Aldrich Family - Kite Flying

Summary

Podcast Summary: Aldrich Family – Kite Flying

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Title: Aldrich Family – Kite Flying
Date: March 10, 2026
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Original Air Date: (Classic radio rebroadcast, original circa early 1940s)

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Episode Overview

This episode of the classic radio sitcom "The Aldrich Family," titled "Kite Flying," invites listeners back to the days when family life revolved around the radio. Through witty dialogue and the everyday misadventures of the Aldrich family, listeners are treated to a nostalgic slice of suburban American life. The main theme centers on a lazy Sunday afternoon, the comedy of family boredom, and how a simple attempt to fly a kite snowballs into mayhem involving neighbors, a missed business appointment, and a town-wide misunderstanding.

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Key Discussion Points & Episode Structure

1. The Aldrich Family's Sunday Doldrums

• Setting: The Aldrich living room on a Sunday afternoon
• Main Theme: Family boredom and generational differences in leisure time
• Henry idly plays the piano, expressing his boredom, which his parents and sister try to alleviate through various (unappealing) chores or suggestions.
  • "Boy, am I bored." – Henry [03:43]
  • Mrs. Aldrich suggests finishing homework or writing overdue thank-you notes.
  • The dynamic illustrates typical parent-teenager miscommunication.

2. The Invasion of Homer and the Search for Entertainment

• Henry calls his friend Homer, who is equally bored at home.
  • Discussion about inviting Homer over reveals parental strictness and children's longing for company.
  • "Boy, am I bored. Listen, why don't you come over." – Homer [05:49]
• Attempts to involve Henry in productive activities (writing letters, painting his bike) fall flat.

3. The Kite Idea and Parental Involvement

• Mr. Aldrich, in an attempt to bond with Henry and avoid a tea with his wife, suggests flying a kite.
  • "How would you like to go fly a kite?" – Mr. Aldrich [09:54]
  • "But, Father, nobody flies a kite in October." – Henry [10:07]
• The suggestion is met with skepticism but ultimately provides a catalyst for the episode’s ensuing chaos.

4. Kite Flying Escapades and Neighborhood Mishaps

• Mr. Aldrich and Henry attempt to fly the kite, with Homer joining in.
  • Kite string becomes tangled on Colonel Price’s property, leading to a series of blunders.
  • Notable sequence: Destroying a neighbor’s garden gate and knocking down their laundry.
  • "The prices shouldn't have their wash out on Sundays." – Mr. Aldrich [16:12] (comic rationalization)
• Multiple misunderstandings accumulate, including mistaken identities and the passing of a "valuable fish line" to strangers.

5. The Misadventures Escalate: Roof, Skylight, and Smoke

• In their efforts to untangle the kite, the group ends up on Colonel Price's roof, pulling off a skylight, with Mr. Aldrich getting his leg stuck between two chimneys.
  • "He's on top of a ladder and his arms are getting awfully tired." – Homer [22:01]
• In the meantime, Mrs. Aldrich attends the tea alone, unaware of her family's escalating predicament.
• A passing business visitor from Chicago (Mr. Wilson) is misdirected and ends up holding the kite string, gaining a unique perspective of the town.
  • "This view has given me a perspective on the town I hadn't had before." – Mr. Wilson [28:50]

6. The Climax: Smoke, Fire Engines, and the Town’s Confusion

• Mr. Aldrich’s efforts on the roof lead to his hat falling down the chimney, causing smoke to billow and prompting the fire department to respond.
  • "The chimney's on fire." – Mary [27:51]
  • "No, it isn’t. It’s my hat." – Mr. Aldrich [27:52]
• Onlookers below think there's an emergency.
• The ending is marked by rumors of a "spy scare" due to people seen signaling from the rooftops.
  • "A lady down the street saw three or four men signaling to somebody from a rooftop this afternoon. And there's going to be an investigation." – Mary [30:52]

7. Resolution and Family Reunion

• As the dust settles, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Wilson share tea and cakes atop the roof, reflecting on the town's peacefulness.
  • "I'd forgotten how peaceful it is to live in a place this size on a Sunday afternoon. Yes, nice and quiet." – Mr. Wilson and Mr. Aldrich [29:05–29:10]
• The episode concludes with the Aldrich family reunited and the laughable misunderstandings resolved (at least until next week).

