Aldrich Family - Date With A Tall Girl

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Aldrich Family – Date With A Tall Girl

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Airdate: March 7, 2026

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Overview

In this classic "Aldrich Family" radio episode, Henry Aldrich faces a humorous teenage dilemma: he’s got a date with a girl who is noticeably taller than he is. The plot centers on Henry's comedic attempts—with the help of his friend Homer and others—to overcome his height insecurity before the big charity dance. Through witty banter and 1940s-era family dynamics, the episode explores themes of teenage self-consciousness, the lengths to which we’ll go to impress a date, and the playful misunderstandings that ensue.

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Key Discussion Points & Episode Structure

Henry’s Height Problem and the Date with Helen

• [01:58] Henry agonizes with Homer over realizing too late that Helen, his date, is taller than he is.
  • Henry: “Boy, when she stood up to go, I thought I'd die. What if I had a dance with her? I'd have to hold her around the knees.”
• Homer tries to help Henry brainstorm ways to "grow taller," including wearing his father's derby, and even standing up his hair. The boys hatch convoluted plans to keep Henry seated throughout the date.
  • Homer: “Suppose we planned the date so you never had to stand up all during.” ([04:29])
• Henry is fixated on Helen's physical features, admiring her eyes and lips, while Homer cuts through with dry humor.
  • Homer: “How should I know? I'm not an optometrist.” ([02:47])
  • Homer (on lips): "I'll take them not so cute, but low enough down so I can reach them." ([03:33])

Complications at the Charity Dance

• [05:49] Agnes informs Henry and Homer she has tickets to a charity dance—where sitting is decidedly not an option.
  • Henry tries to wriggle out, fearing a public showdown of his short stature:
    • “Because dancing requires you to... Never mind, Agnes. I'd just rather not.” ([06:13])
• Agnes, misreading Henry's reluctance, pressures him into agreement.

Helen’s Own Worries

• [07:13] Cut to Helen and Agnes, where Helen confides that she, too, is self-conscious about being taller than Henry.
  • Helen: “That's all I've worried about since we made the day. Then why did you make it?”
• Both girls try to find ways to salvage dignity and enjoyment for the coming dance.

Schemes for a Quick Height Boost

• [09:09] Henry consults Mr. Bridges (the shoemaker) to discreetly build up his shoes, gaining an inch in height—though he struggles to walk normally and looks awkward.
  • Henry: “Pretty good. Except that I feel I'm leaning forward all the time. Am I?” ([09:27])
  • Homer: “If I weren't with you while you had it done, Hen, I'd never know.” ([09:16])

Family Subplot: Parents & Exercise

• Scenes cut to Henry's parents discussing exercise, age, and the importance of staying fit, with Henry's father gently ribbed for being “shrivelled” and avoiding the dance.
  • Mother: “My goodness, Sam, what's the matter with you lately?” ([11:41])

The Challenge of Shoe Build-up and Social Dynamics

• [14:25] Henry and Homer painstakingly calculate and compare heights, now involving the fence and classmates as comparison points.
  • Henry: “…If I'm three inches taller than Francine, who's two and a half inches shorter than Charlie, who's an inch shorter than Helen, that still makes me about a half inch too short.” ([15:05])
• Henry continues his efforts, trying different shoe builds, resulting in awkward movements and more mishaps.
  • Henry: "Listen, Homer, being this high up has its disadvantages, too. Like doorknobs, for instance. Like, keep missing them. Overshooting." ([20:43])

The Big Night: Everything Unravels

• At the dance, Helen has compensated by wearing very low heels and styling her hair flat, while Henry has overcompensated with an extra heel—until one slips off and disappears down a sewer.
  • Henry: “In the struggle, my foot got caught on the running board and one of my heels came off. Just look at me, Henry. You've shrunk completely.” ([26:12])
• Hilarity heightens as Agnes reveals Helen's adjustments to make herself look shorter, while Henry tried everything to look taller; ultimately, both their schemes become moot.
  • Homer: "Helen’s much smaller now. She's wearing her head and shoes flat." ([26:37])
• The episode ends with Homer and Agnes dancing, with Agnes noting Homer feels taller that night:
  • Agnes: "And you want to know something else? ... You seem lots taller. ... When you step on my feet, I can feel it." ([27:38])

Comic Resolution & Epilogue

• The episode closes with signature Jello family jingles, a humorous awarding of the “Downey Donut Award” to Henry as the "nation’s ideal teenage donut dunker boy" ([28:51]), and light banter between Henry and Homer about carrying the plaque.

