Aldrich Family - Is Henry's Date With Gladys For Dinner

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Aldrich Family – Is Henry's Date With Gladys For Dinner

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

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Overview

This episode features a classic comedy episode from "The Aldrich Family," a staple of Golden Age Radio. The main theme centers on teenage miscommunication and social anxiety, as Henry Aldrich anxiously tries to determine if his date with Gladys Prentice is actually an invitation to dinner at her house or something else entirely. The episode plays out through humorous misunderstandings, frantic phone calls, and escalating confusion, culminating in a comedic dinner scenario.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Setting the Scene (01:12–02:30)

• Narrator introduces Henry Aldrich as a typical, anxious teenage boy facing the confusion of young love and social conventions.
• The opening phone exchange between Henry and Gladys sets up the core misunderstanding: what exactly their "date" at 6:30 entails—dinner, a social visit, or something else?

"It's swell to hear your voice."
— Henry Aldrich to Gladys Prentice (01:36)

2. The Source of Confusion: Is It for Dinner? (02:31–06:24)

• At the family breakfast table, Henry consults his parents about the implications of being invited over at 6:30.
• Parental advice veers between pragmatic and bewildered; different family backgrounds (“the Prentices always eat at 6:30”) add to the uncertainty.
• Both sets of parents are equally flustered about etiquette and expectations, with mothers overanalyzing the situation.

"When someone invites you over to their house at 6:30, does that mean it's for dinner or just social?"
— Henry, to his father Sam (03:21)

3. Escalating Anxiety: Preparation and Overthinking (08:46–11:26)

• Henry obsesses over his appearance and suit, wanting to look perfect, convinced he's invited for dinner.
• His friend Homer gets involved, discussing their own dinner plans and theorizing about the Prentices' formality (evening gowns and tuxedos).
• Gladys, on her end, also frets about attire, formalities, and whether lace should be added to her dress.

"Oh, boy. Homer, you don't suppose that dinner is formal, do you?"
— Henry Aldrich (10:41)

4. The Second Phone Call: False Confirmation (11:51–13:12)

• Henry and Gladys finally clarify the "dinner" aspect in a roundabout way, with humorous misunderstandings about tuxedos and maroon ties.
• Both pretend confidence but remain unsure about the dinner’s nature.

"Henry, I just want you to know I never looked forward to a meal more."
— Gladys Prentice (12:11)

"Only, would you mind very much if I wore a maroon tie? ... With my tuxedo, see, with. Somehow my black one seems to have disappeared completely."
— Henry Aldrich (12:51)

5. The Dinner Date: Awkward Formality (14:28–17:32)

• Henry and Gladys meet up, both overdressed and still uncertain about what kind of evening lies ahead.
• The wrongly assumed “formal dinner” is ultimately just the two of them... with neither set of parents at home!
• Comic payoff as they realize both expected the other to host dinner—but nobody actually has.

"My mother and father? Henry, did you want them to have dinner with us too? ... They just left for my Aunt Mabel’s engagement party."
— Gladys Prentice (16:27)

"My goodness, this is going to be a night I’ll never forget."
— Gladys Prentice (17:31)

6. The Restaurant Fiasco: Scrambling for Solutions (17:45–25:00)

• Henry and Gladys end up at the Mansion House restaurant, only to face high prices and a lack of reservations.
• Homer reappears, hungry and low on cash. They attempt to pool scant money, drop coins down a grate, and try to strategize their meal on a tight budget.
• The waiter adds to the confusion, and Gladys innocently orders an expensive duck dinner for all three.

"Do you have an easy credit plan?"
— Henry Aldrich, to the waiter (20:40)

7. The Twist: Bill Paid, Lesson Learned (25:00–26:02)

• When the check arrives, to Henry’s and Homer's relief, Henry’s father has paid the bill in full—with a note urging future caution and less certainty.
• The families are reunited, and the episode closes on Homer lamenting his (alleged) financial loss as a comic coda.

