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Harriet Briar
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Alice Aldrich
Henry aldrich coming mother.
Narrator
Presents the Aldrich Family Written by Clifford Goldsmith and starring Ezra Stone. Entertainment for all the family brought to you by Postom. Attempting wholesome drink for all the family. Friends. Before we join the Aldrich family, let's imagine that the little voice we all have within could actually speak to us out loud. Would your inner voice ever say anything like this? Why do you keep putting it off? You know you're nervous, so why don't you do something about it? Yes, if your nerves are on edge, you should certainly do something about it. For instance, if it happens that coffee makes you nervous, you could easily correct matters by drinking Postum instead of you see, even though many people can drink coffee without getting nervous, many others, and you may be among them, cannot. So if you think coffee sets your nerves on edge, switch to Postum as your regular mealtime drink. Postum contains no stimulants, nothing that could cause nervousness. Just drink fragrant, flavorful Postum instead of coffee. And then, after giving Postum a fair trial, see if that nervous, jittery feeling isn't gone. See if you don't feel so swell again that your inner voice says, be smart. Stay with Postham for good. In the comfortable white house at 117 Elm Street, Centerville, USA, live friends and neighbors of yours, the Aldrich family. They live the same calm, ordered existence that any family with a high school boy leads. And if you know Henry Aldrich, or any teenage boy, you know what that means. Our scene opens at the Aldrich breakfast table.
Alice Aldrich
Henry, if I were you, I wouldn't eat quite so fast.
Henry Aldrich
But, Mother, I'm late.
Alice Aldrich
Here, you have plenty of time. It isn't 10 minutes to 8.
Henry Aldrich
But, Mother, I have to attend to something on the way to school.
Sam Aldrich
May I have a piece of toast, please?
Alice Aldrich
Here, Sam.
Henry Aldrich
Father, would you mind if I should ask you a sort of a technical question?
Sam Aldrich
What about?
Henry Aldrich
Well, do you find in your law practice that most people get convicted?
Sam Aldrich
Of what?
Henry Aldrich
Well, of anything. Say you're arrested, see? And you're. Well. What are your chances?
Alice Aldrich
Henry, what are you talking about?
Henry Aldrich
Nothing, Mother. It isn't anything. I guess I'll have a piece of toast, too.
Alice Aldrich
Here you are.
Henry Aldrich
Is there quite a market for bicycles these days, do you know?
Narrator
I don't know.
Sam Aldrich
Why?
Henry Aldrich
I was just wondering if a used bicycle brings much money.
Sam Aldrich
Why?
Henry Aldrich
Well, I'll tell you, Father. When a case comes up in court. I'm not speaking of anything specific.
Sam Aldrich
What about it?
Henry Aldrich
When a case does come up, Father, is it usually announced in the newspapers?
Alice Aldrich
Henry, why?
Henry Aldrich
Oh, no reason. No reason. Well, that was a very nice breakfast.
Sam Aldrich
Where are you going?
Henry Aldrich
No place. I just happened to decide. I'd like to put in a telephone call.
Alice Aldrich
Sam. Well, you think Henry's studying too hard?
Sam Aldrich
I beg your pardon?
Alice Aldrich
He isn't himself, dear. Something is definitely on his mind.
Sam Aldrich
What makes you say that?
Alice Aldrich
Well, then Henry comes down to breakfast and his mind isn't on his food. And look, he didn't even touch his banana.
Homer Brownsmith
No.
Sam Aldrich
Give it to me.
Alice Aldrich
Sam. I don't see how you can sit there and eat his banana and not even be worried.
Sam Aldrich
Pass me that toast. I'm going to stop worrying. It shortens your life.
Alice Aldrich
But why would he ask the questions he did about being tried in court or something?
Sam Aldrich
Alice, I get questions like that every day.
Henry Aldrich
Well, so long, everybody. I gotta get started.
Alice Aldrich
Henry, you can't start for school this early.
Henry Aldrich
But, Mother, it's important.
Alice Aldrich
What's that you have in that package?
Henry Aldrich
Why, it's just something I have to. I'm going to. I bought it at the hardware store. Goodbye.
Alice Aldrich
Goodbye.
Sam Aldrich
Goodbye.
Henry Aldrich
Boy, have I gotta hurry.
Alice Aldrich
Sam. Well, why do you suppose he just put in that phone call?
Sam Aldrich
I have no idea. Do you have any more toast, Maid?
Alice Aldrich
Who do you suppose that is?
Sam Aldrich
I don't know, but it certainly isn't anything to get upset about.
Alice Aldrich
Well, dear, I'm not upset. I'm simply wondering. Hello?
Homer Brownsmith
Hello, Is Henry there?
Alice Aldrich
No, he isn't.
Homer Brownsmith
Well, Mrs. Aldrich, this is Homer. Has Henry left already?
Alice Aldrich
Yes. Oh, well, that's good. Homer, did Henry just call you this morning? Yes, dear.
Homer Brownsmith
No. No. Did he put in a phone call?