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Memorable Quotes

• Henry: “What if I had a dance with her? I'd have to hold her around the knees.” ([02:22])
• Homer: “I'm not an optometrist.” ([02:47])
• Agnes: “What's the matter? You're too good to dance for charity.” ([06:19])
• Helen (to Agnes): “That's all I've worried about since we made the day. Then why did you make it?” ([07:13])
• Henry: “Pretty good. Except that I feel I'm leaning forward all the time.” ([09:27])
• Homer: “Listen, Homer, being this high up has its disadvantages, too. Like doorknobs, for instance. Like, keep missing them. Overshooting.” ([20:43])
• Henry: “Just look at me, Henry. You've shrunk completely.” ([26:12])
• Agnes (to Homer): “Where'd I get the idea you are a shrimp tonight? You seem lots taller. ... When you step on my feet, I can feel it.” ([27:38])

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Important Timestamps

• [01:58] – Henry discovers Helen is taller
• [04:29] – Henry and Homer strategize about always sitting during the date
• [06:13] – Henry tries to decline the charity dance
• [09:09] – Shoe buildup plan
• [11:41] – Parents’ subplot on fitness
• [15:05] – Detailed “height math” sequence
• [26:12] – Shoe mishap at the dance
• [27:38] – Agnes on Homer’s perceived height
• [28:51] – “Downey Donut Award” for Henry

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Episode Tone and Style

The episode retains classic radio comedy style: quick-paced, light-hearted, and full of witty, era-appropriate banter. The youthful anxieties and exaggerations, along with the adults’ indifference and comic routines about fitness and self-image, serve both to lampoon and gently sympathize with the struggles of growing up.

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Summary

“Aldrich Family – Date With A Tall Girl” is a masterclass in nostalgic comedy, exploring the timeless worry of not measuring up (literally) to a date’s expectations. Through a series of escalating misadventures involving hats, shoes, and chewing over every inch, Henry and his friends (and their parents) offer up laughter, warmth, and a reminder that, in adolescence, everything looks taller than it really is.

Transcript

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[Henry Aldrich]

And now, the Jello family presents Henry Henry Aldrich. Coming, Mother?

[Narrator]

Yes, it's the Aldrich family. Based on characters originated by Clifford Goldsmith and starring Ezra Stone as Henry. With Jackie Kel as Homer. And yes, it's the Jello family.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, the big red letters stand for the Jello family. Oh, the big red letters stand for the Jello family.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

That's Jello Yum yum yum.

[Henry Aldrich]

Jello puddings. Yum yum yum.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Jello taps the Oka Puddings. Yes, sir.

[Narrator]

And now for the Aldridge family. There's an old saying that goes something like this. Youth is so wonderful a thing, it's a shame to waste it on the young. But grown ups can always recapture some of their teenage by reliving the experiences of a typical American boy like Henry Aldrich. The scene opens in Henry's room. The time is early afternoon.

[Henry Aldrich]

But Homer, how was I to know?

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Henry, you're too impulsive, especially when it comes to girls.

[Henry Aldrich]

But she was already sitting when I came over to your table.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

You should have waited till she stood up.

[Henry Aldrich]

Sure, that's easy enough to say now, Homer. But why didn't you say something when it would have done me some good? Or why didn't Agnes say something?

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

How can you tell someone not to ask a girl for a date because you think she's bigger than he is?

[Henry Aldrich]

Bigger? Boy, when she stood up to go, I thought I'd die. What if I had a dance with her? I'd have to hold her around the knees. Practice.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Maybe you better break the date, hen.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yeah, maybe.

[Narrator]

I bet.

[Henry Aldrich]

But she's so pretty, Homer. Did you happen to notice her eyes?

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Probably.

[Henry Aldrich]

What did you think of them?

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

How should I know? I'm not an optometrist.

[Henry Aldrich]

I happen to think they were exceptionally attractive.

[Agnes]

You do?

[Henry Aldrich]

I certainly do. Their color, for instance? Sort of blue. Navy blue. And her eyelashes. Did you ever see eyelashes that long?

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Sure.

[Henry Aldrich]

Whose?

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

My aunt.

[Agnes]

What?

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

You ought to see them hen when she has them on, I mean.

[Henry Aldrich]

Now, wait a minute, Homer. Are you insinuating that Helen's eyelashes come on and off.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

I didn't insinuate anything, Hen.

