Aldrich Family - Halloween Prank Backfires

Summary

---

Summary of "Aldrich Family - Halloween Prank Backfires"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Date: March 9, 2026
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Episode Theme: Classic radio comedy and the misadventures of teenage boys on Halloween night.

---

Episode Overview

This episode features a classic installment of The Aldrich Family, a beloved radio comedy from the Golden Age of Radio, focused on the timeless high jinks of Henry Aldrich and his friends. The story revolves around Henry and Toby’s attempts to inject excitement into a cash-strapped Halloween, but their harmless prank quickly spirals out of control, leading to unintended trouble, misunderstandings, and slapstick comedy.

---

Key Discussion Points and Plot Breakdown

The Struggle for Halloween Fun (03:08–04:27)

• Henry and Toby’s Predicament: The boys lament their lack of money and brainstorm ways to have fun on Halloween night. Ideas include playing pranks like removing porch steps or ringing doorbells, but Mr. Aldrich warns them not to trespass on private property.

  • Notable Quote
    Henry: "Wouldn't you think... there'd be at least one thing a person could do on Halloween without its costing money?" (03:18)

  • The Aldrich parents try to steer the boys toward more wholesome activities like making candy. The boys are dissatisfied, feeling this doesn't stack up to the excitement others are having.

---

The Doorbell Prank Escalates (04:27–10:34)

• Permission for One Ring: After much negotiation, Henry and Toby are allowed to ring just one doorbell — a compromise that they immediately stretch.

• Chaos at Mr. Edwards’s House: The boys choose Mr. Edwards’s house. Unknown to them, someone has already stolen the battery from Edwards' car, prompting suspicion and vigilance.

• Mishaps and Consequences: While fleeing, Henry drops his fountain pen down an old well. Attempting to retrieve it, he inadvertently discovers the missing car battery tied to a chain in the well.

  • Notable Quote
    Henry: "My mother just bought it for me. Gee whiz. I can't go home without my fountain pen." (08:10)

• Toby Gets Stuck: Toby ends up in the bottom of the well. Henry promises to get a ladder to help Toby out, setting off on a comical rescue that brings further confusion.

---

Misunderstandings and Slapstick Encounters (10:34–16:43)

• Families React: The Aldrich parents become confused about what’s happening, noticing strange noises and missing household items like their ladder.

• Police and Parents: Mr. Edwards, the affected car owner, contacts the police; misunderstandings multiply as Henry is suspected of larceny when seen with the ladder and is repeatedly pressed for a name. Toby invents the alias "Harry Ambrose" to dodge trouble.

  • Memorable Exchange
    Mr. Aldrich (as Officer):
    "So we're going to have trouble with you. Where's the battery?" (13:13)
    Toby:
    "What battery?" (13:16)

---

Toby’s Predicament and the Quest for Rescue (16:43–23:47)

• Toby Tries to Get Help: Soaked and desperate, Toby tries unsuccessfully to borrow a rope from various neighbors; people suspect a Halloween prank.

• Innocent Mischief Worsens: Toby is caught near someone else’s car and, as a result of mistaken identity, is forced to pump up an angry homeowner's flat tires as penance.

• Rescue Team Grows: Henry recruits Homer to help. They procure a rope (which turns out is taken from a newly cemented sidewalk) and return to the well.

• Final Rescue Antics: There is slapstick confusion with the rope, the rescue method (including thoughts to tie the rope to Homer’s foot), and narrow escapes, preventing themselves and adults from falling into the well.

  • Notable Quote
    Toby (from the well):
    "If they had come two feet closer, they would have four swollen right in with us." (23:47)

---

The Return of the Battery and Final Lessons (23:47–27:34)

• Realization and Restitution: Upon escaping, the boys find themselves still in hilarious trouble: Toby is missing his pants (left near the well), and Henry is unintentionally carrying the car battery.

• Attempt at Doing the Right Thing: The boys have to decide how to return the battery without suspicion. They hide it in a parked car, only to watch the car drive away.

• Confession and Consequences: At home, Henry and Toby field questions from their parents. Mr. Aldrich eventually finds the battery in his own car and instructs Henry to call the police in the morning and retrieve their ladder from Mr. Edwards.