"Maybe in the future we’ll all be a little less positive and a little more careful."
— Narrator, reading Sam’s note (25:28)

"Father, is that you behind that palm?"
— Henry Aldrich (25:44)

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Memorable Quotes

• Henry Aldrich:
  “It’s swell to hear your voice.” (01:36)
  “When someone invites you over to their house at 6:30, does that mean it’s for dinner or just social?” (03:21)
  “Do you have an easy credit plan?” (20:40)
• Gladys Prentice:
  “My goodness, this is going to be a night I’ll never forget.” (17:31)
• Narrator/Sam:
  “Maybe in the future we’ll all be a little less positive and a little more careful.” (25:28)
• Homer:
  “I lost my $75, and the least you can do is feed me.” (23:42)

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Important Timestamps

• [01:12] Introduction of Henry's social dilemma by narrator
• [02:31–04:46] Henry tries to decipher the invitation with family
• [08:46] Henry and Homer discuss dinner formality and funds
• [11:51] Awkward clarifying call between Henry and Gladys
• [14:28] Henry and Gladys meet—both overdressed, unsure
• [17:45] Scene changes to Mansion House restaurant
• [19:01] Parental reservation confusion escalates with head waiter
• [20:40] Henry asks for an "easy credit plan" at restaurant
• [25:28] Bill is discovered paid by Henry's father, note read aloud

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Tone and Style

The episode is classic light-hearted family comedy, with rapid-fire dialogue, gentle sarcasm, and a playful sense of dramatic irony. The tone is warm, nostalgic, and loaded with the innocent anxieties of adolescence—magnified by the intricacies of outdated social etiquette.

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Summary

This episode showcases the enduring comedy of misunderstanding and youthful anxiety, as Henry Aldrich and Gladys Prentice each misunderstand a simple dinner date and unintentionally escalate it into a formal affair. The episode humorously critiques assumptions and the perils of not just asking outright, while never losing the endearing awkwardness of its teen characters. The night ends more or less happily—with a little help from dad’s wallet—and everyone a little wiser for next time.

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Transcript

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[Narrator]

To a teenage boy, each new day is a new world filled with all sorts of discoveries and excitement and even mishaps with always ending. So it is with Henry Aldrich. The scene opens at the telephone in Aldrich Front Hall. It is Saturday morning.

[Henry Aldrich]

Hello.

[Gladys Prentice]

Hello.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, how are you, Gladys?

[Gladys Prentice]

Fine and you?

[Henry Aldrich]

Fine.

[Homer]

See?

[Henry Aldrich]

It's swell to hear your voice.

[Gladys Prentice]

Nice to hear yours too.

[Homer]

It is.

[Gladys Prentice]

My goodness. Who is this?

[Henry Aldrich]

A Henry.

[Gladys Prentice]

Henry? Henry Alvin.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

Well, hello.

[Gladys Prentice]

Nice meeting on your boy, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Just a minute, Gladys. Yes, mother.

[Gladys Prentice]

Please come and eat your breakfast.

[Henry Aldrich]

Sure, mother. Just as soon as I find out one thing from Gladys.

[Gladys Prentice]

What thing, Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

Why? Do you remember last Thursday, Gladys?

[Gladys Prentice]

I think I do.

[Henry Aldrich]

You mean you don't remember making the date with me?

[Gladys Prentice]

Of course I do. How can I forget that? What was it for?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, tonight and the reason I called. Gladys, about what time do you want me to come over?

[Gladys Prentice]

What time?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yeah, why?

[Gladys Prentice]

What time were you planning on coming?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I wasn't sure whether you wanted me to come in time for.

[Homer]

For.

[Gladys Prentice]

For what?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I mean, I certainly wouldn't want to barge in right in the middle of your. Your. How does 5:30 sound?

[Gladys Prentice]

5:30? Oh, isn't that a little early?

[Henry Aldrich]

It is.

[Gladys Prentice]

It isn't. Well, how about 6?

[Henry Aldrich]

Is that too early?

[Gladys Prentice]

Why not make it 6:30?

[Henry Aldrich]

6:30.

[Gladys Prentice]

How does that sound?

[Henry Aldrich]

Sure. 6:30 is a nice round number. Only is that before or. That is. Would that be after?

[Gladys Prentice]

Yes, Henrik.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, 6:30 will be fine. Gladys. I'll be there. Goodbye. I'm coming Mother, your breakfast is getting cold.

[Narrator]

Alice, can you reach the cream, please?

[Henry Aldrich]

Here you are, dear.

[Narrator]

Thank you.

[Gladys Prentice]

Father.

[Narrator]

Yes, Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

Father, you've had quite a bit of experience eating.

[Narrator]

I beg your pardon?

[Henry Aldrich]

Sam, pass this grapefruit down to Henry. What I mean is, people sometimes invite you over to their house for dinner, don't they?

[Narrator]

There have been occasions. Why do you ask?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, Father, when someone invites you over to their house at 6:30, does that mean it's for dinner or just social?