Harriet Briar
I don't know.
Alice Aldrich
Why did he leave so early?
Homer Brownsmith
Why, I'd rather not say, Mrs. Aldrich. There's no sense in your worrying too.
Alice Aldrich
What's that?
Homer Brownsmith
Goodbye, Homer.
Alice Aldrich
Homer.
Sam Aldrich
Sam, what did Homer want?
Alice Aldrich
He says I mustn't worry. Sam, can you answer the door?
Sam Aldrich
I'm getting ready to leave for the office.
Alice Aldrich
Oh, very well.
Harriet Briar
Good morning, Alice.
Alice Aldrich
Why, Harriet, what are you doing over here?
Harriet Briar
Is Sam here? I want to have a talk with both of you.
Alice Aldrich
Sam?
Sam Aldrich
Yes?
Alice Aldrich
Can you come here?
Sam Aldrich
I'm coming, but I can't stop.
Harriet Briar
Then I'll go until I've had a talk with you. Sam.
Alice Aldrich
Why? What's happened?
Harriet Briar
Well, I don't know just where to begin.
Sam Aldrich
Are you having trouble with the bank again?
Harriet Briar
It isn't the bank. It's your son.
Alice Aldrich
Henry. Sam, I knew all the time something had happened.
Sam Aldrich
Alice, he hasn't even told you what it is.
Harriet Briar
How can I if you don't sit down?
Sam Aldrich
I can't possibly sit down, Harriet. I'm late as it is.
Alice Aldrich
Sam, sit down and stop taking this lightly.
Sam Aldrich
Very well. I'm down now.
Harriet Briar
Then Henry phoned me a little while ago and asked whether he could come over and have a talk.
Alice Aldrich
Henry called you? Yes.
Harriet Briar
And when he got there, he kept saying, now there isn't anything to worry about, Aunt Harriet. Nothing to worry about at all. So naturally, I started to worry.
Sam Aldrich
About what?
Harriet Briar
He wanted to know whether he could have some mail sent to my house instead of over here at your house. And I said yes, never suspecting for a minute.
Alice Aldrich
Never suspecting what?
Harriet Briar
I'm coming to that. And then he said, when it comes, Aunt Harriet, it'll come in somebody else's name.
Narrator
Yes.
Harriet Briar
And I said, yes. And then I said, whose name? And he said, Mr. W. Weber.
Sam Aldrich
Who's Mr. Webber?
Harriet Briar
Will you let me tell this?
Sam Aldrich
I beg your pardon?
Harriet Briar
And he said, I must promise not to say a word to anybody.
Alice Aldrich
But who is this Mr. Webber?
Harriet Briar
Sam, where are you going?
Sam Aldrich
I just wanted to make sure I have my briefcase, Sam.
Alice Aldrich
It's right here on this table.
Sam Aldrich
Oh, fine.
Henry Aldrich
Thanks.
Harriet Briar
Now, where was I?
Alice Aldrich
You just promised Henry you wouldn't tell anybody.
Harriet Briar
Oh, yes.
Alice Aldrich
Well, Sam, you aren't leaving, are you?
Sam Aldrich
I'm sorry, Alice, but I have things to do.
Harriet Briar
You mean I came over here just for nothing?
Sam Aldrich
No, Harriet, not at all. What you said is very interesting.
Homer Brownsmith
Really?
Sam Aldrich
Yes. Tell Alice some more. It'll take her mind off her trouble. Goodbye.
Alice Aldrich
Goodbye, dear.
Harriet Briar
Well, Alice, do you think Sam takes his family as seriously as he should?
Alice Aldrich
Why, Harriet.
Harriet Briar
Well, would you mind if I should use your phone?
Alice Aldrich
Oh, no, not at all. Alice, you look pale. Well, I thought when I got up this morning. Number, please.
Harriet Briar
Now, wait a minute. I know you were going to jump at me that fast.
Alice Aldrich
Number, please.
Harriet Briar
I'm looking it up for you.
Homer Brownsmith
It's.
Harriet Briar
No, that's not it. It's ELM661R2. ELM661R2. Operator, did you hear me?
Alice Aldrich
I'm ringing your number.
Harriet Briar
Oh, hello.
Henry Aldrich
Hello.
Harriet Briar
Is this Mrs. Brown?
Alice Aldrich
Yes.
Harriet Briar
Well, this is Harriet Briar. I don't want to worry you, Mrs. Brown, but has Homer left for school?
Alice Aldrich
Yes, he has.
Harriet Briar
Well, tell me, Homer and Henry see a great deal of each other, don't they? Yes, they do. Well, does Homer seem to be worried lately? About Henry, I mean, about Henry.
Alice Aldrich
What for?
Harriet Briar
Well, how's he been about himself?
Alice Aldrich
Well, you know how boys always are.
Harriet Briar
Yes, I know how boys are. And don't you worry either, Mrs. Brown.
Alice Aldrich
What about?
Harriet Briar
Not a thing. But if I hear of anything else, I'll call you back.