[Henry Aldrich]

Okay. And her lips, Homer, did you happen to notice her lips?

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

I. I don't think so.

[Henry Aldrich]

They're. They're so. So cute.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Well, I'll tell you how I feel about lips. Hen personally, I'll take them not so cute, but low enough down so I can reach them.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yeah. Homer. Homer, what do you think I ought to do?

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Pray for the day?

[Henry Aldrich]

No.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Then keep.

[Henry Aldrich]

But she's too tall.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Can't you think of something else? What else is it?

[Henry Aldrich]

I don't know. Let's see.

[Agnes]

What if.

[Henry Aldrich]

What if what, Homer?

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

My father's derby.

[Narrator]

What about it?

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Better give you at least three inches.

[Narrator]

Sure.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, what happens when I take it off?

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

You don't.

[Henry Aldrich]

You mean I keep it on all evening?

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

My father wouldn't mind.

[Henry Aldrich]

Listen, Homer, how would you like it if you were a girl and the fella kept his derby on all evening? Okay.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Okay. How about.

[Henry Aldrich]

No. What? How about what?

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

I was gonna suggest you go to a beauty parlor and get them to fit your hair so it stood up straight. That's silly.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yeah, sure.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

It would never last all evening. Suppose what? Suppose we planned the date so you never had to stand up all during.

[Henry Aldrich]

Huh?

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Look, you phone Helen just before you're supposed to pick her up on Saturday and tell her it's gonna be very crowded at the movie.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yeah.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

So you're gonna hurry. Two seats and she can meet you inside. Then you're already sitting when she gets there.

[Agnes]

Sure.

[Henry Aldrich]

But how do we get out of the movie without her seeing me stand up, I mean.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Oh, let's see. When you see the part coming where you came in, you ask her what flavor ice cream she likes. Suppose it's Caramel Delight.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yeah.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

You say that the Haven's Drugstore always runs out of Caramel Delight very early on Saturday night. Yeah. So you're gonna rush over there and reserve some. By the time Helen gets there, you're sitting again.

[Henry Aldrich]

I don't know, Homer. Why not?

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

So far, you're two thirds through the date and she hasn't seen at your full length once.

[Henry Aldrich]

That's true. Although, actually, I'll be spending most of the date running away from her, won't I?

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Not necessarily, Hen. Once you're sitting, there's no reason you can't sit as long as you want.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yeah, I guess so.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Now all we've got to figure out is how to get her home with you sitting.

[Henry Aldrich]

I'll get it. Homer, you keep thinking. Hello.

[Agnes]

Hello, Henry. Agnes.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, hello, Agnes.

[Agnes]

Guess what?

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Him.

[Agnes]

My Father had to buy four tickets for the charity dance at the club Saturday night and he gave them all to me.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Oh, that's nice.

[Agnes]

Two for Homer and me and two for Helen and you.

[Henry Aldrich]

A damn?

[Agnes]

Uh huh.

[Henry Aldrich]

No thanks, Agnes.

[Agnes]

I don't think you understand, Hen you don't have to pay for them.

[Henry Aldrich]

Even so, Agnes, no thanks.

[Agnes]

Why not?

[Henry Aldrich]

Because dancing requires you to. Never mind, Agnes. I'd just rather not.

[Agnes]

What's the matter? You're too good to dance for charity.

[Henry Aldrich]

Why, Agnes, it isn't that. I'd just rather not dance with Helen, that's all.

[Agnes]

Well, she'll certainly be interested in hearing that.

[Henry Aldrich]

Wait, Agnes, listen.

[Agnes]

Why is she gonna love you?

[Henry Aldrich]

Agnes, I didn't mean. Agnes, you don't. Agnes.

[Agnes]

Yes, Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

Thank you very much for the tickets. I'd love to go to the dance.

[Agnes]

That's. Well, hen you make the arrangements with Homer, we'll make a big night of it. Bye.

[Henry Aldrich]

Goodbye.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Hey, Henry.

[Agnes]

I've got it all worked out.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

You're in the ice cream parlor.

[Henry Aldrich]

See, we're going dancing.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Helen sees a friend at another table, so she turns around to wave to her in a minute. Of dancing. Henry, that's the worst thing in the world for you to be doing.

[Henry Aldrich]

I know.

[Agnes]

Well, for goodness sake, Helen, you don't have to snap my hat off. But Agnes, why did you have to make it dancing? That's the worst thing in the world under the circumstances. I'm sorry, Helen, but it never occurred to me that Henry might be shorter than you. That's all I've worried about since we made the day. Then why did you make it?

