Aldrich Family - The Generous Gentleman Movie

Summary

Podcast Summary: Aldrich Family – The Generous Gentleman Movie

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

---

Episode Overview

This episode features a classic broadcast from The Aldrich Family radio show, centered on the misadventures of Henry Aldrich after he’s inspired by a movie called “The Generous Gentleman.” Determined to emulate the selfless hero from the film, Henry sets out to help everyone he encounters—with predictably chaotic and comedic results. The episode playfully explores themes of generosity, good intentions, and the sometimes unexpected outcomes of meddling in others’ affairs.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Henry’s Inspiration and New Resolve

• At dinner, Henry is unusually attentive and insists on helping his parents, much to their bewilderment ([01:30]).
• He recounts seeing "The Generous Gentleman," a film in which kindness leads to universal admiration and success, inspiring his pledge to help others and pay his own way in the household ([03:00]).
  • Quote [03:13], Henry: “From now on I'm paying my share. Yes, I am, Mother. No more free eating for me.”

2. Caddying on the Golf Course

• Henry begins a caddy job, hoping to earn money for himself and charitable causes.
• His eagerness to help Mr. Eddy, the golfer, quickly results in a series of mishaps—distracting him while he swings, carrying extra items, and questioning his equipment choices ([05:00]–[09:00]).
• The situation escalates when Henry, attempting to recover a lost golf ball, tries to help Mrs. McGill with a broken faucet using a golf club, ultimately bending the club and breaking the spigot ([10:00]).
  • Memorable exchange [11:14]:
    • Mrs. McGill: “Oh, good gracious. Look at what you've done to it.”
    • Henry: “Imagine, I almost spent his number three iron double.”

3. Good Deeds Gone Awry

• Henry continues to help anyone in need, including strangers with car troubles—only to get both their cars stuck in a ditch ([13:55]–[16:02]).
• In his determination to “do good,” Henry simultaneously tries to help a woman avoid a court fine and support his golfing client, eventually entrusting his friend Herbert to make crucial phone calls for a plumber, a tow truck, and legal assistance ([20:23]).
  • Henry, exasperated [17:24]: "I got a lady in a ditch."
  • Mr. Eddy: "How did you get a lady in a ditch?"
  • Henry: "I was trying to get another guy out."

4. Snowballing Consequences

• Mr. Eddy’s woes intensify: he plays with damaged clubs, returns to find his shower interrupted because the water was shut off (thanks to Henry's plumber call), and then learns his car has been towed—all indirect results of Henry’s well-meaning interventions ([24:03]).
  • Quote [24:03], Mr. Eddy: "I hire a caddy to look for my golf balls. And I spend my whole day looking for my caddy. Well, do you know what my score was? 185. Well, I usually do it in 120."
• At home, Henry’s parents must deal with the fallout—including Mrs. Aldrich’s bridge party missing playing cards that Henry was meant to buy ([21:55]).

5. Resolution and Reflection

• In typical Aldrich Family fashion, the episode concludes at the dinner table, with Henry mixed up about where things went wrong. He insists he only wanted to help like "the generous gentleman," only to realize things don’t always turn out as planned in real life ([26:17]).
  • Henry [26:36]: “Well, it's a funny thing, but things didn't work out like this in the generous gentleman.”
• Mr. Eddy finally concedes his defeat and swears off golf forever, asking Henry to simply mail back his missing necktie ([28:07]).

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Henry’s resolve for generous living ([04:25]):

  • “From now on I'm going to help my friends and do little things for strangers that are in trouble. And from now on, Mother, you'll never have to tell me more than once to do anything.”

• On well-meaning mishaps ([11:14]):

  • Mrs. McGill: “Oh, good gracious. Look at what you've done to it.”
  • Henry: “Imagine, I almost spent his number three iron double.”

• Mr. Eddy’s exasperation ([24:03]):

  • “I hire a caddy to look for my golf balls. And I spend my whole day looking for my caddy.”

