Aldrich Family - Moving Day

Summary

Podcast Summary

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Aldrich Family - Moving Day
Date: March 10, 2026
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio

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Overview

This vintage episode of "The Aldrich Family," as presented by Harold's Old Time Radio, transports listeners to a time before television, when family comedies unfolded live on the airwaves. In "Moving Day," Henry Aldrich and his well-meaning, but sometimes bumbling, family find their household overwhelmed when friends and neighbors involved in a move become unexpected houseguests—for just a meal, or perhaps for a few days! The result is a classic comedy of miscommunication and escalating chaos, all wrapped in the warm tones of mid-century radio.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Scene: The Aldrich Family & Moving Day

• (00:47) The story opens as Henry and his friend Homer help Kathleen Anderson with her family’s moving day. Ordinary tasks quickly spiral into misunderstandings about dinner invitations and hospitality.
• Memorable moment: The contrast between the teens’ enthusiastic involvement and the adults’ stress over the move and dinner preparations.

2. A Comedy of Invitations

• (01:36–05:37) Henry and Homer one-up each other inviting Kathleen and her family over, both eager to help but unwittingly creating more confusion for their mothers.
  • Quote, Kathleen:

    "Oh, I don't think we should impose on your mother and father like that, Homer." (02:22)

  • Henry’s mother, Alice, is overwhelmed in the kitchen, and is resistant to hosting guests on such short notice:

    "Frankly, Henry, I don't like your bringing home a guest when I'm working as hard as I am..." (04:24)

3. Ration Stamps and Social Gaffes

• (05:37–08:20) After being refused, the Andersons give Henry ration stamps out of embarrassment, thinking the Aldrichs can't afford to host dinner. This leads Alice Aldrich to reconsider—out of guilt, not desire—and formally invite the Andersons for dinner.
  • Quote, Alice:

    "When you're inviting anyone for dinner, there are two ways to do it: either don't ask them at all, or you ask them wholeheartedly and really make them feel as though they're wanted." (07:27)

4. The Looming Logistics Nightmare

• (09:14–14:21) The Andersons, unable to find anywhere else to stay, wonder whether the Aldrichs’ invitation extends to overnight accommodation. Meanwhile, the Aldrichs' friend Mr. Wilson finds himself stranded without a hotel and calls for help—but Henry, having just been scolded about over-inviting, hesitates.
  • Quote, Mr. Wilson:

    "I was wondering whether you might have any suggestion to make." (13:22)

  • Quote, Henry (awkwardly):

    "No, my mother was just saying a little while ago, no, everything's all tied up." (13:33)

• Comic escalation: The family keeps adding guests without clear communication; supplies (like string beans) are running out in town.

5. The Andersons Arrive—With Luggage

• (18:47–24:07) The Andersons turn up early, with extended family and luggage for several days. While the Aldrichs were only expecting them for dinner, the Andersons are under the impression they’ll be staying at least three days.
  • Quote, Mrs. Anderson:

    "We brought our own sheets and pillowcases and our own towels. Enough to last for three days." (23:51)

  • Quote, Alice (flustered):

    "Just the man with the Andersons’ sheets and towels... They say they can only be with us for three days." (24:04)

6. Sleeping Arrangements—A Full House

• (25:28–27:59) Late at night, Alice and Sam (Henry’s parents) attempt to figure out sleeping arrangements for their now overcrowded home. Even the bathtub is suggested for sleeping space!

  • Quote, Sam:

    "No, but I might take a couple of leaves from the dining room table and put them across the bathtub." (26:48)

• Henry returns home after failing to lodge at Homer’s (Homer’s uncle and extra soldiers showed up), making accommodations even thinner.

7. Culmination: Henry and Sam Off to a Hotel Room

• (27:33–28:10) A call from the Mansion House (hotel) comes in: there’s a room available—but only shared with a stranger. Sam and Henry, left with no other choice, take the room with "Mr. Wiggins from Battle Creek."