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Well, he.

[Agnes]

He's sort of cute. Can he. Cute? Oh, my goodness, yes. Well, I guess that's what makes horse racing. What should I do? Wagner? You want me to call him and Castle a dance? No, he'll guess why and hate me for it. Then let's just go and make the best of it. Oh, no. He'll hate me every minute he's dancing with me. Then what do you want me to do?

[Henry Aldrich]

I don't know.

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[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Access to affordable credit helps me pay my employees, but I don't really need it.

[Announcer]

Infliction is killing me, but who cares? Big retailers are making record profits. That's why we support a Durbin Marshall credit card bill.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

See, banks and credit unions help small businesses make payroll. This bill would cut the vital resources

[Announcer]

they need while increasing mega store profits. They deserve it, don't they?

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Tell Congress, stop the Durbin Marshall money grab for corporate megastores paid for by the Electronic Payments Coalition.

[Agnes]

Oh, sometimes. Sometimes I wish I were a pygmy.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, tell me, Homer, what do you think?

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Let me see you walk again.

[Henry Aldrich]

Can you tell?

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

If I weren't with you while you had it done, Hen, I'd never know. How did you do it, Mr. Bridges?

[Narrator]

Why, I just built his shoes up on the inside. How do they feel, Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

Pretty good. Except that I feel I'm leaning forward all the time. Am I?

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Just a little, hen. About 10 degrees.

[Narrator]

That's because most of the buildup is in the heel.

[Henry Aldrich]

You'll get used to them. I hope so. Are you sure you can't tell Homer?

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Soon as you straighten yourself out, you look perfectly natural, Hen. Lean back a little.

[Henry Aldrich]

Like this?

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Yeah, that.

[Narrator]

Whoops.

[Henry Aldrich]

Not too far. How much?

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Come forward again. A little more. More. More. Hold it.

[Henry Aldrich]

Okay.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

How does he look to you now, Mr. Bridgers?

[Narrator]

Why, you look fine, Henry. Fine. In a few minutes, you'll feel as though you've been wearing them all your life.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, Thanks a lot, Mr. Bridges. Goodbye.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Bye, Mr. Bridges.

[Henry Aldrich]

Goodbye, boys.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

How does it feel, Hen?

[Henry Aldrich]

Very comfortable.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

No, I mean up there.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, I think this air is a little cleaner.

[Agnes]

Yeah.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

No wonder tall people are healthier than short people.

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee whiz. However, he only built them up an inch.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Well, you never. Hey, there's Agnes.

[Agnes]

Hey, Agnes. Hi, Homer.

[Henry Aldrich]

Wait a minute.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Come on, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Homer, you won't say anything to her about you know what, will you?

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Of course not. Gee whiz, what do you think I am, a cad?

[Agnes]

Listen, Homer, you know I don't like to be kept waiting. Hi, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Hi, Agnes. Well, I'd better get home, Homer. See you later, Ken.

[Agnes]

Sure, sure.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

So long, Hen.

[Agnes]

What?

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

I wanted to talk to you about Agnes. Why are you looking at me like that?

[Agnes]

You know something, Homer?

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Why, I never before realized you were such a shrimp. Huh?

[Narrator]

Alice, do you know where Henry is?

[Henry Aldrich]

Not exactly, Sam. He said he had a problem to work out. Something about a charity.

[Narrator]

Oh, that's nice. I'm glad. You see, he's getting interested in civic Affairs.

[Henry Aldrich]

By the way, dear, that reminds me,

[Agnes]

are we going to the charity dance

[Henry Aldrich]

at the club this Saturday?

[Narrator]

Oh, let's not, Alice. I'm too tired.

[Henry Aldrich]

My goodness, Sam, what's the matter with you lately?

[Agnes]

You haven't done a stitch of exercise in two months.

[Henry Aldrich]

I'd say that's not true.

[Narrator]

I played handball at the Y. Just. Just. Is it really two months?

[Agnes]

At least. And, dear, you're beginning to bulge.

[Henry Aldrich]

Bulge?

[Narrator]

Me?

[Henry Aldrich]

Where?

[Narrator]

Oh. Besides, I'm not as young as I used to be.

[Henry Aldrich]

That's exactly why you should be getting some exercise, dear. You know what happens to the human body as it grows older and isn't taken care of?

[Agnes]

It begins to sort of shrivel.

