Aldrich Family - Lead Role

Summary

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Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Aldrich Family - Lead Role

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

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Episode Overview

This episode features the classic radio comedy "The Aldrich Family" in the episode titled "Lead Role." The story, set in the heyday of radio-driven family entertainment, follows the well-meaning and often bumbling teenager Henry Aldrich as he inadvertently finds himself cast in the lead role of his school's operetta, "The Mikado." The episode humorously explores misunderstandings, anxious parents, and a high school thrown into chaos over a simple mistake, ultimately highlighting themes of resilience, misunderstanding, and youthful optimism.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Highlights

1. Setting the Scene: Central High School's Operetta

• The episode opens after school at the high school cafeteria, where Henry and his friend Homer discuss the recent operetta auditions.
• Henry is convinced he hasn't landed any role—and is secretly relieved, believing it grants him freedom and no responsibilities.
  • Quote: "Boy, am I glad I'm not in the cast. Once the rehearsals for that operetta start, you'll be tied down every darn afternoon. You poor kid." – Henry (03:12)

2. A Mistaken Identity: Henry Cast as Lead

• Geraldine, a classmate, congratulates Henry, revealing his name is listed as the operetta's leading man.
  • Quote: "Henry, I saw your name. You modest thing, you." – Geraldine (04:56)
• Henry is baffled and convinced it's a mistake, suspecting confusion with another student sharing his initials.

3. Behind the Scenes Confusion: Teachers and Parents

• Mr. Cooper, the teacher in charge, realizes the error was in fact due to Mildred's mistake in posting the cast list.
• Efforts are made to correct the mistake, with Mr. Cooper and Henry’s parents passing the responsibility of telling Henry back and forth.
  • Quote: "You'll just have to hunt him up immediately and tell him the whole thing was a mistake." – Mr. Cooper (05:47)
  • Quote: "And just between you and me, Mr. Cooper, Henry can't sing a note." – Mrs. Aldrich (09:04)
  • Quote: "Oh, I wouldn't say that, Mrs. Aldrich. It's just that he can't sing them in the right order." – Mr. Cooper (09:09)

4. The Underdog Triumphs (Almost): Henry's High Spirits

• Henry, overjoyed, begins rehearsing enthusiastically—unaware of the error while family and faculty tiptoe around telling him the truth.
• Attempts are made to distract him from performing, including offering a family trip to Washington, DC if he resigns from the operetta.
  • Quote: "But, Father, what would Mr. Cooper say? Everybody would think I was walking out on Henry." – Henry (14:21)
• Henry’s sudden dedication to homework and school is observed by teachers:
  • Quote: "...I have here a report from no less than 6 of Henry's teachers who say that overnight he's showing more industry and application than anyone else in his classes." – Mr. Bradley (24:13)

5. Ripple Effects at School

• The news of Henry’s casting upsets other students, particularly Charlie Clark, who believes he deserved the part and threatens to leave all school activities.
  • Quote: "Charlie Clark's so mad, he says he's through with the dramatic society, the debating society and the promotion of International Goodwill Society." – Geraldine (18:17)
• Faculty meetings ensue to decide how to resolve mounting drama, including a nurse attending to the distraught Mildred.

6. Showdown: Breaking the News

• After much deliberation, Henry's father sits him down for the truth:
  • Quote: "Henry, can you take some bad news?... It's about the operetta." – Mr. Aldrich (25:32)
• The outcome, delivered off-mic for maximum emotional effect, results in Henry not playing the lead—but instead becoming the head stage manager.

7. Resolution: Resilience and a New Role

• Henry bounces back quickly, throwing himself into his new stage manager role and supporting the operetta's success.
  • The operetta is a hit, and Henry's parents express pride in his resilience.
  • Quote: "Nobody but a boy could take it on the chin like that and bounce right back again." – Mr. Aldrich (27:22)