• Family banter over Henry’s intentions ([26:36]):

  • Mr. Aldrich: “Trying to be kind to someone you didn't even know.”
  • Henry: “Well, it's a funny thing, but things didn't work out like this in the generous gentleman.”

• Final reflection ([28:07]):

  • Mrs. Aldrich: “He said you're not to take it to him, you're to mail it to him.”
  • Henry: “Well, that's certainly very thoughtful of him because I had planned to do something else tomorrow.”

---

Timestamps – Important Segments

• [01:30] – Henry at dinner, acting unusually generous, explains his inspiration.
• [05:00–09:00] – Henry caddies for Mr. Eddy, initiates a series of on-course mishaps.
• [10:00] – Henry tries (and fails) to fix Mrs. McGill’s faucet.
• [13:55–16:02] – Henry’s attempts to help stranded motorists escalate the chaos.
• [20:23] – Henry asks Herbert to make three urgent phone calls.
• [24:03] – Mr. Eddy recounts how Henry's “help” ruined his day.
• [26:36] – Family discussion on Henry’s day and the lesson of unintended consequences.
• [28:07] – Mr. Eddy requests Henry to mail his necktie instead of another in-person encounter.

---

Language & Tone

The episode is characterized by light-hearted, rapid-fire exchanges and classic sitcom banter. The tone is warm, playful, and gently self-deprecating, as the Aldrich family navigates their son’s well-meaning but disastrous attempts at self-improvement.

---

Summary

In “The Generous Gentleman Movie,” Henry Aldrich’s effort to embody on-screen virtue results in a cascade of minor disasters, illustrating how good intentions don’t always guarantee good outcomes. The comedy arises from the gap between Henry’s ambitions and real-life complications, all wrapped in the show’s nostalgic, family-centered humor. Listeners are treated to a delightful snapshot of pre-television American radio, where mishaps are met with an affectionate wink and a lesson in humility.

---

End of Summary – For classic radio fans and newcomers alike, this episode offers a charmingly chaotic glimpse into the misadventures of the eternally well-meaning Henry Aldrich.

Transcript

[Grainger Announcer]

If you work in university maintenance, Grainger considers you an MVP because your playbook ensures your arena is always ready for tip off. And Grainger is your trusted partner, offering the products you need all in one place, from H VAC and plumbing supplies to lighting and more. And all delivered with plenty of time left on the clock. So your team always gets the win. Call 1-800-GRAINGER visit grainger.com or just stop by Granger for the ones who get it done.

[Mr. Aldrich]

The Aldrich family. Based on characters originated by Clifford Goldsmith and starring Ezra Stone as Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

With Jackie Kelk as Homer. Henry.

[Mrs. McGill]

Henry Aldrich.

[Henry Aldrich]

Coming, Mother.

[Mr. Aldrich]

All of us know a town like Centerville, a family like the Aldrich's, and all of us know a teenage boy like Henry Aldrich. Anything is likely to happen when Henry is around. And it usually does. As our scene opens tonight, we find Henry Aldrich in the dining room with his father and mother.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mother, will you have some more peas?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

No, thank you. You finish the few peas there are there?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, I wouldn't think of touching them. Father, wouldn't you like these peas?

[Mr. Aldrich]

No, thank you.

[Henry Aldrich]

I think you ought to have them, Father. I'll just scrape them into your plate, Henry.

[Mr. Aldrich]

I don't want them.

[Henry Aldrich]

Would you like some bread, Mother?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

No, dear. Now just stop passing things and eat.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, if you don't do want anything, just ask for it, huh? Boy, did I see a swell movie this afternoon.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

I'm going out and get some butter.

[Henry Aldrich]

Sit still, Mother. I'll go out and get it.

[Mrs. McGill]

I'll get it.

[Henry Aldrich]

Give me the dish, Mother. My goodness. One would think you had nothing to do but run around waiting on all of us.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Sam, will you please tell me what's gotten into Henry?

