Aldrich Family - Henry Forgets To Mail A Letter

Summary

---

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Aldrich Family – “Henry Forgets To Mail A Letter”

Date: March 9, 2026
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

---

Overview

This episode transports listeners back to the golden age of radio with a classic installment of The Aldrich Family. In the comedic play, Henry Aldrich forgets to mail an important letter for his mother, which triggers a series of misunderstandings and community events. The episode humorously explores themes of responsibility, miscommunication, and small-town social dynamics—all centered around an upcoming lecture for the Centerville Women's Club.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Forgotten Letter and Its Ripple Effect

• Henry’s friend Homer accidentally soaks Henry’s coat in the lake, ruining its contents, including a letter Henry was supposed to mail (03:11).
  • Quote:
    “Look at this letter. It’s wringing wet. Who’s it from? I don’t know who it’s from. Only somebody in my family gave it to me to mail last week.” – Henry (03:38)
• The envelope’s address is washed away, leaving Henry anxious about its significance.

2. The Women’s Club Lecture Crisis

• Alice Aldrich, Henry’s mother, is chairing a women’s club event but has not heard back from the scheduled lecturer, John William Steber (05:51).
• A comedy of errors is revealed: Alice sent a letter meant for “Aunt Sue” to the lecturer by mistake—decrying him as “a terrible bore” (08:10).
  • Quote: “Dear Sue, don’t for heaven’s sake come all the way to Centerville just to hear John William Steber next Tuesday night. Why the club ever voted to have him, I’ll never know. He’s a terrible bore.” – Alice (Reading her own letter, 08:27)
• The lecturer, offended, sends a polite but cold refusal in response.

3. Scramble for a Replacement

• The Aldrich and Wentworth families brainstorm substitutes, including Uncle Jim Murphy for a magic show or Mrs. Wentworth, who once studied music, as a singer (12:01).
  • Quote: “Oh, I don’t think I should, Henry.” – Mrs. Wentworth, on stepping in as performer (12:04)
• After initial hesitation, Mrs. Wentworth sends a list of songs she could sing at the lecture, leaving the Aldrich family in comic confusion over the foreign-sounding titles (16:15).

4. Social and Family Dynamics

• Children and parents alike express frustration with how the lecture debacle disrupts life at home—highlighting generational misunderstandings and comic exasperation.
  • Quote: “Now, please leave the room.” – Sam Aldrich to Henry, as the family tension rises (20:23)

5. More Mishaps: The Telegram Subplot

• Henry and Homer are tasked with delivering a telegram to Mr. Wentworth, but repeatedly miss him across town, in typical slapstick fashion (24:13).
  • Quote: "From now on, we work for nothing." – Homer, exasperated with the long search (26:02)

6. Resolution at the Lecture

• The original lecturer is replaced by Dr. Calvin Anderson Butler, an expert on child behavior, whose talk is well-received (27:03).
  • Quote: "And you parents who hesitate in giving your children responsibility could realize that...in the end, our youngsters do somehow manage to get things done." – Dr. Butler (27:44)
• The lecture is a hit, much to the relief of the Aldrich family and the community. The proceeds will benefit local churches by funding new windows (28:08).

7. Notable Comic Moments

• The families’ confusion over Mrs. Wentworth’s song “suggestions,” mistaking composer and song names for new people in town (16:28).
• Mrs. Wentworth goes to Chicago for new concert attire, leading to a financial mix-up requiring her husband to send money (23:00).
• Henry’s attempt to claim partial credit for the successful event, despite his blunders (28:20).

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Eleanor Wentworth is one of the best. Oh, boy.” – Henry (03:30)
• “You just can’t realize how grateful I am. Now, Alice, there’s just one thing. Of course, Kitty, and I hope you won’t be offended, but naturally, it’s the fee.” – Alice & Mrs. Wentworth discussing payment (17:58)
• “Oh yes, yes, yes, so it is. Well, I guess I’ll be stepping down Walnut for something.” – Mr. Wentworth, escaping the chaos (25:29)
• “You talk as though you’d done the whole thing, Henry.” – Homer (28:17)
• “Well, of course, I’m not entirely responsible, Homer, but I’ve sort of contributed my share.” – Henry, wrapping up (28:20)

---

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Letter Disaster in the Living Room: 03:02 – 04:08
• Club Crisis, Letter Confessed: 05:36 – 09:00
• Mrs. Wentworth Considered as Performer: 11:01 – 13:00
• Comedy of Songwriter Names: 16:13 – 16:44
• Family Frustration and Resignation: 18:48 – 20:48
• Searching for Mr. Wentworth, Telegram Subplot: 24:13 – 26:13
• Lecture Redeemed by Child Behavior Expert: 27:03 – 28:20
• Final Comic Reflections: 28:20 – end

---

Conclusion

“Aldrich Family – Henry Forgets To Mail A Letter” is a charming, classic radio play full of witty exchanges, period humor, and heartwarming small-town chaos. Through Henry’s innocent blunder and the resulting mix-ups, the episode delivers both laughs and gentle lessons about family, forgiveness, and the unpredictability of community life. The banter remains lively and authentic, making it a delightful listen for fans of golden age radio.

