Aldrich Family - Homer's Love Note Goes to Henry's Teacher

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Aldrich Family – “Homer’s Love Note Goes to Henry’s Teacher”

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Aldrich Family - Homer's Love Note Goes to Henry's Teacher
Date: March 9, 2026
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Theme: A comic misadventure spins out of control when a love note meant for a girl ends up with Henry Aldrich’s Latin teacher, leading to a cascade of misunderstandings among friends, family, and teachers in this classic Golden Age radio comedy.

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Episode Overview

This episode, a rebroadcast of “The Aldrich Family,” presents the signature blend of adolescent confusion, family dynamics, and small-town rumor. Centered on Henry Aldrich, it all starts innocently enough with a series of complicated social plans among Henry, his friends, and his crushes. But when a misplaced note (supposed to be delivered to Kathleen) accidentally winds up with his attractive Latin teacher, Ms. Elliot, Henry’s personal life snowballs into a school-wide laughingstock, dragging in misunderstanding parents and friends.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Highlights

1. Who Henry is Seeing (01:32–03:39)

• Henry Aldrich juggles phone calls and social obligations, mostly revolving around not being able to see Kathleen, his main crush.
• Mary, his sister, and his mother are involved in trying to keep the Aldrich family's busy social web intact.
• Henry reveals the confusion and awkwardness typical of a teenager trying to manage relationships, culminating in having dates canceled on him by both Kathleen and his best friend, Homer.
  • Notable Quote:
    Mary: “It seems to me, Henry, you're taking your best girl just a bit for granted.” (02:19)

2. Complicated Friendships and Crossed Wires (03:40–08:26)

• Henry’s frustration grows as Homer cancels plans, and Muriel—one of the girls in the Aldrichs’ orbit—adds to the confusion by mixing up who is going out with whom.
• The classic radio farce style is captured as characters misunderstand relationships, setting off a spiral of rumors and emotional fallout.
  • Memorable moment: Henry futilely tries to keep track of who is dating whom and who is upset with him.

3. The Lost Love Note & Parental Worry (08:27–11:34)

• Muriel candidly tells Henry he’s wasted his time on Kathleen, catalyzing his shift in perspective.
  • Notable Quote:
    Muriel: “I think you've just been throwing yourself away on Kathleen. Really.” (08:27)
• Henry’s mother discovers that Ms. Elliot received a “love note” with Henry’s Latin homework.
  • Notable Quote:
    Mrs. Aldrich: “Henry thinks he's in love with his Latin teacher.” (10:49)
• The parents speculate about the motivations and emotional state behind Henry’s action, highlighting the generational gulf in understanding adolescent infatuation.

4. Confessions and Comic Relief (11:35–13:55)

• Henry, oblivious to the fuss he’s caused, is cheerful about Latin class, just as his teacher and parents are most concerned.
• Phone calls further muddy friendships and romantic prospects—Muriel invites Homer and Henry to the movies, reconciling some wounds but making others jealous.
• Classic sponsor ad as intermission [Omitted per instructions].

5. The Confrontation with Ms. Elliot (17:39–21:25)

• Key scene: Henry is summoned by Ms. Elliot after school.
• There’s a tense but lighthearted exchange as Ms. Elliot gently but directly addresses the inappropriate note.
  • Notable Quotes:
    Ms. Elliot: “Henry, frankly, I don't know how to begin this little conversation." (18:24)
    Ms. Elliot: “Don't you realize how old you are? Why, you're… still just a very young man. … Don't you think it would be best if we face the facts and just drop this whole thing?” (19:28, 19:47)
    Henry: “Boy, and gee, I… I thought I was just beginning to get somewhere.” (19:56)
• Ms. Elliot sets clear boundaries, and a confused but relieved Henry exits.

6. Rumor Mill and Parental Reactions (21:25–23:56)

• The adults gossip about Henry’s romantic entanglements with multiple girls and his teacher.
• Humorous exaggeration abounds as Henry’s reputation suffers the classic small-town magnification.
  • Notable Moment: Aunt Harriet swears she just saw Henry “holding hands in the drugstore,” adding further chaos.