[Mr. Aldrich]

I have no more idea than you. I offered him his allowance a few minutes ago and he refused.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Well, something's wrong.

[Mr. Aldrich]

After dinner, you'd better take his temperature.

[Henry Aldrich]

Here you are, Mother. Will you have some butter?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

No, thank you.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, go ahead and take a little.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

I have some here.

[Henry Aldrich]

Did I tell you I saw a movie this afternoon?

[Mr. Aldrich]

I believe you did.

[Henry Aldrich]

Boy, was there a swell guy in it.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Sam, don't forget when you're downtown tomorrow to get two decks of cards and bring them home at noon.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Oh, giving a bridge party I am.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, listen, there's no reason in the world why I couldn't get those cards for you.

[Mr. Aldrich]

That's what I was waiting for.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Give him a dollar, Sam, if he wants to help.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Henry, are you quite sure none of this has anything to do with your conscience?

[Henry Aldrich]

My conscience? Mm. What conscience?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Then you haven't any?

[Henry Aldrich]

No, sir.

[Mr. Aldrich]

I'm not surprised, Mother.

[Henry Aldrich]

About how much do you spend a week on food?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Why, mary's away about $14.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, from now on I'm paying my share.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Why, Henry Aldrich, you're not going to do anything of the kind.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, I am, Mother. No more free eating for me.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Have you struck oil, Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

I haven't struck oil, but I've got a job. How much do you think I ought to pay a week for my room?

[Mr. Aldrich]

I have no idea.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, supposing I was a stranger here and you didn't know me and I came to the door and said, I want a room. How much would you charge me?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Personally, I wouldn't even let you in.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, why not?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Not if your hands look the way they do right this minute.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, gee whiz. I'll go right up and wash them. But before I go, let's settle on a price. Would $3 a week be too much?

[Mr. Aldrich]

What kind of a job do you have?

[Henry Aldrich]

You'll learn soon enough. I begin tomorrow morning and I'm going to give half of every cent I make to the Red Cross or something.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Well, isn't that fine.

[Henry Aldrich]

That movie I saw this afternoon was called the Generous Gentleman. And boy, was it swell. The gentleman did kind things for everybody, did he? And did people like him. Even when he became old, everybody liked him. And this swell looking girl that never liked him before finally fell in love with him.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Henry, eat your mashed potatoes.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Father. From now on I'm going to help my friends and do little things for strangers that are in trouble. And from now on, Mother, you'll never have to tell me more than once to do anything.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Then for the last time, will you please go up and wash your hands?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Mother. But first let me tell you how I'm going to help people.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Young man, have I ever seen you around this golf course before?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I've been around it.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Ever had any experience caddying?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, after all, as much to carrying a bag of clubs.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Is there any other boys on hand? I wouldn't even consider you. Now stand back while I put this ball on the tee.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, sir. But you don't have to worry about me. I know that when you're going to hit the ball, I should keep very quiet.

[Mr. Aldrich]

That's fine.

[Henry Aldrich]

Personally, I think if you're being paid to do something, you ought to do it, even if it's just to keep quiet. Do you want me to put that ball back on the tee for you?

[Mr. Aldrich]

No, thank you. Just stand back yes, sir. And keep your eye on this ball. When I hit it, I left my glasses at home.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, gee, I have wonderful eyesight.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Good.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, sir. Everybody speaks about it. Have you seen the picture called the Generous Gentleman?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Will you please stand back? I'd like to hit this ball.

[Henry Aldrich]

Four down there. Oh, I know who that is down there.

[Mr. Aldrich]

What do you mean by yelling just as I swing?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, did I frighten you?

[Mr. Aldrich]

I didn't make a terrible shot.

[Henry Aldrich]

Have you hit it already?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Didn't you have your eye on it?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, we'll find it, all right. It might have gone over here to the left.