Transcript

[Alice Aldrich]

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

[Henry Aldrich]

Inflation is killing me. But who cares? Big retailers are making record profits. That's why we support the Durbin Marshall credit card bill. See, banks and credit unions help small businesses make payroll. This bill would cut the vital resources they need while increasing megastore profits.

[Sam Aldrich]

They deserve it, don't they?

[Narrator]

Tell Congress, stop the Durbin Marshall money grab for corporate megastores.

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Paid for by the Electronic Payments Coalition. Henry. Henry aldrich.

[Henry Aldrich]

Coming, mother.

[Narrator]

The Aldrich Family, written by Clifford Goldsmith and starring Ezra Stone. Entertainment for all the family. Brought to you by Postum attempting wholesome drink for all the family. Postum. Yes, folks, it's time again to drop in on the Aldrich family. Time to enjoy the relaxation that comes from a visit with this typical American family. Relaxation, of course, is something we all need. And sometimes, if a tense nervous condition prevents you from getting it, it's well to ask this question. Is coffee making you nervous? Would you be better off drinking Postum instead of coffee? Well, now, far be it for me to imply that there aren't many folks on whom coffee has no ill effects whatever. That's obvious when you consider how popular coffee is. But I do know that coffee does make many people nervous. So if you think it sets your nerves on edge, switch to Postum. Postum contains no stimulants, nothing that could possibly affect your nerves. Drink Postum with all its flavor and fragrance instead of coffee and see if that nervous feeling doesn't go away. See if you don't feel really relaxed again once you give Postum a fair trial. Tom Sawyer, Penrod Schofield and Huck Finn are real boys to all of us because their adventures and their ways of thinking are those of every real boy. And now Henry Aldrich joins the ranks of America's favorite youngsters. A boy from your own block, or even perhaps from your own home. We join Henry Aldrich and his friend Homer in the Aldrich living room. The time is just before dinner.

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee, Homer, if that isn't a nice thing to do. To my best coat.

[Homer]

Now, listen, Henry. You talk just as though I'd thrown it into the lake on purpose. I didn't know my girl was gonna jump when. When the bee attacked her out in the canoe.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, gee whiz, Homer. Look at my coat. Soaking wet. And I'm supposed to wear it to the lecture next week.

[Homer]

All right, Henry. If that's the way you feel about it. Watch and see if I ever borrow your coat again.

[Henry Aldrich]

And look at the things in the pockets. Look at my girl's picture. She's all warped.

[Homer]

Part of that's natural.

[Henry Aldrich]

It is not. Eleanor Wentworth is one of the best. Oh, boy.

[Homer]

What's the matter? Oh, boy, what have I done now?

[Henry Aldrich]

Look at this letter. It's wringing wet. Who's it from? I don't know who it's from. Only somebody in my family gave it to me to mail last week. They did? Yes, Homer. And I never thought you'd do a thing like this to it.

[Homer]

Who's it addressed to?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, that's the trouble. Can't you see the water's washed all the in off the envelope?

[Homer]

Whose name is on the bag?

[Henry Aldrich]

Not so loud, Homer. Do you want my mother to hear you?

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Henry, are you almost ready for dinner?

[Henry Aldrich]

Why, yes, I am, Mary. Here, Homer, take this coat and this letter up to my room now. Sure. And put them on the radiator and turn on the heat.

[Alice Aldrich]

Okay.

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Homer, your mother phoned for you to come home a long time ago. Oh, she did?

[Alice Aldrich]

Well, thank you.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mary, I've been intending to ask you, is Joe Graham still out of town? Yes, that's what I thought. If I remember correctly, you gave me a letter to mail to him, didn't you? Yes, that's what I did. You ever get an answer?

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Yes.

[Narrator]

Oh,

[Henry Aldrich]

well, that's fine.

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Why do you ask?

[Henry Aldrich]

I was just wondering.

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Yes, Father, your mother wants you to

[Sam Aldrich]

help her in the kitchen.

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Oh, my goodness. I'll go right out.

[Sam Aldrich]

Hello, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Hello, Father.

[Sam Aldrich]

Homer gone home?

[Henry Aldrich]

No, sir. He's upstairs drying. He's upstairs? Sort of.

[Sam Aldrich]

He's upstairs, you say he's upstairs?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, sir. Just temporarily.

[Sam Aldrich]

How did everything go with you today?

[Henry Aldrich]

Fine. How's business?

[Sam Aldrich]

Fine.

[Henry Aldrich]

How are the mails coming through?

[Sam Aldrich]

The mails? What mails?

[Henry Aldrich]

Just the mails.

[Sam Aldrich]

Well, they're coming through fine. Why do you ask that?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I was just.

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Mother?

[Alice Aldrich]

Dinner's all on the table.

[Henry Aldrich]

We'll be right there.

[Alice Aldrich]

Sam. Come in and see.

[Sam Aldrich]

Yes, Alice.

