Aldrich Family - Ice Fishing in January

Summary

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Episode Overview

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: The Aldrich Family – Ice Fishing in January
Date: March 10, 2026

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio brings listeners a classic comedic romp from the "Aldrich Family" collection, centering around Henry Aldrich’s quest to go ice fishing in the middle of January. The story unfolds as Henry tries to wrangle his reluctant friend Homer into the adventure, only for their fathers to inadvertently get sucked into the icy escapade themselves. What follows is a series of misadventures marked by slapstick humor, witty banter, and a memorable prize catch at the story's heart.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Highlights

Henry’s Ice Fishing Scheme (00:59–04:03)

• Henry tries to entice Homer to go ice fishing, painting January as the ideal month:

  “But think of it, Homer. You cut a hole in the ice, see? And you sit there and the night's frosty... Just healthy.” – Henry Aldrich (01:15)

• Homer is too busy washing storm windows for his father to join Henry.
• Henry attempts to sway Homer’s father, Mr. Brown, by talking up winter fishing, but Mr. Brown is more interested in chores than adventures.

The Adults Get Involved (04:39–07:03)

• Henry’s father (Sam Aldrich) gets wind of the fishing idea but is restrained by household duties and his wife’s expectations.
• Sam and Mr. Brown, after some hemming and hawing, decide to use a pretext (“out for cigars”) to sneak away for fishing.

  “Who pays the bills around here anyway?” – Sam Aldrich (06:15)

Preparations and Mishaps (07:29–08:45)

• Henry and Homer attempt to speed up their chores so they can go fishing, suggesting using hot water to melt the ice, leading to Homer getting soaked in the process.

  “If you think you can stand around all day eating ice when I’m breaking my darn back. What are you getting at? Henry, the least you could do is help me. But why should we both break our backs? Unless. Fag. What? Listen, maybe we can still go fishing. Have you thought of hot water? Hot water? Sure.” – Henry & Homer (08:17–08:45)

The Ice Fishing Antics (09:05–11:44)

• At Fletcher’s Pond, Sam and Will (Mr. Brown) struggle to drill a hole and catch fish.
• Will loses his penknife in the ice hole; they attempt to fish it out with a hook.
• Unexpectedly, they spot a huge fish and scramble to land it, only to have the hole too small for the catch.

  “Look at that shadow under the ice.” – Will
  “Good heavens, it’s a monster!” – Sam (10:44–10:46)

Soggy Setbacks and Home Comforts (11:44–14:05)

• Henry and Homer argue after Homer gets drenched and cold from the hose incident.

  “And all I can say is, the next time you hose a sidewalk, I hope you have a little more control.” – Homer (11:44)

• The boys reconsider the merits of ice fishing versus relaxing at home with a comic book and a skyscraper sandwich.
• Their mothers get involved, demanding that the boys retrieve their fathers.

The Grand Rescue Mix-Up (14:05–15:39)

• At Fletcher’s Pond, confusion ensues as characters race in and out, looking for missing persons, bearing hot soup and blankets in expectation of tragedy.
• A local woman thinks her husband has fallen through the ice, and the group embarks on a wild goose chase.

The Fish is Found! (16:30–17:49)

• Back at the pond, Henry and Homer, now lost, stumble upon a line tied to a tree with a massive fish attached.

  “Look what’s here under the snow. What? And that. Henry, it’s a miracle.” – Homer (17:47)

• They struggle to get the fish out through the ice hole.

Returning Home & The Final Twist (19:36–24:16)

• The families reconvene at home, all cold, wet, and none the wiser about who truly caught the fish.
• Hilarious confusion escalates as both fathers and sons claim credit for the catch.
• The game warden calls to inform them fishing isn’t allowed in January and jokes threaten to take the fish away as evidence.

  “You’re not allowed to catch that in January.” – Game Warden (23:34)

• In a final comedic beat, they discover Will’s lost penknife inside the belly of the fish.