  • Memorable Reflection
    Toby: "Well, to be honest, I think I'm getting a little too old to be doing things like that." (26:52)
    Henry: "I wonder why people think Halloween is a time for fun." (27:32)

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (w/ Timestamps)

• On Halloween Antics:
  • Henry: "How could a thing like this happen? Toby, it's Halloween and the two of us are dead broke." (03:13)
• Authority Figure Intervention:
  • Mr. Aldrich (to the boys): "Halloween or no Halloween, you boys are not to touch any private property." (03:50)
• Comic Rescue:
  • Henry: "How can you float in four inches of water?" (09:54)
  • Toby: "Well, gee whiz, Toby. What'd you bring that [car battery] for?" (24:09)
• Reflective Irony:
  • Henry: "I left my fountain pen down in the well." (25:28)
• Parent Humor:
  • Mr. Aldrich: "I wonder why people think Halloween is a time for fun." (27:32)

---

Important Segment Timestamps

• Halloween Prank Plans: 03:08–04:27
• Doorbell Prank & Chaos Ensues: 04:27–10:34
• Mystery of the Missing Battery & Arrest Confusion: 12:16–16:43
• Toby’s Rescue & Slapstick Antics: 21:12–23:47
• Battery Returned, Final Wrap-Up: 24:09–27:34

---

Tone and Language

The episode is full of light, rapid, old-time radio banter, with characters speaking in period-typical, exaggerated, wholesome sitcom style. The boys’ plans spiral comically out of control while parental exasperation is played for laughs. Themes of youthful mischief, unintended consequences, and bumbling adult interventions all contribute to the nostalgic and good-natured humor.

---

Conclusion

This episode of The Aldrich Family delivers a perfect snapshot of mid-century American radio comedy, where even the simplest pranks could lead to elaborate, consequence-filled misadventures. For fans of classic radio, this episode is a gem—full of slapstick, misunderstandings, and the timeless struggle between youthful exuberance and adult caution.

---

Transcript

[Narrator/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 to bring you comfort and warmth year after year. The iconic Classic Full Zip hoodie is the jacket that started it all for American Giant. Custom heavyweight fleece and side panels for mobility make it the best hoodie ever. And a double lined hood and reinforced elbow patches means this hoodie will last. Born from a commitment to support the communities that create its products. Every American Giant piece is made in a man America and designed to last. No exceptions. The result is durable clothing like the premium Slub crew tee, no bs High rise pant and slim roughneck pant that become part of your life. Snag the hoodie that will bring you comfort for life. The American giant classic full zip and save 20% off your first order at american-giant.com when you use code staple20 at checkout. That's american-giant.com code staple20.

The Aldrich Family written by Clifford Goldsmith and starring Ezra Stone.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Henry. Henry Aldrich.

[Henry Aldrich]

Coming, mother.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You know, ladies and gentlemen, scarcely a day passes that doesn't bring us a letter from some housewife praising Jello butterscotch pudding. Many of these letters read somewhat as follows. I've tried just about every ready prepared pudding on the market, and Jello butterscotch pudding is the one for me. Other letters, of course, speak of how easy Jello butterscotch pudding is to make because you simply add milk, cook for a few minutes and cool. And still other letters tell us how grateful housewives are for the many ways you can serve Jell O Butterscotch pudding. But the big point is its flavor. The warm, buttery brown sugar flavor of creamy golden butterscotch. Just the way you like it. Full of rich homemade goodness. Yes, friends, you like Jello butterscotch pudding a lot. So just try it and let your own taste tell you why. Jello butterscotch pudding is the pudding that thousands call the best of all. If your doorbell rings tonight and you answer it and find no one there, you remember that this is Halloween and that you too were youngster yourself. And you might suspect Henry Aldrich of having something to do with the prank because he's a real boy from your own neighborhood. Tonight we find Henry in the Aldrich living room with his friend Toby.

[Toby]

Gee whiz, am I bored.

[Henry Aldrich]

Same here, Henry.

[Toby]

How could a thing like this happen? Toby, it's Halloween and the two of us are dead broke.

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee, I thought I'd never live to see a thing like this happen.

[Toby]

Wouldn't you think, Toby, that there'd be at least one thing a person could do on Halloween without its costing money? That's why.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What?

[Henry Aldrich]

You'd think. How about going over and getting even with Mr. Tarbell for what he did a year ago?

[Toby]

How?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, we could think of something.

[Toby]

I'll tell you what. If we could get his front steps

[Henry Aldrich]

loose from the porch, we could hide them.

[Toby]

No. Tell me.

[Henry Aldrich]

But, Henry, then when he comes out and starts to go down the steps, you'll wonder where they are.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Who will wonder where what is?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, is that you, Father?

[Mr. Aldrich]

You are not going to touch anyone's front steps.

[Henry Aldrich]

How did you know about that?

[Mr. Aldrich]

I'm psychic. Halloween or no Halloween, you boys are not to touch any private property.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Henry, are you in the living room?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Mother.

[Toby]

Gee whiz, Father. Toby and I don't want to just sit around and look at each other all evening.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

How would you like to have me

[Toby]

make some candy, Mother? Candy? Everybody else is out doing things and we sit home and make candy.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Well, if you'd planned ahead, you'd have enough money to go to a dance.

[Toby]

I did plan ahead. I told you several weeks ago that my allowance is inadequate.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Yeah.

[Henry Aldrich]

Henry, what do you say we get

[Toby]

our hats and go out for a little stroll? All right.

[Mr. Aldrich]

You aren't going to play any practical jokes on anyone, are you?