8. Epilogue: Looking to the Future

• Henry jokes about his new-found ambition as a business manager and Geraldine expresses her own dreams.
  • Quote: "You know, you could make singing your whole future career..." – Henry
  • Geraldine: "My goodness, yes. I want to marry a famous businessman." (28:11–28:19)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• (03:12) Henry (to Homer): "Boy, am I glad I'm not in the cast. Once the rehearsals for that operetta start, you'll be tied down every darn afternoon. You poor kid."
• (04:56) Geraldine: "Henry, I saw your name. You modest thing, you."
• (09:04–09:09) Mrs. Aldrich: "And just between you and me, Mr. Cooper, Henry can't sing a note." Mr. Cooper: "It's just that he can't sing them in the right order."
• (11:40) Henry: "Boy, now I realize that's all a person has to do. Just keep trying, and sooner or later you're bound to get a break."
• (14:21) Henry: "But, father, what would Mr. Cooper say? Everybody'd think I was walking out on Henry."
• (24:13) Mr. Bradley: "I have here a report from no less than 6 of Henry's teachers who say that overnight he's showing more industry and application than anyone else in his classes."
• (27:22) Mr. Aldrich: "Nobody but a boy could take it on the chin like that and bounce right back again."
• (28:19) Geraldine: "My goodness, yes. I want to marry a famous businessman."
• (09:09) Mr. Cooper (about Henry's singing): "It's just that he can't sing them in the right order."

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Important Timestamps

• 02:38–04:14: Henry and Homer discuss the operetta and auditions.
• 04:51–05:19: Geraldine congratulates Henry on getting the lead; confusion starts.
• 07:12–08:03: Mildred and Henry’s encounter; realization of the posting error.
• 09:00–10:01: Mr. Cooper and Mrs. Aldrich discuss breaking the news to Henry.
• 11:05–11:57: Henry’s optimism and his father’s life lessons about disappointment.
• 14:06–15:54: The family attempts to lure Henry away from the operetta role.
• 18:02–19:24: Geraldine discusses school drama; Henry visits his old piano teacher.
• 24:01–24:49: Faculty confronts the student and casting crisis.
• 25:32–25:58: Henry receives the difficult truth about his role.
• 26:24–28:21: Operetta's success; Henry is praised for stage management; Henry and Geraldine discuss the future.

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Tone and Language

The episode maintains the cheerful, earnest, and slightly farcical tone characteristic of mid-century radio comedies. Henry’s dialogue is peppered with expressions of adolescent enthusiasm and innocence ("Gee whiz!", "Boy!"), while the adults speak with gentle exasperation and supportive wisdom. The interplay of quick, overlapping dialogue and comedic misunderstandings gives the episode an energetic, buoyant feel.

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Summary Flow and Takeaways

The story follows Henry’s accidental brush with stardom, the comic mishandling of the revelation, and the confusion it generates among teachers, students, and family. Despite the let-down, Henry’s spirit remains unbroken as he transitions into an unexpected new role, embodying the show's core message of resilience and the value of cheerful persistence in the face of disappointment.

Listeners leave with a smile, reminded of the optimism of youth and the warmth of family and school life in a bygone era of radio.

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Transcript

[A]

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[B]

And now, the Jello family presents Henry.

[C]

Henry Aldrich.

[D]

Coming, Mother.

[B]

Yes, it's the Aldrich family. Based on characters originated by Clifford Goldsmith and starring Ezra Stone as Henry, with Jackie Kelk as home. And yes, it's the Jell O family with its three famous desserts. Jell O in those six delicious flavors. Regular Jell O puddings with that old fashioned homemade flavor. And Jell O tapioca puddings. A miracle of goodness, a marvel of speed.

[D]

Oh, the big red letters stand for the Jello family. Oh, the big red letters stand for the Jello Family. That's Jell Yum yum yum. Joe Puddings. Yum yum yum. Jack. The yoga puddings.

[C]

Yes. S.

[B]

And now for the Aldridge family. Every typical teenage boy is a little like a mirror. No man can follow Henry Aldrich very long, for instance, without seeing a reflection of the boy he used to be. The scene opens in the cafeteria at Central High School.

[E]

It is right after school.

[D]

Gee, Homer, do I feel great. I haven't had a soda in two whole weeks.

[F]

You're sure making up for it now.

[D]

Boy, when I think of it, Giving up ice cream just so I wouldn't catch cold in my vocal cords. Boy, what a waste of time.

[F]

Me, me, me, me, me, me, me, me, me.

[D]

I beg your pardon?

[C]

Nothing.

[F]

Only speaking of vocal cords, I'm just keeping mine limbered up.