Homer Brownsmith
Wait, Henry.
Henry Aldrich
Wait. Homer, do you want me to be late for school again?
Homer Brownsmith
But, Henry, if Mr. Bull sees us, he'll grab us.
Henry Aldrich
Gee whiz, why does he have to live right across from the school?
Homer Brownsmith
Well, I can't help it. All I know is we can't cross the street to go to school until after he leaves his house.
Henry Aldrich
About what time does he start for his office?
Homer Brownsmith
Any minute now. We're only 10 minutes late.
Henry Aldrich
Boy, if there's one man in this town that can lose his temper, it's Mr. Bull.
Homer Brownsmith
Oh, gee. Did you find out how much you can get for the bicycle?
Henry Aldrich
Yeah, all we can get is $8.
Homer Brownsmith
Well, that's a nice thing, Henry. Gee whiz, are we in a fix?
Harriet Briar
Alice. Alice, where are you?
Alice Aldrich
Is that you down there?
Harriet Briar
Harriet, it is come down.
Alice Aldrich
Good. I didn't expect to see you over here again this morning.
Harriet Briar
It's come, Alice, it's come.
Henry Aldrich
What has?
Alice Aldrich
A letter.
Harriet Briar
What are you supposed.
Alice Aldrich
Have you opened it?
Harriet Briar
I have not. I decided you should be the one to read it.
Alice Aldrich
Well, my gracious. I don't think that I should open a letter that isn't even addressed to me. Harriet. Why not?
Harriet Briar
Here.
Alice Aldrich
W. Weber, Esquire, care of Harriet Briar. 11 walnut. Harriet, let me sit down for a minute.
Harriet Briar
Come. Think of it. Maybe I'd better open it and read it for you. Maybe I can use the shot.
Alice Aldrich
The shot? Harriet, I think we should wait until Sam gets home and let him open.
Harriet Briar
Now, Alice, you know the attitude Sam will take. He'll just laugh at the whole thing and throw it in the fireplace. I think we should have it open when he gets here. We can tell him what's in it.
Alice Aldrich
Harriet, there's the phone.
Harriet Briar
I'll answer it. You just sit here and get a hold of yourself.
Alice Aldrich
No, thank you. I think it's much better that I answer it.
Harriet Briar
What if it's the more bad news?
Alice Aldrich
If it is, I might as well know it.
Harriet Briar
Well, do you mind if I listen?
Alice Aldrich
Hello? Hello? Is this Mrs. Aldrich? Yes. Well, Mrs. Aldrich, this is Homer Brownsmith. Yes? I've just been trying to get your sister and she doesn't answer.
Harriet Briar
Tell her I'm here.
Alice Aldrich
Why, she's right here. Well, I happen to think about something. About Henry. About Henry.
Harriet Briar
Henry.
Homer Brownsmith
Faith. Alice.
Alice Aldrich
Well, the school sent A note home the other day telling us that Homer's been arriving late every morning. And so we've been having him start earlier and earlier.
Harriet Briar
Yes, Alice, I'm going to get a chair.
Alice Aldrich
But the earlier Homer starts, the later he seems to get to school. Yes, and just a few minutes ago the school phoned and said that Homer was late again this morning. You don't say so.
Harriet Briar
Missed something.
Alice Aldrich
What time did Henry leave this morning? About 10 minutes to 8. And so did Homer. And what I want to know is where those two boys go.
Harriet Briar
Morning.
Alice Aldrich
Well, Mrs. Brown, what's your theory?
Harriet Briar
Alice, give me that phone while I
Alice Aldrich
tell her what mine is.
Homer Brownsmith
Henry, where's the letter with started to write?
Henry Aldrich
It's right here in my Latin book, Homer.
Homer Brownsmith
Well, let's see what you said so far.
Henry Aldrich
You know what I said.
Homer Brownsmith
Well, can't you let me see it here?
Henry Aldrich
Dear sir, for several days my friend and I have been waiting for your legal advice, which we requested in a letter describing our jam.
Homer Brownsmith
Did you write jam, Henry?
Henry Aldrich
You think I better change it to mess?
Homer Brownsmith
Yes, go on, Homer.
Henry Aldrich
Wouldn't you think he'd answer the first one by now?
Homer Brownsmith
Henry, Go on.
Henry Aldrich
Where was I?
Homer Brownsmith
In a mess.
Henry Aldrich
Oh, would you please advise us about fees? A, if we win. B, if we lose.
Homer Brownsmith
If we lose, Henry.
Henry Aldrich
Oh, gee, Homer. Mr. Bowles, an influential man.
Homer Brownsmith
You mean, after going to all this trouble, our folks still may find out.
Sam Aldrich
Any letters to be signed, Ms. Thompson?
Homer Brownsmith
No, master.
Sam Aldrich
Mr. Aldridge, any phone calls while I was out for lunch?
Alice Aldrich
Yes, Mr. Aldridge. Mrs. Aldridge phoned once and later her sister Harriet Briar phoned.