[Toby]

Oh.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, no, Mr. Aldrich. We're just going out for the fresh

[Toby]

air and maybe ring one or two doorbells.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Henry, you are not going to ring any doorbells.

[Toby]

But, Mother, what harm can come from innocently ringing just one doorbell that's rung 50 million times in the year anyway?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Because most people don't like it.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Henry, the minute you begin to trespass, you're liable to run into trouble.

[Toby]

Father, name one thing that could happen from sticking a pin into a doorbell. Aside from the fact that it's going to ring for a while.

[Mr. Aldrich]

I'm not going to argue, Toby.

[Toby]

I don't think I'll go out.

[Henry Aldrich]

No.

[Toby]

Oh, yeah. Ever since way back, I've been looking forward to tonight. And now it's here, and I can't even stick a pin in a doorbell.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Sam, if Henry didn't actually stick a pin in it, couldn't he ring just one bell?

[Mr. Aldrich]

It's entirely up to you, Alice.

[Toby]

All we do is ring it and run.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Father. Don't look at me, son. I'm only your father.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

I don't see what fun there could be in it.

[Toby]

At least my whole year wouldn't be ruined.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Well, could you ring a bell where

[Toby]

no one is home, Mother?

[Mr. Aldrich]

All right. If it'll make you any happier, go out and ring one bell.

[Henry Aldrich]

We can, Father. We can.

[Toby]

Toby, come on. Okay.

[Mr. Aldrich]

I don't see what fun you'll get from it.

[Toby]

At least we can say we've done it.

[Henry Aldrich]

Henry, I've got an idea.

[Toby]

What?

[Henry Aldrich]

My folks didn't say I couldn't ring more than one.

[Toby]

I'll tell you.

[Henry Aldrich]

I'll do the ringing and you do the running.

[Toby]

Okay. Let's ring Mr. Edwards's bell first.

[Homer]

John?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

John Edwards, Are you out there on

[Homer]

the porch without any hat on?

[Toby]

I am.

[Mr. Edwards]

I was just out to look at the car. Someone has taken the battery out of it.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Who do you suppose could have done a thing like that?

[Mr. Edwards]

Oh, some Halloween hoodlum. I tell you, Phoebe, this town has reached a nice state of affairs.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Well, come in and close the door before you catch pneumonia.

[Mr. Edwards]

Do you know what I think I'll do? I'll just wait inside the door and see whether anyone comes back. I'll get my cane, too. The next boy that comes up on this porch is going to get the tanning of his life.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Yes, dear.

[Toby]

Toby. Toby.

[Henry Aldrich]

What?

[Toby]

He's going in. Come on up on the porch. What were they talking about, Henry? Search me.

[Henry Aldrich]

Let's write a note and pin it to the door.

[Toby]

Okay. Got a pencil?

[Mr. Aldrich]

No.

[Henry Aldrich]

Here's my fountain pen.

[Toby]

Listen, Toby, let's just ring the bell and run.

[Henry Aldrich]

Let me ring it.

[Toby]

No, Toby, this is the only one I can ring.

[Henry Aldrich]

You can ring the next one.

[Toby]

No. Besides, Mr. Edwards was my idea. Here we go, Toby. I'm going to ring it.

[Henry Aldrich]

Do you hear anyone coming?

[Toby]

No, I better ring it again.

[Mr. Edwards]

Well, somebody's coming.

[Toby]

Run till we run.

[Henry Aldrich]

I am.

[Toby]

Quick till we duck around the side of the house.

[Henry Aldrich]

Here, I'm with you, Hannah.

[Mr. Edwards]

Do you hear me?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Stop.

[Toby]

Nothing.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Oh, boy.

[Toby]

Oh, boy. What was that? I'm all right. I just knocked over an ash can. Come on back here. Through this great robbery, there goes Mr. Edwards over to.

[Henry Aldrich]

That'll help.

[Mr. Edwards]

If I catch you, I'll tell you.

[Toby]

Come on out through these trees, Toby.

[Henry Aldrich]

If he catches you, Henry, don't give your right name.

[Toby]

Whose name should I give?

[Henry Aldrich]

Take one up. What was that?

[Toby]

That?

[Mr. Edwards]

That was Mrs. Edwards.

[Toby]

Look, Toby, here's a hole or something we can hide in.

[Homer]

Yeah?

[Toby]

Where? Right here on the ground. Oh, gee whiz. Wait, Toby.

[Henry Aldrich]

What's the matter? It's an old oil.

[Toby]

It's an old well.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, this is a nice time to tell me.

[Toby]

What's the matter?

[Henry Aldrich]

I dropped my fountain pen in it.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Shh. Shh.

[Toby]

Toby is coming toward us.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Shh.

[Toby]

He went right on. Boy, that was close. Let's beat it, Toby, and get out of here.

[Henry Aldrich]

But, Henry, I dropped my fountain pen.

[Toby]

That's so important.