[Henry Aldrich]

Look, Mother, is there anything just offhand that you can think of that I haven't done that you told me to in the last few weeks?

[Alice Aldrich]

What do you mean by that?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I don't know. I was just asking.

[Sam Aldrich]

Alice, how are the tickets going for the lecture at the Women's Club?

[Alice Aldrich]

Sam, I'm worried sick.

[Sam Aldrich]

What's the trouble?

[Alice Aldrich]

Well, dear, I haven't had any word from the man that's coming to give the lecture, and here it is, less than a week off.

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Mother, aren't you chairman of the lecture Committee?

[Alice Aldrich]

Yes.

[Henry Aldrich]

Why. Why don't you hear from him?

[Alice Aldrich]

Well, Henry, I wish I knew why.

[Henry Aldrich]

Ah.

[Sam Aldrich]

When did you write to him?

[Alice Aldrich]

Last week. I gave you the letter to mail.

[Sam Aldrich]

You gave it to me, Sam, I'm

[Alice Aldrich]

almost positive I did. Didn't you mail it?

[Sam Aldrich]

If you gave it to me, I mailed it.

[Alice Aldrich]

Henry did.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mother, could I have the bread, please?

[Alice Aldrich]

Here you are.

[Henry Aldrich]

And, Father, shall I pass this? Who's it to, Mother?

[Sam Aldrich]

Yes, please.

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Goodbye, Henry.

[Homer]

I think everything's going to be all right.

[Henry Aldrich]

What's that, Homer?

[Sam Aldrich]

What's going to be all right?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I don't think he meant anything special, Father.

[Alice Aldrich]

Sam, how much time do you think I'd need to get an answer to my letter?

[Sam Aldrich]

Well, three or four days should be more than enough. Actually, it only takes two.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mother, what city does the lecturer live in?

[Alice Aldrich]

He doesn't live any place. He travels all over.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, that's too bad.

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Maybe that's why he didn't get your letter.

[Alice Aldrich]

Mother, he's spending all of this month in Chicago. Mary.

[Henry Aldrich]

In Chicago?

[Alice Aldrich]

Yes, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

On what street?

[Sam Aldrich]

What difference does it make? Alice, are you sure you addressed the envelope correctly?

[Alice Aldrich]

I'm almost positive I sent it to 721St Eaglestone Drive.

[Henry Aldrich]

7 21?

[Alice Aldrich]

Yes, dear.

[Henry Aldrich]

What's his name?

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, Mary, can't you take an interest in this lecture, too?

[Mrs. Wentworth]

I'm not going to it.

[Alice Aldrich]

Oh, yes, you are, dear. We're all going.

[Sam Aldrich]

Am I going now? Sam, you've got to go and ruin an entire evening.

[Alice Aldrich]

Dear, I don't care for John William Steber any more than you do. But after all, I'm chairman and the least you can do is go in here.

[Henry Aldrich]

Steber, Steber, Steber. How would you spell a name like that, Henry?

[Mrs. Wentworth]

What difference does it make?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, after all, suppose somebody came up to me and said, did you ever hear of John William Steber? 721St Eagleston Drive, Chicago. I wouldn't even know how to spell it.

[Alice Aldrich]

Sam, have you been able to get them?

[Sam Aldrich]

No, Alice. The long distance operator will call us the minute she does.

[Alice Aldrich]

Well, I'm afraid we're making a mistake. People who bought tickets to hear John William Steber lecture on Guatemala the Beautiful are not going to care for a lecturer on child behavior.

[Sam Aldrich]

How about getting old Uncle Jim Murphy over here on the edge of town?

[Alice Aldrich]

What for?

[Sam Aldrich]

Well, he used to put on a magic act for the children at the hospital every Christmas.

[Alice Aldrich]

Dear, let's not be ridiculous.

[Sam Aldrich]

It's better than nothing. You've got to have something when the crowd gets there. Tuesday Night. Let me see that letter once more.

[Alice Aldrich]

What letter?

[Sam Aldrich]

The one that came this morning from John William Steber, here.

[Alice Aldrich]

And for as long as I live. I'll never understand how a mistake like this happens.

[Sam Aldrich]

He says. Dear Mrs. Ulrich, I regret very much that I must change my plans and decline your offer to address the Centerville Women's Club Winter Forum. I enclose a letter which was apparently sent to me by mistake. Yours truly, J.W. steber.

[Alice Aldrich]

Sam, how did I ever do a thing like that? This letter he returned was to Aunt Sue.

[Sam Aldrich]

Looks as though he dragged it out of some lake. Dear sue, don't for heaven's sake come all the way to Centerville just to hear John William Steber next Tuesday night. Why the club ever voted to have him, I'll never know. He's a terrible bore. Yes, very well put, Sam.

[Alice Aldrich]

I don't think he had any right to turn down an important engagement just because of the petty opinion of one individual.

[Sam Aldrich]

You mean this opinion?

[Alice Aldrich]

But he had no right to read it. After all, he could see it wasn't for him.

[Sam Aldrich]

Alice, you're lucky the man isn't suing you.

