? Nothing, Homer. Goodbye, dear. Mother. Oh, come here. Henry, I'm afraid I have something I have to tell you. You have?

[Henry Aldrich]

Mother, Boy, how do I look? How do you like my hair? This way, huh?

[Alice Aldrich]

Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee, I can't begin to tell you how much I appreciate your fixing things up for me. Are you sure Mary will be back in time?

[Alice Aldrich]

Mary's already back. The only thing is, Mother, there isn't.

[Henry Aldrich]

Another guy in this town who has a mother that. You know what I mean.

[Alice Aldrich]

Well, Henry, you don't have to hug me quite so tight.

[Sam Aldrich]

Oh.

[Henry Aldrich]

What was it you wanted to say to me?

[Alice Aldrich]

Why, nothing, dear. You go right on and have a good time.

[Sam Aldrich]

Okay.

[Henry Aldrich]

Good night, Mother.

[Alice Aldrich]

Good night. And don't stay out late.

[Henry Aldrich]

Okay. And you explain to Mary how responsible I feel about that bicycle.

[Alice Aldrich]

Well, hello there, Mrs. Aldridge. Don't tell me you're out wheeling a baby this time of night. Good evening, Mrs. Hooper. No, this is a bicycle. A what? A delivery bicycle. It has a sidecar. Oh, yes. Well, I recognized your face, but I couldn't find. Replace the sidecar. I'm just bringing it over here to Mr. McCall's Drugstore. It's very good exercise.

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[Mr. McCall]

Something I can do for you, madam?

[Alice Aldrich]

Why yes. Are you Mr. McCall?

[Mr. McCall]

Yes, ma'.

[Alice Aldrich]

Am. Well, I've just returned your bicycle for Henry Aldrich.

[Mr. McCall]

Oh yes. Well, where is Henry? I got a couple packages for him to deliver tonight.

[Alice Aldrich]

Well, I didn't know he was supposed to.

[Mr. McCall]

Why did you think I wanted the Bicycle? I understood the boy was responsible.

[Alice Aldrich]

Mr. McCall, let me make one thing clear. Henry feels most responsible about his work here.

[Mr. McCall]

Yeah.

[Sam Aldrich]

All right.

[Mr. McCall]

Can you get him on the phone and tell him to come down here?

[Alice Aldrich]

I'm sorry, but he left the house before I did.

[Sam Aldrich]

Yeah.

[Mr. McCall]

You his sister?

[Alice Aldrich]

His sister? Why, I'm his. Do I really?

[Sam Aldrich]

Yeah.

[Mr. McCall]

Look, I've got a new store here and I am trying my best to please my customers. A couple orders come in and I promise them, and then your brother lets me down. Now, what am I going to do?

[Alice Aldrich]

Well, if Henry's gonna be put in the position of. You mean I really look like. Where do the packages go?

[Mr. McCall]

You mean you'll take them out for me?

[Alice Aldrich]

Well, I'll.

[Mr. McCall]

There's a $40 due on this ice cream and 90 cents on this cough medicine. And look out for the brake on the bicycle.

[Alice Aldrich]

The bicycle? Oh, you don't mean I have to ride it, do you?

[Mr. McCall]

Lady, do you realize how far you have to take those packages?

[Alice Aldrich]

Oh, my goodness.

[Mr. McCall]

Hello, McCall's Pharmacy.

[Alice Aldrich]

This is Mrs. Allison. May I ask about my ice cream?

[Mr. McCall]

This is who?

[Alice Aldrich]

Mrs. Ellison over on North Street. And I have a whole dining room full of guests waiting for that ice cream you promised to send over.

[Sam Aldrich]

Yeah?

[Mr. McCall]

Oh, yes, Mrs. Ellison. The girl just left with it.

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee, Eleanor, this sure is a swell dance. Boy, am I having a good time.

[Alice Aldrich]

So am I, Henry. I never had a better time in my life.

[Henry Aldrich]

Hi, Eleanor.

[Alice Aldrich]

Hello, Homer.

[Henry Aldrich]

Can I have the next dance with you?

[Alice Aldrich]

Oh, I'm sorry, Homer, but I promised it to Henry.

[Sam Aldrich]

You have?

[Henry Aldrich]

Boy, am I having a bum time. What's the matter, Homer?

[Alice Aldrich]

Agnes.