[D]

Homer, are you sure you don't want a soda?

[F]

No, thanks. I'm not taking any chances with my voice.

[C]

Me, me, me, me, me.

[D]

Boy, am I glad I'm not in the cast. Once the rehearsals for that operetta start, you'll be tied down every darn afternoon. You poor kid.

[F]

I don't mind.

[D]

Well, I'll be as free as a bird. I can go skating I can go on hikes. Gee, I can do all kinds of things.

[F]

All by yourself, Hen?

[D]

There's Willie, isn't there? Willie?

[F]

He's in the chorus with me.

[D]

He is? Along with Toby and Charlie.

[G]

Sure.

[D]

Me, me, me, me, me, me, me, me, me. Homer?

[F]

Yeah?

[D]

All of a sudden I'm kind of bored sitting here. Look, what do you say we go upstairs and just have a look at the bulletin board?

[F]

I thought you said you were positive your name wouldn't be there.

[D]

Sure, I'm positive. It just couldn't be there. Me, me, me, me, me, me, me, me, me. Homer, are you sure you didn't see my name anywhere on the list then?

[F]

I told you all I saw was my own name.

[D]

Gee, that's a relief. I don't know why I ever tried out for the darn thing in the first place.

[C]

Me, me, me, me, me, me, me.

[D]

And besides, Homer, besides. Do you really think Gilbert and Sullivan is any good anymore? Sure.

[F]

Don't you?

[D]

Especially the Mikado. Gee, the way they'll have to make you up. Nobody will ever recognize you. Not even your own family. Homer, I don't. I don't like to be rude, but if all you're going to say from now on is me, me, me, me, me, me, me, me, frankly, the conversation's bound to get a little dull.

[E]

Henry.

[F]

Henry, it's Geraldine, Love. I wonder if she's in the cab.

[D]

Forget it, Homer. There are other. Other than operettas.

[C]

My goodness, Henry, congratulations.

[F]

You mean me, don't you, Geraldine?

[C]

No, Henry.

[D]

Why? Because I drank four chocolate sundaes in a row.

[C]

Henry, I saw your name. You modest thing, you.

[D]

Who, me?

[F]

You saw his name?

[G]

Where?

[C]

On the bulletin board. My goodness.

[D]

What? But I didn't make the operetta. It's impossible.

[C]

You certainly did. Your name's up there as large as life. What? Sure.

[D]

Well, there must be some mistake. Geraldine, you must have seen Hank Allardyce's name.

[F]

Henry, where are you going?

[D]

No place exactly. I just thought I'd casually go up and see who was. Well, whose name is like mine.

[C]

But Mr. Cooper.

[G]

Mildred, how on earth did his name ever get on that list?

[C]

I'm almost positive you dictated it to me.

[G]

Why would I do a thing like that? Henry Aldrich in the leading role of the Mikado.

[D]

I know, Mildred.

[G]

You'll just have to hunt him up immediately and tell him the whole thing was a mistake.

[C]

You mean I have to tell him?

[E]

Mr. Cooper, may I have a word with you, please?

[G]

Oh, certainly, Mr. Bradley. On your way, Mildred.

[C]

But, Mr. Cooper. Mildred.

[E]

Now, Mr. Cooper, my calendar tells me we're nearing operetta time again. Yes, sir.

[G]

Yes, indeed.

[E]

Yes. Now, there's nothing that makes me happier, Mr. Cooper, than to see you put on your little show once a year.

[G]

Thank you, sir.

[E]

And when the time comes, I'll buy my ticket and I'll attend the performance as a total stranger. I hope that.

[G]

That. That's fine, Mr. Bradley.

[E]

I mean. By that, Mr. Cooper, I'd appreciate it if I could be completely excluded from all plans and preparation.

[G]

Oh, certainly, sir.

[E]

And I trust you'll keep the auditorium doors tightly closed during rehearsal.

[G]

Oh, yes, sir. Yes, sir. Tightly.

[E]

Yes. You'll also do everything in your power to see that the entire school isn't disrupted by your little show.

[G]

I give you My word, Mr. Bradley, nothing will go wrong this year.

[E]

And let's not borrow quite so much furniture this time, sir. We were still returning last year's in June.

