Aldrich Family - Legal Trouble

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold’s Old Time Radio: Aldrich Family – Legal Trouble

Air Date: March 9, 2026
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio

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Episode Overview

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.”

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Breakfast Suspicion: Henry Acts Oddly

• (02:42 – 04:09):
  • Henry is restless and evasive at breakfast, asking his lawyer father, Sam, probing questions about “convictions,” court cases, and the bicycle market.
  • The parents notice Henry's nervousness and incomplete breakfast.
  • Notable quote:
    • Alice: “He isn’t himself, dear. Something is definitely on his mind.” (03:51)

2. Harriet Briar’s Involvement: The Family Grape Vine

• (05:33 – 08:13):
  • Aunt Harriet visits, alarmed by Henry’s request to have mail sent to her house under the name “W. Weber.”
  • She tries to piece together what Henry is up to, dragging Alice deeper into speculation and worry.
  • Multiple calls fly between households as parents (and Harriet, especially) try to uncover what’s wrong.

3. The Boys’ Dilemma: Avoiding Mr. Bull & Seeking Legal Advice

• (08:24 – 11:36):
  • Henry and Homer are hiding from Mr. Bull, who lives across from their school and is notorious for his temper.
  • The boys are desperate, considering selling bicycles and writing to a lawyer for advice—under an alias.
  • Notable quote:
    • Henry: “For several days my friend and I have been waiting for your legal advice, which we requested in a letter describing our jam.” (11:07)
    • Homer: “Did you write jam, Henry? … You think I better change it to mess?” (11:15)

4. Parental Panic & Misunderstandings Multiply

• (11:49 – 14:35):
  • Sam at the office learns Henry’s been poring over law books—specifically, “Crimes and offenses.”
  • School officials call Alice about Henry’s repeated tardiness.
  • Harriet intercepts a cryptic letter addressed to “W. Weber”—actually a lawyer’s refusal to take Henry’s case, recommending they contact a local lawyer—ironically, Henry’s own father.
  • The family assumes the worst, convinced Henry is embroiled in legal trouble far worse than reality.

5. Escalation: The Search for Henry

• (16:38 – 18:53):
  • The boys look for a missing (and suspicious) package—eventually revealed as just black paint.
  • Sam starts calling police headquarters, inquiring after “W. Weber” and tips about two unidentified boys wanted for bicycle theft. Sergeant Kelly mentions how stolen bikes are painted over—a detail that sounds damning.
  • Notable quote:
    • Sergeant Kelly: “Them kids get some paint and do the job over. Then you can’t identify them.” (18:41)

6. Coming Clean: The True Story at the Police Station

• (23:19 – 26:43):
  • Henry and Homer are rounded up by Sergeant Kelly and brought before their parents.
  • Through a flurry of confessions and clarifications, the tangled plot comes to light:
    • The boys caused a minor car accident with Mr. Bull while trying to park.
    • Panicking, they considered disguising the car with black paint so the owner wouldn’t know.
    • They attempted to raise money to pay for the damages by selling Henry’s bicycle.
    • The much-feared crime: a fender bender, not theft!
  • Classic comic moment:
    • Henry: “I’m never going to hold my hand out of a car again.” (26:43)

7. Resolution and Light-Hearted Closing

• (28:07 – 28:45):
  • Back at the soda shop, the boys relax with sodas, and the "automatic" Henry thought he had lost turns out to be a mechanical pencil—a final red herring that leaves the adults baffled and the boys unfazed.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “He isn’t himself, dear. Something is definitely on his mind.” — Alice Aldrich (03:51)
• “For several days my friend and I have been waiting for your legal advice, which we requested in a letter describing our jam.” — Henry Aldrich (11:07)
• “Them kids get some paint and do the job over. Then you can’t identify them.” — Sergeant Kelly (18:41)
• “I’m never going to hold my hand out of a car again.” — Henry Aldrich (26:43)
• The “automatic” Henry lost is just a mechanical pencil, not a weapon. (28:15+)
• Classic comic misunderstandings abound as every adult in town becomes convinced Henry and Homer are hiding shocking crimes.

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 02:42 – 04:09: Breakfast scene; Henry’s odd questions trigger suspicion.
• 05:33 – 08:13: Harriet discusses Henry’s secret mail and worries multiply.
• 11:00 – 11:36: Henry and Homer draft a desperate letter to a lawyer.
• 13:35 – 14:13: Parents receive the mysterious letter; anxiety peaks.
• 18:01 – 18:48: Sam calls the police, learning boys are wanted for “petty larceny.”
• 23:19 – 26:43: At the police station, boys confess all; misunderstandings resolved.
• 28:07 – 28:45: Soda shop coda and the case of Henry’s missing “automatic.”

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Tone, Language & Atmosphere

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.

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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.

Transcript

[American Express Announcer]

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[Harriet Briar]

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[Alice Aldrich]

Henry aldrich coming mother.

[Narrator]

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[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.