[Henry Aldrich]

Agnes. Do you know what she did? She was so anxious to get here, she ran out of her front door and rolled right down the steps. So she had to go back and change her clothes all over again.

[Alice Aldrich]

Really?

[Henry Aldrich]

See you later, Homer.

[Alice Aldrich]

Hello, Mary.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mary? My sister.

[Alice Aldrich]

Yes. There she is.

[Henry Aldrich]

Was she coming here?

[Alice Aldrich]

Hello, Eleanor.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, Mary, did you have any trouble with that break?

[Alice Aldrich]

With what brake?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, didn't you notice how your foot flips off the pedal the first time?

[Alice Aldrich]

My foot what?

[Henry Aldrich]

Mary, don't you know the bicycle?

[Alice Aldrich]

I certainly do know about it. I tripped right over it. And you owe me a brand new pair of stockings. I do?

[Henry Aldrich]

Just for taking it back to Mr. McCall.

[Alice Aldrich]

For taking what back?

[Henry Aldrich]

The bicycle. The bicycle? Didn't Mother tell you?

[Alice Aldrich]

She didn't even mention it. Henry. Oh, boy. Henry, where are you going?

[Henry Aldrich]

I'll be right back, Eleanor, just as soon as I get something straightened out. Homer. Hey, Homer. What, Henry? As Long as you're waiting around for Agnes, how would you like to earn $0.50?

[Sam Aldrich]

Alice? Alice, are you upstairs? Alice? Hello, Sam? Ollie speaking.

[Alice Aldrich]

Sam, this is Alice.

[Sam Aldrich]

What's that? Alice? When did you leave the house?

[Alice Aldrich]

Why, quite a while ago, dear. And, dear, I hate to bother you when I know you're reading your paper, but I'm afraid you'll have to come over and get me.

[Sam Aldrich]

Get you?

[Alice Aldrich]

Yes, I have a flat tire.

[Sam Aldrich]

You mean you took the car?

[Alice Aldrich]

Oh, no, dear. I have. Well, I took.

[Sam Aldrich]

Well, you what?

[Alice Aldrich]

Nothing, Sam. Just forget it. Goodbye, dear.

[Sam Aldrich]

Dallas, what are you talking about? Alice, where are you?

[Alice Aldrich]

Hello?

[Henry Aldrich]

Can you hear me, Mother?

[Alice Aldrich]

Yes, Homer, and I'm sorry, but your father says he absolutely won't help you out.

[Henry Aldrich]

But, Mother, doesn't he understand what's happened? Henry gave me 50 cents, provided I go over to his house and get a delivery bicycle he has and take it to McCall's Drugstore, see?

[Alice Aldrich]

Yes.

[Henry Aldrich]

And just after I took the 50 cents and bought some punch with it. Who do you think showed up?

[Alice Aldrich]

Who?

[Henry Aldrich]

Agnes. With a different dress on. And before she'd even dance, she had to have some punch. Boy, she went right through 20 cents. And I wondered whether Father wouldn't be willing to deliver that bicycle for me, provided I give him part of next week's allowance.

[Alice Aldrich]

You're afraid Agnes will be hurt if you leave?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, sure. Wouldn't you be?

[Alice Aldrich]

Well, dear, I'll have a talk with your father. Only he has his shoes off, and you know what that means.

[Henry Aldrich]

But, Mother, you know how to handle him. Gee whiz, all you have to do is talk to him the way you do and you can get him into his shoes.

[Alice Aldrich]

Don't worry, dear. You go on with your dancing. After all, you're only young once.

[Henry Aldrich]

Get over on your own side of the street.

[Alice Aldrich]

Suppose you get over on your side. You. Alice. Oh, is that you on that machine? Hurry it. Look out. I'll run over you.

[Mr. McCall]

Can't you stop?