7. Resolution: Heart-to-Hearts and Clarifications (24:00–27:36)

• Henry tries to untangle things with his sister—now confused about whether he’s with Kathleen, Muriel, or Agnes.
• Henry’s father attempts an awkward heart-to-heart conversation, acknowledging that boys go through phases of infatuation, though Sam’s own stories aren’t much help to Henry.
  • Notable Quote:
    Sam Aldrich: “Every boy has to go through what he's going through.” (21:40)
• Henry and Homer clear up their misunderstandings—Homer confesses he was only using Kathleen to make Agnes jealous, and everything begins to sort itself out.

8. Comic Coda: The Iceman’s Note (27:37–30:16)

• A bonus joke wraps the episode: Aunt Harriet discovers a “breakup” note from her iceman in the icebox, echoing the episode’s theme of misdirected affection and overdramatized feelings for comic effect.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• Mary: "It seems to me, Henry, you're taking your best girl just a bit for granted." (02:19)
• Muriel: "I think you've just been throwing yourself away on Kathleen. Really." (08:27)
• Mrs. Aldrich: "Henry thinks he's in love with his Latin teacher." (10:49)
• Ms. Elliot: "Henry, frankly, I don't know how to begin this little conversation." (18:24)
• Ms. Elliot: "You're still just a very young man... Don't you think it would be best if we face the facts and just drop this whole thing?" (19:28–19:47)
• Henry: "Boy, and gee, I… I thought I was just beginning to get somewhere." (19:56)
• Sam Aldrich: "Every boy has to go through what he's going through." (21:40)
• Aunt Harriet: "They're sitting in the Haven's drugstore holding hands." (23:34)
• Harriet (the iceman coda): "I think it would be better if we did not go on any longer... Now that I have cooled off, I realize that neither one of us could have been really happy." (27:52)

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Episode Flow & Tone

The episode is brisk, tightly written, and filled with overlapping dialogue and continuous plot twists—a classic of the “radio sitcom of errors” genre. The tone is light, humorous, and slightly exaggerated for comic effect, perfectly capturing adolescent anxieties and the genially clueless wisdom of parents from a bygone era.

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Setting the Scene & Cancelled Dates: 01:32–03:39
• Mix-ups Begin (Friends and Girlfriends): 03:40–08:26
• Love Note Revealed – Parents React: 08:27–11:34
• Comic Interlude – Parent Conversation: 11:35–13:55
• Ms. Elliot’s Confrontation: 17:39–21:25
• Rumors and Parental Misunderstandings: 21:25–23:56
• Henry and Homer’s Heart-to-Heart: 24:00–27:36
• Comic Epilogue (Iceman’s Farewell): 27:37–30:16

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Summary

This episode is a delightful example of classic American radio comedy: witty, fast-paced, and driven by misunderstandings. The misplaced love note to Henry’s teacher is the launching point for a domino effect of comic mix-ups in family and teenage romance, all culminating in gentle parental wisdom and a wry coda. For fans of heartfelt, old-fashioned humor and the wholesome chaos of growing up, “Homer’s Love Note Goes to Henry’s Teacher” is a timeless treat.

Transcript

[Henry Aldrich]

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

[Henry Aldrich]

Tell Congress, stop the Durbin Marshall money grab for corporate megastores. Paid for by the Electronic Payments Coalition. Henry. Henry Aldrich. Coming, Mother.

[Sam Aldrich]

The Aldrich family, a special rebroadcast for you. Soldiers, sailors and marines of the United Nations. A typical teenage boy has always scampered across the American scene. First came Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn and then Penrod. And nowadays there's Henry Aldrich. And Henry adds his own individual flavor to every mishap he bumps into. The scene opens in the Aldrich front hall. The time is.