Sam Aldrich
Any message?
Alice Aldrich
No, sir. Mrs. Aldrich said she was just leaving the house. And it might have been my imagination, but she seemed very much upset about something.
Sam Aldrich
Well, if her sister was still there, she probably was upset.
Harriet Briar
Yes.
Sam Aldrich
Harriet Briar ought to do what I have decided to do. Stop worrying.
Alice Aldrich
And also Mr. Bull phoned about 11. Bull?
Sam Aldrich
JC Bull? What do you want?
Alice Aldrich
He wanted to have a talk.
Sam Aldrich
What about?
Harriet Briar
I don't think he said thank you.
Sam Aldrich
What's this law book doing on my desk?
Alice Aldrich
Oh, yes. Henry dropped in during lunch hour.
Sam Aldrich
Henry? About his allowance?
Alice Aldrich
No, sir, he didn't mention his allowance. He said he came in to do some research.
Narrator
I see.
Alice Aldrich
He didn't seem to want to tell me what it was in regard to. He went over your shelves very carefully
Harriet Briar
and then picked out that book and sat down in a corner and studied
Alice Aldrich
it for about 20 minutes.
Sam Aldrich
I wonder what teacher would ask him to read a thing like this.
Alice Aldrich
Which book is it volume 20?
Sam Aldrich
Crimes and offenses. Well, whatever it is, it's a good thing his mother doesn't know about it.
Henry Aldrich
Why?
Sam Aldrich
You know women. If they haven't anything to worry about, they'll dig something up.
Alice Aldrich
Sam, I'm sorry to bother you, but we've got to see you.
Sam Aldrich
Alice.
Harriet Briar
Oh, Sam.
Sam Aldrich
Harriet, what are you and Alice doing down here?
Harriet Briar
We're worried, Sam. And you should be.
Henry Aldrich
Yes.
Sam Aldrich
Now, sit down. What's on your mind?
Alice Aldrich
It's Henry, Sam.
Sam Aldrich
Yes.
Alice Aldrich
I had a phone call from the school a little while ago, Sam. Mr. Bradley wanted me to come up right away and have a talk with him.
Harriet Briar
Yes, and I don't like the way you keep saying yes. You just wait until Alice finishes.
Sam Aldrich
Yes. I mean, fine.
Alice Aldrich
And, Sam, when I went up there, they told me Henry had been late to school almost every morning this week.
Sam Aldrich
Yes.
Henry Aldrich
Yes.
Sam Aldrich
Well, I'll have a talk with Henry and tell him he must be more prompt.
Harriet Briar
Well, I like that.
Alice Aldrich
Sam was sure it's more serious than that.
Sam Aldrich
Now, Alice, you're worrying over something that doesn't amount to a raw pin.
Alice Aldrich
But, dear, I can't help it. That's the way I feel.
Harriet Briar
And imagine how I feel. Why, Harriet, I started all this, and if you don't believe it, take a look at this.
Sam Aldrich
And What?
Harriet Briar
It's a letter that came in my mail this morning to my house, in care of me. And I feel I had a perfect right to open it.
Sam Aldrich
What is it?
Harriet Briar
Read it.
Sam Aldrich
W. Webber, Esquire. Who's he?
Alice Aldrich
It's your own son.
Harriet Briar
And suppose it gets around town, Sam, that there's a Mr. Webber getting mail at my house?
Sam Aldrich
Dear sir, yours of the 15th received. I regret very much the pressure of other work makes it impossible for me to consider your case. However, if it is as serious as your letter would indicate, I would suggest that you get in touch with some responsible lawyer at once. Why not one in your own community, such as Mr. Samuel Ulrich, who will, I feel, sure, treat your trouble confidentially. Yours truly, Norton Adams, attorney at law.
Alice Aldrich
Sam.
Henry Aldrich
Yes, yes.
Sam Aldrich
But what has Henry done?
Harriet Briar
I thought you weren't worried.
Sam Aldrich
I'm not. I'm not. It's probably. It's just naturally.
Alice Aldrich
Mr. Aldritch, are you through with that volume on crimes and offenses Henry was reading? Sam. What's that?
Sam Aldrich
Ms. Thompson? What time is it?
Alice Aldrich
15 minutes after 3.
Sam Aldrich
Please call the high school and see whether Henry has left.
Narrator
Well, things certainly don't look too good for Henry and Homer. But since there's no real proof they've done anything wrong, let's reserve judgment and if you will consider the proof that Postal as a good, hot mealtime drink for all the family is just about tops, just about the grandest treat you could hope to get. And is there any better proof than that more and more folks are enjoying Postum every day. That Postum's popularity is growing by leaps and bounds? Well, as a matter of fact, there is better proof. Your own keen pleasure when you take your first sip, when you first raise a good, hot cup of Postum to your lips and discover for yourself just what the words fragrance and flavor really mean. Believe me, you'll bring in a verdict for Postum. Not because it tastes like coffee, for it doesn't, any more than coffee tastes like tea. But because Postum has a goodness of its own, A distinctive flavor as roundly satisfying as anything you've tasted. Now, why not let your own taste tell you about Postum, Yours and your family's, including the children. We can only tell you about the goodness of Postum. But you can enjoy it. And I'm sure you will. Now, getting back to the troubles of Henry Aldrich. Henry and his friend Homer are in trouble. Just what the trouble is their parents have been unable to figure out.