[Henry Aldrich]

My mother just bought it for me. Gee whiz. I can't go home without my fountain pen.

[Toby]

Henry, how are we going to get it? It's way down at the bottom of the well.

[Henry Aldrich]

There's an old chain here. It's hanging right straight down.

[Toby]

Is it fastened here at the top?

[Henry Aldrich]

Sure, Right to this piece of iron.

[Toby]

Wait a second. I'll roll up my trousers. You better take them off, Toby, then you won't get them wet. Sure.

[Henry Aldrich]

And hold my coat, too.

[Mr. Aldrich]

John.

[Henry Aldrich]

John.

[Mr. Edwards]

Yes, what is it?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Did you find them?

[Mr. Edwards]

No, not yet.

[Toby]

Toby.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Did you look in the shed out beyond the well?

[Mr. Edwards]

I'm just coming from there.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Well, come back in the house then.

[Mr. Edwards]

All I can say is they must have disappeared right into the ground.

[Toby]

It's okay, Toby. You can go down now.

[Henry Aldrich]

Look out while I go over the edge.

[Toby]

Are you sure you can get up again?

[Henry Aldrich]

Why not? All I have to do is hang onto this chain and climb right up the side. So long, Henry.

[Toby]

Hang on. Hang on tight, old boy.

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee whiz.

[Toby]

What's the matter, Toby? What's the matter?

[Henry Aldrich]

There's something tied partway down on the chain.

[Toby]

What is it?

[Henry Aldrich]

It's an automobile battery.

[Toby]

A battery? What's it doing down there?

[Henry Aldrich]

How should I know? And the chain ends right here.

[Toby]

Who does? Can you jump the rest of the way?

[Henry Aldrich]

What do you mean, jump? It's so dark down here, I wouldn't know when I got to the bottom.

[Toby]

Oh, here's the trouble. It's up here. Some of the slack is hooked onto a bolt. I'll see whether I can loosen it.

[Henry Aldrich]

Let it out easy, Henry. Don't worry, Toby.

[Toby]

You don't think I'd let you fall, do. Toby.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, Toby. Toby, where are you? I thought you were my friend. I couldn't help it.

[Toby]

Toby.

[Henry Aldrich]

Can you float? How can you float in four inches of water?

[Toby]

Oh, gee.

[Henry Aldrich]

Get your pen and come on up. You're crazy. There's nothing to take a hold of. Stand on the battery and reach. I can't.

[Toby]

Gee, Toby, I'll have to get you out somehow.

[Henry Aldrich]

Wonder whether I can find a ladder any place. Ask Mr. Edwards whether he has one.

[Toby]

Sure. Do you think I'm crazy, Toby?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, hurry up and get a ladder someplace.

[Toby]

Look, there's a.

[Henry Aldrich]

The lid to the well up here. What about it? You want me to put it over the top so you won't get cold? No, just get me a ladder. Do you want your pants and coat? Just throw down my coat. Okay, here it comes. I'll get the ladder that's in our garage, Toby.

[Toby]

And if anybody speaks to you, don't answer.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Sam, has Henry come in yet?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Not yet.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

It seems as though it's taking him an awfully long time to ring one doorbell.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Do you realize, Alice, this is the first Halloween no one has bothered us?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Certainly do. Did you put all the ice cans in?

[Mr. Aldrich]

I put them in the basement.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

What was that?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Something out in back.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Sam. Sam, it sounds like one of the garage doors.

[Mr. Aldrich]

You suppose anyone's getting in there?

[Toby]

Listen, dear, come with me.

[Homer]

Where?

[Toby]

Let's go out to the kitchen and look through the window.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Is the kitchen light on?

[Toby]

No. I want them to see us.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Sam, someone is in the garage.

[Toby]

Stand back from the window.

[Henry Aldrich]

Can you see them?

[Toby]

That is, someone is coming out of

[Mr. Aldrich]

the garage with our big ladder.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Sam Holdrich. I think that's the limit.

[Mr. Aldrich]

I'm going down the cellar stairs here

[Toby]

and slip out to the basement door.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Why not go out the back door?

[Toby]

This way I can head him off in the driveway.

[Henry Aldrich]

Shall I turn the light on?

[Mr. Aldrich]

No, no, don't turn the light on. I can see quite all right.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Sam, what have you done?

[Mr. Aldrich]

I forgot. I put the ash cans down here.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Well, my goodness, dear. Are the ashes all over my cellar floor?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Yes, and so am I. Turn on the lights.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Sam, you better come back up here and get your hat and coat.

[Mr. Aldrich]

You want whoever it is to get away?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Is that ladder more important than your health? Now come back up here.

[Mr. Aldrich]

But, Alice, he's already gone out toward the street.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

In a town this size, Sam, you can certainly track down someone with a ladder.

[Mr. Aldrich]

You say the battery was taken right out of your car, Mr. Edwards?

[Mr. Edwards]

Yes, officer.