  • Quote, Sam (resigned):

    "We’re going to sleep with a man by the name of Wiggins from Battle Creek." (28:01)

• Comic moment: In the dark hotel room, Henry fumbles with his pajamas, unsure where his father is.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Homer, about the dinner invite:

  "If you come over, my mother will have to cook something good for a change." (02:13)

• Alice's social lesson:

  "Either don't ask them [for dinner] at all, or you ask them wholeheartedly and really make them feel as though they're wanted." (07:27)

• Sam, facing logistical despair:

  "No, but I might take a couple of leaves from the dining room table and put them across the bathtub." (26:48)

• The ultimate overcrowding punchline:

  "We're going to sleep with a man by the name of Wiggins from Battle Creek." (28:01)

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Important Timestamps

• 00:47 – Show begins, "The Aldrich Family" welcomes listeners.
• 01:36 – Henry and Homer bicker over helping move the Andersons’ boxes.
• 05:37 – Alice and Sam discuss Henry’s dinner invitation blunder.
• 08:20 – Alice reluctantly invites the Andersons for dinner due to social pressure.
• 13:04 – Mr. Wilson calls Henry, seeking a place to eat or stay.
• 18:47 – Sam returns after grocery shopping; panic grows about preparing dinner.
• 20:38 – The Andersons arrive at the Aldrichs’ home with luggage.
• 23:51 – Andersons announce they’ll be staying three days, brought their own linens.
• 26:48 – Sam contemplates sleeping across the bathtub due to lack of accommodations.
• 28:01 – Sam and Henry accept the hotel room with Mr. Wiggins.
• 28:12 – Henry fumbles in the dark hotel room for his pajamas.

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Tone & Style

The episode is light-hearted and fast-paced, with gentle ribbing, classic misunderstandings, and a spirit of community—even as the stress of "unexpected hospitality" mounts. Listeners are treated to good-natured humor, the warmth of 1940s-style neighborliness, and a snapshot of a different era’s everyday life, full of social codes and rationing.

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Conclusion

"Moving Day" is a delightful romp through the chaos that ensues when hospitality, good intentions, and miscommunication collide. As the Aldrich house bulges with unexpected guests, listeners are treated to expertly delivered comic timing and a generous helping of nostalgia. If you love vintage radio comedy, this episode captures the zany energy and neighborly mishaps that defined the golden age—and reminds us, some family foibles never go out of style.

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

The Special Service division presents a rebroadcast of Henry.

[A]

Henry Aldrich. Coming, Mother?

[B]

For all you men and women in the armed forces of the United nations, here's the Aldrich family. One of the attractive things about teenage youngsters is that they manage to get a lot of fun out of things, which to their elders are apt to be pretty much of a bore. The older 10 to their elders, for instance, living room. See how Henry Aldrich handles the problem of moving day. For instance, the scene opens in Kathleen Anderson's living room.

[A]

Now, wait a second, Homer. Kathleen asked me to lift that box for her. Henry, will you take your hands off it? You're only making it heavier. I know, Homer, but everything I've picked up, you've tried to grab, too. Anybody think the Andersons weren't able to move without your butting in? All right, then. All right, then.

[B]

Take it.

[A]