[Narrator]

Nonsense, Alice. In the first place, I'm not that old yet. And in the second, what in the world would a horse do doing on our porch?

[Henry Aldrich]

A horse?

[Agnes]

As a matter of fact, it does

[Henry Aldrich]

sound like a horse.

[Agnes]

Is that you, Henry?

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Yes, Mother.

[Narrator]

Excuse me, Alice. I'll speak to him.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, dear. I'm right in the middle of my potatoes.

[Narrator]

Henry, how many times do I have to tell you to take off your roller skates before coming into this house?

[Henry Aldrich]

Skates, Father? I don't have in my skates on.

[Narrator]

Oh. What in the world was all that? Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Father?

[Narrator]

Are you wearing your trouser belt a little higher these days?

[Henry Aldrich]

She wears now.

[Narrator]

Oh, I. It seemed to me.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Oh.

[Henry Aldrich]

May I go upstairs now? What?

[Narrator]

Well, yes. Yes, certainly.

[Henry Aldrich]

See you later. Yes. Alice.

[Agnes]

Yes, dear?

[Narrator]

What were you just saying about a person shriveling up?

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

But, Father, why can't I have it done?

[Narrator]

Because, Homer, there's nothing wrong with you as you are. Nothing that built up shoes could help, that is.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

But how would you like it if your girl called you a shrimp?

[Agnes]

Now, dear, you just eat your spinach

[Henry Aldrich]

and you get taller.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Spinach isn't what made Henry tall.

[Narrator]

Do as your mother told you, Homer. Eat your spinach.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

But why can't I have my shoes built up?

[Narrator]

Because spinach is cheaper than leather.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

I don't like spinach.

[Narrator]

It's good for you. Here, have some of mine.

[Agnes]

Will you eat your spinach, too?

[Henry Aldrich]

Why?

[Narrator]

I'm tall enough.

[Henry Aldrich]

Now, Will, what do you mean by

[Narrator]

a statement like that?

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Father, you're not so tall either.

[Henry Aldrich]

What?

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

All the men in our family are shrimp.

[Narrator]

Is that so?

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Sure.

[Henry Aldrich]

Look at Uncle Harry.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

He's a head and a half shorter than Aunt Amy.

[Narrator]

Aunt Amy is an exceptionally tall woman.

[Agnes]

Oh, do you really think so, Will?

[Henry Aldrich]

What?

[Narrator]

Well, I'm a good four inches taller than Uncle Harry. Well, at least Three inches.

[Henry Aldrich]

Two inches.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Listen, Henry, how much longer are we going to wait for?

[Henry Aldrich]

I saw her go into Agnes's house almost an hour ago. She's got to come out soon.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Okay. What makes you think an inch isn't enough?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I caught a glimpse of Helen at the school today, standing next to Charlie Clark. And from where I was standing, she seemed about an inch taller than Charlie.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

No kidding?

[Henry Aldrich]

Sure. And a little later, I saw Charlie talking to Francine. Lita, he looked about 2 1/2 inches taller than Francine.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

That's who you should have made the date with.

[Henry Aldrich]

Charlie.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

No, Francine.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, she doesn't excite me. Anyway, just for the fun of it, I went over to talk to Francine. It seemed to me I was about to three inches taller.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

So?

[Henry Aldrich]

So don't you see? If I'm three inches taller than Francine, who's two and a half inches shorter than Charlie, who's an inch shorter than Helen, that still makes me about a half inch too short.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Oh, well, in that case, here she comes.

[Henry Aldrich]

Hiding this doorway. Remember, she passes that fence, make a mental picture of where she comes to on it. Okay,

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

the coast is clear here.

[Agnes]

Good.

[Henry Aldrich]

Come on. Where'd she come to, Homer?

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Right about here, I think.

[Henry Aldrich]

That high seemed to me it was closer to down there.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

No, it was up here. Hand.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I'll tell you what. Let's take a point halfway between your opinion and mine. That'll bring it to about right here.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Okay, I got it. Hand, stand with your back to the fence.

[Henry Aldrich]

Okay.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Well, Han, what time does the Shoemaker open in the morning?

[Narrator]

Oh, the big red letters stand for the Jello family. Oh, the big red letters stand for the Jello family.

[Henry Aldrich]

That's Jello.

[Agnes]

Yum yum, yum.

[Narrator]

Yellow puddings.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yum yum yum.

[Narrator]

Yellow tap. The yoga pudding.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, I.