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Family Boredom:

• "Read, Father? Read? When that's all I do all week in school?" – Henry [04:35]

The Reluctant Bonding Attempt:

• "Anyone would think he didn't have a father." – Mr. Aldrich [09:22]

Classic Chaos:

• "You broke the gate right off the hinge." – Mr. Aldrich [15:37]
• "Don't you see what you did, Father? Their whole wash came down." – Henry [16:08]

Roof Antics:

• "You know, Mr. Aldrich, I'm glad to have come up here. This view has given me a perspective on the town I hadn't had before." – Mr. Wilson [28:48]
• "All you have to do is rub soap on his ankles, thinks he can get loose." – Henry [26:18]

Small Town Comedy:

• "Did you hear about the spy scare?" – Mary [30:47]

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Important Segment Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment or Highlight | |:--------------|:--------------------------------------------------------| | 03:43 | Henry's first expression of boredom and search for fun | | 09:54 | Mr. Aldrich proposes kite flying | | 13:18 | Kite flying in earnest; chaos begins | | 16:08 | The laundry mishap and escalating problems | | 22:01 | Homer describes the skylight predicament | | 27:51 | The “fire” in the chimney—really Mr. Aldrich’s hat | | 29:05 | Rooftop tea with Mr. Wilson, reflection on town life | | 30:52 | Rumor of a townwide “spy scare” |

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Episode Tone and Style

The episode is filled with bumbling dialogue, affectionate family banter, neighborhood hijinks, and the gentle satire of intergenerational misunderstanding. The comic pacing, physical mishaps, and running gag of passing the kite string to one unwitting adult after another amplify the sitcom charm. The language is light, quick-witted, and unmistakably vintage in its portrayal of American suburban life.

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Conclusion

“Kite Flying” is a quintessential Aldrich Family outing, transforming a mundane Sunday afternoon into a farcical scramble across lawns, rooftops, neighborly misunderstandings, and small-town excitement. Through timeless humor, the episode captures both the frustrations and the warmth of family life, leaving listeners looking forward to the next week's adventures.

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For full effect, enjoy with a cup of coffee (or Postum, as recommended) and imagine your own family gathered ‘round the radio.

Transcript

[Narrator]

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[ZipRecruiter Announcer]

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[Homer]

Fantastic.

[ZipRecruiter Announcer]

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[Henry Aldrich]

Postum Presents Henry Aldridge Coming, Mother Postum

[Narrator/Announcer]

Presents the Aldrich Family Written by Clifford Goldsmith Entertainment for all the family Brought to you by Postum, a tempting, wholesome drink for all the family Postum. Friends, before you tuned in the Aldrich Family tonight, were you perhaps deep in your evening paper, were you reading maybe about basic English, which may one day be the universal language of the world? Of course, I have nothing to do with making up the list, but if I had, I'd be tempted to suggest postum as the basic English word for flavor. Because as far as mealtime drinks are concerned, postum certainly means flavor hearty, robust flavor of a particularly delicious and distinctive kind. And I hope those of you who haven't tried postum will notice that word distinctive. So you won't expect postum to taste like coffee any more than you'd expect coffee to taste like tea. Postum is an entirely different drink, and it tastes out and out swell. For your convenience, Postum comes in two forms. Postum, the kind you brew in pot percolator or drip maker, and instant potstum, which is dissolved instantly in your cup by adding boiling water. Both have the same grand Postum flavor, so either makes an enjoyable cup of postum. Sometimes we elders find ourselves in what we've learned to call embarrassing situations through trying to recapture a bit of our youth in the company of a teenage boy like, for instance, Henry Aldrich. Henry, though, doesn't embarrass easily. As you will hear, the scene opens in the Aldrich living room. The time is Sunday afternoon.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, gee, where's hm?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Henry, if you're going to play something, play it. If you aren't, close up the piano.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Father. Boy, am I bored.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

I hope this will be a lesson to you, dear. If you'd gone on with your music as I wanted you to, you wouldn't be bored. You'd be able to play that piece.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mother, I can play it. Listen, Henry. Yes, Father?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

I would like to look at this Sunday paper in peace.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, I thought Mother wanted me to play for.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Dear, don't you have some homework to do?

[Henry Aldrich]

Homework? Mother? On Sunday.

[Mary Aldrich]

Mother. Yes, Mary. Mother, have you seen my sweater stretcher?

[Henry Aldrich]

Your what? Mary?

[Mary Aldrich]

My sweater stretcher. My sweater.

[Henry Aldrich]

What do you stretch sweaters for?

[Mary Aldrich]

Mother, have you by any chance seen at any place?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

No, dear.

[Mary Aldrich]

Well, my goodness. I suppose I'll just have to keep looking for it.

[Henry Aldrich]

Hmm.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Henry, if you want something to do, why don't you help Mary find her sweater stretcher?

[Henry Aldrich]

Mother, of all the ways to spend a Sunday afternoon looking for a boy,

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

is there any reason why you can't read something?

[Henry Aldrich]

Read, Father? Read? When that's all I do all week in school? I couldn't. I couldn't.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

You couldn't what?

[Henry Aldrich]

Make a little fudge? But I know how you feel about that. Oops, Father. I'm sorry.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Henry, if you can't keep your mind on what you're doing, get off that piano stool and sit over here on the far side of the room.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Father. I'll move.

[Mary Aldrich]

My goodness, Henry. Get out of my way.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mary, where you going?

[Mary Aldrich]

I left my nail polish out in the kitchen.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, gee whiz, you don't have to knock a guy over.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Alice, what is it she left out in the kitchen?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Her nail polish, Sam.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, gee, I wonder whether she let me use some.

