Aldrich Family - Model Airplane

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Aldrich Family – Model Airplane
Date: March 7, 2026
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

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Main Theme

This episode features “Model Airplane,” a comedic and heartfelt story from The Aldrich Family, a classic radio show from the golden age of American broadcasting. The central theme is Henry Aldrich's quest for justice after losing a closely contested model airplane race. Convinced he’s been cheated, Henry and his friend Dizzy engage in a clumsy, detective-inspired mission to expose the truth, confronting issues of fairness, evidence, pride, and empathy.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Airplane Race Controversy

(Timestamp: 01:07 – 05:36)

• Setting: After a local father-son model airplane race, Henry Aldrich and his father narrowly lose to Billy Walker and his father. Henry questions the fairness of the timing and the legitimacy of the Walkers’ airplane.
• Henry’s Doubt: Henry argues that weather conditions (strong headwind) unfairly affected his plane’s time. After a confusing math exchange about wind differences, Henry’s friend Dizzy’s vintage watch is broken amidst the commotion.
  • “But, Father, Dizzy’s watch didn’t register 16 and a half seconds.” – Henry (03:52)
• Suspicion of Cheating: Dizzy asserts he’s seen Billy Walker’s plane for sale at the local sporting goods store and suspects the Walkers broke the contest rule of building the airplane themselves.

2. Detective Work: Seeking Evidence

(Timestamp: 05:36 – 12:08)

• Fact-Finding: Henry and Dizzy desire proof before making formal accusations—they plan to carefully question Mr. Jones at the sporting goods store about plane sales.
  • “Before we come right out and accuse anybody, we’ve got to get proof. That’s the important thing, Henry.” – Dizzy (05:29)
• Awkward Investigation: Their covert questioning of Mr. Jones backfires; he’s unconvinced the Walkers bought the plane from him, maintaining all five in inventory.
• Renewed Resolve: Dizzy and Henry brainstorm collecting fingerprints to connect the Walkers to the store-bought plane, inspired by crime-solving stories and Washington, D.C. procedure.

3. Chaos at Home: The Fingerprinting Fiasco

(Timestamp: 13:11 – 19:13)

• Fingerprint Plan: Henry and Dizzy attempt to collect fingerprints using ink—intending to ink everyone in town, starting with Henry’s family. Their clumsy execution leaves telltale smudges everywhere, frustrating Henry’s parents.
  • “When I came in the front door this evening, I put some ink on the doorknob on the outside, on both sides. … I did it so we’d be sure to get everybody.” – Henry (18:28)
• Parental Intervention: Mr. Aldrich, Henry’s father, discovers the ink stains and puts an end to their investigation at home.

4. Community Fallout and Comedy of Errors

(Timestamp: 20:49 – 23:59)

• Smudge Mayhem: Fingerprints and ink stains appear on hats, collars, and faces of arriving adult guests, leading to comical blame-shifting and realization of Henry and Dizzy’s mishap.
  • “Until I came into this house, I was the best dressed man in town.” – Mr. Stevens (22:13)
• Discovery: Mr. Aldrich uncovers the inked doorknob and confronts the boys about their actions. Henry and Dizzy present a cardboard box found in the Walkers’ trash as evidence the plane was store-bought.
• Result: Mr. Aldrich orders the boys to bed, expressing disappointment but not harsh anger.

5. Resolution: Truth, Empathy, and Math Lessons

(Timestamp: 25:25 – 28:58)

• Meaningful Talk: The next morning, Mr. Aldrich gently explains to Henry the real reason for allowing Billy Walker’s win: Billy had been gravely ill, and building/flying the plane was crucial for his recovery—endorsed by his doctor and father. The adult decision to let Billy win highlights compassion over technicality.
  • “From the time he went to bed, it was the first and only thing he took any interest in.” – Mr. Aldrich (26:44)
• Personal Growth: Mr. Aldrich leaves the decision of whether to contest the results to Henry, who, faced with the full story, understands and accepts the act of kindness.
• Math Epilogue: Even the math about wind allowances gets settled humorously, as Henry and Dizzy continue to misunderstand subtraction.