And I hope you break your back. Well, gee whiz, Homer, that's a nice thing to do. Right on Kathleen's mother's hardwood floor. They're moving out of here, aren't they? And someone's moving in, aren't they? Henry, did you hurt yourself? No, I didn't hurt myself. Homer, could you. Could you give me a hand with this? I thought you wanted to lift it yourself. Wait a second, Don. I'll put this other pile of books in. Oh, you're going to put more in it? Henry, we have to get everything we own out of here by tonight. You do? Yes, Henry. Well, gee, where are you going to have dinner? I don't know. Listen, Kathleen, why don't you come over to our house for dinner? Over to your house? Really? Homer. Homer, over to your house and. Now, wait a second. Why should she want to come over to your house? Why shouldn't she? Because, Homer, in the first place, your mother and father are both on a diet, and you know what that means. What does it mean? Yes, Mrs. Anderson, are you calling I. Could you come here and help me with this stepladder? Yes, sure. Homer. Move that box of books out on the porch for Kathleen alone. Is it too heavy for you, Homer? Well, I'll tell you. Listen, Kathleen, why don't you all come over for dinner? As long as your mother's gonna have all your dishes packed. Oh, I don't think we should impose on your mother and father like that, Homer. Well, that's the beautiful part of it. If you come over, my mother will have to cook something good for a change. No, Homer, I don't think we'd better. Now, would you move that box, please? Okay, Kathleen, I'll go home and ask my mother. Then I can explain the whole thing. And if she says she'd rather we wouldn't come, will you be frank and tell us so? Oh, gee whiz, Kathleen. You don't have to worry about a thing like that. Hey, Homer, how about coming down to the basement and give me a hand with a barrel of stuff? I've got to beat it. Henry, as soon as you get the barrel up, move that box of books there. Listen, Kathleen. Where's he going? Home to see whether his mother would mind having anyone extra for dinner. You mean you're going. You're going to instead of coming over to my house? Henry hadn't even mentioned your house. Kathleen, don't you remember my saying. My saying, don't you want to eat with my family? I didn't say I didn't want to. I'd much rather only. Only how about your mother? My mother? But what would my mother have to do with your coming over for dinner? I mean, all I have to do is phone and say you're coming. Hello? My goodness. I guess your mother's better natured than my mother. Oh, gee. As soon as I say number, please. Listen, Mother. Number, please.

[B]

Oh.

[A]

Elm 303. Elm 303. Kathleen. Yes, Mother? Could you help me, please? All right. And I have something awfully nice to tell you. And, Kathleen, after dinner, maybe we can go to the movie. Hello? Hello? Listen, Mother. Henry, where are you? I. I'm just over helping. I'm sort of. You won't be late getting home for dinner tonight, will you, dear? We're going to eat early. Oh, yar. Mother, I. I want to tell you something. What is it? You know the Andersons? Has something happened to them? No. They're in an awful predicament. They have to get out of their house by tonight, see? Really? Where are they going? Over on Center Street. That'll be nice. Well, don't be late, will you, dear? Wait a second, Mother. I Haven't finished with their predicament, dear. I can't stand here and talk with you. I'm putting up applesauce. You are? Well, that's good. How would you. Well, what would you think of sort of helping out and asking Kathleen to come and eat with us? Henry, this is no time to ask anyone for dinner. I've got jars and applesauce all over the kitchen. But, Mother, she's very fond of applesauce. Frankly, Henry, I don't like your bringing home a guest when I'm working as hard as I am. But tonight. Henry. Look, Mother, let me explain something. Henry. There's nothing to explain, Mother. Listen. Goodbye, dear. But, Mother. Henry, did you get your mother? Yes, and four hours. That's wonderful, because Mother says she'd be glad to let me go. What's that? Well, that's fine.

[B]

In the first place, Alice, Henry shouldn't have asked you.

[A]

But, Sam, I told him he could not have Kathleen tonight.

[B]

Oh, well, I'm glad to hear that. Not that Kathleen isn't welcome here, but there's a chance that Ed Wilson will be in town.

[A]

You mean you've asked him to have dinner here?

[B]

No, Alice. But if he does arrive in town tonight, I'd like to feel free to ask him for dinner so we can talk business.

[A]

Then I'm all the more glad Kathleen isn't coming. Mother. Henry, is that you? Yes. Where are you? We're in the living room. We'd like very much to speak to you. You mean Father's in there with you?

[B]

I am.

[A]

Oh, hello, Father.

[B]

Hello, Henry.

[A]

I certainly hope Kathleen understood why I couldn't have her tonight. Well, Mother, if you aren't awfully busy, could I seek you out in the dining room where we can be alone? I mean, it is no use your bringing the subject up. Your father agrees with me. We cannot have Kathleen tonight. Oh, we can.

[B]

Henry, remember this. For as long as you live, don't ever ask anyone to this house for dinner as a. As a surprise to us.

[A]

Yes, Father. Is that clear, dear? Yes, Mother.

[B]

That doesn't go just for Kathleen. It goes for Homer Brown, for Jimmy Bartlett.