[C]

Excuse me, Mr. Cooper. Henry ought to.

[D]

Hello, Mr. Cooper.

[G]

Henry.

[D]

And how are you feeling, Mr. Brad?

[E]

Just fine, Henry. How are you, me boy?

[D]

I'm on top of the world.

[G]

Henry, if you'll step back into the hall, Mildred has something to say to you.

[D]

She wants to give me my part.

[G]

She'll tell you about it.

[C]

Okay.

[D]

And thank you for everything.

[C]

Mr. Cooper, don't you think it would be more official if you told him,

[G]

Mildred, it was your mistake.

[E]

Operetta trouble, Mr. Cooper? So soon?

[G]

It's nothing for you to worry about, Mr. Bradley. I assure you. Goodbye, Mildred.

[C]

Oh, dear.

[D]

Mildred, did you hear the good news? About me, I mean.

[C]

Listen, Henry.

[D]

Boy, this is the first decent break I've had since the Princess and the Woodcutter.

[C]

Henry, there's something I have to tell you.

[D]

It was in kindergarten, see, and I could swing an axe as well as the next fellow, but the whole trouble was my hair. Henry. A little kid with curly hair got the part, but I didn't mind, see, My life was just starting.

[C]

Henry, please listen to me.

[D]

What's the matter, Mildred? Didn't you get a part in the operetta? Because if you didn't, I'd be glad to ask Mr. Cooper to give you another chance.

[C]

Henry, you're only making things worse.

[E]

What's going on here?

[D]

Well, nothing, Mr. Bradley.

[C]

I was just telling you do it, that's all.

[E]

Henry, what have you said to Mildred to upset her like that?

[C]

Nothing.

[E]

What did you say to her?

[D]

Well, gee, all we were talking about was the operetta, Mr. Bradley.

[E]

Operetta? So it's starting to upset the entire School.

[G]

Already?

[D]

Mr. Bradley, I hope you don't feel that getting the leading part has gone to my head.

[E]

What stats?

[G]

The leading part.

[E]

You.

[D]

You mean you're bowled over? I'm very glad you phoned, Mr. Cooper.

[G]

I was considering writing him a letter, Mrs. Aldrich, but then it occurred to me that his mother might be the best one to tell him.

[D]

I'm sure I won't have any difficulty.

[G]

Mr. Cooper, I can't tell you how sorry I am the whole thing happened.

[D]

Oh, well, I'm sure Henry doesn't really believe he's playing the lead in your operetta.

[G]

He doesn't?

[D]

There's one thing about us Aldrich's. We know our failings.

[G]

Yes, but.

[D]

And just between you and me, Mr. Cooper, Henry can't sing a note.

[G]

Oh, I wouldn't say that, Mrs. Aldrich. It's just that he can't sing them in the right order.

[D]

I think I hear him coming in now.

[G]

Well, good luck, miss.

[D]

Oh, I'm sure I won't have any trouble.

[C]

Goodbye.

[D]

A thing of sh. And tattoos. Songs and. Hello, Mother. Hello, Henry. Three guesses what I'm singing. Yes, dear. And guess what else? I'm to play the lead in the operetta. Yes, dear. Sit down, Sit down. Gee, I can't take time to sit down for the next month. I've got to get started on my homework.

[C]

Your homework?

[D]

Sure. And get some decent marks so I don't get thrown out of the cast. Henry, you can sit down for a minute. You and I have to have a little talk. We do? Okay. And now then.

[F]

Me, me, me, me, me, me, me.

[C]

Do you think that's nice?

[D]

You go ahead and talk, Mother. I'll just be rehearsing in between.

[F]

Me, me, me, me, me, me, me.

[E]

Henry.

[D]

Yes, Father?

[G]

What?

[E]

Father, that is, your mother wanted me to explain something to you. So did you enjoy your dinner, son?

[D]

I'll say. Boy, who wouldn't enjoy a dinner like that?

[E]

Yes.

[D]

Why do you suppose Mother had all my favorite things tonight? Even strawberry shortcake a la mode?

[E]

That's because. Well, we're all extremely fond of you, son.

[D]

You are?

[E]

Extremely.

[D]

Gee, thanks.

[C]

And.

[E]

Sit down, Henry.