6. Humorous Aftermath

(Timestamp: 29:59 – 30:51)

• Reparations: Henry offers to help Dizzy clean his father’s stained hat, anticipating further chaos.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Henry’s Determination:
  • “When we bust this case open, it'll… It’ll shock everybody. Especially my father. Yes, sir. When he hears of it, he’ll be speechless.” (05:39)
• On Evidence:
  • “Because you accuse somebody doesn’t mean he’s guilty. You’ve got to get proof.” – Henry (05:34)
• Detective Enthusiasm:
  • “I've got a fingerprint outfit at home. And I always knew that someday it would come in handy.” – Dizzy (10:36)
• Parental Wisdom:
  • “Finding an empty cardboard box is hardly sufficient evidence to prove someone has been cheating.” – Mr. Aldrich (25:47)
  • “He doesn’t know he cheated. Aside from you and I, son, there are only two people in this town who know that plane wasn’t built in Walker’s basement.” – Mr. Aldrich (27:16)
• Mischief Consequences:
  • “Until I came into this house, I was the best dressed man in town.” – Mr. Stevens (22:13)
• Comic Relief:
  • “Well, if there is anything left of Mr. Stevens’ hat when Henry and Dizzy get through with it, I’ll eat mine.” – Narrator (30:51)

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Important Segment Timestamps

• 01:07 – Introduction to the contest outcome and the accusation of unfairness
• 05:36 – Henry & Dizzy begin their detective quest for proof
• 13:11 – The fingerprint operation and ensuing domestic disaster
• 22:13 – Guests discover ink stains; comedic fallout
• 25:25 – Mr. Aldrich and Henry’s father-son conversation; the story behind Billy’s win revealed
• 27:16 – Mr. Aldrich explains why Billy’s win was an act of compassion
• 30:51 – Coda with the ongoing hat-cleaning mishap

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Style and Tone

The episode combines witty teenage banter, gentle parental wisdom, and comical situations, all against an all-American, slightly sentimental backdrop. Henry’s earnestness, Dizzy’s goofy enthusiasm, and the adults’ exasperated patience create a genuinely warm and humorous tone throughout.

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Summary

“Aldrich Family: Model Airplane” is a charming and clever period piece that captures the spirit of honest confusion, childhood integrity, and parental care. It humorously exposés the limitations of youthful detective work, all while imparting a subtle moral about kindness, intent, and the larger meaning of winning and losing.

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Transcript

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[Dizzy Stevens]

Henry. Henry aldrich.

[Henry Aldrich]

Coming, mother.

[Narrator]

The aldrich family starring ezra stone written by clifford goldsmith. Brought to you by jello puddings, their tops in taste. To the gallery of typical American boys such as Penrod, Tom Sawyer, Peck's Bad Boy, we add the name of Henry Aldrich. For now, let's go out to the little town of Centerville. Our scene opens on a hillside on the outskirts of town. The model airplane race Henry and his father worked for weeks to win has just finished. Henry is talking to Mr. Collins, the referee.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, but Mr. Collins, my plane was flying against a very strong headwind.

[Narrator]

But I made allowance for the headwind.

[Henry Aldrich]

You did?

[Narrator]

Yes, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mr. Collins, what kind of a watch did you time Henry's plane with?

[Narrator]

With this stopwatch.

[Henry Aldrich]

Is it a pretty good one?

[Narrator]

It is. Billy Walker's model covered the course in one half of a second less than Henry's.

[Henry Aldrich]

Not by my watch, Mr. Collins.

[Narrator]

Is yours a stopwatch, Dizzy?

[Henry Aldrich]

No, but it used to belong to my grandfather.

[Narrator]

Is your grandfather an official for this race?

[Henry Aldrich]

No, but he carried this watch for 35 years and nothing ever happened. Hey, gee whiz, look at us. Did it break, Dizzy? Henry, you're standing on the main spring.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Oh, yeah.

[Henry Aldrich]

Excuse me. Here's the stem, too. Well, where did Mr. Collins go? He walked away. That's a swell thing for him to do. I ought to make him pay for this watch. Mr. Collins. Hey, Mr. Collins.

[Narrator]

Now wait a minute. I just went over and got these figures.

[Henry Aldrich]

What are they, Henry?

[Narrator]

When your plane was flying, the wind was blowing at 11 and a half miles an hour. When Billy Walker's was flying, the wind was four and a half miles an hour. So I naturally made an allowance of six miles an hour in Henry's favor.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, Henry, does that sound right to you? As a matter of fact, isn't four and a half from eleven and a half seven?

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

No, sir.

[Henry Aldrich]

No, no, I guess six is right.