[Narrator]

What's that?

[Henry Aldrich]

Henry, please eat your grapefruit. When I've got something on my mind, Dear, the best way to get something off your mind is to put the something in your stomach. Now start on your grapefruit. Yes, Mother.

[Narrator]

Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Did I get you, Father? You did. Do you see how upset I am, Mother?

[Narrator]

Alice, let him ask me whatever he's going to. Breakfast won't be safe until he does. Now, who's invited you to dinner?

[Henry Aldrich]

That's it. I don't know.

[Gladys Prentice]

What?

[Henry Aldrich]

I mean, I know who it is.

[Narrator]

Sure, but I'm not sure they are or what.

[Gladys Prentice]

Sure.

[Narrator]

Alice.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Sam?

[Narrator]

Alice, he's your son. Translation, please.

[Henry Aldrich]

Don't you understand, Father? No, it's perfectly simple. I've got a date tonight with Gladys Prentice and I'm not sure whether eating goes with it or not.

[Narrator]

Oh, that seems simple to me. Did she invite you?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, she told me to be sure and be there no later than 6:30. 6:30? Yes, mother. I got the idea that was the absolute deadline. Well, it certainly sounds like dinner.

[Narrator]

It sounds like nothing of the sort. It might easily be after dinner.

[Henry Aldrich]

Now, Sam, Mabel Prentice was a Kavanaugh before she was married, wasn't she?

[Narrator]

What's that got to do with it?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, her father was a railroad engineer.

[Narrator]

Henry, she's your mother. Translation, please, dear.

[Henry Aldrich]

They live right across the street from us. And I know Mr. Kavanaugh's train got in at 6:15 and they never ate before 6:30.

[Gladys Prentice]

Oh, boy.

[Homer]

You mean I'm really invited?

[Narrator]

No, Henry, let's not be hasty.

[Henry Aldrich]

But you heard what Mother said. They always eat at 6:30. It's in their blood.

[Narrator]

There's a very simple way to find out if you're invited to dinner.

[Henry Aldrich]

There is. How?

[Narrator]

Phone Gladys and ask her.

[Henry Aldrich]

Ask her right out?

[Narrator]

Why not?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, Father, I couldn't see if she wasn't expecting me, she'd think I wanted an invitation. Why don't you, Sam? Look, suppose I do this. Toby Smith lives next door to Gladys. Maybe he could tell me whether they eat before or after 6:30. Finish your grapes are. Say, but Mother, don't you think I should find out?

[Narrator]

Henry, do as your mother says.

[Gladys Prentice]

But, father.

[Henry Aldrich]

Henry. Yes, sir.

[Narrator]

Now start eating.

[Gladys Prentice]

What? Henry whiz.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mother, did I get you in the eye, too? Now see here, Sam, for heaven's sake,

[Gladys Prentice]

let him go make his phone call. But Matthew. What? Tell me what you think.

[Henry Aldrich]

I think you're not wiping those dishes very well. Gratis.

[Gladys Prentice]

Oh, my goodness. I'm sorry.

[Henry Aldrich]

And if we're lending our best china to Aunt Mabel for her engagement party tonight, we certainly want to send him over clean.

[Gladys Prentice]

Yes, ma'.

[Henry Aldrich]

Am.

[Gladys Prentice]

But doesn't it sound to you as though Henry meant what I think he meant?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, frankly, dear, I think you may

[Gladys Prentice]

be jumping to conclusions. But why would he want to come over so early if he isn't taking me out to dinner?

[Henry Aldrich]

Now, Gladys, the wisest thing for you to do is phone Henry and find out definitely just what he had in mind.

[Gladys Prentice]

Oh, Mother, I just couldn't. Why not? Because he wasn't planning on taking me to dinner. My goodness. I'd just died of embarrassment.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, now I'm glad.

[Gladys Prentice]

I'd die right here in a people. What a feast. Oh, my goodness.

[Henry Aldrich]

You didn't break a plate, did you?

[Gladys Prentice]

No, but I could have sworn I saw somebody up in that big elm tree right there in our backyard.

[Henry Aldrich]

You.

[Homer]

You did?

[Gladys Prentice]

And mother, you know who it looked like? Oh, but it couldn't be. Why would Henry ard me if you doing up in our elm tree? Sam?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, I just phoned the Browns.

[Narrator]

They'll join us.

[Gladys Prentice]

Yes, dear.