[A]

Yes, Father. For everyone and anyone you happen to have an impulse to ask. Yes, Mother. Only. Only first, there's just one thing I want to explain.

[B]

Don't try to explain anything. Kathleen is out of the picture as far as tonight is concerned.

[A]

Sam, where you going?

[B]

Out in the garden.

[A]

Mother, would you be interested in listening to me? Let's not hear any more about it. But, mother, look what Mrs. Anderson gave me what is it? Are those ration stamps? Yes. Sure she felt that bad about it? Well, my goodness, look. Three stamps. That gives you some idea, mother, of how. Of how. Well, Henry, you certainly couldn't have been very cordial in your invitation. What's that, Henry? What did you say to Mrs. Anderson that made her feel she had to give you those? That's the funny part of it. It came right out of a clear blue sky. Dear, do you realize how embarrassed this makes me feel? Apparently she thought the reason we couldn't have Kathleen was because we didn't have enough ration stand. Why, Mother dear, when you're inviting anyone for dinner, there are two ways to do it. Either don't ask them at all, or you ask them wholeheartedly and really make them feel as though they're wanted. You do? Yes, dear, of course you do. What's the Anderson's number? You're going to call them? Of course I am. Why, it's elm. Free Elm344. Gee, Mother, is that a load off my mind. Number, please. Operator, I want Elm344. Elm344. Henry, do you see that list of groceries on the table? Yes, Mother. I want you to take it and go right over to the store. Yes, sure. And thanks very much. And don't even mention this to your father. You let me explain things to him. Yes, Mother. Hello? Hello, is this Betty Anderson? Yes. This is Alice Aldrich, dear. I've just been talking with Henry and frankly, Betty, I've never been quite so embarrassed. What about, Alice? Anyone that has to move at a time like this and is in the position you're in. Well, Betty, we'd just love to help you all. Oh, really? All of us?

[B]

Of course.

[A]

What's that? What's that? Oh, you mean you can all. Well, that's fine, Betty. I was afraid for a minute Henry had asked us. Kathleen. Now, Alice, are you sure you can have us all on this short notice? Why. Why, Betty, I give you my word. Nothing would give us more pleasure than making you feel that our home is your home. Really, Alice. Oh, that's awfully sweet of you. Not at all. Goodbye. Goodbye. I gotta tell you. Hello?

[B]

Hello, Bob?

[A]

This is Betty. What do you think? The Aldriches have come to the rescue. They've asked us over to their house.

[B]

Yes, for the next three days.

[A]

Why, no, Bob. No, of course not. Just for dinner.

[B]

Well, that takes care of one meal. But where are we going to stay tonight and tomorrow night until the other place is ready?

[A]

Well, couldn't you get Rooms at the mansion home?

[B]

No, no, no. They're all filled up. You don't suppose the Aldrichs would put us up for a few days, do you?

[A]

Now, Bob, I'm even a little embarrassed about going over there for dinner.

[B]

Do they know we can't move into the other house?

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Then I don't see why they don't ask us. We do the same for them.

[A]

Well, Alice Aldrich did say she wanted us to feel that their home was our home. But I don't think she expects us to stay three days.

[B]

Why don't you call her back and make sure?

[A]

Now, Bob, I can't do that. Let's just wait and see what happens.

[B]

Very well.

[A]

And Bob, somebody's at the door. I've just got to hang up and

[B]

see who it is. Goodbye.

[A]