[Narrator]

Of course it is.

[Henry Aldrich]

Only it certainly looks like seven. And I could swear Henry's plane went faster someplace there's been a big mistake.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

What seems to be the trouble, Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

Father, you and I lose the race by just half a second.

[Narrator]

And a half a second is a half a second.

[Henry Aldrich]

I know, Mr. Collins, but that's all it is.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Henry, may I speak with you?

[Henry Aldrich]

Where, Father?

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Right over here.

[Henry Aldrich]

You want to speak to me, too, Mr. Aldridge?

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

No, thank you.

[Henry Aldrich]

What is it, Father?

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Henry, don't you think that as long as we lost the race, it would be better if we said nothing more about it?

[Henry Aldrich]

But, Father, Dizzy's watch didn't register 16 and a half seconds.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Does his watch have half seconds on it?

[Henry Aldrich]

No, but up until a few minutes ago, it always kept perfect time.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Henry, I happen to be doing some business with Billy Walker's father. And it might be just as well if you didn't say anything more about it.

[Henry Aldrich]

But, dad, look at all the time we spent building that plane.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

After all, we did finish second.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Sure.

[Henry Aldrich]

Henry, I want to tell you and your father something.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Sorry, Dizzy, but I've got to go back to the office.

[Henry Aldrich]

But you'd be very much interested, Mr. Aldridge.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Tell Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Henry, I knew all the time there was something phony. Henry, wasn't every plane that was supposed to go in the race be made by a father and a son?

[Cachava Nutrition Announcer]

Sure.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I'll bet you anything Billy Walker and his father didn't make this. Well, where do you think they got it? I know where. I was just over looking at it and I remember seeing the very same thing down in Jones's Sporting Goods Store. Are you sure, Dizzy? There's only one thing about it that's different. Billy's is blue, and the one at the store was red. Then it can't be the same plane, can it?

[Narrator]

No.

[Henry Aldrich]

That's what you think. I scratched a little of the blue paint off. And right underneath was the red paint. Yeah. Yeah. Henry, if you win, it means a trip to the Capitol. Well, gee whiz, I don't care what my father says. I'm going down to Mr. Walker's office. Now, wait a second. Don't go rushing into this. Why not? I've got a whole a book at home that'll tell you exactly what to do in a case like this. Well, what should we do? Well, before we come right out and accuse anybody, we've got to get proof. That's the important thing, Henry. Naturally. Dizzy, anybody knows that because you accuse somebody doesn't mean he's guilty. You've got to get proof. I hope you don't think I didn't know that yeah, but you don't know as much about those things as I do, Henry.

[Narrator]

No?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I know where I'm going. Where? Follow me. When we bust this case open, it'll. It'll shock everybody.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Sure.

[Henry Aldrich]

Especially my father. Yes, sir. When he hears of it, he'll be speechless. Henry, where are we going? Where are we going? Wait until I show you. Wasn't that funny, Dizzy? When we were talking with Mr. Collins, I could have sworn four and a half from 11 and a half would leave seven.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Same here.

[Henry Aldrich]

But I guess you gotta put it down on paper before you can believe it. Yeah. Must have been the fractions that threw us off. Didn't I tell you, Henry? Look in the window.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Look.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, you mean here in Jones's sporting goods store?

[Dizzy Stevens]

Yeah.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, that's the same identical plane the Walkers had. Come on. Now, wait a second, Henry. Let's do this carefully. We're going to. We aren't going to rush into it. We'll. We'll just be casual. That's it. And all we'll do is make out we want to buy something and then we'll gradually lead up to the plane. Right. Come on in. Well, where is Mr. Jones? I guess he must be in the back. When he comes out, don't mention why we're here.

[Narrator]

Something you boys want?

[Henry Aldrich]

Why, yeah. Why? Yeah, just thought we'd look around. Mr. Jones, that aeroplane. Did I say airplanes? What I meant was that's the only thing we aren't interested in.

[Narrator]

I see.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mr. Jones, do you carry baseball bats?

[Narrator]

You're looking right at baseball bats.

[Henry Aldrich]

Am I? Oh, yeah. Oh, maybe that's why I mentioned them. How much are they, Mr. Jones?

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

50 cents up.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, yeah? How much are your tennis rackets?

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

$95 up.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, yeah? Well, how much you fish and tackle? $25 down. Oh, dizzy, look at the airplane models. Oh, sure enough. I haven't seen those before.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Which kind?