[Henry Aldrich]

And Elizabeth had the same reaction I did. Imagine going out to dinner for no reason whatsoever. Why not?

[Narrator]

Henry's having dinner at the Prentices. You deserve a day off. Why not?

[Henry Aldrich]

Just the same, Sam, I can't help being thrilled.

[Narrator]

What time did you tell the Browns to meet?

[Henry Aldrich]

7.

[Gladys Prentice]

And, dear, don't you think you should

[Homer]

call the Mansion House for a reservation?

[Narrator]

That won't be necessary. But suppose it's crowded, Alice, I'm positive it won't be. Besides, the head waiter knows me very well. I can always get a table.

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[Henry Aldrich]

Look at my blue sturge suit. Mary Hunger angora sweater. Right next to us, dear. I'm sure we can clean it up. Clean it up? Well, could you do it now, mother? It's only five more hours until 6:30 and I can't go looking like a boll weevil.

[Narrator]

Henry, I don't like to seem over cautious, but I'd just like to ask once more. Are you absolutely certain you're invited to dinner at the Prentices?

[Henry Aldrich]

Sam, he said he was positive.

[Narrator]

He's been positive before.

[Henry Aldrich]

But Father, I told you what I saw with my own eyes when I just happened to be up in their elm tree this morning. Gee whiz, would they be getting out their best china just to eat with each other? I'll be right there, Homer. Sam, I do think you should phone for reservations.

[Homer]

Am I a lucky dog? Am I a lucky dog?

[Henry Aldrich]

You are.

[Homer]

Why? I don't have to eat home tonight.

[Henry Aldrich]

Is that right? Sure.

[Homer]

Didn't you hear? My folks are going out with your folks for dinner. And they gave me a dollar and a half to blow in on any kind of dinner I want.

[Henry Aldrich]

No kidding. A whole dollar and a half?

[Homer]

Together with the quarter I just earned, I'll be able to eat myself. Thick boy, am I a lucky dog.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, Homer, wait till I tell you about me.

[Homer]

Then why don't you get some money from your parents and we'll stuff ourselves together?

[Henry Aldrich]

That's just it, Homer. I'm sort of invited out to dinner tonight.

[Homer]

You are? Where to, Gladys Prentices. No kidding? Sure. That's funny. I just delivered something there from the cleaners. I'm. Gladys didn't mention anything about treating me.

[Henry Aldrich]

Homer, you see this blue serge suit?

[Homer]

Yeah.

[Henry Aldrich]

I'm even cleaning Mary's angora off it. That's how sure I am.

[Homer]

Gee, are you a lucky dog. I don't think you better wear your blue shirt too. Why not? Because the thing I delivered was an evening gown. Evening gown? Sure. They told the police they had to have it for tonight.

[Henry Aldrich]

Tonight?

[Homer]

Oh, boy. Henry, what's the matter?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, boy. Homer, you don't suppose that dinner is formal, do you?

[Gladys Prentice]

Any tuxedo? Sure.

[Henry Aldrich]

And boy, my father didn't even think I was important enough for good china. Gladys, would you zip me up the back, please?

[Gladys Prentice]

Yes, Mother. And look, why don't I do this? Why don't I call all the restaurants in town and see if Henning has made a reservation here?

[Henry Aldrich]

That's very foolish. Am I yet all the way.

[Gladys Prentice]

Well, couldn't and hall just a little bit more love.

[Henry Aldrich]

You know, I. I think that cleaner shrunk this gown.

[Gladys Prentice]

Mother, why don't you wear my new gown over that?

[Henry Aldrich]

Mabel, I'm much too boned here. Which reminds me. Your father and I have been discussing that evening down, Gladys. And, well, we think it might be wise to sew on a little lace around the shoulder.

[Gladys Prentice]

Mother, I'm not pony.

[Henry Aldrich]

We realize that. That's why we thought some lace would

[Narrator]

add a great deal.

[Gladys Prentice]

But my dear, my dear, you know

[Henry Aldrich]

how easily you can't go in a year or two when you build up your resistance. We can take the lace off and answer the phone. Please.

[Gladys Prentice]

Yes, ma'.

[Henry Aldrich]

Am.

[Gladys Prentice]

Hello?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, hi, Gladys. This is Henry.

[Gladys Prentice]

Hello, Henry. Mother. Oh, that's fine, dear. Now ask him about your knife.

[Homer]

Hi.

[Gladys Prentice]

That.

[Henry Aldrich]

Hello.