Goodbye. Yes, Henry, where are you? I'm out here in the front hall. Is. Is Kathleen here? Hello, Henry. What is it? Nothing, Kathleen. Nothing. I was just on my way to get some groceries for. For something and. And I just thought I'd drop in. Oh. All I want to know is I want to make sure. Yes, Henry. Well, I want to be positive, see? Yes, Henry, I just had a talk with my mother and she called you, didn't she? Yes, and that was very sweet. Boy, was she upset over the way I asked. Kathleen. Your mother was certainly nice to call and ask us off. Oh, all of you? Yes. Well, gee, that's the way my mother is. Once she decides to do something, she'll even turn over her whole house to you. Really? As a matter of fact, Henry, she did say we were to feel your home was our home. Sure. All she's got to know is you're in a jam and employed only. Henry, are you positive we won't be crowding? Crowding us? Gee whiz, how could you do a thing like that? Are you sure, Henry? Kathleen, you talk as though we'd never had company before. She was. There's plenty of room. And your mother told you to stay there? Sure. She certainly said I was to be cordial. Well, goodbye. Goodbye. Thanks very much for coming over. Kathleen, go to the phone and call your father. Yes, Mother. Tell him it's all settled. We won't have to go to the hotel. Hi, Kathleen. Yes, Homer. Where are you? I'm out here at the back door. Where are you? I'm just going to put in a phone call. Well, look, I've got a sort of embarrassing message for you. See, my mother said she'd like to have you folks come for dinner. In fact, there's nothing she'd rather have you do. Only don't you think as long as you folks are going to be so tired from moving and everything, it would be better to wait and come sometime afterwards when you feel fresher and you can keep your mind on what you're eating. As a matter of fact, Rob, going over to Henry for dinner? Yeah, everybody. Oh, gee whiz, that's a fine thing. Could I use your telephone before you do? I guess so. Hello? That isn't it. Gee whiz. Number, please. Elm 232. Elm 232. And. Homer, as soon as you get through, could you come in the living room and help me move that box of books for Mother? Didn't Henry take care of us? Of all of.

[B]

Hello?

[A]

Hello, Mother. I won't be home for dinner. Why not? The Aldrichs are throwing a party. But, Mother, I didn't ask them all for dinner. You did. Well, incidentally, since you knew how many would be here, why didn't you get enough string beans?

[B]

I did.

[A]

That's the beautiful part of it. Then why didn't you tell me before I sent your father to the store? You did. Well, I'll go right down and get him. Now, don't do anything more. You've done enough as it is. Where are you going? Over to Mrs. Kilmer's and try to borrow a large tablecloth. And, dear, I hope you'll let this be a lesson. Don't ever, ever start inviting people in a wholesale way like this again. Yes, Mother. Only I just asked Kathleen and please go answer that phone. Yes, Mother. Maybe this is Mrs. Anderson saying they thought it over and none of them can come except Kathleen. Hello?

[B]

Hello, May I speak with Mr. Aldrich, please?

[A]

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

[B]

Could you tell me how I might get in touch?

[A]

I don't think you can. He's out trying to scrape up some string beans.

[B]

What's that? May I ask who this is speaking?

[A]

This is his son.

[B]

Oh, yes, this is Mr. Wilson. I believe I met you when I was in town last week.

[A]

Oh, yes, up on the roof.

[B]

Henry, I'm in sort of a jam down here at the hotel. I've been trying to get a room and they tell me there isn't a chance.

[A]

There isn't.

[B]

As a matter of fact, even the dining room is packed.

[A]

You mean you can't get in and get anything?

[B]

That's why I called. I was wondering whether you might have any suggestion to make.

[A]

Well, I tell you, no.

[B]

What's that?

[A]

I'm pretty sure I'd better not make that one.

[B]

Do you know any place to get a room or a meal?

[A]

Why, no, no, my mother was just saying a little while ago, no, everything's all tied up.

[B]

I see.

[A]

How about. How about my father phoning you when he comes in?

[B]

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[A]

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[B]

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[A]

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[B]

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[A]

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[B]

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[A]

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[B]

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[A]

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[B]

We'll be back with the Aldrich family in just a moment. Now it's intermission time and here's our intermission guest, the one and only Tommy Dorsey. It. Sam. Now getting back to the troubles of Henry Aldrich. The Aldrich's are upset to think that Kathleen Anderson and her family are coming for dinner this evening. Never dreaming that the Andersons are really preparing to stay for three days. The scene opens in the Aldridge living room. Mr. Al is. Alice, where are you?

[A]

I've been here straightening up the living room. Sam. My goodness, where have you been all this time?

[B]

I've been out trying to find enough groceries.

[A]

But dear, do you realize there's hardly an hour left before the Andersons will be here?

[B]

Alice, I couldn't help it if somebody had bought all the string beans in town. The Andersons will have to eat eggplant.