[Henry Aldrich]

Evening, Mary. Mary, are you in the living room? Yes, Henry. Come on in. Could you come out in the hall, please? I want to speak to you about something important. Henry, don't you realize Muriel Watson is in the living room and she wants to say hello to you. Listen, Mary, I'm in no condition to bother with Muriel Watson. Boy, you've all. I want you to put in a phone call for me. To whom? Just Kathleen. And say I'm very sorry I won't be able to see her tonight. Henry, I thought you said you were taking her to the movies tonight. I was going to, but her folks won't let her go. And, gee, it's the picture I want to see. What's that, Henry? What were you saying? Oh, nothing, Mother. Nothing of any importance. Well, Henry, I have a guest in the living room and you'll have to put in your own phone call. But Mary. Mother, would you be willing to call Mary back here and tell her that the only way this family can get along is to have everybody cooperate? What is it you want her to do? Look, couldn't you phone Kathleen that I won't be over tonight? Dear, I thought you were crazy about Kathleen. I am. I like her, but I can't see her every night. Did you see her last night? No. Have you seen her any night this week? No, but I'm willing to see her tomorrow night. I'll answer the phone. It's probably Homer wanting to know where I'm going to meet him. It seems to me, Henry, you're taking your best girl just a bit for granted. Hello? Hello, Henry. This is Kathleen. Oh, I was just going To. Hello, Henry. I'm awfully sorry, but would you mind not coming over tonight? Who? I. Yes, Something's just come up and. I'm awfully sorry, Henry. Well, that's all right, Kathleen. As a matter of fact, you can come over tomorrow night, though, I think. Oh, well, that's an idea. Henry, if you're going to the movies with Homer, why don't you ask Kathleen to go along? Mother, do you want everybody to hear you? What's that, Henry? Goodbye, Kathleen, and thanks very much. Goodbye, Henry. You mean you're going over there? Why, I tell you, Mother. Well, it's sort of a coincidence, huh? Hello. Number, please? Elm 232. Elm 2, 3, 2. Henry, won't you please go in there and talk to Muriel while I go up and change my dress? With Muriel? What's there to talk to her about, Henry? She's an awfully pretty girl. No, Mary, I'm going to the movies with Homer.

[Sam Aldrich]

Hello?

[Henry Aldrich]

Hello, Homer? This is Hen. Hi. Say, I was just gonna call you. Yeah? Where will I meet you? Why, I tell you, Henry, I don't think I can go to the movies tonight. What's that? Well, something else just came up that I don't have any control over. That's what I was just gonna call you about. I know, but, Homer, you can't do a thing like that. You did the same thing last night, Henry. Could I help it if something came up last night too? But, gee whiz, I've gotta go now. I'll see you tomorrow. But, Homer. Bye. And now, listen, Homer. Gee whiz, Henry. Yes? Who's calling me? It's Muriel. Henry, wouldn't you like to come in here? Why, I tell you. Who, me? What did you want? Nothing in particular. I just thought maybe you'd like to talk with him. Are you upset about something? Boy, I'll say. My best friend, Homer Brownie, just busted a date with me. Oh, yes, I remember. Homer's going over to Kathleen's tonight, isn't he? Who, Homer? Yes, she said he was over there last night too. Who, Homer? Yes. Over to Kathleen's. Oh, no, Muriel, you've got it all mixed up. Homer runs around with Agnes. With Agnes? Then why do you suppose Kathleen told me a thing like that? She didn't. She didn't? She probably said that Agnes told her that. Excuse me while I answer the phone. Well, I don't know how I could have made a mistake like that, though. Well, frankly, Muriel, I think you ought to be a little more careful. Henley Aldridge. Are you Being rude to Muriel, who I marry. Gee whiz. When a person goes around saying it's Kathleen when it's Agnes. And I know perfectly well.

[Sam Aldrich]

Hello?

[Henry Aldrich]