[Homer]

What?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Her nail polish?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, sure. I want to do a little retouching on my bicycle guard.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Henry, there's some red paint down in the basement. Why don't you go down and find it? I think it'd be a very nice thing for you to do.

[Henry Aldrich]

No, no, I. I'll do it some other time.

[Narrator/Announcer]

And if you find you have dizzy spells.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

What's that? Henry, turn that radio off.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Father.

[Homer (Friend)]

Sure.

[Henry Aldrich]

Only, boy, am I. I'll answer the phone, everybody.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

If that's a telegram for me, call me.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Father.

[ZipRecruiter Announcer]

Hello?

[Homer (Friend)]

Hi, Henry. What are you doing?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, is that you, Homer?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Yeah.

[Homer (Friend)]

Boy, am I bored. Listen, why don't you Come over.

[Henry Aldrich]

Why, I can't.

[Homer (Friend)]

Why not?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, it's Sunday afternoon and we're all sort of sitting around. Homer, why don't you come over here?

[Homer (Friend)]

Well, I'll tell you, Henry, I would. Only I don't think my folks will let me.

[Henry Aldrich]

Why not? Go ahead and ask them.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I did.

[Henry Aldrich]

You mean you're afraid to ask them over?

[Homer (Friend)]

Well, hold the line and I'll see what I can do.

[Henry Aldrich]

Okay.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Mother?

[Mary Aldrich]

Yes, Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

You aren't coming this way, are you?

[Mary Aldrich]

What's that?

[Henry Aldrich]

Never mind. I'm coming into the living room. I think I have the solution to our whole problem.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

To what whole problem?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, look, we have a pretty stiff geometry exam tomorrow, see, and naturally, I want to make a darn high mark in it.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

I'm glad to hear you say that.

[Henry Aldrich]

Sure. So don't you think it would be a good idea if I tried to get Homer to come over and help me?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

I most certainly do not.

[Henry Aldrich]

But, Father, I can't. I can't just tell Homer not to come, can I?

[Mary Aldrich]

Sam, couldn't you put down that paper

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

long enough to help Henry in his geometry?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

What's that, Alice?

[Henry Aldrich]

Mother, you misunderstand me. I don't need any help. I. Well, I just feel I'd do better if I worked with somebody that's also in my class and is used to my teacher.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Dear, you'll have to go to the phone and tell Homer that he's welcome any day but today, right to his face.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Yes.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Father, I'll tell him. The only thing is, though.

[Homer (Friend)]

Hello?

[Mary Aldrich]

Hello, Henry? Did you tell him?

[Henry Aldrich]

Why, I'm waiting for him to get through asking his. I mean, he's gone away for a minute, Henry.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Then just hang up.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

But.

[Henry Aldrich]

But he won't know what happened to me.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

He'll understand. Now hang up. You have so much geometry to do. Now's the time to get started.

[Henry Aldrich]

The only thing is, though, I just happen to remember I've got two free study periods first thing tomorrow morning.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Well, then think of something else to do. Where's my paper?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Oh, Sam, I'm sorry. I thought you were through with it.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

That's all right.

[Homer]

Go ahead.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Read it if you want to.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Well, dear, this is all I want. Take this other part.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

I've read that.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, gee whiz. Isn't it funny how I can't forget that?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Alice, don't we have a key to that piano?

[Mary Aldrich]

Mother.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Yes, Mary?

[Mary Aldrich]

You want me to wash some stockings for you?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Mary, why don't you sit down and relax?

[Mary Aldrich]

I couldn't possibly, Mother. I'M having a wonderful time. I just love Sunday.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

What'd she say, Alice?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

She loves what Sundays, Sam?

[Henry Aldrich]

Boy, all I can say is if there's one day in the week.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Henry, I know what you can do.

[Henry Aldrich]

What, Mother?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

It's just the thing. You can write those letters. You've been putting off those letters. Did you ever write and explain to the Pearsons that you couldn't spend a weekend with them last June?

[Henry Aldrich]

No. But when I didn't show up, they must have known I wasn't coming. Not so loud, dear. What's the matter, Henry?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Your father's asleep.

[Mary Aldrich]

Hmm.

[Henry Aldrich]

Don't you win?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

And did you ever write and thank your Uncle John for that lovely Christmas present? Or Claire Collins for your birthday card?

[Henry Aldrich]

Why, I. I certainly remember you telling me to.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Suppose you march right straight upstairs and write to all of them.

[Henry Aldrich]

Write to them on Sunday, Henry.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Please go up.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Mother, I'll go. Only I don't see why I should write to Uncle John now, when I'm waiting till next Christmas. And clean up for both years at once. Mm.

[Homer]

Mm.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Yeah.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Are you asleep?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Is that what you woke me up to ask?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Don't forget, dear, we're going out for tea at 4 o'.