  “It’s something I’ve always wanted. A pen knife.” – Henry (24:16)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“But think of it, Homer. You cut a hole in the ice, see? And you sit there and the night’s frosty... Just healthy.”
– Henry Aldrich, pitching the idea (01:15)

“Who pays the bills around here anyway?”
– Sam Aldrich, justifying his own rebellion against chores (06:15)

“Good heavens, it’s a monster!”
– Sam Aldrich, at the first glimpse of the fish (10:46)

“If you think I'm going to fall for that story again, you're crazy.”
– Local, after Henry’s exaggerated emergency plea (20:16)

“It’s something I’ve always wanted. A pen knife.”
– Henry, discovering the lost penknife inside the fish (24:16)

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Key Timestamps

• 00:59 – Henry tries to enlist Homer for ice fishing.
• 02:50 – Henry appeals to Mr. Brown.
• 06:15 – Fathers rationalize sneaking off to fish.
• 08:45 – Henry and Homer’s hot water misadventure.
• 09:05–10:46 – Fathers actually ice fishing; chaos erupts.
• 11:44 – Boys’ plan backfires; Homer gets soaked.
• 14:05 – The mothers mobilize a rescue.
• 16:30–17:49 – Boys stumble upon the giant fish.
• 19:36–22:08 – The families come together, muddying credit for the fish.
• 23:34 – Game warden’s hilarious intervention.
• 24:16 – Penknife recovered from inside the fish.

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Tone & Language

The original episode is filled with quick back-and-forths, playful sarcasm, irreverent wisecracks, and earnest slapstick, keeping the tone light, mischievous, and wholesome in the grand tradition of mid-century family radio comedies.

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In Summary

This “Aldrich Family” episode offers a wonderfully chaotic portrait of domestic life and hopeful adventure gone awry, complete with misunderstandings, slapstick physical comedy, and the timeless struggle between chores and leisure. In the end, everyone gets a good story—though who really gets the fish is up for debate!

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Transcript

[Narrator]

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[Sam Aldrich]

And now for the Aldridge family. The actions of a teenage boy are about as explosive as a thunderstorm. They never cease as long as he has an ounce of energy to draw on. And with Henry Aldrich, there are usually a few extra ounces in reserve. It is Saturday morning, and the scene opens on Homer Brown's front veranda.

[Henry Aldrich]

Homer, look at it this way. It's January. Stand back, Henry. You're crowding. Then, what better month is there to go fishing in than January? Henry, can't you see them busy washing storm windows? But think of it, Homer. You cut a hole in the ice, see? And you sit there and the night's frosty. Is. Oh, it's not too frosty. Just healthy. Henry, why should I go sitting around in the air when I can watch door and windows for my father? Homer, do you feel well? Yeah. Will you step aside, boy? After all my father's done for me, it's the least I can do. But, Homer, think of a size fish there must be in Flesher's Pond. They've been growing ever since summer. There's no use asking me, Henry, when my father wants me to do so. Boy, I certainly wouldn't let him down. What? Homer, are you sure you feel well? I guess he's right in the living room there. Oh, he is sure listening to every word we say. Can't you see he's left the window open? I don't see him. Well, he's there. My mother finally put her foot down on these windows.

[Sam Aldrich]

What?

[Henry Aldrich]

I'm washing the outside and my father's washing the inside. And we can't leave until they're finished.

[Sam Aldrich]

Homer, what are you whispering about?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, Father, Henry was just. We were not whispering. How do you do, Mr. Brown?

[Sam Aldrich]

Henry, would you mind not confusing Homer? He can only think of one thing at a time. Right now, he's supposed to be on the window.

[Henry Aldrich]

Father, Henry was just on his way home. I was. Goodbye, Henry. Get busy with that poncho man. Listen, Homer, suppose I go in and have a word with your father?

[Sam Aldrich]

What about?