[Henry Aldrich]

The kind Mr. Walker bought. I mean, what kind did he buy? Oh, did he buy one?

[Narrator]

Who?

[Henry Aldrich]

I thought you said Mr. Walker bought one.

[Narrator]

When did I make that statement?

[Henry Aldrich]

No, Dizzy, you misunderstood.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

What?

[Henry Aldrich]

Mr. Jones.

[Narrator]

Now, just what did you boys come in here for?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, Mr. Jones, would you mind if we should ask you something confidentially?

[Dizzy Stevens]

What?

[Henry Aldrich]

Did Mr. Walker buy one of those planes you have in the window?

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Buy one? Not here, he didn't.

[Narrator]

I only stocked up with five, and they're all right there.

[Henry Aldrich]

Are you sure you couldn't have miscounted them?

[Narrator]

Yes, sir. Why?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, nothing, nothing. We were just asking out of sheer curiosity. Casually.

[Narrator]

Well, look who's coming across the street.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, gee whizz. Does he. It's Mr. Walker. Well, Mr. Jones, I guess we better be going.

[Narrator]

Good afternoon, Jones. Oh, how are you, Walker?

[Henry Aldrich]

Hello, Mr. Walker.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Sorry my boy and I had to meet you today.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, we were glad to have you win. I think I'll be going to see. I think I might as well, too.

[Narrator]

Walker, maybe you can answer a question for these boys.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, that's all right, Mr. Jones. Don't bother him about it.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

What was the question?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I can assure you, Mr. Jones, I don't know how the question even came up. Oh, Walker.

[Narrator]

Henry and his buddy thought you bought an airplane here.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

You mean the plane Billy and I won the race with?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, no, Mr. Walker.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Well, what plane did you mean?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, not any, Mr. Walker. Henry's just confused.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Oh, well, I'm relieved to hear that. I'll be seeing Henry's father down at his office in just a few minutes.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Hello, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Hiya, fellas.

[Dizzy Stevens]

I just saw your father, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

You did?

[Dizzy Stevens]

Mr. Collins was talking to him. Mr. Collins was quite mad about something.

[Henry Aldrich]

About what? I'm leaving, Dizzy. Well, so am my. Goodbye, Mr. Walker.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Goodbye.

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee whiz, does he now look at what you've done. Well, I at least tried, didn't I? Didn't I tell you my father doesn't want to upset Mr. Walker? You never mentioned it. Well, you should have known anyhow. All we did was practically accuse him of cheating. Henry. What? Never mind about your father. Here comes mine right towards us.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Good.

[Henry Aldrich]

I hope the first thing he asks is where your watch is. That's friendship. I tried to help you win a race, and what thanks do I get?

[Dizzy Stevens]

Henry, wait for me.

[Henry Aldrich]

What does Phyllis want?

[Dizzy Stevens]

What do you think? I just heard Mr. Jones say to Mr. Walker back in the store.

[Henry Aldrich]

What?

[Dizzy Stevens]

They looked at each other very suspiciously. And Mr. Walker said. Where do you suppose those boys got that idea?

[Henry Aldrich]

He did, Phyllis.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Yeah.

[Henry Aldrich]

Do you see that, Henry? And now do you see I haven't helped you? Well, it's a. I don't know. Did he say Anything else, Phyllis?

[Dizzy Stevens]

Mr. Jones said. Well, I guess we spiked that.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, we did, eh?

[Dizzy Stevens]

Is that important?

[Henry Aldrich]

Is it important, Phyllis? Is it important?

[Dizzy Stevens]

Well, I gotta go, Henry. I'll see you later.

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee whiz, Henry, all we gotta do now is to go through with her. Don't you think so? I've got a fingerprint outfit at home. And I always knew that someday it would come in handy. We'll find out whether that plane of Billy Walker's did come from the store? Sure. All we have to do is get Mr. Jones's fingerprints and then Mr. Walker's. Only maybe we ought to be careful about taking Mr. Walker's. He won't even know we're doing it. And listen, Henry, we ought to be really systematic and get everybody's print in town. Everybody. Do you realize how big this town is? But, Henry, look what they do in Washington. They don't get a few, they get millions. Well, I guess maybe if they can do that in Washington, we can handle this town.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Come on.