[Henry Aldrich]

Clock.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Who's going out for tea?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

You and I. Sam, you told me you'd go today.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Alice, this is Sunday.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Yes, dear. It's going to be a beautiful big tea.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Alice, this is the first time you've even mentioned it. I'm expecting a man to come down from Chicago this afternoon to do some business.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Now, Sam, why did you think I

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

told Henry I was expecting a telegram?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Well, dear, if he were coming from Chicago, he'd be here by this time, wouldn't he?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Alice, I'd be glad to go with you. It's just that I. I've made other plans.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

What other plan?

[Homer]

Why?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Why with Henry.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

What do you mean, why?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Alice, I've got to spend a little time with him, haven't I? Look at the way the poor boy's been wandering around here. Anyone would think he didn't have a father.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Well, dear, you're not going to give up your one day in the week and entertain Henry. Especially when I want you to go to a tea.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mother, do we have any peanuts in the house?

[Mary Aldrich]

Henry, I want you to go back

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

upstairs and write those letters.

[Henry Aldrich]

I've written them.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

You've written them already? May I see them, please?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

You.

[Henry Aldrich]

You mean you want to read them?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Yes, dear.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, Mother, I've already sealed them.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Did you thank Uncle John for what he sent you? Last Christmas?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Mother. And I made a few suggestions for next Christmas, and.

[Homer]

Ram?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Father? Have I done something?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

How would you like to go fly a kite?

[Henry Aldrich]

What's that?

[Mary Aldrich]

Mary? Will you answer the doorbell? Yes, Mother.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

If that's a telegram for me.

[Homer]

Hold the boy.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

I may want to answer it.

[Mary Aldrich]

Yes, Father.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Henry, how would you like to fly one?

[Henry Aldrich]

One what, Father?

[Homer]

A kite.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

A kite?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

But.

[Henry Aldrich]

But, Father, nobody flies a kite in October.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Why not? The wind's blowing, isn't it? Look at the leaves blowing around out there.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Sam, I still don't think it's the thing to do on a Sunday whether the wind's blowing or not.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Why not, Alice? The kite's right down in the basement. And it's a good kite, isn't it, Henry?

[Mary Aldrich]

Mother. Mother, what do you think?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

What's the matter, Mary?

[Mary Aldrich]

Who do you think's at the front door?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Who is it, Mary? A gentleman to see me.

[Mary Aldrich]

No, Father. Oh, no.

[Homer (Friend)]

Hi, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Where are you?

[Homer (Friend)]

In the living room.

[Henry Aldrich]

Hello, Homer, could you finally. I mean, are you.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hello?

[Homer (Friend)]

Hello, Mrs. Aldrich. Hello, Mr. Aldrich.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Hello, Homer.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Good afternoon.

[Homer]

Homer.

[Homer (Friend)]

Don't let my being here upset you. I promised my mother I wouldn't sit around the living room with you.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Homer, don't you think that as long as your folks probably haven't seen much of you all week, they'd appreciate it if you'd let them have a chance to get acquainted with you?

[Homer (Friend)]

Oh, gee. As a matter of fact, I heard my father finally tell my mother to send me over here.

[Henry Aldrich]

Homer?

[Homer (Friend)]

Yes, Mrs. Aldrich? I'm not in the living room. I'm still standing out here in the hall.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Sam, if Homer stays and keeps Henry company, then you can go to the tea.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

But, Alice, it's Sunday afternoon and I want to relax.

[Narrator]

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[ZipRecruiter Announcer]

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[Homer]

Fantastic.

[ZipRecruiter Announcer]

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[Narrator]

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[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Narrator]

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[Henry Aldrich]

Boy, look at that kite go.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Where is it?

[Henry Aldrich]

Don't you see it, Father? The other side of that tree, Henry.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Don't let it pull you up that way any farther. First thing you know, you'll be on Colonel Price's front lawn.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Father.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Isn't this a good way to spend a Sunday afternoon? Aren't you glad Homer went home? Well, Henry, if you aren't careful, you'll be walking right onto Colonel Price's flower bed.

[Henry Aldrich]

Father, I've got my eye on his flower bed.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

But you're already on his lawn. Now, come off there.

[Henry Aldrich]

But I'm afraid if I move, the string will break.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

That string won't break. It's my best fishing line. Now, come on, let's get away from this part of the neighborhood so we won't be in front of everybody's house.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, sir. Only first, could you wait just a second? The line seems to be rubbing against Colonel Price's chimney here.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

All you have to do is lift it up like. Lift it up like. Is Colonel Price in the window any place?

[Henry Aldrich]

Not that I can see. Don't you like Colonel Price, Father?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

I like him all right. I Didn't say I didn't like him. He's just not my favorite neighbor.

[Henry Aldrich]

Hey, Mr. Aldrich.

[Homer (Friend)]

What's the matter, Homer?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Where'd you come from?

[Homer]

Home.

[Homer (Friend)]

I beat my father at a game of dominoes, and he told me to go out and take a walk.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Homer, don't walk into those chrysanthemums.