Hello, this is Agnes. What's that? Kathleen? No. My goodness, Henry, it's Agnes. Oh, hello. Listen, Henry, could I speak with Homer, please? Homer isn't here. He isn't? Was he there last night, Henry? No, something came up. Well, that's what I suspected. That's exactly what I suspected. Goodbye. What's that, Agnes? Where is he? Henry. Yes, Mother? Could you bring that light around here so I can see to read, please? Yes, sure, dear. I thought you said last evening you were going over to Kathleen's tonight. Who? I, Mother? Well, didn't you phone her last night and break a date with her and change it to tonight? I. I know, but I. Well, I decided I'd just stay home and get acquainted with the family for a change. Henry, I want you to look at me. What is the matter? Mother, will you tell me something? I mean, will you tell it to me frankly? I'll try to. Did you like Kathleen? Well, yes, Henry, of course. Only why do you ask did I like her? No reason. Only I was just wondering. Gee, did you ever notice when she used to go down the street how she'd always be smiling? Dear, has something happened to Kathleen? Happened to her? No, not especially. But do you know how I'll always think of her? I mean, for as long as I live, I'll always remember how she loved chocolate marshmallow sundaes. What's that? Gee, the poor kid. She kept me broke half the time, but I didn't mind. Henry, you talk as though Kathleen Anderson were dead. Well, so far as I'm concerned, she is. She's a thing of the past. Mother, let's just drop them. Drop the subject, please. Don't even mention Kathleen anymore. I'm tired of hearing about her. But, Henry, I've hardly mentioned her. If that doorbell should ring right this minute and I should open and see Homer Brown standing there, I'd haul off and I'd haul off and. Oh, boy. Dear, wasn't that the doorbell? Yes, Mother. I'll answer it. I'll answer it. Well, Henry, please. At least unclench your fist. I'm not going to hit him hard. As a matter of fact, I'm going to get something out of this hall closet. Now, Henry. Mother, I hope you don't think I'm going to let him come to this house and add insult to injury to me, do you? Well, hello. Oh, gee, it's you, Henry? What are you doing with that baseball bat? Nothing. Nothing. Is Mary ready? Who is it, Henry? It's Muriel, Mrs. Aldrich. Henry, is it all right for me to go into the living room? Oh, yes, sure. Hello there, dear. My goodness, but doesn't your hair look nice? Do you like it this way, Mrs. Aldrich? Do you like it, Henry? What's that? If you'll excuse me, Muriel, I'll go upstairs and tell Mary you're here. All right, Mrs. Aldrich. Boy. Henry, I'm awfully glad you're home. Boy. What's the matter, Henry? Muriel, would you be willing to drop in the Kathleen's on your way home and deliver a note for me? Oh, Kathleen. That is, if I can find the darn thing. Is it very personal, Henry? No, no. Gee whiz. Do you mind if I dump out my pockets here on the sofa beside you? No, of course not. Why don't you sit down here next to me? What do you suppose could have. What do you suppose I could have done with that note? I remember distinctly writing it in Latin class today. And then. And then. Henry, do you mind if I tell you something I've always wanted to tell you, but never felt I knew you well enough before to.

[Sam Aldrich]

Why?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I think you've just been throwing yourself away on Kathleen. Really. You know, maybe it was a good thing I lost that note. Of course. As a matter of fact, I think it was terrible of her to break up a beautiful friendship like that that you and Homer had between yourselves. You. I'm going to have a talk with Homer and tell him how awful you feel. Oh, well. Henry, do you mind if I fix that lock of hair that's standing up in the back of your head? Oh, geez. That up again. Somebody ought to follow you around just all day long. There. Is it down now? If I weren't so busy, I'd be glad to follow you around. Gee whiz, can you imagine that? I never even noticed it before. Never noticed what? Your eyes are practically the same color as mine. They are? Henry, you have no idea how much respect I have for you. For me? Why, you're the only boy I've ever met that's never tried to kiss me. What's that? That's right, Henry. Well, gee, I'm glad you feel that way, because I don't think a fellow. I mean, the minute he sits down on the sofa. Well, you know, gee, he ought to. I mean. You know what I mean? Yes, Henry. Well, Henry, are you in the living room? Gee whiz, yes, Mary? My goodness. Do you know anything about that phone call that just came? What phone call? Mother's on the phone right this minute. Don't you have a teacher by the name of Ms. Elliot? Yes, sure, in Latin. She's a darn good looking teacher. Oh, my goodness. Wait till I tell Mother. Mother, let me tell you what Henry just said. What's that, Mary? Listen, I'm getting along all right in Latin.

[Sam Aldrich]

Alice, is breakfast already?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Sam. Sit down and I'll make some toast for you.

[Sam Aldrich]

What's the news in the morning paper?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, dear, first there's several things I'm anxious to talk to you about. Yes, dear. While you were out last evening, a phone call came and. Sam, I don't think I've ever been so upset in my life.