[A]

I do hope they won't stay long after dinner. Father, is that you?

[B]

It is.

[A]

Well, Jesus, I've been waiting for you. There was a phone call for you. Yes?

[B]

From Mr. Wilson?

[A]

Yes, sir.

[B]

Oh, then he's in town. That's fine. I tried to phone him from the drugstore?

[A]

Yes, Father. And why are they jammed down at the hotel?

[B]

You mean he can't get a room?

[A]

No, sir.

[B]

Well, you told him to come up here, didn't you?

[A]

Up here? What for? Why, for dinner, dear. And stay overnight?

[B]

Why, no, Mr. Wilson. He came to town to do business with me.

[A]

I know, Father, but you gave me a lecture about asking people right out of a clear sky like that.

[B]

There's nothing about it that's out of a clear sky. Where did he say I could reach him?

[A]

He said you couldn't. He said he was going out to look for someplace to sleep. Henry Aldrich.

[B]

But.

[A]

But, Mother, you. Don't you see the position I was in, Henry?

[B]

If we have antagonized Mr. Wilson and he goes back to Chicago without seeing me, I'll. I'll.

[A]

Now, Sam. I'm sorry, Father.

[B]

But, Alice, of all the people we know. Ed Wilson. Ed Wilson. After all, we do have a guest.

[A]

Now, Sam, don't be upset. Sam, that's probably Mr. Wilson at the door. This minute.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Oh, gee whiz. Let me go to the door. I'd like to be the one who invites him in.

[B]

Now, wait a minute, Henry. Wait a minute.

[A]

What's the matter?

[B]

Alice, look out the window.

[A]

Where's Sam?

[B]

Except it was on the front porch.

[A]

Oh, gee whiz. It's Kathleen and her mother.

[B]

Sam, how did you tell them to come?

[A]

Well, I certainly didn't tell them to come this early. I'm not even dressed. Father, do you suppose something's happened and they can't come?

[B]

What do you mean they can't come?

[A]

Sam, don't let them in till I get these papers straightened up. Can't one of you help me with them?

[B]

Where do you want me to put them? Here. Henry, take them out to the kitchen.

[A]

Yes, Father. Sam, open the door. Only. Wait a minute, dear. Here's a match I didn't pick up. Can we take this match out, too?

[B]

You're going to notice a match at a time like this. Well, well, hello there.

[A]

Hello, Sam.

[B]

Hello, Alice.

[A]

Dy, dear. Hello. Hello, Mr. And Mrs. Audrey.

[B]

Hello. Don't tell me you can't. You can't come in.

[A]

I thought perhaps it would be too early for you. But that house is dropped, driving me crazy. I just had to get out of it. Well, that's quite all right. Tell me, where's Bob? Is he coming with the car? Alice? Oh, yes. Mother and I walked over. Really? Well, that's just fine.

[B]

Yes, that's fine. Let's. Let's all. Sit down, Kathleen.

[A]

Henry. Henry.

[B]

I guess he doesn't hear. He'll be back in a minute, though.

[A]

Suppose I go and get him? I have got one or two little things to attend to in the kitchen anyhow. Excuse me. Can Kathleen not help you, Alice? No, dear. There isn't a thing to do. There's the doorbell. I guess that's Father.

[B]

Yes. Well, that's fine.

[A]

Mr. Aldrich, do you suppose you could go out and help him bring in Grandmother?

[B]

What, my Sam?

[A]

Yes, Sam, Bob's mother. You remember her, don't you?

[B]

Oh, yes. Yes, that's fine. Hello, Bob. And Mrs. Anderson. How are you? Just take her rubber arm, Sam. Yes, all right, sir. Here we come. Yes. Kathleen, go out the car and get Grandmother's cushion.

[A]

All right. Have you any idea what. Henry.