[Homer (Friend)]

Oh, gee whiz.

[Henry Aldrich]

Look, Homer. Look at what you've done. You broke two stalks right off.

[Homer (Friend)]

Not so loud, Henry. All I have to do is stick them in the ground. Who's going to notice the difference?

[Henry Aldrich]

Are you getting it loose, Father?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

I think so.

[Homer (Friend)]

Gee, Mr. Aldrich, how did you happen to get it in a mess like that?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Homer, this is not a mess. It just got caught on that gutter pipe.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, do you want me to help you, Father? I think I know how to get it loose.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

No, thank you.

[Homer (Friend)]

Well, how about me, Mr. Aldrich? Let me go along the line as far as I can go and then let it jerk up real quick.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Now, wait a minute, Homer.

[Henry Aldrich]

Look at what you've done.

[Homer (Friend)]

Who, me?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Now, it's caught on the aerial up there and around the chimney, and it's hooked on the gutter pipe.

[Homer (Friend)]

Hmm. Didn't you ever fly a kite before, Mr. Aldrich?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Now, look out, boys, both of you.

[Henry Aldrich]

What are you going to do, Father?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

I'm just going to get up a little closer to the house. You don't. You don't see Colonel Price any place, do you?

[Homer (Friend)]

Do you want me to go in and get him?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

I do not. Here, Homer, you hold this end of the string.

[Homer (Friend)]

Yes, Mr. Aldrich.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Henry, you come around and back with me, and we'll see whether we can find a pole.

[Henry Aldrich]

A pole, Father.

[Homer (Friend)]

Will you be right back, Mr. Aldrich?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

We will. And don't let go of that string.

[Henry Aldrich]

And, Homer, don't even hold it loose. Keep it tight all the time.

[Homer (Friend)]

Sure, you can depend on me.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

How do we get around and back?

[Henry Aldrich]

Right through this gate here.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

That's a fine thing, Henry. You broke the gate right off the hinge.

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee, the wood must have been rotten, Father.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Well, here, let's put it back neatly, and then when we get through, we can come back and fix it.

[Elizabeth]

Sure.

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee, you hardly know it then.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Oh, boy, Henry, just keep your hands off it.

[Henry Aldrich]

I was only trying to help you, Father.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

There.

[Henry Aldrich]

Look, Father.

[Homer (Friend)]

Look.

[Henry Aldrich]

Do you see what I see?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

You mean that clothes pole there?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Yes.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Now, don't touch it. Don't touch anything more around here.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Father.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

This pole ought to be just about right.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, gee whiz, Henry.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

What happened?

[Henry Aldrich]

Don't you see what you did, Father? Their whole wash came down.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Yes.

[Mary Aldrich]

Oh, boy.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Look.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

In the first place, Henry, the prices shouldn't have their wash out on Sundays. Now, come on, help me pick it up.

[Mary Aldrich]

Homer.

[Henry Aldrich]

Homer.

[Homer (Friend)]

Oh, yes, Mother.

[Elizabeth]

Well, what are you doing there?

[Homer (Friend)]

Why, I'm holding a piece of string.

[Elizabeth]

What for?

[Homer (Friend)]

Don't touch it, Mother. It's a very valuable fish line.

[Elizabeth]

Dear, I don't think that looks very nice. You're standing out in front of somebody's house on a Sunday afternoon.

[Homer (Friend)]

But it's very important, Mother. Where are you going?

[Elizabeth]

Into the prizes for tea. Who told you to hold that?

[Homer (Friend)]

Look, could you hold it, please for just one second?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

What for?

[Homer (Friend)]

All you have to do is hold it while I run around and back and see about something. And no matter what you do, don't let go.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Well, I know one thing.

[Mary Aldrich]

What's the matter, Mother?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

I'm not going to wait any longer. If your father doesn't want to go to that tea at the prices, I'll go alone.

[Mary Aldrich]

I'm awfully sorry, Mother.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

And so am I, dear. He told me distinctly he'd be right back. He said they wouldn't be out flying that kite. 30 minutes. Goodbye.

[Mary Aldrich]

Goodbye, Mother.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

You better answer the phone, dear.

[Mary Aldrich]

I will. Hello?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Hello.

[Homer]

May I speak with Mr. Aldrich, please?

[Mary Aldrich]

Why, Mr. Aldrich isn't here right now.

[Homer (Friend)]

No?

[Homer]

Well, I wonder whether he received my wire.

[Mary Aldrich]

Your wire?

[Homer]

This is Mr. Wilson from Chicago. My train was late getting in And I expected Mr. Aldrich to meet me at the station.

[Mary Aldrich]

Oh, I'm awfully sorry.

[Homer]

Where can I reach him?

[Mary Aldrich]

Why, he's out flying a.

[Homer]

Flying a. Oh, he's out at the airport?

[Mary Aldrich]

No, he's out playing around the neighborhood someplace.

[Homer]

What's that?