[Gladys Prentice]

Hello. How. How are you?

[Henry Aldrich]

Fine. How are you?

[Gladys Prentice]

Fine. I. I'll see you at 6:30, won't I?

[Narrator]

Sure.

[Henry Aldrich]

I'll see you at 6:30 too, won't I?

[Gladys Prentice]

Yeah.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, I'm glad.

[Gladys Prentice]

Yes.

[Henry Aldrich]

Henry, I just want you to know I never look forward to a meal more.

[Gladys Prentice]

What?

[Henry Aldrich]

My. Henry, could you hold on?

[Gladys Prentice]

Mother, it is really.

[Henry Aldrich]

Are you sure?

[Gladys Prentice]

Henry, would you mind repeating that again? About dinner, I mean. Repeater, Mother.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, I say was I'm looking forward to eating with you tonight.

[Gladys Prentice]

Well, what do you know?

[Henry Aldrich]

Shouldn't I upset it?

[Gladys Prentice]

Of Course you should. Henry, I'm so glad you called.

[Henry Aldrich]

You are? Well, look, Gladys, I've got a little, what you might call a problem about dinner tonight.

[Gladys Prentice]

Problem? Honey, nothing's gone wrong at your end, has it?

[Henry Aldrich]

No, things are fine at my end, just fine. How are they at yours?

[Gladys Prentice]

Fine.

[Henry Aldrich]

Only, would you mind very much if I wore a maroon tie?

[Gladys Prentice]

A maroon tie?

[Henry Aldrich]

With my tuxedo, See, with. Somehow my black one seems to have disappeared completely.

[Gladys Prentice]

Tuxedo. You're wearing a tuxedo tonight.

[Henry Aldrich]

Didn't you want me to?

[Gladys Prentice]

Why, well, yes. Yes, of course I did.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well.

[Gladys Prentice]

And, honey, I have to hurry and hang up now. I'll see you at 6:30. Goodbye. Goodbye.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mother.

[Gladys Prentice]

Mother, you'll have to throw on that lace on my evening gown right away.

[Henry Aldrich]

Cross over. Gladys lives on this block. Homer, in a formal dinner, which fork do you use first? They have more than one, of course.

[Homer]

Well, I'd start at the end and work toward my place.

[Henry Aldrich]

Now, that makes sense.

[Homer]

And, Henry, if you were me, would you get the businessman special at the Main Street Diner or the table to

[Henry Aldrich]

hold at Hamburger Paradise? Well, if I were to.

[Homer]

Your belt.

[Henry Aldrich]

Like a good solid bowl of soup and investor in dessert, see, I don't know.

[Homer]

Boy, here I am with 1:75 and I don't know how to eat it up. Can you make this, Al?

[Henry Aldrich]

What is it?

[Homer]

A menu I picked up from the

[Henry Aldrich]

Purple Goose Business at the bottom.

[Homer]

Say, all meals served with salad and potatoes. Or salad or potatoes. Why, or is it potato salad?

[Henry Aldrich]

Homer, haven't got time to fool around. Here's Gladys.

[Homer]

Yeah, so long. Is that Armenian restaurant over in South Avenue Armenian? I might as well cover the field.

[Gladys Prentice]

Hello. Hello, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, gee, hi, Gladys.

[Homer]

I was just about to knock.

[Gladys Prentice]

I saw you coming up the walk. Come here. My goodness, but you look handsome in that tuxedo.

[Henry Aldrich]

I do? See? You look pretty handsome yourself.

[Gladys Prentice]

Thank you.

[Henry Aldrich]

Boy, that's some gown.

[Gladys Prentice]

Wait till you see it after I build up my resistance. I'm certainly looking forward to this evening.

[Henry Aldrich]

So am I. Well, here's my hat.

[Gladys Prentice]

You're taking it off.

[Narrator]

You don't think I'd kill him?

[Henry Aldrich]

Good.

[Gladys Prentice]

Of course, I'll put it right here on the hall table for the time being.

[Henry Aldrich]

Sure. Boy, I sure am hungry.

[Narrator]

You're.

[Henry Aldrich]

So am I. Yes, sir.

[Gladys Prentice]

Yeah.

[Homer]

Mmm.

[Henry Aldrich]

What's that I smell?

[Gladys Prentice]

You smell something?

[Henry Aldrich]

I'll see. Sure smells good.

[Gladys Prentice]

Oh, that's taboo.

[Narrator]

It is?

[Henry Aldrich]

I've never eaten any.