[B]

Henry. I hope we're not going to be crowding you, Sam. No, no, not at all. Everything's going to be fine. Here we go, Grandmother. Right down into the big chair. What do you want me to do? Just let go of it, Sam. She does better if you let her drop here. Yeah, well, that's fine. There we are. Sam, I can't begin to tell you how grateful we are for you pulling us out of this jam. That's all right. Yes, indeed. Now, Sam, I want to tell you one thing. Betty and I decided before we came over. We're going to make as little trouble for you as possible. Bob, what are you talking about trouble for? Well, let's work out a schedule for the bathroom. You know what I mean? So we won't get in your way. What's that?

[A]

And tell me frankly, Sam, would you rather we eat with you or a little ahead of you?

[B]

What's that?

[A]

Why don't you let us go to bed? I was just thinking we leave first to clean up the kitchen and get out of your way.

[B]

The kitchen, Sam. Yes, Alice, what is it?

[A]

Could you please come here right away?

[B]

Yes, Alice. If you folks will excuse me, I'll go see what you want. Sam, do you suppose there'd be any objections to Grandmother eating upstairs? Upstairs? Why, no. That would be fine.

[A]

Sam, I want you to tell me something.

[B]

Alice, there's something I want you to tell me, dear.

[A]

Can you cut these string beans while I go up and change my clothes?

[B]

Alice, what's going on here?

[A]

What do you mean?

[B]

The Andersons don't want to eat with us?

[A]

You mean they're leaving?

[B]

No, they want to eat in the kitchen before we do. And Grandmother's going to eat upstairs.

[A]

What's that?

[B]

What?

[A]

Grandmother?

[B]

Alice, what do they mean by wanting a schedule for the bathroom?

[A]

Will you show them where it is?

[B]

No. They want a schedule for it. A schedule?

[A]

Dear, what are you talking about? Oh, my goodness. Who do you suppose that is?

[B]

I don't know who it is. How would I know?

[A]

Well, don't just stand there, Dave. Go on to the front door.

[B]

Where's Henry?

[A]

Why can't you.

[B]

Why can't Henry take care of some of this?

[A]

I have no idea where Henry is. All right, Mr. Odish. I answered the door.

[B]

Yes? It wasn't a Mr. Wilson, was it?

[A]

No, it's just the expert man with our baggage.

[B]

What's that?

[A]

Father didn't want to love it because he was so tired.

[B]

Oh. Oh, now, don't you let your fingers stand. You let that fellow out there bring everything in. Oh, yes. Or all those. All those. Is that your baggage? Yes. I told him to take them around and bring them in the back way so he won't scratch up the front hole.

[A]

Damn if you.

[B]

Yes, Betty?

[A]

I forgot to tell Alice. We brought our own sheets and pillowcases and our own towels.

[B]

What, sir?

[A]

Enough to last for three days.

[B]

Well, that's fine, Sam.

[A]

Who was it?

[B]

Nothing, Alice. Just the man with the Andersons. Sheets and towels with the Andersons.

[A]

What?

[B]

But they say they can only be with us for three days.

[A]

What's that? I mean, oh, only three days. Why, we certainly thought you could be with us at least. At least. Hello, Henry. Am I late? Homer, is that you? Yes, Mrs. Aldridge. I would have been here sooner, only my father couldn't come at the last minute.

[B]

What's that?

[A]

Just my mother couldn't make it. Hello, Sam. Oh, I do hope you understand. Will's not being able to come along.

[B]

Why, that's quite all right, Elizabeth. We'll try to understand. Won't we, Alice?

[A]

Yes. Well, anyway, Sam, happy birthday.

[B]

Happy birthday?

[A]

Yes. Yes. Isn't that what you're celebrating?

[B]

No, Elizabeth, I wouldn't go so far as to say that.

[A]

Well, anyway, I know you're celebrating something. Oh, isn't that Grandmother Anderson I see in there? Why, Grandmother Anderson. Boy, am I looking forward to dinner. To dinner, dear? Sure.

[B]

Just for dinner. You can't stay overnight.

[A]

Well, I guess I could. Where's Henry?

[B]

I wish I knew.

[A]

There he is, Mr. Otis. There he is, right out in search.

[B]

Where?

[A]

Kathleen, don't you see him? He just got out of that taxi.

[B]

Henry, where have you been?