[Sam Aldrich]

Who was the call from?

[Henry Aldrich]

It was from Henry's Latin teacher. Her name is Ms. Elliot.

[Sam Aldrich]

Alice, I've always told you Henry would never be any good at languages.

[Henry Aldrich]

Now wait, Sam, because even when I tell you, you're not going to believe me.

[Sam Aldrich]

You mean he's leading the class?

[Henry Aldrich]

Now remember, dear, I'm only telling you what Miss Elliot told me. When Henry handed in his Latin paper yesterday, he enclosed with it a note.

[Sam Aldrich]

A note?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Sam, A note to Ms. Elliot. Well, don't you understand, dear? Henry thinks he's in love with his Latin teacher.

[Sam Aldrich]

What's that? Now, wait a minute, Sam.

[Henry Aldrich]

I knew Henry was upset. He hadn't eaten for two days now. But I suppose it was over some trouble he was having with Kathleen.

[Sam Aldrich]

What did he say in the note?

[Henry Aldrich]

The usual thing. Why don't you pay any attention to me? What have I done that's offended you? And things like how much he wants to be with her.

[Sam Aldrich]

Yeah, well.

[Henry Aldrich]

And here's what we decided Ms. Elliot should do. She's going to ask Henry to come into her classroom this afternoon and have a little talk with him.

[Sam Aldrich]

Yes. Come to think of it, Alice, didn't Henry take Latin under oh, Ms. Dudley, at the beginning of this term?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes. And then he suddenly switched.

[Sam Aldrich]

Yes. To Miss Elliot?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Sam. That only goes to show you never know what's going on inside a boy's head. Mother? Yes, Henry? Is breakfast ready?

[Mackenzie]

My name's Mackenzie, and I started a Gofundme for the adoptive mother of a nonverbal autistic child. The mother had lost her job because she wasn't able to find adequate care for this autistic child. So she really needed some help with living expenses, paying some back bills. So I launched a Gofundme to help support them during this crisis. And we raised about $10,000 within just a couple of months. I think that the surprising thing was by telling a clear story and just like really being very clear about what we needed, we had some really generous donations from people who were really moved by the situation that this family was struggling with.

[Henry Aldrich]

GoFundMe is the world's number one fundraising platform, trusted by over 200 million people. Start. Start your GoFundMe today at gofundme.com that's gofundme.com gofundme.com this podcast is supported by GoFundMe. Oh, hello, Father.

[Sam Aldrich]

Hello, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Boy, do I feel good. You feel good? I've just been catching up on my Latin.

[Sam Aldrich]

What's that?

[Henry Aldrich]

And, boy, I can hardly wait to get to class today.

[Sam Aldrich]

Henry, tell me how. How are you and Kathleen getting along these days?

[Henry Aldrich]

Kathleen? Father? Gee, I'm not interested in Kathleen. No, I'll answer the phone. I'll answer the phone.

[Sam Aldrich]

Will you have some bacon, Alice?

[Henry Aldrich]

No, thank you, Sam. I can't eat a thing. Save some bacon for me, Father. I'm very hungry. Hello? Hello, is this Henry? Yes. Well, this is Muriel. I was just talking to someone on the phone about you. About me? Who are you talking to? Homer Brown. And Henry, he's very sorry he broke up your friendship with Kathleen and wants very much to be friends with you. Well, boy, am I glad to hear that. And look, Muriel, you're going to the movies with me tonight, aren't you? Oh, yes. I'm looking forward to it. Only, Henry, do you mind if Homer goes with us? What's that, Henry? Homer felt so bad about everything, I thought the least I could do was to ask him over for dinner. For dinner? At your house? Merle, aren't you glad you didn't send that note to Kathleen? Well, I'll be seeing you, Henry. Goodbye. I know. But, Muriel, I thought. I thought. Foreign.