[Narrator]

Well, here it is, friends. The sixth week of spring. Spring, spring, glorious spring. When a young man's fancy lightly turns to thoughts of. Well, you know the rest of that saying. But now that we mention it, just how true is that old saying about a young man's fancy? Suppose we see if we can't find out. Let's ask some young man for his opinion. Listen.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, the statement is perfectly true. In the spring, my fancy certainly does turn to thoughts of Jell O vanilla pudding. Oh, in fact, I think I eat more Jell O vanilla pudding in the spring than in any other season of the year. Except, of course, winter, summer and fall.

[Narrator]

Yes, well, that, ladies and gentlemen, is an observation that everybody will be glad to echo. Because just about everyone who has ever tasted it agrees the jello vanilla pudding is a mighty swell dessert. Jello vanilla pudding has a gloriously smooth texture, as smooth as golden rich cream. And the flavor of Jell O vanilla pudding, well, it's simply irresistible. A grand vanilla flavor that hits a new high for luscious, delicate goodness. So try this tempting treat just as soon as you can and find out the truth of another popular saying which goes like this. When there's jello vanilla pudding for dessert, the thing you think of first is seconds. Now, getting back to the troubles of Henry Aldrich. Henry feels that he has been cheated out of first place in an airplane model contest and is trying his best best to prove it. The time is evening. The scene opens in Henry's room.

[Henry Aldrich]

It's a funny thing, Henry, how my grandfather was able to carry this watch for 35 years and I drop it at the end of a week. Listen, Dizzy, put that away. Haven't we got work to do? I've got to get it all back together. I. I've got it all back together except for these two wheels. And if I don't find out where they go, my father, well, will kill me. He will, huh? But we're coming. The most crucial part of our job. Here we are. We've got fingerprint powder and fingerprint ink. Henry, aren't your folks having some guests here tonight? Well, I don't think we ought to take their fingerprints.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Dizzy.

[Henry Aldrich]

Listen, I thought you weren't going to show favoritism. Yeah, I know, Dizzy, but they're all right. Then we just as well not stop this. Well, can this fingerprint ink do any damage? How could it? But supposing it should get on something, it comes right out. Listen, here are the instructions for Washington. It says, easy method for removing. No worry need be caused by damage. Merely dip in kerosene, rinse and wash with strong abrasive. If first results are not satisfactory, add lemon juice and rub harder. Well, gee, there isn't anything to worry about there, is there? Of course there isn't. The only thing is, dizzy. When you shake hands with a person, I should think they'd feel the ink pad in your hand. Do you think they would? Well, why not? What would they think? It was almost anything. For what? Name me one other thing that feels like a pad of ink. All right. How would this be? Well, just rub a little ink on the palms of our hands. That might work. Sure. Look, I've got some on already. Now, watch. When I hold my hand down here at my side, do you notice it? No. Yeah, I think I'll put a little on. Well, hurry up so we can be downstairs when the guests begin to come. Okay, I'm all fixed. Now, wait a. Wait a second. Have you got a handkerchief? What for? I've got a. I'm. I've got. Use your arm. My watch is wrapped up in it.

[Dizzy Stevens]

My watches.

[Henry Aldrich]

Here, take mine.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Here.

[Henry Aldrich]

Never mind. I haven't got there anymore. Come on downstairs. When we go into the living room, you let me shake hands with your mother and father. Why can't I have one of them? Why should you, their son, step up and shake hands with them? Do you want to give the whole thing away? Well, I get the first two guests then. Yeah. And when I get the ink on your mother and father, watch them carefully. The minute they touch something, socko, we've got them. You don't think my mother or father bought that plane, do you? But you never can tell. Someday they might be wanted for something.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Mother?

[Dizzy Stevens]

Are you out in the hall?

[Henry Aldrich]

We're just coming into the living room.

[Dizzy Stevens]

You mustn't stay down here long.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, we won't, mother. Good evening, Mr. Aldridge.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Good evening.

[Henry Aldrich]

Wouldn't you like to shake hands with me?

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Shake hands? Weren't you here with us for dinner?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yeah, but I just came downstairs again.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

I don't think it's necessary to shake hands. Henry, could you hand me my pipe, please?

[Henry Aldrich]

I'll hand it to him, Henry. Let me hand it to him. Desi.

[Safeway/Albertsons Announcer]

Please.