[Henry Aldrich]

You know, an appeal to his better nature. Henry, you're lit before you start. I mean, he's pretty determined to get these windows done.

[Sam Aldrich]

Well, it's worth a try anyway.

[Henry Aldrich]

Watch your step, Henry. He's pretty busy. Then call me if anything happens. Oh, Mr. Brown, are you washing the windows?

[Sam Aldrich]

Of course I am.

[Henry Aldrich]

And that easy chair.

[Sam Aldrich]

Well, I just want to get the perspective from back here before I start.

[Henry Aldrich]

I'll Hand me that darn sponge. Mr. Brown. Mr. Brown, you're quite a fisherman, aren't you?

[Sam Aldrich]

What's that?

[Henry Aldrich]

What I mean is, fishing is good in spring. Sure, but don't you agree there's no month like January for fishing? Sure.

[Sam Aldrich]

Don't you agree that that's when the fish are biggest?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yeah. Well, they've had since summer to put on weight.

[Sam Aldrich]

Yes, I have a look at it that way. Sure.

[Henry Aldrich]

I'll bet if you went down to Fletcher's Pond and chopped a hole in the ice, you could catch.

[Sam Aldrich]

Yes, I bet you would at that.

[Henry Aldrich]

You mean you agree with me, Mr. Brown, that a person should take advantage of a thing like that?

[Sam Aldrich]

I certainly do.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, boy. Thanks. Hang over. Come here. What, Emily? What's the best? I fixed it.

[Sam Aldrich]

Homer, your father agrees that this is

[Henry Aldrich]

a perfect day for fishing. He does? Boy. Father, you mean I don't have to wash the outside of the windows?

[Sam Aldrich]

Of course you do.

[Henry Aldrich]

And the inside, too. Listen, Henry, I thought you fit and

[Sam Aldrich]

get busy right away. I have to speak to your mother.

[Henry Aldrich]

Just think, Father, in January.

[Sam Aldrich]

Henry, I don't want to speak to you again about your feet. Why don't you run along and let me finish my feet?

[Henry Aldrich]

Father, are you afraid they'll get frostbitten?

[Sam Aldrich]

I'm afraid they'll get chopped off.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, she'll help me in that.

[Narrator]

Thank you.

[Henry Aldrich]

Boy, look at that ice fly.

[Sam Aldrich]

And if you could find time to shovel this front walk regularly the way you're supposed to, the ice wouldn't form like this.

[Henry Aldrich]

I realize that, Father. And I'll certainly see to it that I do it after this.

[Sam Aldrich]

Good.

[Henry Aldrich]

And speaking of ice, Father, how about it?

[Sam Aldrich]

How about what?

[Henry Aldrich]

Going fishing.

[Sam Aldrich]

I'm sorry, Henry, but I can't find the time today.

[Henry Aldrich]

Couldn't you chop the ice some other time?

[Sam Aldrich]

Not very well.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, couldn't you, Henry? I can't.

[Sam Aldrich]

I can't get out of it. Your mother's keeping an eye on me.

[Henry Aldrich]

She is?

[Sam Aldrich]

Don't look now, but she's right there in the living room window.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, hello, Mother. Henry, I hope you aren't throwing up your father. No, Mother, I'm Helping him. You are sorry now, Sam, I'm stopping.

[Sam Aldrich]

Alice,

[Henry Aldrich]

Henry said you wanted on the phone. Oh.

[Sam Aldrich]

Oh, thank you.

[Henry Aldrich]

Here, Henry seems. Father, what do I do with it?

[Sam Aldrich]

You can chop with it.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, here he comes now. Mr. Brown.

[Sam Aldrich]

Oh, is it Will Brown?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Father. I told him you were busy, but he said this is very important. Hello. Hello, Sam. Do I understand you're tied up? Stay.

[Sam Aldrich]

Well, I'm doing a little cleaning up outside.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, then it's something you could get out of.