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Narrator
the scene opens on Aunt Harriet's front porch.
Homer Brownsmith
Doesn't she seem to be home, Henry?
Henry Aldrich
I don't know.
Harriet Briar
Well, hello there.
Henry Aldrich
Hello, Aunt Harriet. I'm sorry to bother you, but I wanted to ask you something.
Harriet Briar
Henry, why aren't you in school?
Henry Aldrich
School's over.
Alice Aldrich
It's over.
Harriet Briar
My goodness. What time is it?
Homer Brownsmith
I don't know, but it's over just the same.
Harriet Briar
Ms. Brian, what part is it you want?
Henry Aldrich
Well, do you remember when I dropped in for a second this morning?
Harriet Briar
I do.
Henry Aldrich
Well, I didn't leave a package, did I?
Harriet Briar
A package? What was in it?
Henry Aldrich
Nothing. It was just. It was just.
Homer Brownsmith
It was just something we bought at the hardware store.
Henry Aldrich
Oh, yes, ma'. Am. And when I left the house this morning, I had it with me. Now I can't find.
Homer Brownsmith
I see.
Harriet Briar
But you can't Tell me what was in the package?
Henry Aldrich
Oh, it wasn't anything. It was just a can of paint.
Harriet Briar
Paint?
Homer Brownsmith
Black paint.
Harriet Briar
Black.
Alice Aldrich
Well, you didn't leave it here.
Harriet Briar
And if you'll excuse me, I'll go in the house.
Henry Aldrich
Are you sure? I didn't.
Harriet Briar
I've got to telephone somebody about something. Right this minute.
Sam Aldrich
Yes, Harriet. Yes, Harriet. Yes, Harriet. Thank you for calling. Goodbye, Harriet. Ms. Thompson?
Alice Aldrich
Yes, Mr. Aldrich.
Sam Aldrich
Did you try to call the school?
Harriet Briar
Yes, sir.
Alice Aldrich
The line's still busy.
Sam Aldrich
Did you phone that attorney over in
Alice Aldrich
Middletown, Mr. Norton Adams? I called his office twice, Mr. Aldrich, and then I tried to reach him at court.
Sam Aldrich
Keep trying. In the meantime, I'll try one other place.
Alice Aldrich
Number, please.
Sam Aldrich
Police headquarters.
Alice Aldrich
Police headquarters.
Sam Aldrich
Ms. Thompson, did you cancel all my other engagements for the day?
Alice Aldrich
Yes, Mr. Aldridge.
Sergeant Kelly
Police headquarters. Sergeant Kelly speaking.
Sam Aldrich
Sergeant, this is Sam Aldridge.
Sergeant Kelly
Oh, how are you, Mr. Aldridge?
Sam Aldrich
Sergeant, my. My boy hasn't gotten into any trouble down there, has he?
Sergeant Kelly
No, not that I know of.
Sam Aldrich
I see. You looking for anyone by the name of Webber Weber? W. Weber. Any complaints filed against anyone by that name?
Sergeant Kelly
No, nothing against any Weber that I know of.
Sam Aldrich
I see.
Sergeant Kelly
Say, about how old is this Webber?
Sam Aldrich
Why, he's about Henry's age.
Sergeant Kelly
Well, the only charges we have here are against two unidentified boys. They are wanted for Petty Larson. Yes, yes, for stealing bicycles.
Sam Aldrich
I see. Yeah. Did you say bicycles?
Narrator
Yeah.
Sam Aldrich
And you don't know who they are?
Sergeant Kelly
Not yet, but we're working on it. You know, it's always a hard thing to follow up. Them kids get some paint and do the job over. Then you can't identify them.
Sam Aldrich
I see. Well, if you find out who the boys are, let me know.
Narrator
Of course.
Sam Aldrich
Goodbye.
Narrator
Goodbye.
Sam Aldrich
Miss Thompson.
Alice Aldrich
Yes, Mr. Aldrich?
Sam Aldrich
See whether you can get Norton Adams at once. Regardless of whether he's tied up in court. I want to talk to him.
Alice Aldrich
Henry, is that you?
Henry Aldrich
Yes, Mother. It's Homer and I. Dear.
Alice Aldrich
Did your father get you at school?
Henry Aldrich
Was he at school?
Alice Aldrich
No, Henry. He's trying to get you on the telephone.
Henry Aldrich
Oh. Oh, I wonder why.
Alice Aldrich
Well, I think it would be very much better if you let him tell you. Oh, will you call him right away, please?
Henry Aldrich
Well, I'll tell you, Mother.