[D]

Sure. And anyway, I think I know.

[E]

Know what?

[D]

Why everybody in the family is suddenly being so nice to me. Because for the first time in my natural life, you can be proud of me.

[E]

Henry, some people might be proud because their children can play a leading role in an operetta. But personally, you know how I judge my children.

[D]

How, Father?

[E]

By the way, they can take a disappointment.

[D]

Well, boy, I'VE certainly taken plenty of them in my time.

[E]

Well, now.

[D]

And you know, Father, when I used to come home from school year after year, and you'd say, did you make the football team or are you in the orchestra? And I'd say, no, Henry. And you used to say to me, gee whiz, Henry, why let them get you down? So you didn't make it this year. Okay, keep trying. You'll make it next year, Henry. Well, now, I'll let you in on a secret, Father. Frankly, I always thought you were kind of talking through your hat.

[E]

Oh, you did?

[D]

But now, boy, now I realize that's all a person has to do. Just keep trying, and sooner or later you're bound to get a break.

[E]

That's true. But on the other hand.

[D]

And, gee, Father, as long as I live, I'll never forget that lesson you taught me.

[E]

Yes. Would you excuse me a minute? Alice?

[D]

Father, what is it you wanted to tell me?

[E]

Alice, where are you?

[C]

Out here in the hall. Did you tell him, Sam?

[D]

Well, we.

[E]

We've been discussing it.

[C]

You mean you haven't told him?

[E]

Alice, it isn't just the fact that he thinks he's playing the lead. It's.

[D]

It's what, Sam?

[E]

Look, why can't we phone the school and have someone there tell him?

[C]

Dear, I thought you were impatient with

[D]

me because I was afraid to tell him.

[E]

Alice, I don't think you realize how important this is to the boy.

[C]

Henry. Hello, everybody.

[F]

Isn't it wonderful?

[D]

Well, what's wonderful, Homer?

[F]

See the way Henry's overcome all his handicaps and landed on top of the pile?

[E]

What's that?

[F]

Hey, Hen. Are you in the living room?

[C]

What does he mean by Henry's handicap?

[D]

Hen. Hi, Homer. You're just in time.

[F]

I am? For what?

[D]

I'm just going to do a little rehearsing. You can tell me if I hit a bum note here and there.

[F]

You.

[D]

A bum note? I hit them, Homer. I hit them. Oh, go on.

[F]

You're just being modest. Didn't Mr. Cooper pick you for the lead out of the whole school?

[D]

Yeah, and the more I think about it, the more I'm more surprised than anybody.

[F]

Come on. You want me to play the piano for you?

[E]

Sure.

[D]

Here's the music. Okay, let her rip. Now, Henry, the flowers that bloom in the spring.

[F]

What happened to the trolley?

[D]

You must have hit a wrong note.

[F]

I guess so. Well, let's start again.

[D]

The flowers that bloom in this. Yes, Father? Could you come into the dining room for a moment? Sure, Homer. You'll be practicing that Part. Meanwhile. What is it, Father?

[E]

Henry, I've just been having a discussion with. About something with your mother, and I wanted your opinion.

[H]

Sure.

[D]

Is it regarding music?

[E]

Well, not exactly. In a few weeks, Henry, I'm making a trip to Washington on business. And your mother and I wondered if you wouldn't like to go alone.

[C]

To Washington?

[D]

No.

[E]

Yes.

[D]

Gee, there's nothing in this world I'd rather do. Boy.

[E]

Of course, it would mean resigning from the operetta, but after all, a trip to Washington.

[D]

Father, when would you be going?

[E]

What is the operetta?

[D]

The week of the 27th.

[E]

That's when we're going.

[D]

You mean I'd have to give up my part?

[E]

I'm afraid so.

[D]

But, father, what would Mr. Cooper say? Everybody think I was walking out on Henry.

[E]

I'm sure you could explain it to them.

[D]

I couldn't explain it to Geraldine. Very well. She's playing opposite me. Yes, she might even take it personally.

[E]

But, Henry, you've never been to Washington, D.C. you see, it's the capital of your country.

[D]

Sure, Father, and I appreciate your offering me the trip.

[E]

But, Henry.

[D]

But duty comes first. Come on, Homer. Let's get back to work.