[Alice Aldrich]

Not the first time I back up my feet. There. Now help me off. Alice Coleridge, may I ask what you're doing? Harriet, you're just the person I want to see. Could you take this package of ice cream into the Allisons house? Here, what are you doing? Delivering packages. Packages for the poor. Harriet, the Allisons are giving a party in there, and I have got their ice cream. And I haven't been invited. And so you'll just have to take it in for me. Alice, I'm late for a bridge party over at the Andersons. But don't you Understand? Dressed the way I am, I can't go into the Alisons. And frankly, near the Canai, they'll only think I'm trying to crash their party. Now, Harriet, do you remember on your 13th birthday when you were too bashful to ask Bill Townsend to your party and I did it for you and you swore you'd do anything in the world for me anytime I ask you. No, Harriet, you didn't. I did not. Well, anyway, you're going right over by Maple Street. Could you at least leave this bottle of cough syrup at 2:27? Is it important? It's very important. You see, Mr. McCall just started a new drugstore and Henry's trying to help him out. Well, all right. And Alice, if you don't want to see the Allisons, why don't you just leave the ice cream on the front porch, ring the bell and run because there's a $40 due on it. Oh, and there's 90 cents due on the cough syrup. And don't lose it in the bridge game.

[Mr. McCall]

Hello, McCall's Pharmacy. Oh, lady, I sent that cough, sir, about nearly 40 minutes ago. I've got a new delivery girl, see, and she. What? What's that? Oh, yes. Well, when the girl gets there, you give her the other bottle you want refilled and tell her to bring it back here.

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[Mr. McCall]

Forget it. No trouble at all.

[Alice Aldrich]

Goodbye.

[Sam Aldrich]

Good evening.

[Mr. McCall]

Oh, yes, good evening. Something I can do for you?

[Sam Aldrich]

Well, could you tell me now? Have you seen my wife this evening?

[Alice Aldrich]

Your wife?

[Sam Aldrich]

Isn't this where Henry Aldrich works?

[Mr. McCall]

This is where he's supposed to work.

[Sam Aldrich]

What I mean is, did my wife bring a bicycle down here?

[Mr. McCall]

Oh, you. Henry's brother in law. How do you do?

[Sam Aldrich]

I beg your pardon?

[Mr. McCall]

I don't want to complain about your wife, sir, but I sent her out with some packages nearly an hour ago.

[Sam Aldrich]

Some packages?

[Mr. McCall]

And I've got some more for her to take out and she hasn't come back yet.

[Sam Aldrich]

You mean Alice?

[Henry Aldrich]

My wife.

[Mr. McCall]

And what I want to know is what you're going to do about it.

[Sam Aldrich]

What I'm going to do about it?

[Mr. McCall]

I thought your family was the kind that could be relied on.

[Sam Aldrich]

We are the kind that can be relied on. That's why we're helping you out.

[Mr. McCall]

What do you mean by we? I haven't seen you do anything yet.

[Sam Aldrich]

What's that?

[Mr. McCall]

Listen, I'm going out and deliver a couple of these orders myself. You stay here and take care of the store.

[Sam Aldrich]

What's that?

[Mr. McCall]

And if there's anything you can't find, just ask.

[Sam Aldrich]

Ask who?

[Henry Aldrich]

Eleanor, do you mind if I suggest something?

[Alice Aldrich]

What, Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, let's hit this next dance out.

[Alice Aldrich]

All right. As a matter of fact, let's go.

[Henry Aldrich]

Out on the porch and get some air.

[Alice Aldrich]

All right.

[Henry Aldrich]

Boy, do I feel good. Ever since I got Homer lined up to take that bicycle back. It just goes to show.

[Alice Aldrich]

What goes to show?

[Henry Aldrich]

I mean, if you've got a job, see, and you're conscientious about it, it pays. Now, I was just talking to Mr. Scott a few minutes ago and he asked me whether I wouldn't like a job working for him.

[Alice Aldrich]

Really?

[Henry Aldrich]

Provided I can give him some good references. Gee, I wouldn't hesitate a minute asking Mr. McCall for one.

[Alice Aldrich]

Henry, isn't that Agnes Lawson?

[Sam Aldrich]

Where?

[Alice Aldrich]

At the end of the porch there in the moonlight. And who do you suppose that boy is?

[Henry Aldrich]

Hey, let's walk down and see. Wait till I tell Homer. Just wait till I tell Homer. Now listen, Henry. You keep away from here. Homer, is that you? Come on, Agnes. Let's get away from. Yeah, but. But Homer, how about my bicycle? Don't you realize my whole reputation's at stake?