[Mr. Aldrich]

What makes you think so?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, we'll look to the left first and then work around.

[Mr. Aldrich]

The reason I didn't hit it straighter is because of this coat.

[Henry Aldrich]

Would you like to have me carry

[Mr. Aldrich]

your coat all the way around the course?

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee, I don't mind a little thing like that, especially if it helps anybody.

[Mr. Aldrich]

All right.

[Henry Aldrich]

Here, I'll throw it right over my shoulder. Hello, Herbert. Hiya, Henry. I thought that was you. Boy, are there a lot of balls

[Mr. Aldrich]

out on this course. I picked up fours just since I got here. Cathy, have you found my ball?

[Henry Aldrich]

Not yet, Mr. Eddy, but Herbert says this is a very good place to look for them.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Here it is, right here.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, have we found it? I thought it would be to the left.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Let me have my mashie.

[Henry Aldrich]

Your mashie? Do you think that's the best one to use for a shot like that?

[Mr. Aldrich]

I'd like my mashie.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Aldrich]

And when I hit the ball this time, keep your eye on it.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, sir. No more talking.

[Mr. Aldrich]

And this other young man, don't stand so near.

[Henry Aldrich]

No, sir. Herbert, have you seen a picture called the Generous Gentleman?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Young man?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, sir. Herbert, shh. Why, he's about to swing the club. Oh, what's the name of that picture, Henry?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Caddy. May I ask who this young man is?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, I guess I didn't introduce you, did I? This is Herbert. How do you do, sir?

[Mr. Aldrich]

What are you doing here?

[Henry Aldrich]

I asked him to meet me here.

[Mr. Aldrich]

What for?

[Henry Aldrich]

He wants to learn how to caddy. I told him the easiest way would be to watch me.

[Mr. Aldrich]

I see. Well, supposing, Herbert, you go over and sit under that shady tree. Not the nearest tree, nor the one just beyond, but the one way over on the far side of the fairway. Yes, sir.

[Henry Aldrich]

Don't be hurt, Herbert. People that are new at this game are always easily upset.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Young man.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, sir?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Have you your eye on this ball?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Very well, then. Here goes.

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee, Whiz. What a sock.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Where did it go?

[Henry Aldrich]

It hit that tree. Where did you learn to shoot so straight?

[Mr. Aldrich]

I never made a shot like that before.

[Henry Aldrich]

I didn't think you should have used your mashie.

[Mr. Aldrich]

The whole trouble is this sweater.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, that's all right. Just take it off. I'll carry it.

[Mr. Aldrich]

You're sure you don't mind?

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee whiz, I'm here to serve you, aren't I?

[Mr. Aldrich]

All right. Here, give me the number three iron.

[Henry Aldrich]

The number three?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Yes, sir.

[Henry Aldrich]

You want me to roll that log out of your way?

[Mr. Aldrich]

No, thank you. I'll show you how to put the ball right straight down on that green.

[Henry Aldrich]

Okay. And don't say a word now, sir. Hey, Henry Whiz. Look at that bull travel, Herbert. Almost in a circle.

[Mr. Aldrich]

That's the first time I ever made a shot like that.

[Henry Aldrich]

You know, Mr. Eddy, I had a feeling you shouldn't use that number three.

[Mr. Aldrich]

The trouble is my collar's too tight.

[Henry Aldrich]

Want me to take your necktie?

[Mr. Aldrich]

You sure it won't be too much trouble?

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee, no. I'll just roll it up and stuff it in my pocket.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Did you see where the ball landed?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, sir. Do you see that clump of trees to the left? Uh huh. And that house on the other side of the road?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Yes.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, it went right in the yard of the house, just beyond.

[Mr. Aldrich]

How did it do that?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I. I guess you just laid into it.

[Mr. Aldrich]

All right, all right. Give me another ball there. I'll hit it on down. You go over and get that other one and meet me at the green.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, sir. Here you are. I'll run all the way.