[Mr. Aldrich]

But you didn't see anyone?

[Mr. Edwards]

Not until a few minutes later. Two boys come up on the porch

[Narrator/Announcer]

and rang the bell.

[Mr. Edwards]

And I chased them right around here through the grape arbor.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Were they carrying the battery?

[Mr. Edwards]

Well, I couldn't say.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Well, whoever stole it is going to be apprehended and punished. The young fellows here have got to respect private property.

[Mr. Edwards]

Oh, they don't stop at anything. I even found a pair of somebody's trousers back here. You better take them down to headquarters.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Why?

[Toby]

One minute.

[Mr. Aldrich]

What's up?

[Toby]

Stand back there under the street. Do you see out there toward the street? Somebody coming. Somebody with a ladder.

[Mr. Edwards]

He's Coming right this way.

[Toby]

All right, now keep quiet. Keep quiet.

[Mr. Aldrich]

And when he passes, I nap him. Just a minute there, young man.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, gee whiz, who said that?

[Mr. Aldrich]

One minute, I said.

[Toby]

Yes, sir. So, was there something you wanted?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Where did you get that ladder?

[Toby]

At home.

[Mr. Aldrich]

I asked you where did you get it?

[Henry Aldrich]

I brought it from home. Sure I did.

[Toby]

I give you my word I did. I did.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Oh, so we're going to have trouble with you. Where's the battery?

[Toby]

The battery? What battery?

[Mr. Edwards]

The battery that disappeared from my car.

[Toby]

I haven't even seen any battery.

[Mr. Aldrich]

What's your name?

[Toby]

Why, what is it? It's Harry.

[Mr. Edwards]

Harry what?

[Toby]

Harry Ambrose.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Where are you taking that ladder?

[Toby]

Well, not any place in particular.

[Henry Aldrich]

I just happened to be carrying it with me.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Just giving it an airing, eh? Taking it out for a walk?

[Toby]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Well, Mr. Edwards, what do you think

[Narrator/Announcer]

we ought to do with him?

[Mr. Edwards]

It's 90 days for larceny, isn't it, officer?

[Henry Aldrich]

90 days in jail for taking my own father's ladder.

[Mr. Aldrich]

That's what it is.

[Toby]

But I've got a friend, see, and I. I see.

[Mr. Aldrich]

And he has the batter?

[Toby]

No, sir. He's in a terrible predicament.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Where is he?

[Toby]

Where is he? I don't know. I'm looking for him.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, you're just going around with the

[Mr. Aldrich]

ladder looking for a friend.

[Toby]

I know that seems hard to believe, officer, but that's what I'm doing.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Well, suppose you leave that ladder here.

[Henry Aldrich]

But I'll get the deuce if I don't take it back home.

[Mr. Aldrich]

You'll get 90 days, Harry Ambrose, if you don't put it down.

[Toby]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Now get home with you. Should have been in bed an hour ago.

[Toby]

Yes, only I don't know what my friend will do without me.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Now, ladies and gentlemen, this being Halloween, I'd like to tell you a ghost story. The story of Edgar the gloomy ghost. Edgar, it seems, was very fond of nice desserts at dinner. But his wife, Phyllis the Phantom, kept serving him just ordinary desserts. As a result, Edgar went around moaning and groaning like this. Then one day, Edgar's wife bought some jello vanilla pudding at the ghostery store. And now Edgar is just as cheerful as can be. No longer does he go around moaning. Now he has a warm, likable laugh like this. So you see, just in case Edgar might drop in, Ladies and gentlemen, always keep Jell o vanilla pudding on hand it's brim full of tempting flavor as smooth as rich cream and extra good when garnished with nuts, marshmallows or fruit. My own favorite is jello vanilla pudding with sliced bananas. But served any way at all, it's grams. Order this delightful ready prepared dessert and start right away to enjoy the luscious flavor of Jell o vanilla pudding. Now getting back to the troubles of Henry Aldrich.

[Greenlight Advertiser]

Did you know that parents rank teaching financial literacy as the toughest life skills? That's where greenlight comes in. The debit card and money app made for families. With greenlight, you can send money to kids quickly, set up chores automate allowance and track spending with real time notifications. Kids learn how to earn, save and spend responsibly while parents have peace of mind knowing smart money habits are being built with guardrails in place. Try greenlight risk free [e-mail] TryGreenlight. That's greenlight.com TryGreenlight.

[Narrator/Announcer]

It being Halloween, Henry and his friend Toby set out to ring just one doorbell and come home. However, one thing leads to another until Toby was left stranded at the bottom of a well and Henry is attempting to rescue it.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Good evening. Oh, is that you out there, Henry aldrin?

[Toby]

Good evening, Mrs. Lockridge. Could I borrow a real strong rope from you?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

A real strong what, dear?

[Toby]

A rope. I need about 15ft of very strong rope.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Oh, would a piece of clothesline help any?