[Narrator]

There are desserts for everybody's family. And the famous Jello family of Yum Yum desserts. For instance, pineapple Lime Delight made with shimmering green lime jello. Looks as fresh as spring itself. Just dissolve a package of lime jello in 2 cups of hot canned pineapple juice and water. When slightly thickened, fold in two slices of diced canned pineapple together with four cut up marshmallows. Yes. Tempting tangy lime Jello with pineapple and luscious marshmallows. Enjoy all six delicious Jello flavors.

[Henry Aldrich]

Flavors.

[Narrator]

Strawberry, raspberry, cherry, orange, lemon and lime. All six Rich with that locked in. Goodness, that's exclusive with Jello flavors. So rich and satisfying, it reminds you of the Real ripe fruit itself. That's jello. America's favorite gelatin dessert. And now, getting back to the troubles of Henry Aldrich. Henry has been experiencing all sorts of difficulties trying to build himself up to the exact height of the girl he has a date with for a dance. So far he succeeded only in making Mr. Aldrich apparently shrivel. The scene is Agnes's house. The time is the following day.

[Agnes]

But if you and Henry go to the church supper. Helen, I'll have to dance every dance with home. I'm sorry, Agnes, but it is supper.

[Henry Aldrich]

You sit. Hello?

[Agnes]

Hello? Is this Henry Aldrich?

[Henry Aldrich]

Speaking.

[Agnes]

This is Helen, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, please do.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

I mean, hello, Henry.

[Agnes]

The church is having a supper this Sunday night.

[Henry Aldrich]

Really?

[Agnes]

Uh huh. And I thought you might prefer going to that.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Why? Well. Oh, you mean.

[Agnes]

Yes.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, if you think. Alan.

[Agnes]

Wait one minute, Henry. What is it, Agnes? Did you see what it says in the ad for the church supper?

[Henry Aldrich]

No, what?

[Agnes]

It's a buffet supper. You have to eat standing. Oh, and there's square dancing afterwards. Oh my. Hello, Henry. You don't really want to go to the church supper.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Do.

[Narrator]

Up, 2, 3, 4. Down, 2, 3, 4.

[Agnes]

But dear.

[Narrator]

2, 3.

[Henry Aldrich]

All day at the gym and now these weights at home.

[Narrator]

I thought you wanted me to exercise.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, yes, but not as a full time job.

[Narrator]

2, 3, 4. Up, 2.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh.

[Agnes]

What happened?

[Henry Aldrich]

I think something gave Sam Aldrich. That's enough for today.

[Narrator]

Maybe you're right. Alice, do I look any less shriveled much, dear? Well, I feel a lot better. Would you mind helping me to the couch? I think I'll lie down.

[Henry Aldrich]

Hi, Mrs. Aldrich.

[Agnes]

In here, Homer.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

How are you, Mr. Aldrich?

[Narrator]

Great.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

That's nice. Where's Henry? In his room, dear.

[Agnes]

Thanks.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

See you later, Mr. Aldrich.

[Narrator]

I'll be right here, Homer. Flat on my back.

[Agnes]

Hi, Hans. Hi, Homer.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

I ran over as soon as I got your message. Boy, Mr. Bridges certainly went to town on your shoes.

[Henry Aldrich]

This time he added another sole and double heel.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Oh, boy.

[Henry Aldrich]

Only I don't think I'm tall enough yet.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

What?

[Henry Aldrich]

Listen, Homer, Helen phoned me a little while ago. I think she's worried too.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Yeah? Well, what do you want me for?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I figure I'll know exactly how much buildup I need if I can

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

get someone to find out her ex.

[Henry Aldrich]

Exact height.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Oh, no. Ham. Not me.

[Henry Aldrich]

Homer, let's go downtown and have a soda. Not me. And I'll tell you just what I have in mind.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Well, okay. Well, you think you've got trouble? Look at me. If you can see that Far down.

[Henry Aldrich]

Listen, Homer, being this high up has its disadvantages, too.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Like what?

[Henry Aldrich]

Like doorknobs, for instance.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

What about Dino?

[Henry Aldrich]

Like, keep missing them. Overshooting.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

No kidding.

[Henry Aldrich]

Sure. It's going to be even worse with this new buildup on top of the old buildup. Jeez. Now, just relax, Sam. Try to rest. Hello, Mother. Hi, Father.

[Narrator]

Hello, Henri. Oh, my father.

[Henry Aldrich]

What's the matter, Sam?

[Narrator]

Up, two, three, four. Down, two, three, four.