[Sam Aldrich]

We'll return to the Aldrich family in just a moment. Tonight, Theater Guild on the air raises the curtain again on another fine dramatic presentation, George Orwell's 1984 starring Richard Widmark. This is another performance by some of the superb actors. Theater Guild has teamed up with the outstanding plays of the past and present. Of course, no Sunday would be complete without a visit to those two happy householders, Phil Harris and Alice Fay. This curly headed wonder of the airwaves can usually get himself involved in something that requires Alice's talented hand to unravel. And then your two regular NBC thrillers, Dragnet and Barry Craig, Confidential Investigator, come along. Next, Barry, played by William Gargan, clears up a real thrilling mystery. While Dragnet, with Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday, offers another case history from the files of the Los Angeles police. So for the tops in radio entertainment, stay tuned to NBC. Now getting back to the troubles of Henry Aldrich. Because she's decided her son is young only once Mrs. Aldridge has consented to run an errand for Henry in order that he may go to the country club dance. The scene opens in the Aldridge Front Hall. Homer Brown's father is on the phone. Hello?

[Mr. McCall]

Hello?

[Sam Aldrich]

Hello?

[Alice Aldrich]

Hello, Mrs. Brown? Speaking.

[Sam Aldrich]

Elizabeth, this is Will.

[Alice Aldrich]

Who?

[Sam Aldrich]

Will, Your husband. I can't find that bicycle of Henry's.

[Alice Aldrich]

Oh, did you look all over their yard?

[Sam Aldrich]

I walked into every tree out there and there's still no sign of it.

[Alice Aldrich]

Well, where are you now?

[Sam Aldrich]

I'm in the Aldrich Front Hall. And, Elizabeth, I'm in my house slippers and I'm standing in water.

[Alice Aldrich]

In water?

[Sam Aldrich]

Well, I can't be responsible if they aren't more careful where they put their vases of flowers.

[Alice Aldrich]

Well, me? You just got to find that bicycle. Homer says Henry was very much concerned about it being taken back. And he won't enjoy the dance one bit if he knows you've fallen down on him.

[Sam Aldrich]

Well, I'll give him 10 more minutes and then I quit. Goodbye.

[Alice Aldrich]

Bye.

[Henry Aldrich]

Hold up your horses.

[Sam Aldrich]

Hello?

[Henry Aldrich]

Hello, Is this you, Father?

[Sam Aldrich]

Homer, where are you?

[Henry Aldrich]

This isn't Homer.

[Alice Aldrich]

It's Henry.

[Sam Aldrich]

Oh, it is? Well, this is Mr. Brown.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mr. Brown? Gee, was how I get the wrong number? Goodbye, Father.

[Alice Aldrich]

I mean, goodbye.

[Sam Aldrich]

Oh, wait a minute, Wait a minute. Where's your bicycle? Hello?

[Mr. McCall]

Hello?

[Alice Aldrich]

Excuse me, but could you give me some information?

[Henry Aldrich]

What is it you'd like to know, lady?

[Alice Aldrich]

Well, have you any idea where number 227 Maple street would be.

[Sam Aldrich]

Let's see now.

[Henry Aldrich]

Isn't it this house right here?

[Alice Aldrich]

No, I was just in there, and they haven't had a cold all year.

[Sam Aldrich]

What's that?

[Alice Aldrich]

227 Maple Street. Ordered this cough syrup and I'd like to get rid of it so I can go to a bridge party.

[Henry Aldrich]

How about the house next door?

[Alice Aldrich]

Oh, I tried that one too. They said they don't think there is any227.

[Henry Aldrich]

Let's see the address on your package.

[Alice Aldrich]

Here you are.

[Henry Aldrich]

That's 227, all right. Or two 77 it's what? And that certainly says Maple. Or is it Marble?

[Alice Aldrich]

Marble Street.

[Henry Aldrich]

Don't get discouraged, lady. You're on the right track.

[Sam Aldrich]

Now then, I'm sorry to keep you waiting, lady. Is there something I can do for you?

[Alice Aldrich]

Yes, sir. I'd like a chocolate frosted.

[Sam Aldrich]

A chocolate what?

[Alice Aldrich]

Frosted.

[Sam Aldrich]

Oh, that's something to drink, isn't it?

[Alice Aldrich]

Certainly is. It's made with chocolate syrup, milk and ice cream.

[Sam Aldrich]

Yes. And that's all?

[Alice Aldrich]

Yes. And then you put it in that mix.

[Mr. McCall]

Yes.

[Sam Aldrich]

Well, that sounds easy enough. Now then, lady, we'll get a glass. Ah, here we are.