[Henry Aldrich]

Henry. Here's Sam. I'll hand it to you.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Thank you, Alice.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mrs. Aldridge, wouldn't you like to shake hands with me? No, thank you, Dizzy.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Won't you boys sit down before one of you knocks something over?

[Henry Aldrich]

I think I will. I guess I will, too.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Mother? I don't like to seem rude, but we are expecting guests. Well, couldn't we stay down here just until they've arrived? Mother, why do you want to do that? Well, don't you think it'd be nice for us to help greet them?

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Henry, I'd do as your mother asks.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, in that case, I think I'll be going home.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Oh, must you go?

[Henry Aldrich]

I think I will. Do you like to shake hands? Now that I'm leaving, Mr. Ord, I

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

don't think it will be necessary.

[Henry Aldrich]

I may not be seeing you again right away. No, Sam. The least you can do is shake hands with the boy.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Well, if it'll make him any happier, here, shake hands.

[Henry Aldrich]

Goodbye, Mr. Aldridge. Goodbye. Would you like to shake hands, too, Mrs. Aldridge?

[Dizzy Stevens]

I'm sorry, but I've got to go out to the kitchen.

[Henry Aldrich]

I'll go to the door with you, Dizzy. You know, I think I changed my mind, Henry. I may not go home after all.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Just one minute, boys.

[Henry Aldrich]

Something you wanted, Father?

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Dizzy, what's this I have on my hand?

[Henry Aldrich]

Why, this black ink?

[Dizzy Stevens]

Why? Well, how.

[Henry Aldrich]

How do you suppose that could have gotten there?

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

May I see your hand?

[Henry Aldrich]

My left hand?

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Your right hand.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, well, what do you know about that? Do you suppose I could have gotten that from you?

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Henry, may I see your hand?

[Henry Aldrich]

Were you talking to me, Father?

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

May I see it, please?

[Dizzy Stevens]

Well, will you look at that?

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

If I were you, I would go upstairs and wash my hands.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Mr. Aldridge. That's the least we can do.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

I agree. And please do not come back down while the guests are here.

[Henry Aldrich]

But, Father, we've got to.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

What for?

[Henry Aldrich]

We've got to get their fingerprints. You're not going to do any such thing? No, Mr. Aldrin.

[Dizzy Stevens]

No.

[Henry Aldrich]

Come on, Dizzy.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Now I've got to go out to the kitchen and wash my hands.

[Henry Aldrich]

You know, Dizzy, I had a feeling all the time we shouldn't be doing this. Well, that's only part of the trouble. There's something you don't even know anything about.

[Dizzy Stevens]

What?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, when I came in the front door this evening, I put some ink on the doorknob on the outside, on both sides. Gee whiz, Dizzy. I did it so we'd be sure to get everybody. Well, we've got to wipe it off. If we do, Henry won't have Prince anybody but our own boys.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Have you gone upstairs?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yeah, in one minute, Mother.

[Dizzy Stevens]

I hope we won't have to tell Dizzy's father and mother when they come.

[Henry Aldrich]

When who comes?

[Dizzy Stevens]

Your mother and father.

[Henry Aldrich]

And we. We. We've got to wipe that doorknob off. Give me a handkerchief. Henry. Yes, Father. We're just going to open the front door.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

You will please go upstairs as I asked you to.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yeah, but Father, a mistake has been made. Please, Mark, Mr. Aldridge, could I tell

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

you, both of you go up those stairs.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Father. What do you think we should do in a case like this?

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[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Hello there, Frank Stevens.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, so you decided to let us in.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Hello there, Molly. Hello, Alice.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Well, what do you have there, Frank. Brand new hat.

[Henry Aldrich]

Spring has struck the Stevens. This color is what is known as dove gray.

[Dizzy Stevens]

That suit he has on is new, too.

[Henry Aldrich]

Molly, just because you don't like checks. Say, how'd that smudge get on my hat?

[Dizzy Stevens]

Old Frank Stevens.

[Henry Aldrich]

Do you suppose they sold it to me that way?

[Dizzy Stevens]

I told you all the time the car needed washing.

[Henry Aldrich]

That isn't off the car.

[Dizzy Stevens]

If those smudges were on your new suit, I wouldn't mind.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

May I take your hat, Frank?

[Henry Aldrich]

You may.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Well, there seems to be a smudge on the crown, too.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yeah, beginning to look like a tweed cap. Put it down, Sam. You probably didn't wash your hands clean.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

I washed them perfectly clean. Alice, look at them. Yes, look at them, Sam Aldrich. Well, I certainly thought I washed.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Frank, let me turn your coat collar down.