[Toby]

No, ma'. Am. I have a friend that's in a well.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

That's quite a Halloween joke, isn't it?

[Toby]

No, ma'. Am. I'm trying to get my friend out.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Well, how did he get in it?

[Toby]

He was looking for his fountain pen.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Well, why don't you try one of the other houses in the neighborhood?

[Toby]

I have, I have. But every doorbell I've rung so far, the people chased me.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

You don't say so.

[Toby]

Yes, ma'.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Am.

[Toby]

That's how I got all wet like this.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Goodness gracious. How did you get that wet?

[Toby]

They poured a bucket of water on me from the second floor window.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Well, come to think of it, Henry, we have a good long tow rope out in the car.

[Toby]

You have?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Yes, sir. You'll find the car right out there in front.

[Toby]

Right down the curb aways.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

That's right. Okay, if I remember, the rope's a little bit straight in the middle.

[Henry Aldrich]

That's all right. It can certainly hold.

[Toby]

Toby.

[Henry Aldrich]

Will I find it in the front or the rear of the car?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

You'll have to look, dear.

[Toby]

Yes, this is the car. My gosh, that's funny.

[Mr. Aldrich]

All right, young fellow, what are you trying to get away with?

[Toby]

What's that?

[Mr. Edwards]

Did you think I Didn't see you.

[Henry Aldrich]

She was let go of my collar.

[Mr. Aldrich]

What were you doing in my car?

[Toby]

I've got a friend that's in a well.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yeah, but you see, Mrs. Lockbridge gave

[Toby]

me permission to open this car.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Mrs. Lockbridge did?

[Toby]

It's her husband.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Well, it just happens to be my car. And I live right here in this house.

[Toby]

You do?

[Henry Aldrich]

You mean this other car here is Lockbridge's?

[Mr. Aldrich]

And I suppose you're going to tell me Mrs. Lockbridge gave you permission to let all the air out of my tires.

[Toby]

Are they flat?

[Mr. Aldrich]

What do you think? I was watching out the window, Pa.

[Toby]

Well, you certainly have my sympathy.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Here you are.

[Toby]

What's that?

[Mr. Aldrich]

It's a pump. Get to work.

[Toby]

But gee, was. I give you my word. All I was looking for was a piece of rope so I could pull my friend out.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Maybe you'd like to have me turn you over to the police, my boy.

[Toby]

Oh, no.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Are you going to hook that pump onto the valve?

[Toby]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Aldrich]

What's your name?

[Toby]

Why, it's. It's. Which tire do you want me to pump up first?

[Mr. Aldrich]

I asked you your name.

[Toby]

What's a. Harry Ambrose.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Harry Ambrose, eh?

[Toby]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Well, your family ought to be ashamed of you.

[Toby]

Yes, sir, they certainly ought to be.

[Mr. Aldrich]

I'm going in and keep an eye on you from the house. And don't forget, there's a street lamp right here and I can see every move you make.

[Toby]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Aldrich]

If I hadn't been a boy once myself, I'd turn you over the law.

[Toby]

Yes, sir. Huffy with. Well, I'll be Dorm.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Henry. Henry, Is that you pumping up those tires?

[Toby]

Father? Where did you come from?

[Mr. Aldrich]

I'm looking for our ladder. And may I first ask what you're doing, Father?

[Toby]

I wish you'd go in and tell the man that owns this car that he has no right making me do this. This?

[Mr. Aldrich]

How did he happen to ask you to.

[Henry Aldrich]

I was opening his car.

[Toby]

See?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Done. Didn't you promise to ring just one doorbell?

[Henry Aldrich]

That's all I did.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Do not have any excuses. Pump those tires up and take your punishment.

[Henry Aldrich]

Where are you going?

[Mr. Aldrich]

To find a family by the name of Ambrose.

[Toby]

Of Ambrose. Ambrose.

[Mr. Aldrich]

I tracked a boy by that name as far as Mr. Edwards house. You don't happen to know him, do you?

[Toby]

Harry Ambrose, do you know him? Well, I think I've heard of him, but he's no friend of mine, Father, but.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Hurry up and finish those tires and then get on.

[Henry Aldrich]

But listen, Father. Hey there.

[Homer]

Let me hide behind your car.

[Toby]

Who's that?

[Homer]

Is that you, Henry?

[Toby]

Is that you?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Who?

[Homer]

Here, Henry, hold it.

[Mr. Aldrich]

What is it?

[Homer]

It's a red lantern.

[Toby]

What am I to do with it?

[Homer]

Just hold it, Henry. I'm in a hurry.

[Henry Aldrich]

But I don't want this, Homer. So there you are.

[Toby]

Who?

[Mr. Aldrich]

You with the lantern. Come along with me, my boy.

[Toby]

You wait until I get even with you. Homer.

[Homer]

You got away from him, didn't you, Henry?

[Toby]

Away from him? But look at what he did in my coat. How am I going to get this sleeve back on?