[F]

Okay. And I think I know where I was making my mistake. Let's go.

[D]

The flowers that bloom in the spring trala breathe promise of merry sunshine as we merrily dance and we sing Paula. Hey, Homer. Yeah? You got a little closer that time, but you're still kind of flat. I'm sorry. Oh, it's okay. Some people just don't have any ears for music. It isn't their fault.

[F]

Gee, I could have sworn I was sticking to the music.

[C]

Henry.

[D]

Yes, Mother, dear? Have you looked at it this way? Looked at what? There really isn't any money in singing. There isn't? I'm afraid not, dear. You see, organizations that hire singers usually can't afford to pay very much. Well, I know. For instance, you take our church group. While we'd love to be able to afford a singer, our budget just won't permit it. Gee whiz, Mother, if that's all you're worried about, I'd be glad to sing at your church. And I wouldn't think of charging.

[C]

Oh, dear, Sam.

[B]

Henry isn't the only one who's anxious to sing. Here are a few notes from Meredith Wilson and his Talking People Bottle.

[D]

Intermission. Intermission.

[B]

Jello is the grandest dessert in the world.

[D]

And now back to the.

[G]

Hey, wait just a minute here.

[D]

How can you interrupt the Alish family

[B]

in such a crucial situation?

[G]

Well, you can always interrupt with anything as tempting as Jello. Six delicious flavors, starting with strawberry, raspberry,

[D]

cherry, orange, lemon, lime.

[G]

And every one of those rich fruit like flavors reminds you of the real ripe fruit itself. Flavor that's locked right into Jello. Locked in so that it can't possibly get out until your first delectable spoonful.

[D]

That's fine.

[B]

Intermission over.

[D]

Curtain. Curtain.

[G]

Curtain going up. Hey, hold it there. Intermission is not over. I haven't even begun to tell the people half of the wonderful things about Jello. All the variety of salads and desserts that you can make so easily with any one of Jello. Six delicious flavors. Take for instance, strawberry, raspberry,

[C]

lemon.

[G]

Okay, kids, you win. And now back to the Aldrich family.

[B]

Yes, getting back to the troubles of Henry Aldrich. Due to a mistake, Henry has gotten the impression that he has to play the lead in the school's production of the Mikado. The task of informing Henry of the error has been passed from one to the other, with the result that no

[E]

one has told him.

[B]

The scene opens in Geraldine Love's house. It is the next day.

[C]

But, Mother, he's so unreasonable about the whole thing.

[D]

Who's unreasonable, Geraldine?

[C]

Charlie Clark, Mother. Haven't you been listening? He didn't get the leading part in the operetta and Henry Aldrich did. He says he has a far better voice. And all Henry got the part on was his good look. He got it on what? His good looks, Mother, is good looks. Haven't you noticed Henry in the right light recently?

[D]

No, I can't say I have.

[C]

Well, anyhow, Charlie Clark's so mad, he says he's through with the dramatic society, the debating society and the promotion of International Goodwill Society. In fact, he says he's going to leave school. Who is Charlie Clark, Mother? My goodness, haven't you been listening?

[G]

Come right in, please.

[D]

Thank you. Gee, Professor Everett, I guess you hardly remember me, huh?

[G]

Henry Aldrich, you said?

[D]

Yes, sir. I used to take piano lessons from you.

[E]

You did?

[D]

Sure, for two years. And then you had to go away on a long vacation.

[G]

Yes, I remember now. I'll never forget it. Well, how nice of you to drop in, Henry.

[D]

Thank you.

[B]

A social call, I hope.

[D]

Not exactly. You see, up until recently, I didn't have any voice to speak of. But all of a sudden it seems to have turned into something.

[G]

Is that so?

[D]

And while I'm not sure I ought to take on more studies, I'd just be interested in learning what you charge for singing lessons. Yes, sir. And since My folks have poured so much money into you in the past. Well, I. I thought I'd try to swing this myself.

[G]

I see. Well, suppose you sing something for me.

[D]

Sure. Do you happen to be familiar enough with tit willow to accompany me?

[G]

I'll do my best.

[D]

Okay. On a tree, by a river a little tom tit sang willow tit willow tit willow. And I said to him, dicky bird, why do you sit Singing willow tit will.