[Sam Aldrich]

We'll be back with the Aldrich family in just a moment. Right now it's intermission. And time for our intermission guest, the one and only Tommy Dorsey. Okay, Tommy. By a blue mountain stream in the water. Millions of stars Were exclusively ours that night. The heart was part of my heart and the heart of the water. Tulips divine Were so willingly mine that night. There on a hilltop with nothing but heaven around us we lost ourselves in a heavenly moonbeam Till sunrise found us Fell in love oh, so madly in love in the world. We lived a dream By a blue mountain stream that night Sa. Now getting back to the troubles of Henry Aldrich. Henry, who has been having his difficulties with Kathleen, has lost a note that he intended to send her. Meanwhile, his Latin teacher has received the note along with his Latin paper. The scene opens in a school corridor just outside his Latin teacher's door.

[Henry Aldrich]

Hello, Henry. Hello, Agnes. Are you going home, Henry? I can't right now. I've got to go in and have a talk with Ms. Elliot. You have? What's happened? That's what gets me. Agnes, remember that paper we handed in yesterday? Yes. Well, gee, last night Ms. Elliot phoned my house and boy, my mother hasn't eaten since. And today Ms. Elliott said, right out of a clear blue sky, will you see me as soon as school is out. My goodness. Gee, I. I thought I was doing fine. She didn't even call on me all during class today. Really, Henry, have you seen Homer the last day or so? No, he. He's going to the movies with Muriel tonight. He is with that Muriel Watson? Yes, but I'm not going with him. You can rest assured of that. Well, my goodness, if that isn't. If that isn't Henry. Oh, gee whiz. Yes, Ms. Elliot? You hadn't forgotten that I wanted to see you, had you? No, ma'. Am. I'll be right there. Goodbye, Henry. I'll wait and walk home part way with you if you want me to. Okay. I want to ask your advice about something. Now then, Henry. Yes, Miss Elliot? Would you mind leaving the door open, please? Oh, you want it open? I think it might be best. Yes, Miss Elliot. Henry, frankly, I don't know how to begin this little conversation. Yes, Miss Elliot. I've been criticized in the past for conducting my classes a bit informally, but I always felt there should be a bond, in a way between the students and the teacher. Well, gee, I'm glad to hear you say that, Ms. Elliot. Because that's why I'd rather take Latin from you than with thermostat Dudley. But that's just the point. I didn't realize, Henry, that things were going quite so far. You mean about being informal? I refer especially to that paper you handed me yesterday. Oh, that, Ms. Elliot. Didn't you like it? Well, Henry. After all, Jim. Certainly sorry about that. When I started to write it the other night, I. I couldn't get going, you know what I mean? So I went to bed, and then I started to think about how you'd feel if I didn't finish it. So I got up and got the darn thing off my mind. Oh, and you know, the minute I finished it, I felt swell and I went back to bed and went right to sleep. But Henry, don't you realize it was all wrong? All wrong? The whole thing. Well, maybe it was because I was tired. All I can say is I was never quite so mortified in all my life. Well, I want you to know, Ms. Elliott, I can do better. Henry, do you realize how old you are? Yes, Miss Elliot. Why, you're. You're still just a very young man. Yes, Miss Elliot. Then under the circumstances, don't you think it would be best if we face the facts and just drop this whole thing? You mean for good? Yes. I haven't even got a chance if I go on with it. No, Henry. Boy and gee, I. I thought I was just beginning to get somewhere. Henry, you weren't. Not at all. No, not at all. Don't you think we better end the whole thing? Yes, Miss Elliot. There now, don't you feel better already? Well, frankly, it has been sort of preying on my mind. Of course it has. And let's not ever even mention it again. Okay. As. As a matter of fact, my father's been against it from the start. Naturally he has. Goodbye. Goodbye. Do you want me to close the door as I go out? Yes, please. I'd like to be alone for a while. Henry. Hi, Agnes. What did Miss Elliot want? Why, she said I was too young for Latin. You are? Yes, or. Or else she's too old to teach it to me. I couldn't figure out which.

[Sam Aldrich]

Alice, how long before dinner will be ready?

[Henry Aldrich]

At least an hour. Sam.

[Sam Aldrich]

Yes?

[Henry Aldrich]

Sam, I think you ought to have a heart to heart talk with Henry.

[Sam Aldrich]

A talk with Henry about Miss Elliot?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, dear.