Alice Aldrich
I think you better call him right away.
Henry Aldrich
Yes, Mother. Homer.
Alice Aldrich
What?
Homer Brownsmith
Henry.
Alice Aldrich
Henry, where are you going?
Henry Aldrich
I'm on my way to the phone, Mother.
Alice Aldrich
What's the matter, Henry?
Henry Aldrich
Homer, I think my father knows about it.
Homer Brownsmith
What makes you think so?
Henry Aldrich
Something tells me you're crazy, Henry. Operator. Operator.
Homer Brownsmith
Gee whizz, though. If Your father knows. Do you suppose mine knows?
Alice Aldrich
Henry?
Henry Aldrich
Yes, Mother?
Alice Aldrich
When you get your father, will you tell him Mr. Bull will be here at 5:30 to see him?
Henry Aldrich
Mr. Bull?
Homer Brownsmith
He's coming here?
Alice Aldrich
Number four.
Henry Aldrich
Why, Mother, what's father's number?
Alice Aldrich
You know it just as well as I do. Elm662.
Henry Aldrich
Oh, yes. Elm66.
Narrator
Bull.
Henry Aldrich
I. I mean two.
Homer Brownsmith
I'm going home.
Henry Aldrich
Wait a second, Homer.
Homer Brownsmith
I'm going.
Henry Aldrich
But wait, Homer.
Alice Aldrich
Hello, Mr. Aldrich's office.
Henry Aldrich
Ms. Thompson, this is Henry. If my father's busy, don't feel you have to bother him.
Alice Aldrich
I'm sorry, Henry, but your father's just left for Middletown.
Henry Aldrich
Oh, he did? For Middletown?
Homer Brownsmith
What's that, Henry?
Alice Aldrich
He did want to talk to you, though.
Henry Aldrich
Well, Ms. Thompson, do you know what it was about?
Homer Brownsmith
Yes.
Henry Aldrich
Well, what was it?
Alice Aldrich
I think it would be better if you had the whole thing out with him. Oh.
Homer Brownsmith
Oh, what did she say?
Alice Aldrich
Henry, he'll see you when he gets home.
Henry Aldrich
Well, thank you. Goodbye. Homer, why do you have an extra bed over at your house?
Homer Brownsmith
Yeah.
Henry Aldrich
Well, look, Homer, why don't you invite me over and I'll take my pajamas, see? And when I get over there, I can call back and say you're begging me to stay.
Sergeant Kelly
Mr. Aldrich, is that you?
Sam Aldrich
Yes, yes. Hello, Mr. Bull. Sit down.
Sergeant Kelly
No, your wife said I should wait for you here in the living room.
Sam Aldrich
I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, but I got tied up in Middletown. Oh, yes? Trying to get in touch with a lawyer there. And I got over there only to find that he'd been called over here.
Sergeant Kelly
Well, I'm anxious to have a talk with you, Sam, if you have a minute.
Sam Aldrich
Yes, of course.
Sergeant Kelly
It's about a little deal I made with Ed Pratt.
Sam Aldrich
Ed Pratt? Yeah.
Sergeant Kelly
Pratt agreed to buy my car, see? And now he wants to renege on the deal.
Sam Aldrich
What's the reason?
Sergeant Kelly
Because of a scratch on the fender, Sam. No, bigger than that. I bumped into a car that wasn't even moving.
Sam Aldrich
Yes? Yes.
Sergeant Kelly
Well, I lost my temper at the time, but my wife calmed me down and I never thought anything more about it.
Sam Aldrich
I see. Yes?
Alice Aldrich
Alice, could I speak with you out here just a moment, please?
Sam Aldrich
Excuse me.
Alice Aldrich
I'm sorry to interrupt you, but it's quite important.
Sam Aldrich
What's gone wrong?
Alice Aldrich
I don't know, dear, but Harriet just phoned and she said she saw Henry going by her house with Homer a little while ago, and Henry was carrying a suitcase.
Sam Aldrich
Mr. Bull.
Alice Aldrich
Yes?
Sam Aldrich
Could that matter of yours wait until tomorrow? I've got to get busy on Something right away,
Alice Aldrich
Homer.
Homer Brownsmith
Yes, Mother?
Alice Aldrich
I want to have a talk with you.
Homer Brownsmith
The only thing is, Mother, Henry's waiting out in the hall.
Alice Aldrich
Homer, why is Henry staying here tonight?
Homer Brownsmith
Well, he just thought it would be a nice change for him.
Alice Aldrich
Do the older you know he's here?
Homer Brownsmith
Well, not right this minute, Mother, but he's going to phone them.
Alice Aldrich
Homer, do you have anything you'd like to tell me?
Homer Brownsmith
Phone me? In what way?
Alice Aldrich
Are you sure Henry hasn't done anything
Homer Brownsmith
he shouldn't have, Mother.
Alice Aldrich
Homer.
Homer Brownsmith
Yes, Henry?
Henry Aldrich
Do you want me to stay out here much longer?