[C]

Ow.

[D]

Tit will. Well, is it weakness of it, huh? That's fine, Henry, but I learned all three verses.

[G]

Yes, but frankly, Henry, I'm inclined to

[E]

agree with you about my voice.

[G]

No, you really shouldn't take on any more study.

[I]

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[D]

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

[B]

Inflation is killing me, but who cares?

[D]

Big retailers are making record profits.

[B]

That's why we support the Durban Marshall credit card bill.

[F]

See, banks and credit unions help small businesses make payroll.

[D]

This bill would cut the vital resources they need while increasing megastore profits.

[B]

They deserve it, don't they?

[H]

Tell Congress, stop the Durbin Marshall money grab for corporate megastores paid for by the Electronic Payments Coalition.

[G]

Will the orchestra please come to order? Thank you. Toby Smith, did you hit George over the head with your violin?

[E]

No, sir, he just stood up.

[D]

Order.

[G]

Order.

[C]

Order.

[E]

Order.

[G]

Now, I just want to say one thing. We start rehearsals for the cast in two more days and they're going to need some recognizable music. So let's go through a wandering minstrel once again. And please don't play anything you haven't got. There's enough missing. Already. A 1, 2, 3.

[D]

Oh, Mr. Cooper, stop the music. Stop the music.

[G]

Mr. Bradley. You mean the auditorium doors weren't closed?

[E]

They were, Mr. Cooper, but may I

[G]

have a word with you out here in the hall?

[C]

Certainly.

[G]

Certainly, Mr. Bradley.

[D]

Certainly.

[G]

Will the orchestra please stay put?

[E]

After you, Mr. Cooper.

[G]

No, no, no, sir. After you, Mr. Bradley.

[E]

First of all, I've just had a very interesting telephone conversation with Mrs. Aldridge, Henry's mother. Yes, it seems that Henry still thinks he's going to play the lead in your operator.

[G]

Oh, no, Mr. Bradley. I phoned his mother yesterday myself. She told him.

[E]

But the fact remains she hasn't told him, nor has anyone else told him.

[D]

Why not?

[E]

She says that isn't the question. She wants to know why you allowed Henry to believe he was playing the lead in the first place.

[G]

Oh, may I explain that when I have finished?

[E]

I have here a petition signed by some 30 students headed by the name of Charlie Clark, stating that unless Charlie is given the leading role, they will drop out of all school activities, including the drive to raise funds for new trays in the cafeteria.

[G]

And now, Mr. Bradley, may I explain?

[E]

When I have finished. I also have a letter here from the mother of a student named Mildred Carter. You know her.

[G]

She's the girl who posted Henry's name on the bulletin board.

[E]

The child is in bed as the result of a nervous collapse.

[G]

Well, I, I, I.

[E]

Once more, Mr. Cooper, you are putting on an operetta. And once more, the operetta is upsetting the entire school.

[G]

Very well, Mr. Bradley. I'll tell Henry myself that he is not playing the lead in the Mercado.

[E]

About that, Mr. Cooper. I have here a report from no less than 6 of Henry's teachers who say that overnight he's showing more industry and application than anyone else in his classes.

[G]

Who? Henry Aldrich.

[E]

The boy has apparently taken a new lease on life.

[G]

Why that, that's astounding.

[E]

And in view of the fact that scholastic standing is always of prime importance.

[G]

Yes, sir.

[E]

How can you now take Henry Aldrich out of the leading part in your operetta?

[G]

But, but, but Mr. Bradley, what am I going to do?

[E]

The question is, Mr. Cooper, what am I going to do now that your little operetta has turned the entire school upside down?

[C]

Sam, I don't see how you can

[D]

possibly go through with it.

[E]

Alice, I've just attended a two hour meeting of the entire high school faculty.

[C]

The entire faculty.

[E]

And this is what was decided. And there is nothing to do now but let Henry know.

[D]

I wouldn't have the courage.

[E]

Courage or not, it's my fault things have gone as far as they have.

[B]

Henry.

[C]

Yes, Father?

[E]

Will you step into the living room, please?

[C]

Sam, I've known people who were scarred

[D]

for life because of a thing like this. Were you calling I, Father?

[E]

Yes, Henry. Alex, I think you better leave.