[Sam Aldrich]

Well, as a matter of fact. What's on your mind?

[Henry Aldrich]

Sam, what do you say we go fishing?

[Sam Aldrich]

Okay. Well, there's no better month to go fishing than January. But, Will, you know, you cut a

[Henry Aldrich]

little hole in the ice and you sit around in the nice frosty air.

[Sam Aldrich]

What made you think of that, Will?

[Henry Aldrich]

I heard somebody talking about it. Come on, Sam, what do you say?

[Sam Aldrich]

Well, it's a temptation, I'll admit. The only thing is I have this work I should do and.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, do it tomorrow.

[Sam Aldrich]

Well, you see, Alice wants. Naturally, I don't have to do it.

[Henry Aldrich]

Naturally.

[Sam Aldrich]

It's like I was just saying to Elizabeth. Who pays the bills around here anyway? Did it work?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, no.

[Sam Aldrich]

I finally said I had to go out for some cigars. Cigars, eh?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yeah, I'm down at the drugstore right now with my fading tackle.

[Sam Aldrich]

Well, I'll meet you there in 15 minutes.

[Henry Aldrich]

Right. Then you meet him. Where, Father?

[Sam Aldrich]

Outline.

[Henry Aldrich]

I thought you promised Mother to chop the ice on the front wall.

[Sam Aldrich]

Right, Mary. Who pays the bills around here?

[Henry Aldrich]

My father, that is.

[Sam Aldrich]

I think I'll go out and get some cigars.

[Henry Aldrich]

Darn it all anyway. The sun's shining, birds are singing, and all feels right in the world.

[Narrator]

Until the season changes and suddenly you lose your motivation to get out of bed. In fact, one in five people experience some form of depression, no matter the season or time of year.

[Henry Aldrich]

At the American Psychiatric association foundation, our

[Narrator]

vision is to build a mentally healthy nation for all. Because we want you to live your best life and be your best you all year round. Please visit mentallyhealthynation.org to learn more.

[Henry Aldrich]

Is that you, Homer? Okay, Hen, let's go. Let's go. Where she was. Where do you think? Fishing. Fishing? This is a fine time for you to decide that.

[Sam Aldrich]

Just when I have to chop up

[Henry Aldrich]

this darn saw sidewalk for my father. Where's your father hiding here? He isn't hiding any place. He was called away on a very important conference. He was? And besides, I thought you had to stay home and wash windows. I don't Anymore. My father went off someplace, so I threw in the sponge and left.

[Sam Aldrich]

Go ahead.

[Henry Aldrich]

A wall. Anyway, you really can't go home. Do you know how long it's taken me to chop this little bit of ice? How long? Well, it's going to take me all day to finish it. Gee, if your father shoveled his walk once in a while, you wouldn't have all this ice.

[Sam Aldrich]

What are you eating?

[Henry Aldrich]

A piece of ice. It just flew in. Listen, Homer. Listen, if you think you can stand around all day eating ice when I'm breaking my darn back. What are you getting at? Henry, the least you could do is help me. But why should we both break our backs? Unless. Fag. What? Listen, maybe we can still go fishing. Have you thought of hot water? Hot water? Sure. You have a hose, haven't you?

[Sam Aldrich]

What?

[Henry Aldrich]

Sure, Frank. It'd melt its ice in no time. Well, Z. What are we standing around for?

[Sam Aldrich]

Hey, feel that. Freeze, Will. Yes, sir. It really keeps you on your toes, doesn't it? Incidentally, how are your toes? Oh, they're fine, Sam, as long as I keep wiggling them. Hand me the saw again. Let's see if I can get this hole a little bigger. Sure. You couldn't catch a minnow through a hole the size of that. Trouble is getting it started, Will. Once I get the saw down in there, we'll be fine.

[Henry Aldrich]

Say, I got an idea. Yeah?