[Mary Aldrich]

Just as soon as he comes in, I'll tell him to drive down and get you.

[Homer]

Don't do that. I think I'll walk her.

[Mary Aldrich]

Do you know the way?

[Homer]

I can inquire. All right. My bag isn't heavy.

[Homer (Friend)]

Henry, what's the reason you're not gonna use that pole?

[Henry Aldrich]

My father thought we'd better prop the clothes back up.

[Homer (Friend)]

Gee whiz, what are you knocking at the back door for?

[Henry Aldrich]

Father said I should ask the cook if she could do anything for us.

[Homer]

Oh.

[Henry Aldrich]

Only we're to tell her not to bother Colonel Price. Are you sure you left that string all right, Homer?

[Homer (Friend)]

Yes, it's in good hands. Henry. Where's your father?

[Henry Aldrich]

He's standing right over there behind the tree. Oh, gee, there doesn't seem to be anybody in here, Homer. What do you say we just tiptoe in very quietly and see whether we can find the cook or somebody.

[Homer]

Pardon me, but could you tell me where Mr. Samuel Aldrich lives?

[Elizabeth]

Samuel Aldrich? Yes. You go down to the corner there and turn left. He lives at 117 Elm Street.

[Homer]

Is it very far from there?

[Elizabeth]

No, it's only a few blocks.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Fine.

[Elizabeth]

That looks like a very heavy bag you have.

[Homer]

I've carried lighter one.

[Elizabeth]

Well, as long as you're going to rest here a minute, I wonder whether you'd mind holding this piece of string while I step into the house.

[Homer]

Why, I. I suppose I could. What is it you want me to do with it?

[Mary Aldrich]

Just hold it.

[Elizabeth]

For some reason, it's a very valuable fish line and it must be held taut.

[Narrator/Announcer]

So Henry was right. Kite flying is not meant for October's bright, breezy weather. Well, here's something that is, friends. Something that brings as much pleasure to your palate as blue October skies bring to your sight. I mean Postum. Lusty, rich, swell tasting Postum. There never was a more enticing, more soul warming drink. There never was one that was packed with more satisfactory surprise for some of you either. But when you've made Postum your regular mealtime drink instead of coffee, you may discover, as so many other people have,

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

you actually feel better. You're not so troubled with sleeplessness, nervousness

[Narrator/Announcer]

or indigestion since your switch from coffee to Postum. You see, friends, even though many people can drink coffee without ill effect, there are a good many others who should never touch coffee. For those people, a switch to Postum, which contains no stimulant, nothing upsetting, will probably be of benefit. So if you think coffee disagrees with you in any way, why don't you Switch to Postum2? You will find Postum a delicious, really grand drink. And what's more, see if you don't find you feel better because of your switch to Postum. Now getting back to the troubles of Henry Aldridge. It is a quiet Sunday afternoon. Mr. Aldrich and Henry have been out flying a kite and getting a little involved with the neighbor's chimney and other difficulties. The scene opens in the neighbor's garden.

[Homer (Friend)]

Mr. Aldrich? Mr. Aldrich, are you still behind that tree?

[Narrator/Announcer]

What?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Yes? Homer, is that you?

[Homer (Friend)]

I'm sorry to bother you, but we need you.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

What's that?

[Homer (Friend)]

Henry's upstairs.

[Homer]

Upstairs? Where?

[Homer (Friend)]

In Colonel Price's house. Come on, I'll show you the way.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Now wait a minute, Homer. I'm not dressed to meet the Prices

[Homer (Friend)]

the prices don't even know we're in there. All you have to do is follow me around to the back door and I'll sneak you up.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Can you please tell me why you went upstairs?

[Homer (Friend)]

We couldn't find the cook, but we went up and found the skylight.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

All right.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

But you shouldn't have done it. You go up and tell Henry to come down here. It's Sunday afternoon and people don't want to be disturbed.

[Homer (Friend)]

But he can't come down. Why not, Mr. Aldrich, don't you understand? We got the skylight open very carefully. See? Only, the first thing we knew, the whole thing came right off.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

What came off?

[Homer (Friend)]

The skylight. And Henry's holding it.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

He's holding it?

[Homer (Friend)]

Yes, he can put it down. He's on top of a ladder and his arms are getting awfully tired.

[Homer]

Excuse me, but would you mind holding this piece of string for just a few seconds? Sorry, but I've got to get on down the street. Oh, that's all right.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Excuse me.

[Homer]

Excuse me. Oh, how do you do? Could you hold this piece of string for me, please?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

What's that?

[Homer]

Could you hold this? Or could you get anyone in this town to hold it for me? I've got a rather important business engagement up the street.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Why don't you tie it to that rose bush there?

[Homer]

Well, thank you. As a matter of fact, that's a very good suggestion.

[Henry Aldrich]

Boy, you get a nice view from up here on this roof, don't you?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Henry, stop looking around and let's try to get this fish line untangled.

[Homer (Friend)]

Gee, you're doing swell, Mr. Aldrich.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Don't go too near the edge there, Homer.