[D]

I think so too, Henry. I'll be out in the kitchen making

[C]

you a chocolate cake.

[D]

Father, is there something wrong with mother?

[E]

No, Henry, just sit down.

[D]

Okay.

[E]

Henry, can you take Some bad news?

[D]

Yes, sir.

[E]

It's about the operetta.

[D]

You mean because you're going to Washington, you won't be able to hear me sing?

[E]

Henry, I'm going to let you have it. Straight from the shoulder.

[C]

Sam.

[D]

Hi, Geraldine.

[C]

It's over. Oh, Henry, you were wonderful. Simply wonderful.

[D]

Geraldine, you were pretty swell yourself.

[C]

Was I? Was I really?

[D]

Was that a swell show. Thanks, Homer. And gee, you were swell, too.

[F]

Look who's coming backstage.

[C]

Henry. Henry.

[G]

Come on, Alice.

[C]

Henry, we just heard someone say this

[D]

was the best operetta the school has ever put on.

[C]

You just did, Mother.

[D]

Gee, it wasn't that good.

[E]

It certainly was, son.

[B]

And we're proud of you.

[D]

Oh, thanks. And listen, I have a couple of things to take care of.

[C]

I'll be right back.

[B]

Alice, let's work our way over there where it's playing.

[C]

Doesn't Henry look cute? Look at the way he's rushing around.

[G]

I never.

[E]

Alex, when you get down to it, isn't youth amazing?

[C]

It certainly is.

[E]

And to think I dreaded telling Henry that in some, instead of playing the lead, he was to be head stage manager.

[C]

The best stage manager Central High ever had.

[D]

Yeah.

[E]

Nobody but a boy could take it on the chin like that and bounce right back again.

[D]

I'm all ready, Father.

[C]

Henry, what are you doing with that suitcase?

[D]

Gee whiz, I'm all packed. What time does our train leave?

[E]

What train?

[D]

For Washington.

[C]

For Washington?

[A]

What?

[C]

Sure.

[D]

Father, isn't this the night you said you were taking me?

[E]

Alice.

[C]

Sam.

[E]

Henry, your mother has something to tell you.

[C]

Sam, how did you come back here?

[D]

Boy, Geraldine, you were swelling tonight's operetta.

[C]

Oh, thanks, Henry. You were a wonderful business manager, too.

[D]

Gee, thanks. You know, you could make singing your whole future career.

[C]

Oh, no. I've got another career all picked out. You have? My goodness, yes. I want to marry a famous businessman.

[D]

Don't you mean a business manager?

[B]

Well, speaking of careers, what a famous one jello has made for itself as America's favorite gelatin dessert. Yes, Jello. The luscious, shimmering dessert that comes in six delicious flavors. Strawberry, raspberry, cherry, orange, lemon and lime. All six rich with that famous locked in goodness. Tomorrow try Jell O peach and banana mold. Just prepare one package of lime Jello as usual. Then pour your jello over 1/2 cup of drained canned sliced cling peaches arranged in a mold. Add one sliced banana and chill until firm. It's a quick and easy dessert to make. And it's so gay to look at. So tempting to eat. Stock up On Jell O for the weekend. Look for those big red letters on the box. Those big red letters stand for the Jello family. If you have a heart, listen. Last year one person died every minute from heart disease. Let's do something about it. Send a donation to your local heart association campaign or to the American heart Association, Box 500, New York City. Money can help the fight against heart disease. So open your heart and give. The Aldrich family, starring Ezra Stone as Henry, with Jackie Kelk as Homer, is written by Patricia Jowdry and Del Dimsdale with music by Jack Miller. Mr. And Mrs. Aldrich are house Jameson and Catherine Roth. And this is Dan Seymour in New York saying, the Aldrich family is brought to you by the Jello family.

[D]

Oh, the big red letters stand for the Jello family. Oh, the big red letters stand for the Jello family. That's Jell Yum yum yum. Jello puddings. Yum yum yum. Jello Cat Fioca puddings. Yes, sir, we.

[B]

Announce. Stay tuned for the Burns and Allen show, which follows immediately over most of these same stations.

[E]

This is NBC, the national broadcasting company.

[I]

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[H]

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[D]

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[H]

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