[Henry Aldrich]

Father, could I have my allowance for this week, please?

[Sam Aldrich]

Your allowance, Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, gee whiz. Did mother get a letter from.

[Homer]

From.

[Henry Aldrich]

Did mother get a letter?

[Alice Aldrich]

Yes, dear, from Mr. Steber.

[Henry Aldrich]

Ah, then that's not on our minds anymore.

[Sam Aldrich]

What do you mean, our minds?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, isn't it an answer to. Can he come?

[Alice Aldrich]

No, dear. He's very much upset over something. In fact, I did a very absent minded thing.

[Henry Aldrich]

What?

[Alice Aldrich]

Well, I wrote a letter to your Aunt sue, dear, and addressed it to

[Sam Aldrich]

Mr. Steber, and he was just a little hurt.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh. Oh, is that the letter that you. You mean that letter? That's too bad.

[Alice Aldrich]

Yes, Henry, it is.

[Homer]

Oh.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, yes. Well, look, is there anything I can do?

[Alice Aldrich]

No, dear. What could you possibly do?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I feel I ought to do

[Alice Aldrich]

something and I wish you could.

[Sam Aldrich]

Oh, here's your allowance, son.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, on second thought, Father, I don't think I need any this week.

[Alice Aldrich]

Where are you going that you don't want any?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, just over to see Eleanor Wentworth.

[Alice Aldrich]

Well, don't come home too late.

[Henry Aldrich]

No, Mother.

[Alice Aldrich]

Goodbye, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Goodbye. And I'm certainly sorry this happened.

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Henry, don't you want to sit here on the sofa and look at these pictures with me?

[Henry Aldrich]

Pictures?

[Mrs. Wentworth]

These pictures. Henry, tell me, What? Are you worried about something?

[Henry Aldrich]

Who, me?

[Mrs. Wentworth]

You've been sort of so preoccupied ever since you got here.

[Henry Aldrich]

I'm not preoccupied. Have you any writing paper?

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Any what?

[Henry Aldrich]

Writing paper. I'VE decided to write a letter to Chicago.

[Mrs. Wentworth]

No.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yeah, I think it's something I've got to attend to.

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Well, I have a little. But it's pink.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, that's all right, Jean. In a case like this, I don't think I ought to take the time to worry about the color.

[Mrs. Wentworth]

All right.

[Henry Aldrich]

What are you crying for?

[Mrs. Wentworth]

I'm not crying.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, what have I done?

[Mrs. Wentworth]

I'll tell you what you've done, Henry Aldrich. I'll tell you. You asked me to save this Saturday evening for you, and ever since you've gotten here, you've hardly said ten words.

[Henry Aldrich]

I have?

[Alice Aldrich]

Yes, you have it.

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Now you want to write to somebody else. To whom are you speaking?

[Henry Aldrich]

It's only me, Mrs. Wentworth.

[Alice Aldrich]

Oh, you wait, Henry Aldrich, and see

[Mrs. Wentworth]

whether I ever save you another Saturday night.

[Henry Aldrich]

But I can't help it if the women's club is expecting Guatemala.

[Homer]

And I.

[Henry Aldrich]

And I. And then he won't come.

[Alice Aldrich]

Henry.

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Mother, has Henry gone crazy?

[Henry Aldrich]

No, I haven't. Aren't you going to the lecture Tuesday night?

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Yes.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, that shows how much you know about it. He isn't even coming.

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Who isn't?

[Henry Aldrich]

Nobody. That's why my mother's got to get someone. And it's all on account of. On account of? Gee whiz, Mrs. Wentworth, I feel I ought to do something about it.

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Well, my gracious, why didn't you say what was on your mind, Henry? Mother, you ought to know someone. You know lots of musical people in Chicago. Well, I don't know anyone, dear. We could get on this short notice.

[Henry Aldrich]

Do you know some musical people, Mrs. Wentworth?

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Well, you see, Henry, I studied music right up until I was married. In fact, Henry, Mother was going to have a career in music, only Father asked her not to.

[Henry Aldrich]

What did she play?

[Mrs. Wentworth]

I sang.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, gee whiz, are you the one I always hear in church sort of louder than everybody else?

[Alice Aldrich]

Well, my.

[Mrs. Wentworth]

My voice always was noted for its body. Oh, yes, Mother, why couldn't you help

[Alice Aldrich]

the women's club out and sing instead of Guatemala?

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Oh, I don't think I should, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Sure, why not? Gee whiz, my mother's desperate.

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Oh, now, please, Mother. I'd love to hear you sing. Eleanor, your father'd never speak to me again.

[Henry Aldrich]

All right. He doesn't have to go. I know my father won't.

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Well, thank you just the same, Henry, but you know how people turn up their noses in this town. At home, talent has to come from

[Alice Aldrich]

Chicago or isn't any good.

[Mrs. Wentworth]

But after all, Mother, you studied in Chicago for years. Right on Michigan Avenue.

[Alice Aldrich]

Of course, the hall at the women's

[Mrs. Wentworth]

club is just ideally suited for my voice.