[Sam Aldrich]

Now, Alice, if I were you, I'd forget the whole business.

[Henry Aldrich]

But Sam, I can't forget it. I've been worrying about it all day

[Sam Aldrich]

and I say let's not get mixed up in it. Every boy has to go through what he's going through.

[Henry Aldrich]

Did you?

[Sam Aldrich]

Of course. Only I didn't wait for my Latin teacher. I fell in love with my first grade teacher. Her name was Ms. Sutherland. She had light brown hair. I used to follow her home every afternoon.

[Henry Aldrich]

Sam, that was an entirely different situation.

[Sam Aldrich]

What way?

[Henry Aldrich]

In the first place, dear, a phone call came this afternoon.

[Sam Aldrich]

From whom?

[Henry Aldrich]

That Muriel Watson. And Sam, I didn't know she and Henry had had some kind of falling out.

[Sam Aldrich]

A falling out? I didn't even know he was interested in her.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, that's what surprised me. And Sam, the girl was all broken up. She kept saying that she hoped Henry would understand.

[Sam Aldrich]

Understand what?

[Henry Aldrich]

I don't know, dear, but I no sooner got to talking with her and the doorbell rang. And who do you suppose that was? Kathleen Anderson. She stood there in the front hall and was practically in tears over Henry. Over Henry?

[Sam Aldrich]

Well, that's a fine thing. Our only son falls in love with his Latin teacher. And with two of her students at the same time, mind you.

[Henry Aldrich]

What do you say, Father? What is it that Henry's done?

[Sam Aldrich]

Not a thing, Mary. Not a thing?

[Henry Aldrich]

You mean it's that awful? Now, dear, please don't let your imagination go to work. Go see who's at the front door. All right. Holly, would you like to have me tell you something more?

[Sam Aldrich]

No, thank you. We won't.

[Henry Aldrich]

Hello. Oh, hello, Aunt Harry. I was just passing by and I thought I'd drop in. Where are your mother and father? They're in the living room talking about Henry. Yes. Well, I just saw him downtown. You did? With Agnes Lawson in De Haven's drugstore. Alice. Oh, come on in, Harriet. How's everything? Why, fine, fine. At least as well as can be expected. Oh, has something gone wrong?

[Sam Aldrich]

No, Harriet, not at all.

[Henry Aldrich]

Now, Sam, what on earth has happened? Harriet, it isn't anything. We were just talking about a young woman here in town at Henry. Oh, that. Are you upset over that? What? You mean you know about it? My goodness, everybody in town knows about it.

[Sam Aldrich]

What's that, Harriet?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, I just saw them downtown together. In fact, I loaned Henry some money. They're downtown together? They're sitting in the Haven's drugstore holding hands.

[Sam Aldrich]

Henry is sitting in the Havens drugstore holding hands. Holding hands with.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Sam. You don't think I'd make it up, do you, Alice?

[Sam Aldrich]

Maybe you're right. I will have a talk with him.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mary, are you in the living room? Yes, Henry. Listen, Mary, could you do something for me? What is it? Has Father seen you? Father? He wants to see me? Yes, Henry. And you might just as well know now, he's terribly upset. He is? Well, look, could you please help me out? Henry, have you gotten into some more trouble? Mary, all I want you to do is deliver a note to Agnes Lawson. See, Henry, I'm not going out tonight. I mean, the first time you go by Agnes's house, could you give it to her? Isn't that strange? What's the matter? Oh, I wrote it over to Aunt Harriet's a few minutes ago when I was paying her back. Paying her? I wonder where I could have put it. Henry, you mean you're running around with Agnes. Mary. What for an idea like that in your head and just because you happen to be walking down the street with a girl and you go into Haven's drugstore and you think, well, gee, I might as well. Might as well buy the poor kid a Sunday is no reason for her to jump to a conclusion. Think I'm. And think. Gee whiz, where can I put that note? What's that? I remember distinctly. I put an. Aunt Harriet. I paid Aunt Harriet the money. Paid Aunt Harriet for the money. And when I went into her kitchen and sat down at the table and started to write.

[Sam Aldrich]

Andrea, are you home?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Father.