[Sam Aldrich]

If you got a pen knife on you. Yeah, yeah, certainly. Here. Now, if I can just skip a little more ice off, I think we can get the saw in there.

[Henry Aldrich]

Good idea. Yeah, that's getting it.

[Sam Aldrich]

Sam, would you mind if I run around a bit while you're doing that? You're not cold, are you? Of course not. Just a little stiff. I'll be right with you.

[Henry Aldrich]

All right. Clap your arms, Sam. Hey, what a squirt, if you will. Make you feel like a million dollars. Say, Sam. Yes, sir? Sam, did you attach any sentimental value to that pen knife?

[Sam Aldrich]

Well, you didn't drop it through.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, now, don't worry. I'll get it back.

[Sam Aldrich]

I'll have Homer come out in the summer and dive for it, and that's fine.

[Henry Aldrich]

Save.

[Sam Aldrich]

Now, wait a minute.

[Henry Aldrich]

Hand me my line.

[Sam Aldrich]

What for? Well, it's got a good big hook on it. I think I can fish around and

[Henry Aldrich]

hook the pen knife.

[Sam Aldrich]

I doubt it, but here, look.

[Henry Aldrich]

You go on flapping, Sam.

[Sam Aldrich]

I'll drop this in and give it a try. There. You feel anything? No, not yet. Well, let's just forget it. Hey, Will, get up off the ice.

[Henry Aldrich]

Sam, I got one.

[Sam Aldrich]

You got the pen.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mine.

[Sam Aldrich]

I got a fish.

[Henry Aldrich]

Look at that shadow under the ice.

[Sam Aldrich]

Good heavens, it's a monster.

[Henry Aldrich]

What do I do? Land it. Well, how can I land it? Look at the size of the hole.

[Sam Aldrich]

Now, wait a minute, Will. Don't get excited.

[Henry Aldrich]

Don't just stand there. Store the hole, digger. Mighty. Dad.

[Sam Aldrich]

Will, we'll have to cut the line.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, do something, Sam. Do something. Homer. Homer, stop shivering and stand still. Listen here, I'm taking easy. You're rubbing the back off me. Well, I have to get you circulating again, don't I? Can't you use it softer towel. That one feels like sandpaper. Well, I'll go to the linen closet and get some more towels. You're going to leave me alone in your room with just a sheet on? Well, then wait. I'll find you some clothes. And all I can say is, the next time you hose a sidewalk, I hope you have a little more control.

[Sam Aldrich]

Whiz Homer, it was your own.

[Henry Aldrich]

My fault? My fault? Sure. Didn't you come right out and say, turn the hose over here, Henry? Sure, dear. I didn't say, turn the hose on me. And then you jump right in my way. Oh, boy. You know how I feel about Fletcher's Pond. How? I've had enough water for one day. Well, you know what I was just thinking? What? See, if it's no fun chopping ice on your own sidewalk. Think how much tougher it's going to be out on Fletcher's pocket.

[Sam Aldrich]

Sure.

[Henry Aldrich]

See, you stand around and break your back. And then some fish comes along and splashes ice water all over you. Sure. And your mitts freeze to the line. Sure. And right here at home, we've got a fireplace and lots of wood. Then we can sit in front of the fire with a comic book and a skyscraper sandwich. Sure, sure. Can I have some underwear, Henry? Wait a minute, Mary. Henry, Mother wants. Are you making a tent in here? A tent? Mary, I thought. I thought. Never mind. What do you want? Mother wants to see you down in the living room. She does? What for? I don't know, but you better come right down. Mary, can't you even give me a hand? Mother. Mary, I don't think I've ever been so furious in my life. Why, Mother, just look out the window here. Look at the condition of our front walk. My goodness, it's a solid sheet of ice. The postman just sniffed and fell right on his mailbag. And your father promised me faithfully he'd have all that ice cleaned off today. Mother, if it's about your guest Powells, I give you my warm. Can I please put your coat on? We're going out. You are, dear? I want you to go straight out to Fletcher's Pond. Well, Mother, I've changed my mind. About what? I don't want to go to Fletcher's Pond anymore. Well, I want you to. And you're to tell your father to come home immediately. Father? Father is at sweat. Yes, dear. Mrs. Brown and I are positive that's where they went. He's having his conference there. What conference? Well, he wiz. He said he's out there with Mr. Brown. Is he? He is. We'll all be gone.