[Alice Aldrich]

Oh, isn't that a Sunday dish?

[Sam Aldrich]

Oh, I see. You want a big drink.

[Alice Aldrich]

That's right.

[Sam Aldrich]

Well, now, here. How's this size?

[Alice Aldrich]

Oh, my goodness. Do I get one that big?

[Sam Aldrich]

I think this is a drinking glass. Couldn't be just an ornament, could it? Now then, let's see. I guess the logical thing would be to start with the. The chocolate. Chocolate? Chocolate. You wouldn't be interested in strawberry, would you?

[Alice Aldrich]

No, thanks.

[Sam Aldrich]

I got strawberry right here. Lemon? That's perilla. Maybe they keep the chocolate in one of these bowls. No, that's the cherries. How would you like to have me throw a cherry in?

[Alice Aldrich]

No, thank you. How about that other bowl?

[Sam Aldrich]

This one?

[Alice Aldrich]

Yes. What's in that?

[Sam Aldrich]

Well, I never saw anything like that before. It's sort of a lather.

[Alice Aldrich]

Isn't that whipped cream?

[Sam Aldrich]

Oh, so it is. It's been a long time since I've seen any whipped cream. We're both wrong. It's mayonnaise.

[Alice Aldrich]

Isn't that chocolate right here?

[Sam Aldrich]

Oh, yes. Good for you, lady. Well, here we go.

[Alice Aldrich]

My goodness, isn't that quite a lot of chocolate? Are you gonna have room for the milk?

[Sam Aldrich]

Well, if we don't, we'll get another glass and I'll drink part of it.

[Alice Aldrich]

Haven't you ever done this before?

[Sam Aldrich]

Not as a general rule. Actually, I'm a lawyer oh, and you.

[Alice Aldrich]

Have to take this job. Nice.

[Sam Aldrich]

Well, I have to take it tonight anyhow. Now then, let's see. Ah, here's the ice cream. I wonder what they take it out with.

[Alice Aldrich]

Well, isn't there a scoop?

[Sam Aldrich]

No, and I certainly don't want to use my hand.

[Alice Aldrich]

My goodness.

[Henry Aldrich]

Now.

[Sam Aldrich]

Oh, here's the scoop right here.

[Alice Aldrich]

Is that vanilla?

[Sam Aldrich]

Oh, yes. You can't fool me on vanilla. Well, the ice cream won't come out of the scoop.

[Alice Aldrich]

Well, all you have to do is squeeze that little jigger and it drops right out.

[Sam Aldrich]

Yes, I realize that, but for some reason. For some reason. Would you excuse me a minute while I go out and back and see whether I can find a screwdriver?

[Alice Aldrich]

Good evening. Good evening. Are you Mrs. Allison's maid? I am. Don't tell me that's our ice cream? I'm afraid it is. I was a little delayed on the way. You were delayed? Wasn't that you I saw standing right out in front of the house for the last 15 minutes? Yes, I was trying to get some boy to. That is, I'm sorry, but here's your ice cream. If you don't want it, you don't have to take it. Thank you. And there's a $40 due on it. All right. Now, wait right out there. That's just what I intend to do. Oh, Amy. Yes, Mrs. Ellison? He's finally here, and they want to collect $1.40. All right. Tell the boy I'll be right out and pay him. It isn't a boy. It's a girl. A girl? Yes, ma'. Am. Now then, young woman, here's your $1.40. And 10 cents for yourself. Although you've been so long getting here, you certainly don't. Oh, my goodness. Is that you, Mrs. Aldrich? Why, yes, yes. Good evening, Mrs. Allison. Where's the young woman? I'm supposed to give this to you. The young woman? The one who brought the ice cream. What did she do, go on back to the store? Well, I. Well, yes, yes, yes, I guess she must have. I'm so glad you decided to come. Where's Mr. Aldridge? Come in. Oh, no. I couldn't think of coming in. Why not? We'd love to have you. You're just in time for ice cream. No, thanks, Mrs. Allison. As a matter of fact, I don't know why I came over at all. Was there something you wanted, dear? No, no. Just forget the whole thing. Goodbye. Goodbye. My goodness. Did you hurt yourself, Mrs. Al? No, no, I just fell over my bicycle.

[Sam Aldrich]

Say, Isn't there anybody in charge of this store?