[A]

Look, Father. Look who? I found you. Who is it? Can't you see? It's Mr. Wilson and his wife and children. I told them you wanted them to stay overnight.

[B]

What's that, Alice? Let me look at this list once more.

[A]

Quiet, Sam. You want to wake everyone in the house up.

[B]

No one can hear us here in the kitchen. Alice, I just want to look at the list and see where everyone is sleeping.

[A]

Just a moment while I turn this other light on.

[B]

Now, let's see. Bob and Betty Anderson are in.

[A]

They're in our room, dear.

[B]

Oh, yes.

[A]

Kathleen is in with Mary.

[B]

Where's Grandmother?

[A]

She's in Henry's room.

[B]

Oh, yeah.

[A]

And Mr. And Mrs. Wilson are in the guest room. And their daughter is on the sofa in the living room. And their son's on that cot in the dining room.

[B]

Oh, yeah?

[A]

Then I'm going to sleep on that cot I put up beside Mary and Kathleen.

[B]

Yeah. And where is it, Grandmother? Sleeping?

[A]

I told you, in Henry's room. I sent Henry over to stay with Homer.

[B]

I realize that, Alice. Well, it worked out very well.

[A]

I thought so, too.

[B]

Now, wait a minute. Wait a minute. Where am I?

[A]

You, dear. Don't I have you on this list?

[B]

Let's go through it once more, Sam.

[A]

I guess I don't have you.

[B]

That's a fine thing.

[A]

Well, dear, you've got to lie down someplace. You've had a hard day.

[B]

Why? Why?

[A]

What were you going to suggest?

[B]

No, I guess the Wilson boy couldn't possibly sleep with Grandmother.

[A]

No, dear, no. We all agreed that Grandmother better sleep alone.

[B]

How about. How about. No. Of course, yes.

[A]

There's that old blanket that Henry's goat used to sleep on. But I frankly don't think you'd be comfortable on that.

[B]

No, but I might take a couple of leaves from the dining room table and put them across the bathtub.

[A]

What?

[B]

And just lie there holding the bathroom schedule?

[A]

Now, Sam, I'm doing the best I can.

[B]

I know, Alice, but I've got to do some work tomorrow. I can't just stand up against the wall all night.

[A]

Mother.

[B]

Alice, who's that?

[A]

Sam, it's Henry. Yes, dear. Mother, I want to tell you something. Not so loud, Henry. Did you forget something? Forget something? What was it?

[B]

She doesn't know. Your mother's asking you. Why are you back?

[A]

I can't sleep over Homer's. Why not? Well, Homer's Uncle Joe showed up on a furlough and he brought two soldiers along with him.

[B]

What's that?

[A]

So I had to come home. Sam, what are we going to do?

[B]

I don't know what they're going to do. It's Grandmother that's messing up the whole works.

[A]

What are you walking out of the room like that for?

[B]

I'm going to answer the telephone.

[A]

Would you like me to, Father?

[B]

Hello? Hello. Do you have a Mr. Wilson there? Yes. Could I speak to him, please? Why? He can't come to the phone right this minute. Could I take a message? This is the Mansion House. Mr. Wilson had his name on our reservation list and asked us to give him a call if anything turned up. Yes, we've just found one. Bet if he doesn't mind, it's being in a room with another gentleman. A Mr. Wiggins from Battle Creek. Yes. Good. Hold it. Henry.

[A]

Yes, Father?

[B]

Come with me.

[A]

Where to?

[B]

We're going to sleep with a man by the name of Wiggins from Battle Creek.

[A]

Father, can't we please turn on the light?

[B]

No, Henry. They told us to be sure not to wake up Mr. Wiggins.

[A]

But she was. I can't see the butt in my pajamas.

[B]

Get into bed.

[A]

I am in bed. I'm trying. I'm trying. Father, where are you?

[B]

I'm right over here.

[A]

You're not in here with me. Well, gee whiz, who's this? I buttoned my pajamas. To. Sam. Ram.

[B]

The Aldrich family was rebroadcast for all you soldiers, sailors and Marines by the Special Service Division of the War Department of the United States of America.

[A]

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