[Gladys Prentice]

That's my perfume.

[Henry Aldrich]

Kelly perfume, huh?

[Gladys Prentice]

Henry, would you like a glass of tomato juice?

[Henry Aldrich]

Tomato Juice?

[Gladys Prentice]

My mother thought you might like some before. Before?

[Henry Aldrich]

Before what?

[Gladys Prentice]

Oh, excuse me, Henry. He was on the phone. Hello?

[Henry Aldrich]

As this is Mrs. Aldrich, could I speak to Henry please?

[Gladys Prentice]

Yes, Mrs. Aldrich. Come here to my.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, it is thankful.

[Gladys Prentice]

I'll be in the living room.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, Mother dear, your father and I are just about to leave for the Mansion House. Is everything all right? All right? About dinner I mean. Why don't we haven't started to eat yet. But they just served the tomato juice.

[Gladys Prentice]

They did?

[Henry Aldrich]

Sure. We should be going into the dining room for the rest of it any minute now. Well, have a good time.

[Gladys Prentice]

And Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Mother?

[Gladys Prentice]

If Mrs. Prenders is using a new

[Henry Aldrich]

tablecloth, he's an eye on your elbow. Sure, Mother. I'll keep an eye on everything. Goodbye. Goodbye.

[Gladys Prentice]

I don't want to rush you, but it's nearly sat one.

[Homer]

It is?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, where's your mother and father?

[Gladys Prentice]

My mother and father? Henry, did you want them to have dinner with us too? I don't know. They mean. My goodness. They just left for my Aunt Mabel's engagement party.

[Henry Aldrich]

We're going to eat alone?

[Gladys Prentice]

Why yes.

[Henry Aldrich]

With just the two of us?

[Gladys Prentice]

Yes. Oh boy.

[Henry Aldrich]

Getting ready? Gee, I'm ready anytime you are.

[Gladys Prentice]

Good. Here's your hop.

[Henry Aldrich]

You mean you want me to put on my hat?

[Gladys Prentice]

Don't you think you should?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, sure. Just didn't realize it was going to be that formal.

[Gladys Prentice]

I want you to know this is the first time I've ever had a formal dinner with any boy in private.

[Henry Aldrich]

Me too. I mean you.

[Gladys Prentice]

To be perfectly honest, this is the first time I've ever been invited out to dinner. Is that a

[Henry Aldrich]

invited out?

[Gladys Prentice]

Tell me what's wrong. You invite me out to dinner, didn't you?

[Henry Aldrich]

Why sure.

[Gladys Prentice]

Oh, I thought I might have misunderstood you. My goodness, this is going to be a night I'll never forget.

[Henry Aldrich]

It will.

[Gladys Prentice]

Yeah.

[Henry Aldrich]

I have a feeling it's going to be one I'll never forget either.

[Narrator]

Now getting back to the the troubles of Henry Al. Because his date with Gladys prentice began at 6:30, Henry jumped to the conclusion that he'd been invited to dinner. After a quick tomato juice cocktail, however, he learned that Gladys expected to be taken out to dinner. The scene opens in the lobby of the Mansion House restaurant. It is dinner time. Now say here, Mr. Aldrich, you're raising your voice. I'm not raising it. Besides, I have every right to. I've been coming here to the mansion regularly for 15 years now and this is no time to tell me they have no table Naturally. I'm very sorry, sir, but you should have phoned for reservations. That's beside the point. Let me speak to the head waiter. I'm the head waiter. I mean, the head waiter with a bald head. He left six months ago. He couldn't have, but he did.

[Henry Aldrich]

Now you're the one who's raising your voice.

[Narrator]

I'm sorry. Mr. Aldrich, I'm willing to give you a table. I'm. I'm anxious to, but it'll have to be one on the side of the room. But I can't sit behind those palms. I'm allergic to them.

[Henry Aldrich]

To palm.

[Narrator]

The last time we sat behind them, I sneezed from the fruit cup right through the strawberry shortcuts. You simply have to give us a table in the middle of the room. Very well, Mr. Ogrid.

[Henry Aldrich]

Very well.

[Narrator]

But you'll have to wait at least 40 minutes.

[Henry Aldrich]

40 minutes, at least.

[Gladys Prentice]

Now, just a moment. The Browns will be here any second

[Henry Aldrich]

and they're counting on us to have made the arrangement. I'm sorry, but.

[Gladys Prentice]

Sorry? After we've been coming here for 15 years, all you can say is you're sorry?