Alice Aldrich
You may come in now, dear. Homer, will you remember not to become involved in anything you're going to regret?
Homer Brownsmith
No, Mother.
Henry Aldrich
Boy, am I glad to be here, Mrs. Brown.
Alice Aldrich
Why do you say that, Henry?
Henry Aldrich
I don't know. It's just the atmosphere here is so relaxing.
Alice Aldrich
Will you excuse me while I go to the door?
Homer Brownsmith
I'll go for you, Mother.
Alice Aldrich
No, I'll go.
Henry Aldrich
Mrs. Brown, if that's my father, would you mind telling him I'm staying here tonight?
Alice Aldrich
What's that?
Sergeant Kelly
Good evening. Is this Mrs. Brown?
Alice Aldrich
Yes, sir.
Sergeant Kelly
Well, I'm Sergeant Kelly from down at police headquarters. You have a son by the name
Sam Aldrich
of Homer, haven't you?
Alice Aldrich
Homer.
Homer Brownsmith
Homer.
Henry Aldrich
Homer. I think my folks are worried about me. I better go home.
Sergeant Kelly
I've been asked to try and find him and Henry Aldrich.
Alice Aldrich
Henry.
Henry Aldrich
What?
Harriet Briar
Homer, come back. They've got us both.
Sam Aldrich
Now, Henry, suppose you tell all of us a exactly what happened.
Henry Aldrich
But, Father, why did you have me brought down here to the police station?
Sam Aldrich
Because we couldn't find you. We didn't even know where you were. And Sergeant Kelly stumbled into you. Now, tell us exactly what you did.
Alice Aldrich
Well, Henry, no matter what you've done, it's better for you to confess it and get it over.
Henry Aldrich
Yes, Mother.
Homer Brownsmith
Henry, before you begin, could I say something?
Sergeant Kelly
You'll get your chance later, Henry Aldrich.
Sam Aldrich
Now, go ahead.
Henry Aldrich
Well, it was this way. It happened on the way to school one morning.
Sam Aldrich
Henry, what I want to know first is where is the bicycle?
Henry Aldrich
The bicycle? It was a car.
Sam Aldrich
A car?
Alice Aldrich
Henry, I thought it was only a bicycle.
Henry Aldrich
Oh, no, it was a car. That's why we were so scared.
Homer Brownsmith
Sure, a bicycle wouldn't have bothered us.
Sam Aldrich
Henry. Go on.
Henry Aldrich
Yes, Father. Well, we'd heard of a lawyer over in Middletown that we understood was pretty good at fixing things. So we wrote him.
Sam Aldrich
I see.
Sergeant Kelly
Now, just a minute. Let's get back to that car for a second.
Henry Aldrich
Yes, sir. Well, at first we were going to paint the car over. Sort of so the owner wouldn't recognize it.
Sam Aldrich
You were going to try to cover it up?
Henry Aldrich
Yes, Father. I'm sorry, but we were.
Homer Brownsmith
We did it once before and nobody found out.
Alice Aldrich
Homer. Who did?
Homer Brownsmith
Henry and I did, Mother.
Alice Aldrich
It was easy.
Sergeant Kelly
One minute. Now, how many of these cover up jobs have you gotten away with?
Homer Brownsmith
Just one that was on a car that.
Harriet Briar
That.
Homer Brownsmith
Never mind, Henry.
Sam Aldrich
Who suggested you do a thing like that?
Henry Aldrich
Nobody. Homer and I thought it up all
Homer Brownsmith
by ourselves, but the owner scared us off.
Sam Aldrich
Boys, do you realize what a thing like that can lead to?
Henry Aldrich
Just putting a little paint on a car.
Sam Aldrich
What do you mean just putting a little paint on a car?
Alice Aldrich
Sam? I don't believe it.
Sam Aldrich
Henry, look at me. Are you making this up?
Henry Aldrich
Oh, no, Father. As long as we've started, I think it's better to tell the whole thing and get it off our minds. Don't you, Homer?
Homer Brownsmith
The whole thing, Henry.
Sam Aldrich
Regardless of the consequences. Let's hear everything.
Henry Aldrich
Yes, Father. Only. Are you going to me tell Mr. Bull?
Sam Aldrich
Mr. Bull. Mr. Bull has anything to do with this.
Narrator
Please begin.
Henry Aldrich
But he has, Father. He's the whole story.
Sam Aldrich
What about him?
Henry Aldrich
Well, I was holding out my hand, see.
Sam Aldrich
Where?
Henry Aldrich
Out the window.
Sam Aldrich
Why?
Henry Aldrich
I was signaling for Homer.
Sergeant Kelly
Oh, letting him know the coast was clear, eh?
Henry Aldrich
Yes, sir.
Alice Aldrich
Then I can't stand it.
Henry Aldrich
But then Mr. Bull ignored my signal and came right on.
Sam Aldrich
Mr. Bull saw you?
Henry Aldrich
No, that's the trouble. He just came right on.