[Homer]

Aren't I going to help you get Toby out of the well? Yes, and didn't I get this rope for you?

[Henry Aldrich]

Where did you get it?

[Homer]

Isn't it a beauty, Henry? I found it over here on Walnut Street.

[Toby]

What I mean, Homer, is. Whose was it?

[Henry Aldrich]

Nobody's.

[Homer]

It was just roping off a new sidewalk that had been laid this afternoon.

[Toby]

Listen, Homer, I'm not going to use it.

[Homer]

Well, we aren't going to keep it, Henry.

[Toby]

It's just here.

[Homer]

Get Toby out.

[Toby]

But, Homer, I don't think we should use it.

[Homer]

All right, then. All right.

[Toby]

Not so loud, Homer.

[Homer]

Do you see somebody?

[Toby]

We're right here by Mr. Edwards's house. Oh, come on now, Homer, and follow me back to the well.

[Homer]

Why don't you want to disturb Mr. Edwards, Henry?

[Toby]

Well, if he's going to sleep, there's no sense in waking him up, is there? Come on back through this great barber. I'm coming. Where is the well? It's right ahead here someplace.

[Homer]

Can't you find it?

[Toby]

That's strange. Gee whiz. Don't fall in the window. Oh, here it is. Hey, Toby.

[Henry Aldrich]

Toby, are you all right, Toby? Who is that?

[Toby]

It's Henry and Homer.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, you're the only ones that haven't been here before.

[Toby]

Who else has been here?

[Henry Aldrich]

Everybody. And they all threw something down. The last time it was a bushel of apples. Are you all right, Toby? How could I be? Get me out of here.

[Toby]

We're letting a rope down now, Toby.

[Homer]

Here, Henry, I'll help you.

[Toby]

Is it down yet, Toby?

[Henry Aldrich]

No, it's coming.

[Toby]

Homer, have you got the end?

[Homer]

What end, Henry?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Of the rope.

[Henry Aldrich]

The end down here.

[Toby]

Which end?

[Henry Aldrich]

Both ends.

[Toby]

Well, gee whiz, Homer, if you are in a hell.

[Homer]

Toby, throw one end up here.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, my God. Going to do that? Just throw it right straight up. Here it comes.

[Toby]

Where is it?

[Henry Aldrich]

Around my neck.

[Homer]

Henry, I've got an idea.

[Henry Aldrich]

Look out.

[Toby]

What are you going to do?

[Homer]

How about dropping this rock down and letting him tie the rope to it?

[Toby]

And then throw it Up.

[Henry Aldrich]

Now, listen, don't throw anything more down here. There isn't any more room.

[Homer]

Henry, do you think you could hold my hand while I go down partway?

[Toby]

How would you get the rope?

[Homer]

Well, Toby could tie it to my foot.

[Henry Aldrich]

Sure, and then I'll pull you back up.

[Homer]

And take it easy now. We like it over the edge.

[Toby]

Okay. Have you got a good hold?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yeah. What's that coming down?

[Toby]

Don't worry. It's Homer.

[Henry Aldrich]

Don't jump, Homer.

[Homer]

What do you think I am? Are you sure you got a hold of me, Henry?

[Toby]

Sure.

[Homer]

Easy now.

[Toby]

Easy. If I only had something to hang on to.

[Homer]

This is a nice time to think of that.

[Henry Aldrich]

Don't worry, Homer. I've got you.

[Homer]

Boy, my arms coming right out.

[Mr. Edwards]

How much lower is it?

[Henry Aldrich]

Wait a second and I'll tie the rope on Homer's foot.

[Homer]

You got it.

[Toby]

Come on.

[Mr. Edwards]

Officer, I think you're off this way.

[Mr. Aldrich]

I'm coming. Oh, GE Whiz.

[Henry Aldrich]

Keep quiet.

[Toby]

Oh, boy.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, boy. Gee, if they had come two feet

[Toby]

closer, they would have four swollen right in with us.

[Henry Aldrich]

That would have been good. Well, we got you out, Toby, even

[Toby]

if we did have a hard time finding my father's ladder.

[Homer]

And, Toby, we got you away from Mr. Edwards house.

[Henry Aldrich]

But I still haven't got any pants, Henry.

[Toby]

Well, just walk along as though you were coming home from a party.

[Henry Aldrich]

Boy, is this heavy.

[Toby]

Is what heavy? Listen, Toby, what are you carrying?

[Henry Aldrich]

This battery.

[Toby]

Oh, gee whiz, Toby. What'd you bring that for?

[Henry Aldrich]

I didn't even know I had it. Well, we've got to take that right

[Toby]

back to Mr. Edwards.

[Homer]

All the way?

[Toby]

Sure. What do you think we hold it out for? We get caught with it, we'll get six months in jail.

[Henry Aldrich]

Here, Homer, how would you like to carry it?