[Sam Aldrich]

Anybody home?

[Henry Aldrich]

Hey, anybody home?

[Sam Aldrich]

Where's the fire, Mrs. Oh, I'm. I'm sorry to be so noisy, but this is an emergency.

[Henry Aldrich]

Have you got an axe?

[Sam Aldrich]

Why, sure. You want to come in?

[Henry Aldrich]

No, I can't. I have to get back down to Pleasure Pond.

[Sam Aldrich]

What's the trouble?

[Henry Aldrich]

My friend and I went down there

[Sam Aldrich]

fishing, see, and all of a sudden there was this big fella slashing around.

[Henry Aldrich]

And my friend is hanging on for dear life, and the hole isn't big enough to pull him out. You don't see. And, man, is he struggling. If we don't get him out fast, we're going to lose him.

[Sam Aldrich]

Now, look, you find an ax around

[Henry Aldrich]

the side on a block. Oh, fine. Thanks a lot.

[Sam Aldrich]

You get right down there and don't worry. Hur. Get a big pot of hot soup and some blankets. Get them down in the pond right away.

[Henry Aldrich]

Wear my boots and jacket quick.

[Sam Aldrich]

And you better get me a rope. Fell down this pond through the ice. And now getting back to the troubles of Henry. Al. Henry, in trying to talk Homer into going fishing through the ice, has succeeded only in telling both their fathers on the idea. So far, the men are having difficulties landing their bait, and the boys have been sent out to find them. The scene opens at Fletcher's farm. Hurry up, Will. I'm freezing to death.

[Henry Aldrich]

Now, listen, Sam.

[Sam Aldrich]

I got up to that farmhouse and back as quick as I could. Well, at least you've been moving. Here, you hold the pitch. Right and left. Me tunnel.

[Henry Aldrich]

That suits me.

[Sam Aldrich]

Oh, boy, it's good to sit down. Get your feet out of the way, Will. My feet are all right. Let's hurry and get that fish out and get home. Well, be long now.

[Henry Aldrich]

Thank you.

[Sam Aldrich]

Who's that?

[Henry Aldrich]

Look, Sam.

[Sam Aldrich]

It's a lady of some kind. Have we seen who, ma'?

[Henry Aldrich]

Am? The poor man himself through the eyes.

[Sam Aldrich]

What, dad?

[Henry Aldrich]

My husband's up at the north end of the pond. And we've been looking all over and we haven't been able to find him any place.

[Sam Aldrich]

Well, say we've been here for over an hour. We haven't seen anybody around here.

[Henry Aldrich]

My heavens. I have this hot soup in these blankets.

[Sam Aldrich]

Are you sure? It was spectacular.

[Henry Aldrich]

Why, I thought it was.

[Sam Aldrich]

You don't think he could have gone through up at Birches Creek? Sure. If he isn't here, he must be up there.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, then we could have got up there right away. I'll go and get my husband.

[Sam Aldrich]

We haven't time. Come on, Will. On your feet. Sam, what about our sick? We can't worry about that now. Tie the line to this screen over here and we'll come back for it later.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, Father. Father. Only children. Are you sure that the sweatshirt. He is sure. Any? Well, nothing looks familiar anymore since it started to smell. We don't find our fathers in about five minutes. I'm going home. Homer. Maybe they're lost. Homer. Homer, where are you? I'm down here. I could. Oh, here, I'll help you up. Henry, you know what I think? I think we're lost. How could we be if this is Fletcher's arm? But Henry, I just took over our fence. What? And there aren't anything to do on Fletcher's pond. Homer. Homer, this isn't any fence. It's a piece of strange. Now listen, Henry, I'm not that weak. But look, Homer, look. It's tied to a tree. It is?