[Narrator]

Alice, please. You're raising your voice.

[Gladys Prentice]

Henry, we're not really going to have dinner here in the Mansion House, are we?

[Henry Aldrich]

We might. I mean, that depends on whether you happen to see my mother and father in there in the dining room.

[Narrator]

Good evening, sir. Just to.

[Gladys Prentice]

Why?

[Henry Aldrich]

Could I speak to the head waiter?

[Narrator]

I'm afraid not. He went home about an hour ago with a very severe headache.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, well. Gladys, do you mind if I talk to the waiter for one second?

[Gladys Prentice]

Is anything wrong, honey? No, no.

[Henry Aldrich]

Excuse me. Look, waiter, do you happen to know my mother and father?

[Narrator]

I'm not sure I've had the letters.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, they're eating here tonight. See, I thought under the circumstances they might like to have us join them and put everything on one check. I'll only be a second, Gladys.

[Narrator]

Young man, what do your parents look like?

[Homer]

Look like?

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee whiz, I've never thought of them looking like anything before. I'll tell you, my mother looks like. Like. Have you ever seen my grandmother? I have not. Oh, well, that's too bad. They're the image of each other.

[Narrator]

I'm afraid I can't help you, son.

[Henry Aldrich]

Gladys, what are you doing at that table?

[Gladys Prentice]

I was free and I gratitude. Sit down, Henry. Here, I've got a menu for you, Gladys. My goodness, look at these prices. Aren't they just terrible?

[Homer]

Oh, thanks.

[Henry Aldrich]

Waiter. Waiter.

[Narrator]

Someone calling me.

[Henry Aldrich]

It's me, over by the doorway.

[Narrator]

Oh, yes, sir. Have you and the young lady decided on your order?

[Henry Aldrich]

Why, she's still having a little trouble making up her mind. And while she is, I thought I'd ask. Do you have an easy credit plan? Easy credit? Yes, sir. The easier, the better.

[Narrator]

No, I'm afraid not.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, well, will you be taking on any help for the summer?

[Narrator]

We're closed for the summer. Yes, we usually do. Just look at that.

[Henry Aldrich]

You see, my parents?

[Narrator]

What? No, no. But look at that young man with his nose pressed against the front window.

[Gladys Prentice]

Where?

[Narrator]

Right next to the menu.

[Henry Aldrich]

Go away, young man. Go away. Oh, boy, it's Homer.

[Homer]

Excuse me.

[Henry Aldrich]

Please tell him he's smudging the entire window.

[Homer]

Homer.

[Henry Aldrich]

Boy, am I glad I found you.

[Homer]

Henry, just look at these prices.

[Henry Aldrich]

Homer, you haven't eaten already?

[Homer]

No, and I'm certainly not going to eat here. Boy, you have to be a millionaire.

[Henry Aldrich]

I know. And that's why you have to lend me your $1.75.

[Homer]

Are you crazy, Henry? That's for my dinner.

[Henry Aldrich]

Homer, don't you want to save me from a terrible disgrace?

[Homer]

Or if it's going to cost me a $75? I thought you were eating it for answers.

[Henry Aldrich]

So did I, but somehow I'm taking her here instead. So, Homer, won't you please, please let me have that money? No. Haven't you any humanity?

[Homer]

Not when my son is involved.

[Henry Aldrich]

Okay, Homer, okay. Well, you're in a spot. Sometime just come to me for help. Just come to me. That's okay. Homer, pal.

[Homer]

Look, Henry, suppose I do this.

[Henry Aldrich]

I'll give you part of my money.

[Homer]

Say, 75 cents.

[Henry Aldrich]

That's all.

[Homer]

That's all I can afford. Stand back while I get it out of my pocket. It's all in chain here. 25.

[Henry Aldrich]

You can make it an even dollar. No, 50. But even their Swiss cheese sandwiches start at 45 cents.

[Homer]

I'm sorry. 62, 3, 4.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, my. Bingo.

[Gladys Prentice]

Henry, stop grabbing.

[Henry Aldrich]

Now look what you've done.

[Homer]

See what you mean?

[Henry Aldrich]

Your money went down this grate.

[Homer]

Every last cent. And you better go down there and

[Gladys Prentice]

get in my tuxedo.

[Narrator]

Young man, the young lady wanted to know if duck and orange sauce will be all right with you.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I'll tell you.

[Homer]

What about my money?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, look, mister, could. Could you tell me where this grate leads?