[Mr. Aldrich]

And don't come back without that ball.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, you don't have to worry. I saw exactly where it went. I think. Pardon me. Pardon me.

[Mrs. McGill]

Was there something you wanted?

[Henry Aldrich]

Did you see a golf ball land in your backyard?

[Mrs. McGill]

Well, if one did, you better get it before Papa does.

[Henry Aldrich]

I should?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Yes.

[Mrs. McGill]

Papa says it's because things like that that our chickens won't lay.

[Henry Aldrich]

Hmm. I wonder where that one of mine went.

[Mrs. McGill]

Well, I'd help you, only I'm having some trouble with this garden hose.

[Henry Aldrich]

What's the matter?

[Mrs. McGill]

Well, the spigot on the side of the house won't turn off.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, gee whiz, let me give you a hand.

[Mrs. McGill]

Well, don't get all wet.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, don't worry about me. I can turn it. Have you seen the generous gentleman?

[Mrs. McGill]

The what?

[Henry Aldrich]

It's a swell picture. I saw yesterday. In it, a guy went out in the rain as a favor to somebody and Guess what? He got soaking wet too.

[Mrs. McGill]

He did?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yeah. That's strange.

[Mrs. McGill]

Well, won't it turn off?

[Henry Aldrich]

You know, I think I can fix it.

[Mrs. McGill]

Say. Say, isn't this your ball right here?

[Henry Aldrich]

So it is. Look, I think if I just slip the handle of this golf club into the spokes of the faucet, I can get a little leverage on it.

[Mrs. McGill]

Oh, my goodness, look at your shoes.

[Henry Aldrich]

Look, the club just fits in.

[Mrs. McGill]

Oh, good gracious. Look at what you've done to it.

[Henry Aldrich]

Imagine, I almost spent his number three iron double.

[Mrs. McGill]

Well, can you straighten it?

[Henry Aldrich]

I think I can. Fortunately, it's steel there. Unless you held it right up to your eye, you'd hardly notice it'd been bent. I'll try the faucet once more.

[Mrs. McGill]

Oh, now look at what you've done.

[Henry Aldrich]

She wish I broke it off. You don't have another faucet, do you?

[Mrs. McGill]

Oh, of course we don't.

[Henry Aldrich]

Do you have a telephone? No, we don't. Well, don't you have anything for an emergency like that? I'll tell you what I'll do. Run over to the clubhouse and telephone for a plumber.

[Mrs. McGill]

But how about the basement? Oh, it's running right into it.

[Henry Aldrich]

I'll have someone here before you know it. Imagine this.

[Mrs. McGill]

What is it?

[Henry Aldrich]

I found a dollar in my pocket. It's to get my mother some playing cards. But I can get them with the money I earned for caddying. Here, you take it.

[Mrs. McGill]

What for?

[Henry Aldrich]

To pay for the faucet.

[Mrs. McGill]

Why should you pay for it?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I broke it, didn't I? Here, go ahead. You take it.

[Mrs. McGill]

Well. Well, thank you.

[Henry Aldrich]

I'll take these clubs and this sweater and coat, and I'll run every step of the way.

[Mrs. McGill]

Well, hurry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Goodbye. And I'm very glad to have been a help to you. Hey, Henry, is that you?

[Grainger Announcer]

If you work in university maintenance, Grainger considers you an MVP because your playbook ensures your arena is always ready for tip off. And Grainger is your trusted partner, offering the products you need all in one place, from H Vac and plumbing supplies to lighting and more. And all delivered with plenty of time left on the clock. So your team always gets the win. Call 1-800-GRAINGER visit grainger.com or just stop by Grainger for the ones who get it done.