[Sam Aldrich]

And it's jiggling.

[Henry Aldrich]

Jimmy, you're crazy. Wait, what? I follow it along. It's definitely jiggling. Gee, is. You're right. We don't like to see some of this snow away. Look at this. It goes down through a hole in the ice. Can we? Plus, there's a fetch on the end of it. A great big fish. Well, all these yarns. Pull it out. Pull it out? The hole isn't big enough. And we'll do is. Look what's here under the snow. What? And that. Henry, it's a miracle.

[Sam Aldrich]

Either that, Homer, or it's a dream.

[Henry Aldrich]

Even if it is, let's chop a great big hole and get that fish out before we wake up.

[Sam Aldrich]

Well, if you turn around and walk frontwards, we'd get there a lot faster. Look, you walk your way, Sam, and I'll walk mine. Now, granted the snow's flowing in blockation. Yes, and I've walked into all the trees I'm going to walk into. You're still bumping into Trees, See, walking backwards.

[Henry Aldrich]

I can stand it better that way.

[Sam Aldrich]

Anyway, here's like it's hard. Boy, I'd like to get my hands on the guy who started us on this wild goose case. We pretty well had to go. Well, suppose somebody really had fallen through the ice. We had to go.

[Henry Aldrich]

Sure.

[Sam Aldrich]

I wouldn't have minded going up there and taking a quick look around.

[Henry Aldrich]

Now.

[Sam Aldrich]

Now, it hides around here someplace. That woman insisting that we hunt for grease. Solid hours. I tell you, I don't think I'll ever saw out. Do you remember what tree we tied our fish line to? Oh, look at that. Look at that. Snow all over the place. Now, Will, even if we do find the tree, how are we going to find the fish? Well, if we can only keep our sense of humor, we'll be all right. What? Things aren't really so fast. As a matter of fact, look where Darcy, I distinctly remember that broken branch. Now, all of the ice can't eat this monster here. Oh, we never find it in this snow, Sam.

[Henry Aldrich]

A tiny little hole like that.

[Sam Aldrich]

We'll find it all right.

[Henry Aldrich]

Sam. Will, help me out.

[Sam Aldrich]

How does that fire feel? Good.

[Henry Aldrich]

Would you like some more hot soup, John?

[Sam Aldrich]

I sure would. Be sure to keep that blanket over your shoulders now, Martha. Oh, I will. We'll be lucky if we don't both catch pneumonia. When I think of going over Fletcher

[Henry Aldrich]

Pond inch by inch. And John, if you could have only seen those poor men hunting with me up there at bur.

[Sam Aldrich]

Now, who would that be?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, you going to ask me? I guess I better. We'll. Sorry. Not getting the grass wrong.

[Sam Aldrich]

Yes. Come quick, mister. Oh, it's you again. Hurry, bring those blankets and hot soup.

[Henry Aldrich]

My friend just fell through the ice. Oh, yeah? Well, tell it to the Marines. What? If you think I'm going to fall

[Sam Aldrich]

for that story again, you're crazy.

[Henry Aldrich]

Just look at him, Mother. Isn't he a beauty? My goodness, Henry, that's the biggest fish I've ever seen. Just wait a minute. She's eight and a half turn. You caught him all by yourself? Well, we didn't actually catch him. If he was disordered, he wouldn't believe it. But we were walking along in the middle of nowhere and all of a sudden there he was, tied to a tree. Now, hold on. Oh, it's nutty Henry. We haven't measured him yet. Oh, boy. Come on. I bet he's two feet long. You have to swim it around like that, do you? Should we have a manager? Why did we get to eat him? Henry? Sam, is that You, Alex. Where's Henry?