[Narrator]

To the cellar, I believe.

[Henry Aldrich]

Homer, if I go down here and get your money, could I have a dollar?

[Homer]

Henry, this is blackmail.

[Narrator]

I'm afraid you can't go down there, young man.

[Henry Aldrich]

Why not?

[Narrator]

The cellar window's been bricked up for years.

[Gladys Prentice]

What?

[Homer]

O.

[Gladys Prentice]

Now, let's see. Waiter, I think I have Brussels sprouts with my duck.

[Narrator]

Yes, ma', am.

[Homer]

Brussels sprouts. So will I.

[Henry Aldrich]

Now, wait a minute, Homer.

[Narrator]

Let me run over that order again.

[Henry Aldrich]

Before you do that, waiter, could I have a little private talk with my friend?

[Gladys Prentice]

Again?

[Homer]

Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, just be a second.

[Narrator]

Come on, Homer.

[Homer]

I'll take my menu with me.

[Gladys Prentice]

Can we unstall this, guys?

[Henry Aldrich]

Why don't you have a roll while we're waiting? Listen, Homer, won't you please go home? No.

[Homer]

You lost my $75, and the least you can do is feed me.

[Henry Aldrich]

But I. I told you I don't have a cent.

[Homer]

So what? As long as you're not going to be able to pay. What difference does it make if you don't pay for two or three?

[Henry Aldrich]

Can't you at least go easy?

[Homer]

Well, okay. Suppose I just have a few. Swiss cheese sandwich with Swiss cheese.

[Henry Aldrich]

What? I mean, look, Comer. What Swiss cheese? Just a lot of holes. It's the bread that's really nourishing.

[Homer]

So?

[Henry Aldrich]

So they give you all the bread you want for nothing.

[Homer]

Listen, Henry, I want more than bread for my $75.

[Henry Aldrich]

Sure you do, Homer. Sure you do. And you can have all the ketchup and mustard. You finish.

[Homer]

And I thought this was my lucky day.

[Henry Aldrich]

Gladys, Homer and I are ready to order.

[Gladys Prentice]

But, honey, the waiter was getting very impatient. I already ordered for you. Duck dinners for three. Oh, boy.

[Homer]

Oh, boy.

[Gladys Prentice]

Here he comes now with our first corn.

[Henry Aldrich]

Gladys, before he comes, could I explain one thing to you?

[Narrator]

Here you are.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, waiter.

[Narrator]

Yes, sir?

[Henry Aldrich]

I think I'd better have another little talk with you privately.

[Narrator]

Yes, sir. But first, here's the check.

[Henry Aldrich]

The check.

[Gladys Prentice]

Before we meet.

[Narrator]

Here you are.

[Homer]

Gladys, pass me a couple of rolls, quick.

[Henry Aldrich]

Waiter, is this this number a Five little rings of butter.

[Narrator]

What number, sir?

[Henry Aldrich]

This one with the dollar sign in front of it. Please pass the celery.

[Gladys Prentice]

Yes, sir.

[Narrator]

That's a fly.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, boy.

[Gladys Prentice]

Pamela, did you know you put a radish in your pocket?

[Homer]

I did.

[Henry Aldrich]

Look, Weddie, there's something I have to tell you, sir.

[Narrator]

There's something I have to tell you. That check paid.

[Henry Aldrich]

Paid?

[Homer]

Paid.

[Gladys Prentice]

My goodness. What's going on?

[Homer]

Who paid it?

[Narrator]

There's a note on the back. That explains things.

[Homer]

Turn it over, Henry. Well, gee.

[Henry Aldrich]

Wh. So, what does it say? Maybe in the future we'll all be a little less positive and a little more careful.

[Homer]

But who's so angry?

[Henry Aldrich]

Nobody. Thank you, Sam.

[Narrator]

Thank you.

[Gladys Prentice]

Well, gee, where.

[Henry Aldrich]

Father, is that you behind that Palm.

[Homer]

Boy, can you? Did that dinner tonight cost me a pretty penny.

[Henry Aldrich]

Homer. Cost you a pretty penny when we got it from free for my father.

[Gladys Prentice]

Oh, sure.

[Homer]

But I'll have to pay and pay and pay.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, my. What are you talking about?

[Homer]

He was Agnes Stormy at the mansion house with Gladys. See that? Now she's so mad she'll never foot the bills for the movies. Or a banana split for us again.

[Narrator]

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[Henry Aldrich]

See?

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