[Henry Aldrich]

It is?

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Oh, of course it is. And, mother, Mr. Tyson, who plays the organ at the church, can accompany you. Yes, dear. If I can just keep him from playing too loud.

[Alice Aldrich]

He always thinks he's the soloist.

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Oh, gee.

[Henry Aldrich]

I'll have my mother have a talk with him. She's chairman. She can tell him how loud to play.

[Alice Aldrich]

No, dear, no.

[Mrs. Wentworth]

I'll take care of that. You just ask your mother whether there's anything in particular she'd like to have me sing.

[Homer]

Okay.

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Here, let me see now.

[Henry Aldrich]

What is it you're writing? Mrs. Wentworth, here are two suggestions for her.

[Mrs. Wentworth]

One's French, dear, and one's Italian.

[Henry Aldrich]

That's fine. And is there any song you could sing from Guatemala?

[Narrator]

Well, as usual, the tune Henry's playing seems to be just slightly off key, and it remains to be seen whether he'll strike any more sour notes. In the meantime, if I may, I'd like to suggest a sweet note, something that should strike a chord of harmony with all of you who enjoy having a good hot drink with your meals. Folks, try a steaming, fragrant cup of delicious postum sugar and cream it to suit your taste and see if you don't agree that it's tops for goodness. I'm sure you will, because golden brown postum gives you just what you want in a mealtime drink. Cheering warmth to give you that glowing, feeling, tempting fragrance that says, drink hearty. And best of all, Postum's really grand flavor. Just don't expect Postum to taste like coffee any more than you'd expect coffee to taste like tea. For Postum naturally is different. Its flavor is distinctive. And believe me, when you taste it, you'll say this shouldn't be called postum, it should be called post. Mmm. So tomorrow, make postum for everyone in your family. Serve it to youngsters as well as grown ups and see if you don't agree that there's no hot mealtime drink quite so good as postum for all the family.

[Lowe's Announcer]

Want consistent color for every job. Milo's Pro rewards members get a 20% paint discount on future purchases. After paint annual qualifying spend reaches $3,000 plus order eligible in stock paint and paint supplies by 2pm for free. Same day delivery by 8pm improving is easy at Lowe's. Exclude spray paint and mistints. More exclusions. Terms and conditions apply. Subject to change [e-mail] terms same day delivery valid and select zip code subject to driver availability [e-mail] SameDayDelivery.

[Narrator]

Now getting back to the troubles of Henry Aldrich. Henry, feeling just a bit guilty because his mother is unable to get a lecturer for the Women's club for next Tuesday night, has found that his girl's mother once studied music and that she is more than eager to arise to the occasion. Well, as he starts for home, he carries with him a list of songs she would be willing to sing. The scene opens late that night in the Aldrich front hall.

[Alice Aldrich]

But Sam, I couldn't have concentrated on a game of bridge tonight if I'd had to.

[Sam Aldrich]

Well, worrying about Tuesday night's lecture isn't going to help any. Let's go up to bed.

[Alice Aldrich]

Have you locked the door, dear?

[Sam Aldrich]

Yes, dear. Henry in?

[Alice Aldrich]

Yes, dear. His coat's right here in the closet.

[Sam Aldrich]

After all, things could be worse. Why don't you simply announce that there won't be any program?

[Alice Aldrich]

Because I was asked to get someone. If we cancel it, I've utterly failed.

[Sam Aldrich]

Hey, wait a minute. What's this?

[Henry Aldrich]

What's what?

[Sam Aldrich]

This note by the telephone.

[Alice Aldrich]

A note?

[Sam Aldrich]

It's from Henry. Mother. You will be relieved to hear that Mrs. Wentworth, I think, has the solution to your program. She would like, when you can, to talk to her about it.

[Alice Aldrich]

About what?

[Sam Aldrich]

I don't know, Alice. I haven't finished. She sent along the letter that is with this, which she says you will understand. Glad you won't have to worry any more. Henry.

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Is this the letter she sent?

[Sam Aldrich]

Yes.

[Alice Aldrich]

Dear Mrs. Aldrich, no doubt by the time you read this, Henry will have explained everything. Here are a few suggestions for you to choose from. Don Fatali. Batty Batty. Caster Diver. Sam, what on earth?

[Sam Aldrich]

Let me see that. Don Fatali. Who's Don Fatali?

[Alice Aldrich]

And Batty. Batty? Sam, did you ever hear that name before?

[Sam Aldrich]

Sound like some opera star.

[Alice Aldrich]

Sam, I know. Those are some of Kitty's friends. She's always boasting about the people she knows.

[Sam Aldrich]

What about it?

[Alice Aldrich]

She's suggesting one of them for our program. She says right here at the top we can have our chores. Yeah. Sam, she. Sam, where's the phone book?

[Sam Aldrich]

So you're going to call Kitty?

[Alice Aldrich]

Of course.

[Sam Aldrich]

At this time of night?

[Alice Aldrich]

Sam, you don't think I could sleep when I'm this excited, do you?

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Here.