[Sam Aldrich]

Stay where you are. I'll be right down.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, boy. What do you suppose. Gee, has this been a day. Henry, I certainly feel sorry for you. Don't tell anybody, Mary, but I just got kicked out of Latin today. Honestly. And Muriel. Do you know what Muriel did to me? What? And do you know what Kathleen did?

[Sam Aldrich]

Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Father?

[Sam Aldrich]

Mary, would you mind leaving the room for a few minutes?

[Henry Aldrich]

No, Father. If you'd rather, I wouldn't stay here. Why, naturally.

[Sam Aldrich]

Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Father?

[Sam Aldrich]

Son, I don't know how to begin.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Father.

[Sam Aldrich]

Naturally. Every young man, that is, at least. Almost every young man, at least every young man, that's.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Father.

[Sam Aldrich]

What I mean to say is that it isn't always our fault. Naturally, sometimes it's.

[Henry Aldrich]

It's. What's that?

[Sam Aldrich]

But in your case, Henry. In your case, I'm afraid I can't. Frankly, I can't see your point of view.

[Henry Aldrich]

My point of view, Father?

[Sam Aldrich]

Yes, that's one way of putting it.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, I. I think I know what you mean. In fact, well, I've been a little worried about myself, myself. Yes, Henry? Homer Brown is at the front door. Homer Brown is. Oh, Father, could I please just speak to Homer for one second?

[Sam Aldrich]

Yes, yes, go on.

[Henry Aldrich]

And then I'll be right back.

[Sam Aldrich]

No bother.

[Henry Aldrich]

Henry, did you hear me? Homer's here. I heard you, Mary. Where's my baseball bat? Where's my baseball bat? Listen, Henry, what's the big idea? What do you mean, what's the big idea? And will you please close our front door? I'll close it when I go. I know all about your trying to cut me out with Agnes and Henry. She's my girl. Homer, what do you talk to me like that for? I never even thought of Agnes. And how about you and Kathleen? What do you mean by a thing like that? Last night and the night before and. Gee whiz. Listen, Henry, don't you realize why I was taking Out, Kathleen. No, I don't. It was to make Agnes jealous. What's that? Sure. Gee whiz. She was beginning to take me for granted. She was? Sure. And then you had to buy her a sundae and spoil the whole thing. I know, Homer, but you mean Kathleen wasn't. Wasn't? Boy, are you dumb. Now, wait a minute, Homer. What about Muriel? Oh, that was just a coincidence. Hello, Henry? What? Who's that? It's Kathleen. I'm out here on the front porch. May I come in? Sure. She was. I mean, hello. I just happened to be passing by and I saw your front door was open. And I was just wondering, Henry, if you wouldn't like to come over tonight? Who, me? Well, sure. I mean, yes. Oh, my goodness. What's going on here? Oh, hello, Aunt Harriet. What's the front door open for? Henry, where's your mother? Why, I guess she's out in the kitchen, Aunt Harriet. I've got to see her right away. Alice. Henry, what have you got the baseball bat for? Why are you putting it away? For the Willington. Alice, are you in the kitchen? Yes, Harriet. I'm out here with Sam.

[Sam Aldrich]

Oh, so that's that, Alice.

[Henry Aldrich]

And Sam had a good talk with him?

[Sam Aldrich]

Yes, Alice. I've got him all straightened out.

[Henry Aldrich]

Alice, what do you think happened? You won't believe it. What is it? I'm going to lose my iceman. What? Yes, Alice. And I don't know whether it's a good thing or not.

[Sam Aldrich]

How do you know you're going to lose him?

[Henry Aldrich]

I just found this note in my icebox and. Alice, I didn't dream. I didn't dream he felt that way. May I see it? Here it is. I think it would be better if we did not go on any longer. This way, Harriet. What does he mean, this way? Delivering ice to me, I suppose. Go on, read the rest. Now that I have cooled off, I realize that neither one of us could have been really happy. Harriet, just how far had this gone? Well, not so very far, Alice. I'd given him a piece of pie now and then, but I never dreamed he was going to take it seriously.

[Sam Aldrich]

This rebroadcast of the Aldrich family is a presentation of the Armed Forces Radio Service.