[Agnes]

Agnes, are you sure you don't mind lending me your eyelashes for Saturday?

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Of course not.

[Agnes]

Hi, Agnes. Wow.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Oh, hello, Helen.

[Henry Aldrich]

Hello, Homer.

[Agnes]

What do you want?

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

I just happened to be passing by and I didn't know you had company, Agnes.

[Agnes]

Well, now you know.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Yeah.

[Agnes]

And what we're talking about is strictly private.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

I think I better go. Whoa. So long have you been. Boy. That's a beautiful pin you have on, Helen.

[Agnes]

Oh, thank you, Homer.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Can I see it? I was thinking of buying one. Let him see it, Helen, for my mother.

[Agnes]

Goodbye, Homer. Goodbye. So long.

[Henry Aldrich]

So long, Homer.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Yes, Agnes.

[Agnes]

By the way, Helen, have you heard

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

about the newest dance they're doing? The girl stands up.

[Agnes]

Homer, let's go.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

And a boy stands with his back to the girl like this, and turns his head all the way around as far as Mark. I'm going, Agnes. I'm going.

[Agnes]

Stop pushing.

[Narrator]

Well, hello there, Will.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, hello, Sam.

[Narrator]

How are you doing? Sitting here on a fire. Hydrating. Waiting for a bus? No, no, I just had my shoes. My feet hurt a bit. I thought I'd sit down and rest a while. Oh, well, come on, I'll walk you home. Exercise will do us both good. Sure. Let's go. As a matter of fact, talking about exercise, you know, you're leaning forward a bit.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I am. How's that?

[Narrator]

That's better. Talking about exercise, Will. I noticed that.

[Henry Aldrich]

What's the matter, Sam?

[Narrator]

Why are you looking at me like that? Nothing. Nothing.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, by the way, Sam, I think

[Narrator]

there's a speck of dust down there on the top of your hat. There it is. I don't see it. Well, maybe it just looked like it from up here. Oh. Well, do you mind walking home by yourself?

[Henry Aldrich]

Fly. Where are you going, Sam?

[Narrator]

Back to the gym.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Can't you walk a little faster? Him? The girls are waiting.

[Henry Aldrich]

I'd like to see you walk down steps any faster. On stilts? Practically.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Maybe you shouldn't have put on two pair of sweat socks in. Maybe the three cardboard inner soles would have been enough. Maybe.

[Henry Aldrich]

Who measured himself against Helen and said I needed another inch? Boy, my ankles are Killing me there.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Is it easier on level ground, Hen?

[Henry Aldrich]

A little, Mother.

[Agnes]

We're going, dear. Are you sure your father said you can have the car? Positive. What exactly did he say? Nothing.

[Henry Aldrich]

He just looked up at me and handed over with the keys. Oh.

[Agnes]

Well, have a nice time, boys.

[Henry Aldrich]

Henry, the phone's probably for you.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Oh, thank you.

[Henry Aldrich]

Hello, Henry.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Yes, Father.

[Henry Aldrich]

Hold it.

[Agnes]

I'll get Mother.

[Narrator]

No, Henry. I want to speak to you.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Agnes will kill me.

[Henry Aldrich]

What is it, Father?

[Narrator]

I want you to come and get me.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

What?

[Henry Aldrich]

Where are you?

[Narrator]

Down at the wide.

[Henry Aldrich]

All the way down there, Father. How about taking a bus home? The girls are waiting for us.

[Narrator]

Girls can wait, Henry. They don't have sprain.

[Henry Aldrich]

Back to you, Father.

[Narrator]

In three places.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, how about a taxi or an ambulance?

[Narrator]

Henry, this is partly your fault.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

My fault?

[Henry Aldrich]

In what way, Father? Never mind.

[Narrator]

Just come down and pick me up.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Father.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Henry said for me to pick up you and Helen and he'd meet us here at the dance.

[Agnes]

Where is he?

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

I don't know. Should have been here by now. You better come soon.

[Agnes]

Look at poor Helen. She's been sitting there since we got here.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Yeah. By the way, Agnes, what happened to her?

[Agnes]

What do you mean?

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Well, she. She doesn't seem to be as high up as she used to.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, that.

[Agnes]

How much can you keep a secret?

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

You know me, Agnes.

[Agnes]

Yeah, but I'll tell you anyway. Well, you see, Henry Hollis thought Henry was too short for us. So she's wearing her hair with plotted

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

possible in the lowest heels he could find. Oh, boy. But Henry spent the whole week building up his shoes so he'd be tall enough for Helen.