[Alice Aldrich]

Here it is. Hello, operator.

[Sam Aldrich]

Alice, the Wentworth's are probably in bed and asleep.

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Number please? Elm 2621.

[Sam Aldrich]

I thought you didn't like Kitty Wentworth.

[Alice Aldrich]

Sam, I never said that. There are a great many things about her I haven't really cared for. But, dear, I think she has a lot more to her than people give her credit for.

[Sam Aldrich]

Joe Wentworth always said it took time to get to know her.

[Mrs. Wentworth]

I'm ringing your number.

[Alice Aldrich]

Just keep right on. They're probably in bed. Sam. Do you know, I think I'll give a dinner party for Kitty and Batty Patty Tuesday night. That's the least I can do.

[Sam Aldrich]

Good idea. Be quite an honor to have a concert star here for dinner.

[Alice Aldrich]

Hello? Is this Kitty?

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Who?

[Alice Aldrich]

Kitty, this is Alice.

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Who?

[Alice Aldrich]

Alice Aldrich. I just found her note along with Henry.

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Oh, yes.

[Alice Aldrich]

And I just want to say I'm so thrilled to think that you can help us. Really, Alice, I don't know what we would have done if you hadn't come to the rescue. Because we did want to have something nice.

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Oh, don't mention it, dear. I. I thought afterwards perhaps I'd taken Henry too seriously.

[Alice Aldrich]

Oh, no. You just can't realize how grateful I am. Now, Alice, there's just one thing. Of course, Kitty, and I hope you won't be offended, but naturally, it's the fee.

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Of course, the fee. Oh, Alice, dear, there won't be any.

[Alice Aldrich]

You mean to say there won't be any charge at all?

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Well, after all, I've always wanted to do something like this for the Women's Club. Why don't you do this? If you insist, Alice. Why not give the fee you were going to pay to the church? Of course, Kitty.

[Alice Aldrich]

We could divide it among all the churches in town. Well, I won't keep you up any longer, dear. Goodbye.

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Goodbye. Here's hoping I don't have a cold that night.

[Alice Aldrich]

What?

[Mrs. Wentworth]

I'd certainly hate to wait 10 years to get a chance to sing at the Women's Club and then catch cold. What? But don't worry, dear. I won't let you down.

[Alice Aldrich]

Goodbye.

[Mrs. Wentworth]

What? I'm aldred. Here's your orange juice, Mother.

[Alice Aldrich]

Oh, thank you, Mary.

[Mrs. Wentworth]

You want another pillow under your head?

[Alice Aldrich]

No, thank you.

[Sam Aldrich]

Now, Mary, if I were you, I'd tiptoe back downstairs.

[Alice Aldrich]

Sam, aren't you going to eat any breakfast?

[Sam Aldrich]

I've eaten, Mother.

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Do you mind if I ask you just one question before I go?

[Alice Aldrich]

What is it?

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Why aren't either of you speaking to Henry?

[Sam Aldrich]

That's just a little matter concerning us, Mary.

[Mrs. Wentworth]

But, Father, I'd like to know because maybe I shouldn't be speaking to him either.

[Sam Aldrich]

You shouldn't, really. Now, just go downstairs.

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Yes, Father, I'll go.

[Sam Aldrich]

Aren't you going to drink your orange Juice? Alice.

[Alice Aldrich]

Sam, you can look at this objectively. You can look at it as a man would. What shall I do?

[Sam Aldrich]

I have no idea.

[Alice Aldrich]

Of course, there's a lot of influenza around. I might get the Board of Health to forbid our holding the concert.

[Sam Aldrich]

Well, you can get the Board of Health to do that. In the first place, the Health Commissioner is Kitty Wentworth's cousin.

[Alice Aldrich]

Well, I know what I'm going to do.

[Sam Aldrich]

What?

[Alice Aldrich]

Sam, I've been thinking things over. I have entirely too much work to do around this house. My family needs me. Sam, I'm going to resign.

[Sam Aldrich]

From what?

[Alice Aldrich]

From the Women's Club.

[Sam Aldrich]

Alice, you can't do that.

[Alice Aldrich]

But I've heard her sing.

[Sam Aldrich]

Alice, Joe Wentworth has been one of my best friends for 20 years.

[Henry Aldrich]

Father.

[Sam Aldrich]

Henry, your mother would rather you did not come in.

[Henry Aldrich]

I don't want to come in, Father. I just want to ask if I may go to church.

[Sam Aldrich]

To church?

[Alice Aldrich]

Yes, sir.

[Sam Aldrich]

I think it's a very good idea. You may go with me.

[Henry Aldrich]

The only trouble is my coat.

[Homer]

I mean.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, that's all right.

[Alice Aldrich]

Henry, open the door a minute.

[Henry Aldrich]

Are you sure it won't bother you, Mother?

[Alice Aldrich]

Henry, what tie are you going to wear?

[Henry Aldrich]

My black one, dear.

[Alice Aldrich]

I want you to wear your brown one.

[Sam Aldrich]

Wouldn't black be more appropriate?

