Loading summary
Announcer
If you work in university maintenance, Grainger considers you an MVP because your playbook ensures your arena is always ready for tip off. And Grainger is your trusted partner, offering the products you need, all in one place, from H Vac and plumbing supplies to lighting and more. And all delivered with plenty of time left on the clock. So your team always gets the win. Call 1-800-GRAINGER visit grainger.com or just stop by Granger for the ones who get it done.
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.
Announcer
Finding a hoodie that lasts through the season can be tough. The American Giant Classic Full Zip hoodie is made to last a lifetime so you can count on it year after year. Every American Giant piece is made in America and designed to last, no exceptions. The result is dirty, durable clothing that become part of your life. Snag the hoodie that will bring you comfort for life. The American Giant Classic full zip. Save 20 off your first order at american-giant.com when you use code STAPLE20 at checkout.
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.
Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Airdate: March 7, 2026
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.
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.
“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.