[Agnes]

No kidding?

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Sure. He's gonna tower over her now.

[Henry Aldrich]

Homer.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Hello, Marv.

[Narrator]

Someone wants to see you outside.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Me?

[Narrator]

That's right.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Excuse me, Adam.

[Agnes]

With pleasure. Excuse me, Marv. I gotta pick the phone.

[Henry Aldrich]

Home. Elmer. Over here, behind the bush.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Henry, what's the matter?

[Henry Aldrich]

Listen, Homer, a terrible thing just happened. Why? Well, I was downtown helping my father into the car, see?

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Yeah.

[Henry Aldrich]

And in the struggle, my foot got caught on the running board and one of my heels came off. Just look at me, Henry. You've shrunk completely.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Couldn't you put it back on?

[Henry Aldrich]

No, it rolled down the sewer.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Boy, that's Homer.

[Henry Aldrich]

I thought you were a pal.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

You don't understand, Hans. Helen's much smaller now.

[Henry Aldrich]

What?

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

She's wearing her head and shoes flat.

[Agnes]

Really?

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Sure. You'll be just right for her now.

[Agnes]

Oh, boy. Coming, Agnes.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Look who's here.

[Agnes]

Henry Will. Am I glad to see Homer. I thought you Told me he was.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

He was, but now he isn't.

[Henry Aldrich]

Come on, let's go in. I'm dying the dance. Where's Helen?

[Agnes]

Oh, boy, Agnes.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

What's the matter? Homer?

[Agnes]

You told so I told Helen.

[Henry Aldrich]

And what?

[Agnes]

She went home to get her high heeled shoes again?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, gee whiz,

[Agnes]

Boy, Homer, are you a swell dancer. And you want to know something else? What? Agnes, Where'd I get the idea you are a shrimp tonight? You seem lots taller.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

I do?

[Agnes]

Yes. And lots stronger too. Homer, old kid. What a man be with. I am sure now when you step on my feet, I can feel it.

[Narrator]

Well, ladies, there's one time when appearances are never deceiving. That's when you serve colorful shimmering Jello for dessert. Because Jello, with that tempting fruit like goodness always tastes as good as it looks in any of those six delicious flavors. Strawberry, raspberry, cherry, orange, lemon or lime. Every jello flavor is a special treat in itself. Rich with that famous locked in goodness flavor. Seals right in by a special process so it can't get out till your first delectable spoon fo. Look for it on your grocer's dessert shelf tomorrow. Look for those big red letters on the box. Those big red letters stand for the Jello family of Yum Yum Desserts.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Guess what you've won?

[Henry Aldrich]

A plaque. A plaque? No kidding.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Sure.

[Agnes]

Go ahead.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Hen reader.

[Henry Aldrich]

The Downey Donut Award. Presented to Ezra Stone as Henry Aldridge as the boy who typifies the nation's ideal teenage donut dunker boy. That's.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Well, the only thing is, hen. Why don't I get anything?

[Henry Aldrich]

Sure, Homer. You get to carry it.

[Narrator]

The Aldrich Family, starring Ezra Stone as Henry with Jackie Talk as Homer is written by Frank Tarloff with music by Jack Miller. Mr. And Mrs. Aldrich are house Jameson and Catherine Ross. And this is Dan Seymour in New York saying. The Ulrich family is brought to you by the Jello family.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, the big red letters stand for the Jello family. Oh, the big red letters stand for the Jello family.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

That's yellow. Yum yum yum Yellow puddings.

[Agnes]

Yum yum yum.

[Homer (Henry's friend)]

Yellow.

[Henry Aldrich]

That's the yoga pudding. Yes, sir.

[Narrator]

New? As new as a square egg. Amazing. The only one of its kind that's Minute Rice. Minute Rice for magically quick, quick meals. You've never tasted such true rice flavor. You've never seen rice so light, white and fluffy. And all you do is drop it in water and bring to a boil. No washing, rinsing, draining or steaming. Minute Rice is quicker to fix than potatoes. You'll want to use it in all sorts of combinations for quick, quick meals. Remember the name Minute Minute Rice in the red, white and blue box.

[Henry Aldrich]

Quick. George, pack your suitcase.

[Agnes]

We're going to New York on the rocket ship.

[Narrator]

What?

[Agnes]

The engineer in the control room says we're going from coast to coast in 40 seconds.

[Narrator]

Gracie, he means our program is our next on NBC.