[Alice Aldrich]

The clerk just went around and back again. Oh, yeah, he's been mixing you chocolate frosted for the last half hour. He ran into a little trouble.

[Sam Aldrich]

Oh, Mr. McCall.

[Mr. McCall]

Hello there.

[Alice Aldrich]

I'll be right out.

[Sam Aldrich]

I only have a minute. I gotta get back home. Now, then, what can I do for you? But here's what I want to ask that bicycle. Sam Aldridge. Hello, Will Brown. What are you doing in that apron? Why, Sam, I can't find Henry's bicycle anywhere. Where is it? Oh, that's all right. Alice has it. Alice has it? She's out delivering. She's what?

[Henry Aldrich]

Listen, Sam, have you bought this drugstore?

[Alice Aldrich]

Mr. McCall. Oh, Mr. McCall. Oh, my. Sam Aldrin.

[Sam Aldrich]

Harriet, where did you come from?

[Alice Aldrich]

Sam, I finally found 227 Maple street. But the lady says I can't have my 90 cents until I get this bottle filled for them.

[Sam Aldrich]

What's it for?

[Alice Aldrich]

I don't know, but I've got a bridge game waiting.

[Sam Aldrich]

Well, just a minute, Harriet. Hello, McCall's Pharmacy. Good evening.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, Mr. McCall, this is Henry.

[Mr. McCall]

This is who?

[Henry Aldrich]

Henry Aldridge. Remember? I called up to say I've resigned.

[Sam Aldrich]

Henry, this is your father.

[Alice Aldrich]

Is that your father?

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee whiz, how did I get the wrong number? Goodbye.

[Sam Aldrich]

Henry.

[Alice Aldrich]

Henry, what about my frosted chocolate?

[Sam Aldrich]

Just a minute, lady. I'll be right with you here. Will, get behind the counter here and give me a hand. Who?

[Mr. McCall]

What?

[Alice Aldrich]

Mr. Nicole? Oh, Mr. Nicole.

[Sam Aldrich]

Is that you, Alice?

[Alice Aldrich]

Sam Aldrich. How did you happen to leave the house in a dirty apron?

[Sam Aldrich]

You want me to get chocolate all.

[Alice Aldrich]

Over my soup, Dear, have you got $1.40? Because if you have, give it to Mr. McCall right away because I'm quitting.

[Sam Aldrich]

You're what? Hello, McCall Pharmacy.

[Henry Aldrich]

Good evening. Is this McCall?

[Sam Aldrich]

It is.

[Henry Aldrich]

This is Henry Aldrich. Mr. McCall.

[Sam Aldrich]

Henry, don't you know your own father when he speaks to you?

[Henry Aldrich]

Listen, Father, I thought you said this was McCall. How do I keep getting the wrong number? Goodbye, Henry.

[Sam Aldrich]

Wait.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Father, do you want me?

[Sam Aldrich]

Why are you quitting your job down here?

[Henry Aldrich]

Because I've had a swell one with Mr. Scott.

[Sam Aldrich]

Doing what?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, it's nice outdoor work, mixing cement. Don't you think Mother would want me to take it?

[Sam Aldrich]

Now, Henry, you're not getting your mother mixed up in any cement. The years of World War II are beginning to fade in many memories in America. Children are growing up who don't remember the names that made the rest of us shudder like Pearl Harbor. Iwo Jima, Anzio. It's easy to forget over here, but in Europe, the scars of World War II are still raw. Hunger still stalks the land. Children are starving and old people are dying from malnutrition. There is one organization that helps in the battle against the war born hunger. Care C A R E Care prepares scientifically selected and packed food parcels for distribution. Overseas delivery is guaranteed and mass purchasing and planning provides the greatest economy. Care is the best way to send parcels to relatives of friends abroad and to those who wish to help Care. Select families abroad to receive parcels donated for anonymous recipients. If you want to aid the fight against hunger, send your dollars and dimes to Care New York. And if you have people in the war torn lands, remember, show them you care through care. The Aldrich Family is transcribed, is written by Clifford Goldsmith. Henry is played by Bobby Ellis and Homer by Jack Grimes. Mr. And Mrs. Aldridge are house Jamison and Barbara Robbins. Your announcer is Dick Dudley. Tonight is the Phil Harris Alice fay show on NBC.

[Commercial Narrator]

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[Sam Aldrich]

Suddenly you're overwhelmed.

[Commercial Narrator]

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