[Homer (Friend)]

I won't. I just wanted to see why. Why I couldn't pull the string up.

[Henry Aldrich]

Tell your mother to let go of it.

[Homer (Friend)]

Oh, yes. Mother.

[Mary Aldrich]

Mother.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Home.

[Homer]

Up.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Let that go for a minute and come here.

[Henry Aldrich]

Father, do you know how I think we can get the string down from the aerial? How? All you have to do is take your hat and throw it up very carefully and hit the string and the

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

whole thing will come loose.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Wait a minute. I'll do it.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I can do it, Father.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Henry, stand back.

[Homer (Friend)]

Throw it real hard.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Mr. Aldrich, that wouldn't do any good. I'm just going to toss it.

[Henry Aldrich]

Boy. Gee, what a neat shot. Oh, boy.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Where did it go?

[Henry Aldrich]

Didn't you see, Father? Your hat landed right on top of the chimney.

[Homer (Friend)]

On top? Henry, you're crazy. It went down it.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Now, wait a minute, boys.

[Henry Aldrich]

Father, all you have to do is boost me up the Chimney, and I'll see if I can get it.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Henry, I don't want you up on anything that high. All I have to do is get between these two chimneys and pull myself up.

[Henry Aldrich]

That's a good idea.

[Mary Aldrich]

Oh, gee whiz, Homer.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

What did you do?

[Homer (Friend)]

I put my foot right through the darn skylight.

[Mary Aldrich]

Why, Alice Aldrich.

[Elizabeth]

I didn't know you were here at the tea.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Hello, Elizabeth. Say, I do hope you don't mind our sending Homer home earlier this afternoon.

[Elizabeth]

No. As I told Will, there's no reason why you and Sam should put up with him any more than we do.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Now, Elizabeth, Homer is no trouble at all. Sam's simply crazy about him.

[Homer (Friend)]

Alice, do you smell smoke?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

As a matter of fact, it seems to be coming from the fireplace in the next room. I guess Colonel Price put a green log or something on the fire.

[Elizabeth]

Oh, by the way, as I was coming in here a little while ago, I directed some gentleman to your house. He was carrying a suitcase.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

Oh, really? Well, Elizabeth, that accounts for everything.

[Elizabeth]

Was it someone you were expecting?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

That's probably why Sam isn't here. Do you know, I've been sitting here sulking because Sam wouldn't come to the party. And, dear, he's probably at home with that man. He's been trying to sell him a piece of property, and it seems. Seems to be very important.

[Elizabeth]

Really?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

My goodness, but the smoke is getting thick in here.

[Elizabeth]

You know, that's exactly what I was thinking.

[Homer (Friend)]

Thinking?

[Henry Aldrich]

Everyone in the other room seems to be coughing, too. Yes.

[Elizabeth]

Oh, and, Alice, speaking of that gentleman I sent up to your house.

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

What's the matter?

[Elizabeth]

Come over here to the window a minute, dear. Do you see anyone standing out there in front holding anything?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

No.

[Elizabeth]

Well, then I. I sent him up to your house.

[Mary Aldrich]

Elizabeth, look.

[Elizabeth]

What's the matter?

[Mary Aldrich]

Elizabeth, did you just see a rose bush go by the window? Did I see a what, Elizabeth?

[Mrs. Aldrich (Mother)]

A rose bush.

[Mary Aldrich]

She ran straight up into the. I'm terribly sorry, Mr. Wilson.

[Homer]

That's quite all right.

[Mary Aldrich]

It's the funniest thing. Father left the house with a kite and said he'd be right back.

[Homer]

And you haven't seen him since?

[Mary Aldrich]

No, and the wind's died down.

[Homer]

Oh, that's too bad. My train leaves in just 35 minutes, and I'm afraid you'll have to tell your father that.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mary.

[Homer (Friend)]

Mary.

[Mary Aldrich]

Yes, Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

Boy, am I in a hurry. I want a crowbar and a cake of soap.

[Mary Aldrich]

What's that, Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

It's for Father. He says all we've got to do is Rub soap on his ankles, Thinks he can get loose.

[Mary Aldrich]

Henry, what are you talking about?

[Henry Aldrich]

Father, he's stuck up on the roof.

[Mary Aldrich]

Up on the roof? Up on our roof?

[Henry Aldrich]

No, Mary, on colonel Price's roof. He's got his leg stuck between two chimneys.

[Mary Aldrich]

But, Henry, this gentleman's here from Chicago just to see Father.

[Henry Aldrich]

You mean, about getting down?

[Homer]

Young man, is your father any place where I could talk to him?

[Henry Aldrich]

Why, I don't know why not? He's just on top of a roof, standing there waiting for a crowbar and some soap.

[Homer (Friend)]

Hold still, Mr. Aldrich.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Are you rubbing the soap on the bricks, too, Homer?

[Homer (Friend)]

Yes, sir.