Sergeant Kelly
Wait a minute. What are you talking about?
Henry Aldrich
Isn't it clear?
Narrator
No.
Henry Aldrich
Well, we were backing up, see. We were parking Homer's father's car.
Sergeant Kelly
What's that?
Henry Aldrich
Sure.
Homer Brownsmith
We were almost late for school and I said, henry, let's park here and run.
Henry Aldrich
Go on. And I put out my hand and the first thing we knew, there was a terrible scraping of fenders. And Mr. Bull got out of his car and said, I'm gonna sue you for this.
Sam Aldrich
And where was the bicycle? In the car.
Henry Aldrich
What bicycle? That you took.
Sam Aldrich
And we're going to sell the one I took.
Henry Aldrich
I was going to sell my own.
Alice Aldrich
Why?
Henry Aldrich
To get enough money to pay. Pay for the damage on Mr. Bull's car. But I couldn't get enough.
Sam Aldrich
And that's what this is all about?
Henry Aldrich
Well, yes.
Sam Aldrich
Well, why didn't you tell me when it happened?
Henry Aldrich
Because Homer was afraid his father would find out.
Sam Aldrich
Well, wait until your Aunt Harriet finds out about it.
Harriet Briar
What do you mean, find out about it? Here I am.
Sam Aldrich
Harriet, where did you come from?
Harriet Briar
Sam, I've got everything fixed for you.
Sam Aldrich
But Harriet.
Harriet Briar
Sam, I know it's going to kill you. But I've just gone and hired a lawyer.
Sam Aldrich
A lawyer? What for?
Harriet Briar
To take care of Henry.
Henry Aldrich
You mean I'm going to be sued after all?
Sam Aldrich
No, Henry. Harriet, what have you been doing?
Harriet Briar
I've got Norton Adams for you.
Alice Aldrich
But Harriet.
Harriet Briar
There isn't anything to worry about, Alice. He can clear this case up in a minute.
Sam Aldrich
Yes, Alice. Take Harriet over in the corner and tell her a few of the facts of this case.
Harriet Briar
You mean you know something I don't?
Sam Aldrich
Henry, I hope for as long as you live you'll remember this.
Henry Aldrich
Yes, Father.
Sam Aldrich
Hasn't it taught you a lesson?
Henry Aldrich
Yes, Father.
Sam Aldrich
What?
Henry Aldrich
I'm never going to hold my hand out of a car again.
Alice Aldrich
Sage will be back in just a moment.
Narrator
In the meanwhile, if coffee makes you nervous, remember to drink Postum instead. Remember too, that Postum is a swell drink for all the family. Tempting in flavor and most economical. You can still enjoy Postum at its old time. Low cost of less than 1/2 cent a cup. So for tip top good taste and rock bottom economy, get Postum from your grocer tomorrow.
Harriet Briar
Now then, boys, won't you each have another chocolate soda?
Henry Aldrich
No, thank you.
Homer Brownsmith
No, thanks, Ms. Brier.
Henry Aldrich
Oh, can you imagine that?
Alice Aldrich
What?
Harriet Briar
Bubble.
Henry Aldrich
I've lost my automatic.
Alice Aldrich
Your automatic?
Homer Brownsmith
You've lost it? Henry.
Alice Aldrich
Your automatic?
Henry Aldrich
Yes. I wonder where it is.
Alice Aldrich
Henry, will you excuse me while I
Harriet Briar
step into this phone booth?
Homer Brownsmith
Henry, where did you leave it?
Henry Aldrich
Here it is. Look, Homer, isn't it a beauty? You punch the end here and the lead comes out here. I wonder who she's phoning.
Narrator
Listen again next week to the Aldrich Family. Same time, same station for another sparkling half hour with your favorite youngster, his family and his pal. The Aldrich Family, starring Ezra Stone, is written by Clifford Goldsmith. Original music is composed and conducted by Jack Miller. This is Harry von Zell saying you will enjoy fragrant, flavorful Postum. And remember, Postum contains no stimulants. It cannot make you nervous. Good night.
Air Date: March 9, 2026
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
This episode of Harold’s Old Time Radio presents a classic comedic drama from the Golden Age of Radio, featuring “The Aldrich Family” and an episode entitled “Legal Trouble.” The story follows the misadventures of Henry Aldrich and his friend Homer Brownsmith as their anxious secrecy and clumsy efforts to handle a minor car accident spiral into a full-blown family and legal farce. Hilarity ensues as misunderstandings multiply and their worried parents try to unravel the mysterious “case.”
The episode is imbued with the earnest but flustered tone typical of mid-century family comedies, blending gentle parental exasperation, adolescent anxiety, and a web of comic misunderstandings. The dialogue remains brisk, authentic, and laced with period references, offering a cozy, nostalgic snapshot of family life from the era before television.
This episode offers a delightful, classic tangle of mistaken assumptions, ending with lessons learned and the restoration of family calm. It’s a prime example of the timeless appeal of domestic comedy from the Golden Age of Radio.