[Henry Aldrich]

Not Sammy, you don't mind if when church is over, I stay for Sunday school, do you?

[Sam Aldrich]

Not at all. Now, please leave the room.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, sir. And then I'll come home and help Mary get dinner and rest a little this afternoon until I go back to evening service.

[Sam Aldrich]

Better step along, Henry, or we'll be late.

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee, there are quite a few going to church this morning, aren't there?

[Sam Aldrich]

Yes, sir.

[Henry Aldrich]

Father, have you heard whether there's much influenza around?

[Sam Aldrich]

Oh, I understand this, son. Nothing serious, however.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, Father, how big is the fire escape at the Women's Club?

[Sam Aldrich]

I have no idea.

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee whiz, which house is all that singing coming from?

[Sam Aldrich]

I believe that's coming from the Wentworths.

[Henry Aldrich]

From the Wentworths? You mean she's warming up already?

[Sam Aldrich]

Yes. Cross the street. On Wednesday night, our regular Wednesday meeting will be held at this church as usual. Ms. Eleanor Wentworth handed me this next announcement just before the service began. On Tuesday evening, the Centerville Women's Club Winter Forum will contribute a part of its receipts to the town's churches. The program, instead of being Guatemala the Beautiful, will be a vocal concert sung by our own Mrs. Joseph Wentworth. Let us pray. When was that telegram sent, Alice?

[Alice Aldrich]

This morning, dear. The 20th.

[Sam Aldrich]

What does it say?

[Alice Aldrich]

Only speaker we can send you for Your program Tomorrow evening is Dr. Calvin Anderson Butler, on subject of child behavior, has had 11 years experience in boys reform schools and guarantee he will solve your problems. Please wire.

[Sam Aldrich]

Is that all?

[Alice Aldrich]

Sam, I've made up my mind. I'm going to phone Kitty Wentworth and tell her just as nicely as I know how that we do not want her to sing.

[Sam Aldrich]

But, Alice, you can't tell her that.

[Alice Aldrich]

I don't care. We're going to have Dr. Calvin Anderson Butler.

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Number, please.

[Alice Aldrich]

It's ELM 2621.

[Sam Aldrich]

Very well. Maybe it is for the best.

[Alice Aldrich]

No. I don't know why I didn't have enough courage to do it in the first place.

[Sam Aldrich]

I'll have a talk with Joe Wentworth. He'll understand.

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Hello?

[Alice Aldrich]

Hello, Eleanor. May I speak with your mother, please?

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Oh, she isn't here right now, Mrs. Aldridge.

[Alice Aldrich]

Well, Eleanor, when do you expect her back?

[Mrs. Wentworth]

I'm afraid not until sometime tomorrow.

[Alice Aldrich]

Tomorrow?

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Yes, she's gone to Chicago.

[Alice Aldrich]

Where?

[Mrs. Wentworth]

To Chicago. She wanted to get some new calls for the concert tomorrow night.

[Alice Aldrich]

Really? Well, isn't that lovely, dear?

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Yes, and while she's there, she's going to work for a while with her old singing teacher.

[Alice Aldrich]

Oh, I see.

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Goodbye, Mrs. Orange.

[Alice Aldrich]

Goodbye, Eleanor. Sam.

[Sam Aldrich]

Alice. Alice, take a look at this.

[Alice Aldrich]

What is it?

[Sam Aldrich]

The morning paper. Here it is. The whole thing, Sam.

[Alice Aldrich]

It's a picture of Kitty.

[Sam Aldrich]

And look at the heading. Local thrush to replace Guatemala. Now, Alice, this is no time in which to have hysterics again.

[Henry Aldrich]

Homer, my mother wants to know whether you'd like a little job for tonight.

[Homer]

Doing what?

[Henry Aldrich]

Ushering.

[Homer]

Well, I'll usher, Henry, but I won't listen.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, that's all right. When it begins, we can sit out on the front steps. That's what my father says he's going to do.

[Homer]

Gee, you ought to see how sore my mother is about tonight. How did your mother happen to ask Mrs. Wentworth to sing?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, we're very fond of the whole family. Come on, let's go in the station, Homer.

[Alice Aldrich]

What for?

[Henry Aldrich]

I want to weigh myself on these scales. Here, hold my Latin.

[Homer]

Boy, have you lost weight.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, gee, Homer, I've had a bad week. Henry, you want me, Mr. Taylor?

[Mr. Taylor]

You want to earn 10 cents? Henry, I've got a telegram here for Mr. Wentworth, and I haven't been able to get in touch with him.

[Henry Aldrich]

You want me to take it up to him? Sure.

[Mr. Taylor]

Here's the message and here's your dime.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, thank you very much.

[Mr. Taylor]

And, Henry, don't you fool around any. I think that telegram's important.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, you can depend on me, Mr. Taylor. I'll hold it in my hand so I can't possibly forget. Thank you very much.

[Mr. Taylor]

Hello, Centerville Station?

[Sam Aldrich]

This is Joe Wentworth speaking. Is that 320from Chicago? About on time.