[Henry Aldrich]

How did that get up?

[Dizzy Stevens]

My goodness, dear. There, Frank, there's a smudge on your collar, too.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Well, I didn't put it there.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, all of you just stand back from me. Until I came into this house, I was the best dressed man in town.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Molly, maybe you'd better hang this hat up.

[Dizzy Stevens]

I can't take it right now, Sam. I'm going to Potter my note. You want a mirror, Molly? No, thank you.

[Henry Aldrich]

She knows where her nose is just the same. Molly, would you mind looking in the mirror?

[Dizzy Stevens]

What's the matter with me?

[Henry Aldrich]

Never mind. Just look in the mirror. That's where all those smudges have been coming from.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Molly, go upstairs and wash. And Sam,

[Henry Aldrich]

you go out in the kitchen. Do you have one more place, Henry?

[Dizzy Stevens]

Sam. What do you want, Henry for?

[Henry Aldrich]

Never mind.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

I'm going upstairs. Henry Aldrich.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Father?

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Will you and Dizzy please come here?

[Henry Aldrich]

Has something gone wrong, Father?

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Something has.

[Henry Aldrich]

Of what nature, Mr. Aldridge?

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Did either of you boys put ink

[Henry Aldrich]

around this house on the front door knob?

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Yes.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, the fact is.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Father, what is all this fingerprinting nonsense?

[Henry Aldrich]

That's what we tried to tell you. We didn't do it as a joke. We're trying to prove Mr. Walker is guilty.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Didn't I tell you to forget Mr. Walker?

[Henry Aldrich]

But he wasn't fair. Tell them about what we have in your room, Henry. Yeah, sure. We've got a cardboard box we found in the Walker trash barrel. And it's the box their airplane came in.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Henry, I want you to go straight to bed.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Father. Where do you want me to go, mister?

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

You, Dizzy may go downstairs and take a look at your father's hat.

[Henry Aldrich]

Are there some fingerprints on it?

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

There are.

[Henry Aldrich]

Do I hear Basil's Voice up there. I'm coming right down. Father, do you know anything about this? Well, I.

[Dizzy Stevens]

It's.

[Henry Aldrich]

It's this way.

[Dizzy Stevens]

I.

[Henry Aldrich]

What's the matter with you? I'm going to sneak.

[Dizzy Stevens]

I'm going to.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Where's your handkerchief?

[Henry Aldrich]

It's right here. Oh, Basil, look at your grandfather's watch. Father, could I please come down?

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

I'll see you at breakfast.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Sam, quick.

[Henry Aldrich]

What's the matter?

[Dizzy Stevens]

Another guest is at the front door. Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Mother?

[Dizzy Stevens]

Will you please come to your breakfast?

[Henry Aldrich]

I'm on the telephone, Mother. Hello, Mr. Stevens. Yeah, I just started to give you the directions. Dip your hat in kerosene, see? Yeah. And if that doesn't work, do you have any lemons in the house? Yes, sir. Just straight lemon juice. And then I think you'll find everything will come right out of your hat. Yes, sir. How's Dizzy this morning? Is that right? Is that right? I won't be seeing him until the end of the week. Goodbye, Mr. Stevens.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Henry, may I talk with you?

[Henry Aldrich]

I haven't eaten my breakfast yet, Father.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

I'd like to see you now before I leave for the office.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Father.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Sit down on this sofa here.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Father.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Did I ask you yesterday not to go around trying to prove that Mr. Walker and his son did not honestly win that race?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, sir. But that was before we knew everything.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Father, finding an empty cardboard box is hardly sufficient evidence to prove someone has been cheating.

[Henry Aldrich]

But don't you see? You and I are being gypped out of a trip to the Capitol.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

The fact still remains I asked not to do anything more about it.

[Henry Aldrich]

But why, Father? Why?

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Because, Henry, Mr. Walker did buy that plane.

[Narrator]

He did?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes. I knew all the time. He cheated us. Who told you?

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Mr. Walker told me when he came over to my office yesterday.

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee whiz. Then we did get first prize. We can go after all.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Henry.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Henry, did you know that some weeks ago Billy Walker was taken ill?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, but that was way back in February.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Did you know that off and on for nearly two months the boy lay in bed with a high fever.