[Sam Aldrich]

I just keep his sense of humor. Sam, what happened to our front walk?

[Henry Aldrich]

Sam, what's happened to you?

[Sam Aldrich]

Let me tell you something. A few minutes ago we started up the front walk and I mentioned to Will how happy I was excited when all of a sudden, there we both were, flat on our backs. Who turned our front walk into a skating rink?

[Henry Aldrich]

Sam, that front walk is your own fault. And may I ask whose clothes you're wearing?

[Sam Aldrich]

They're my own, Alice. It's just a little shrunk, that's all.

[Henry Aldrich]

My heavens, you're soaking wet.

[Sam Aldrich]

Well, I'd ride out of it in the car.

[Henry Aldrich]

All right, Alex.

[Sam Aldrich]

All right, forget it. Just forget everything unless you lie down here. Move over, Sam.

[Henry Aldrich]

So I'm quickly going to get you some blankets. Father.

[Sam Aldrich]

Henry, come in here.

[Henry Aldrich]

Sure. Father, what do you think of this? You want to get it dusty?

[Sam Aldrich]

Henry, where'd you get that fish?

[Henry Aldrich]

We found it f. Sure. Out of sweaty pond.

[Sam Aldrich]

What's that? Where she pond.

[Henry Aldrich]

Father, is that you on the floor?

[Sam Aldrich]

Henry, was that fish by any chance tied to its core?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, how did you know?

[Sam Aldrich]

What do you know about that? In that case, kindly give it to me.

[Henry Aldrich]

You want to have a good look at it.

[Sam Aldrich]

Father, it happens that that fish belongs to Mr. Brown and to me.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, no, Mr. Aldous. Oh, yes, Homer.

[Sam Aldrich]

I'm sorry, boys, but we caught it and we tied the line to the tree.

[Henry Aldrich]

But, Father, even if he did, we landed it.

[Sam Aldrich]

Henry, someday I'll tell you what we went through today because of that fish. I'll hand it over.

[Henry Aldrich]

But he will. Henry, dear. Father.

[Sam Aldrich]

Well, let's see it, Sam. Let's have a good look at it. Isn't he a beauty? Oh, boy, he must weigh ten pounds.

[Henry Aldrich]

Eight and a half. Come on, Homer.

[Sam Aldrich]

Homer, why don't you go along with Henry and stop asking questions. Well, do you think we should mount him? Oh, Homer.

[Henry Aldrich]

All right. Alice.

[Sam Aldrich]

Oh, here, hold the fish, Will. I'll be right back.

[Henry Aldrich]

Sure. And Sam, we ought to take a picture of it, you know.

[Sam Aldrich]

Hello.

[Henry Aldrich]

Hello.

[Sam Aldrich]

Is this Rory? Yes.

[Henry Aldrich]

I understand your son caught a fish.

[Sam Aldrich]

No, sir. My friend and I caught it.

[Henry Aldrich]

It's our fish.

[Sam Aldrich]

After what we went through today, I'd like to see anyone else claim that fish. That's very interesting. Oh, say, it's a beauty.

[Henry Aldrich]

A ten pound vamp.

[Sam Aldrich]

Let me tell you how we caught it. You can tell me all about it in my office. 10 o' clock in the morning. Who is this? A game warden. You're not allowed to catch fat in January.

[Henry Aldrich]

Now, wait a minute. Will anyone have another piece of faith?

[Sam Aldrich]

I will.

[Henry Aldrich]

Please.

[Sam Aldrich]

I paid enough for it. I might as well enjoy it.

[Henry Aldrich]

Have a missing someday, though. Hing. I'll say. I don't mind the bit you're taking the fish away from me, potty. Well, that's fine. I've got something much better. Homer and I were cleaning the fixtry and. Boy, what a day for miracles. I'll say. Guess what we found inside it, Mother. What, dear? It's something I've always wanted. A pen knife.

[Sam Aldrich]

What?