[Mr. Taylor]

Say, I've been trying to get you. I just sent a telegram up to you by Henry Aldrich.

[Sam Aldrich]

A telegram?

[Mr. Taylor]

I didn't take it when it came in, but I understand it. It said your wife is stuck in Chicago without any money.

[Sam Aldrich]

Who, Kitty?

[Mr. Taylor]

It's too bad she didn't get a round trip ticket when she bought it.

[Sam Aldrich]

What did she do, lose her purse?

[Narrator]

No.

[Mr. Taylor]

I understand she said she spent more money on clothes than she figured she would. And the telegram Henry's taking up to you has the address where you're supposed to wire the money.

[Sam Aldrich]

I see. Well, thank you very much.

[Dr. Calvin Anderson Butler]

Sorry I can't get to your wife's concert tonight, Mr. Wentworth. Seems my wife forgot we had a previous engagement.

[Narrator]

Too bad.

[Sam Aldrich]

By the way, do you see those two boys coming up Main Street?

[Dr. Calvin Anderson Butler]

Yes, sir.

[Narrator]

One of them isn't Henry Aldrich, is it?

[Dr. Calvin Anderson Butler]

I believe it is.

[Sam Aldrich]

Oh, yes, yes, yes, so it is. Well, I guess I'll be stepping down Walnut for something.

[Henry Aldrich]

Look, Homer, look. There he is in front of the filling station. Where? Right there, getting his tank filled. And Homer, he sees us.

[Homer]

Wave to him.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, Mr. Wentworth. Oh, Mr. Wentworth.

[Homer]

What's the matter with him, Henry? He's driving right off.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, gee whiz, I could have sworn he looked straight at us.

[Homer]

Boy, am I getting sick of this.

[Henry Aldrich]

We haven't been looking for him for so long, Homer. Only about two hours.

[Homer]

Sure, at the rate of five cents an hour. From now on, we work for nothing.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I don't understand why we didn't catch up with him this time. He looked right at us again and then beat it into this drugstore.

[Homer]

Maybe he's getting blind, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, look, just so he doesn't miss us again, I'll go in this door and you slip around the corner and go in the side door. Okay. We've got him cornered, Homer, and we haven't anything more to worry about. Tickets, please.

[Homer]

Tickets, please.

[Mrs. Wentworth]

The program started yet, Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Mrs. Thompson. It's been going on for some time.

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Very many in there?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, gee, practically every seat's taken. In fact, I'm afraid you'll have to stand.

[Mrs. Wentworth]

Is that so?

[Henry Aldrich]

Just a second. If you don't mind going in real quietly, I'll open the door for you. All right, Henry.

[Dr. Calvin Anderson Butler]

And so far, ladies and gentlemen, I have given you only the basic Fundamentals of our subject for this evening. Child behavior during my first three years at the head of a reform school.

[Homer]

He's pretty good, isn't he, Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

Not bad. I think everybody's having a good time, don't you, Homer?

[Homer]

My father even came when he heard what the subject was.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, gee whiz, Mr. Wentworth, where did you come from?

[Sam Aldrich]

Nowhere in particular. Did your father meet the speaker?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, sir. And I've got a telegram here I've been trying to give you ever since 3:00 clock this afternoon.

[Narrator]

A telegram?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, sir. And they said it was very urgent.

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Sam Aldrich]

All right. To go in this door here.

[Henry Aldrich]

But aren't you going to read it?

[Sam Aldrich]

I'll read it later.

[Narrator]

I want to hear the lecture. And I want to thank you for delivering it, Henry.

[Sam Aldrich]

I thank you very much.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, I don't know whether you can get a seat in there or not.

[Sam Aldrich]

I think I can. Your father said he'd save one for me.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, have you seen him?

[Sam Aldrich]

Had a little talk with him this afternoon.

[Dr. Calvin Anderson Butler]

And you parents who hesitate in giving your children responsibility could realize that although there is a certain amount of risk involved, in the end, our youngsters do somehow manage to get things done. It may not be in a straight line, but I have yet to see it fail when they didn't eventually get there.

[Homer]

You know, Henry, that fellow ought to do a lot of good in this town.

[Henry Aldrich]

Let's step out and get some fresh air.

[Homer]

That's what I say. They say they took in enough money so that every church in town can get a new window stained. Sure.

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee, that makes me feel pretty good.

[Homer]

You talk as though you'd done the whole thing, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, of course, I'm not entirely responsible, Homer, but I've sort of contributed my share.

[Narrator]

Henry Aldridge will be back in just a moment. In the meantime, friends, remember, your two best reasons for drinking Postum are these. Because if coffee makes you nervous, Postum can't possibly affect your nerves. And because Postum really does taste swell. It's a grand, flavorful drink for all the family. So get Postum from your grocer tomorrow. Our program tonight has come to you from the Philadelphia Forum. Listen again next week to the Aldrich family. Same time, same station for another sparkling half hour with your favorite youngster, his family and his pals. 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 saying you will enjoy fragrant, flavorful Postum. And remember, Postum contains no stimulants. It cannot make you nervous. Good night.