[Homer]

I don't want to let Henry carry it.

[Henry Aldrich]

Toby, don't try to shirk responsibility. Well, you fellas have got to go back with me. I'm not going alone.

[Toby]

Come on. Who's that coming? Where? Down there on the corner. He's coming right towards us. Isn't that a policeman?

[Henry Aldrich]

I think it is. Henry, let's turn around and go the other way.

[Homer]

That's what I say.

[Toby]

No, we'll walk right along as though we were heading for a garage. Sure.

[Homer]

Oh, sure. Our battery ran down and we're going to get it recharged.

[Henry Aldrich]

But I still haven't got any pants.

[Homer]

Listen, fellas, look ahead there where there's another policeman and he's walking right toward us.

[Toby]

So long, Toby.

[Henry Aldrich]

Now, wait, Henry. You can't leave me flat like this. I've got to get rid of this battery.

[Homer]

Well, put it down someplace.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Sure.

[Henry Aldrich]

And supposing he sees me?

[Toby]

I've got an idea. You see that car parked there by the curb?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yeah.

[Toby]

We'll put it inside. Just dump it through the window.

[Henry Aldrich]

Henry, you've got a head on you.

[Toby]

Come on. Now. We'll hide behind between these two houses. Boy, if they see it. Okay.

[Henry Aldrich]

Wait for me.

[Homer]

Well, hurry up.

[Toby]

Quiet. The police are going by. Do you think they saw us?

[Homer]

No, they're not even looking this way.

[Henry Aldrich]

Say, fellas, do you know what I just happened to think?

[Toby]

What?

[Henry Aldrich]

I left my fountain pen down in the well. Say, gee whiz, what's the matter? That car we put the battery in. What about it? Somebody just drove off and.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Is that you, Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Mother.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Will you please tell me where you've been all evening?

[Henry Aldrich]

Just out with Toby hauling around.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

We'll come into the living room.

[Toby]

I've to make a phone call first, Mother. Hello, operator? Then I'll be right there. Operator, could you get me. It's right here in the book. It's. It's Elm 36.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mother, Father isn't in yet, is he?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

No, he isn't.

[Toby]

Oh. Hello? Hello, is this Mr. Edwards? Well, Mr. Edwards, this is to inform you that if you will notify the police to look for a car number T765, I think. Or maybe it was T5 something. Anyhow, in it you'll find your battery. What's that? This is just a friend, Mr. Edwards,

[Henry Aldrich]

who happened to be passing by your

[Toby]

house a little while ago.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Goodbye, Henry.

[Toby]

I'm coming, Mother.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Where's your coat, dear?

[Toby]

I just hung it up in the closet.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Well, did you ring your doorbell?

[Toby]

Yes, Mother, I rang it.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Did you find it worthwhile?

[Toby]

Well, to be honest, I think I'm getting a little too old to be doing things like that. Where's my Latin?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Oh, Alice, is Henry in?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Yes, Sam. He's sitting here studying. Where have you been?

[Mr. Aldrich]

I found the ladder, but not the boy.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Sam, what on earth do you have all over your shoes?

[Mr. Aldrich]

That is cement. They laid a new sidewalk over town and didn't even bother to rope it off.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Well, don't get it all over the carpet.

[Mr. Aldrich]

And what do you think I found a few minutes ago?

[Toby]

What?

[Mr. Aldrich]

A battery in the back seat of my car.

[Toby]

A battery? Phone.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Tomorrow morning, Henry, you call up the police and find out who lost it.

[Henry Aldrich]

All right, Father.

[Mr. Aldrich]

And then after you've done that, you can go over to Mr. Edwards. And get our ladder.

[Toby]

Yes, Father.

[Henry Aldrich]

I wonder why people think Halloween is

[Toby]

a time for fun.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Henry Aldrich will be back in just a moment. When you make out the grocery list for tomorrow, friends, be sure to include several packages of Jello puddings. They're easy to make, inexpensive and really delicious. Ask a grocer for all three flavors. Jello chocolate pudding, Jello vanilla pudding and Jello butterscotch pudding. Jello puddings are made by the makers of Jello, so you know they're good.

[Toby]

Good night, folks. Be seeing you next week, I hope.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Listen in again next Thursday evening to the Aldrich family and to the Maxwell House Coffee Time program, which immediately precedes it on most of these stations. A solid hour of sparkling radio entertainment every Thursday night. The Aldrich Family, starring Ezra Stone, is written by Clifford Goldsmith. Original music is composed and conducted by Jack Miller. This is Harry Von Zell bidding you all good night. It's your grocer folks calling up to let you know about our special this week on Bird's Eye Quick frozen Haddock Fillets.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Say what?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Really good haddock it is, too chock full of that fresh tasting deep sea flavor. And don't bother to look for any bones because Birdseye Haddock is all clean and bone for you. Ready for the pen. Buy Birds Eye haddock fillets tomorrow. They're especially low price all this week.