[Henry Aldrich]

He wasn't sick the day of the race, though. I know he wasn't. I saw him walking around with my own eyes.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

That's the point, son. What finally broke Billy's fever was the announcement in the Centerville Times of that airplane race.

[Henry Aldrich]

How could that break it?

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

From the time he went to bed, it was the first and only thing he took any interest in.

[Henry Aldrich]

He certainly couldn't have wanted to go into it any more than I do. Now.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Wait, son.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Wait.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

The doctors told Mr. Walker it was absolutely imperative for Bill to have a plane and go into the race.

[Narrator]

That's the reason.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

And that's the only reason Mr. Walker went out and bought the plane.

[Henry Aldrich]

I know, Father, but, gee whiz, look at it this way.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

I'm going to leave it entirely up to you. You may do anything about it you care to.

[Henry Aldrich]

You mean to say that Billy's going to take that trip to the Capitol when he knows he cheated?

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

He doesn't know he cheated. Aside from you and I, son, there are only two people in this town who know that plane wasn't built in Walker's basement.

[Henry Aldrich]

Where are they?

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

One is Billy's father and the other is Mr. Jones.

[Henry Aldrich]

I knew all the time Mr. Jones was lying. And he humiliated me right in front of Mr. Walker. Henry, are you in the house?

[Dizzy Stevens]

There.

[Henry Aldrich]

Is that you, Dizzy? Excuse me for coming right in, but I've got some great news for you.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Good morning, dazeem.

[Henry Aldrich]

Good morning, Mr. Aldrinch. I shouldn't be here, but I've got to tell Henry. Listen, I was lying in bed this morning and I got to subtracting. Subtracting what those figures are, Mr. Collins. When you take four and a half from eleven and a half, you don't get six. No, you get seven. Billy Walker didn't win that race. You won it by more than a second. Yeah, sure. It's as clear as anything. The only thing is, Dizzy. When you subtract four and a half from eleven and a half, you do get six. No. Sure you do.

[Dizzy Stevens]

You do?

[Henry Aldrich]

Of course. Well, I'll be done, Henry. I guess you're right. Sure, sure. I. I couldn't have won the race. Isn't that right, Father?

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

For one, Henry, your mathematics are absolutely correct.

[Narrator]

Ladies and gentlemen, is there a swell, tasty dessert in the house? The answer is yes. When you've got a package of Jell O chocolate pudding on the pantry shelf. There's no doubt about it. With Jell O chocolate pudding for dessert, you are all fixed for a feast. Because this grand pudding has a flavor that's really and truly delicious. And with the first dip of the spoon, you'll know you're in for a lot of keen enjoyment. Jell O chocolate pudding is full of rich, chocolatey goodness. A pleasing, mellow flavor that spells real satisfaction. It's a creamy, smooth dessert unsurpassed for topping off a meal in top notch style. And you'll find the jello chocolate pudding is both easy and inexpensive to serve. So tomorrow night for dinner delight, the family with this tempting chocolate treat. There's a world of luscious pleasure already and waiting for you in Jell O chocolate pudding.

[Dizzy Stevens]

Sam.

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

Henry, I can't begin to tell you how pleased I was with you this morning.

[Henry Aldrich]

Thank you, Father. Oh, do you. Do we have any steel wool in the house?

[Mr. Aldridge (Henry's Father)]

What do you want it for?

[Henry Aldrich]

I'm going over and help Dizzy clean his father's hat.

[Narrator]

Well, if there is anything left of Mr. Stevens hat when Henry and Dizzy get through with it, I'll eat mine. The Aldrich Family, starring Ezra Stone is written by Clifford Goldsmith. Original music is composed and conducted by Jack Miller. This is Harry Von Cell speaking and wishing you good night for Jell O Pudd.

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[Henry Aldrich]

Access to affordable credit helps me pay my employees, but I don't really need it. Inflation is killing me, but who cares? Big retailers are making record profits. That's why we support the Durban Marshall credit card bill. See, banks and credit unions help small business businesses make payroll. This bill would cut the vital resources they need while increasing megastore profits. They deserve it, don't they?

[Robo Vacation Homes Announcer]

Tell Congress, stop the Durbin Marshall money

[Cachava Nutrition Announcer]

grab for corporate megastores paid for by

[Henry Aldrich]

the Electronic Payments Coalition.