[Homer]

Now then, Mr. Aldrich, I'm sorry to keep coming back to business, but you say that lot over there by the airport is the one I was interested in?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

That's right. I'm sorry. I can't turn my head any farther. But you know the one I mean?

[Homer]

Yes, I think so.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Homer, what happened to Henry?

[Homer (Friend)]

I don't know. He went back downstairs a couple of minutes ago.

[Homer]

And who owns that piece of property over there beyond that brush fire over

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

by the brush fire? The railroad, Mr. Aldrich.

[Homer (Friend)]

Try pulling a little bit.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

How's that?

[Homer]

The railroad, eh?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Yes, and I'm sure I can get a spur put right in there.

[Homer (Friend)]

In where, Mr. Aldridge?

[Homer]

Say, where did all those people come from? Down there.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Down where?

[Homer]

Right down below us on the front lawn.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

I have no idea.

[Homer (Friend)]

Mr. Aldrich.

[Henry Aldrich]

You're out. You're out.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

I am? Well, thank you, Homer. Thank you very much.

[Homer]

Say, there must be a hundred people down there.

[Homer (Friend)]

She was.

[Narrator]

Look.

[Homer (Friend)]

Fire engines. They're stopping right out.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Alice, what are you doing down there?

[Mary Aldrich]

Sam, don't jump.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

What would I want to jump for?

[Mary Aldrich]

The chimney's on fire.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

The chimney?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yes.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

No, it isn't. It's my hat.

[Mary Aldrich]

What?

[Henry Aldrich]

His hat.

[Homer (Friend)]

Mrs. Aldrich, we've been looking at a brush fire over near the airport.

[Mary Aldrich]

What's that? The airport.

[Homer (Friend)]

What's that?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Hey, wait.

[Homer (Friend)]

Oh, boy. Where do you suppose they're going?

[Homer]

Mr. Aldrich, could you just step over here on the other side of the

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

roof for a moment? Yes, Mr. Wilson.

[Homer]

Now, how far down does that piece of property by the airport run?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

All the way to that factory?

[Henry Aldrich]

I. Gee whiz, Father. Look at what I lifted for you down in the kitchen.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

What's that, Henry? Where'd you come from?

[Henry Aldrich]

Look, I got some tea for you and Mr. Wilson. And I also got some cakes.

[Homer (Friend)]

Oh, boy, cakes.

[Henry Aldrich]

Now, get away, Homer. These are for my father and his guests.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Well, thank you very much, Henry.

[Homer]

Yes.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Boys, I want you to go over to the other side of the roof and get that kite down.

[Henry Aldrich]

Get it down.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Father, take a knife and cut it down. Cut it any place you have to.

[Homer]

Now then, Mr. Aldrich.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Yes, Mr. Wilson? Why don't we sit down here with our backs against the chimney and have a cup of tea? All right, Sir.

[Homer]

You know, Mr. Aldrich, I'm glad to

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

have come up here. Yeah.

[Homer]

This view has given me a perspective on the town I hadn't had before. You know, there are more people living here than I realized. Yes, it's a nice town. A nice town. I'd forgotten how peaceful it is to live in a place this size on a Sunday afternoon. Yes, nice and quiet. Look at that sun going down over there.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Yes, nice, isn't it?

[Homer]

Did you notice this maple tree right here by the house? Which one? The one with the roses growing out of the top of it. Mr. Aldrich, how do you suppose he does that?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Well, I'll tell you. My son Henry has a friend named Homer. And.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Don't tune out folks. You'll be hearing from the Aldrich's again in a few moments. Food fights for freedom. You've been seeing and hearing that slogan for months. But do you remember it when you go to market or when you sit down to the table? Do you remember that only with your cooperation will food help win the war? Yes, friends, it's up to you how successfully food will fight for freedom. Here's how you can help. Don't buy from black markets. Don't buy any rationed foods unless you give in the correct points. Do buy the foods that are plentiful and preserve all the food you can. Then you'll be doing your bit to back up Uncle Sam's conservation program. You'll be helping food to help win the war faster.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Well, Henry, I'm glad that's over.

[Henry Aldrich]

Boy, so am I.

[Mary Aldrich]

Father, are you finally back? Did you hear about the spy scare?

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Did we hear about what, Mary?

[Mary Aldrich]

The spy scare, Father. The spy scare. A lady down the street saw three or four men signaling to somebody from a rooftop this afternoon. And there's going to be an investigation.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Listen again next week, same time, same station for another sparkling half hour with your favorite youngster, his family and his pals. The Aldrich Family is written by Clifford Goldsmith. The original musical score is conducted by Jack Miller. And this is Dan Seymour saying your host tonight is Postum. And Postum is one of America's great mealtime drinks. Drinks. It's good drinking. Good night. Who worries about monotony and meatless meals.

[Mr. Aldrich (Father)]

Well, not the wise lady who serves tender, crisp waffles.

[Homer]

Delicate, fluffy pancakes. So satisfying with lots of luscious cabin syrup.