[Kidney Health Announcer]

You're jamming your favorite song. And while you aren't missing a beat, you could be missing a signal from your body. It's an SOS from your kidneys. And it doesn't sound like music at all. It's silent, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and other risk factors can quietly stress the kidneys, leading to negative impacts on the heart. That's why you should ask your doctor about a simple urine test called uacr. Most miss the signal for hidden kidney disease and related heart risk. You shouldn't visit detectthesos.com today to learn more.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Herbert? Does this road swing around to the clubhouse? Yeah. Where have you been? I've been busy.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Well, Mr. Eddy says he needs you.

[Henry Aldrich]

I wonder whether I ought to help him a little before I put in that call.

[Mr. Aldrich]

I see a ball.

[Henry Aldrich]

Henry.

[Mr. Aldrich]

I'll see you later. Hey, buddy.

[Henry Aldrich]

Who's that?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Come back up here on the road a second, will you? My car's stuck in the mud.

[Henry Aldrich]

The only trouble is I. I've got a couple other things to do.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Couldn't you lend a fellow a hand?

[Henry Aldrich]

You need some help?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Yeah.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, maybe I can assist you. Start your motor. No, no, don't start it quite so fast.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Okay.

[Henry Aldrich]

Just start it real slow. Look, I'll tell you what. Back up until I stop moving my hand.

[Mr. Aldrich]

You won't let me drop into the ditch, will you?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, no, there's some boards over it.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Okay, come on.

[Henry Aldrich]

Come on. Oh, gee whiz.

[Mr. Aldrich]

You ought to hear what I'm saying,

[Henry Aldrich]

Mr. D. Do you have a shovel?

[Mr. Aldrich]

What would I be doing with a shovel?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, you certainly need one. Wait a minute. Here comes a car behind you. Hello there. Hello.

[Mrs. McGill]

Won't you please let me. Goodbye.

[Henry Aldrich]

Could you pull up against this gentleman and push? Oh, my goodness. I can't drive that well. Well, would you like to have me take the wheel?

[Mrs. McGill]

Oh, if it won't take more than a minute.

[Henry Aldrich]

I'm in a terrible hurry. It won't take a second. You better stand over there so you don't get any mud splashed on you.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Well, that's very thoughtful of you, I'm sure.

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee whiz, that's the least I can do. This reminds me of a moving picture that's in town this week.

[Mr. Aldrich]

How are you coming?

[Henry Aldrich]

Are you ready? Ahead there. Come on. Here we go. Be careful. Isn't that strange?

[Mr. Aldrich]

How far in are you?

[Henry Aldrich]

Even deeper than you.

[Mrs. McGill]

And what am I to do?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I'll tell you, miss. I've got to go to the clubhouse and phone a plumber. Anyhow, I'd be very glad to put in a call for a tow car at the same time.

[Mrs. McGill]

And in the meantime, I'm due downtown at court.

[Henry Aldrich]

You are?

[Mrs. McGill]

And if I'm not there, I have to forfeit $25.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, my father's a lawyer and I'll phone him, too and tell him to go down and fix things for you.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Are you.

[Mrs. McGill]

Are you sure he can.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, gee, he's like me. He likes to do things for people

[Mr. Aldrich]

in the same way.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I. I'll. I'll beat it over and phone right away.

[Mrs. McGill]

My name is Mrs. McGill.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[Mrs. McGill]

And the charges are for talking back to an officer.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, ma'. Am. And if you get a chance to see that picture of the guy that was so nice to everyone, don't miss it. Henry, I thought you were going to see Mr. Reddy. Herbert. Herbert, will you go over to the clubhouse for me? I can't, Henry. I'm finding too many balls. You are? Sure. I just sold six of us already. Well, where is he?

[Mr. Aldrich]

You go right through those trees there into the underbrush.

[Henry Aldrich]

Okay.

[Mr. Aldrich]

And then go straight through to the swamp.

[Henry Aldrich]

Okay.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Tell him he's foolish to look in there, though.

[Henry Aldrich]

I've already cleaned that part out. Mr. Eddy. Oh, Mr. Eddy.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Where have you been?

[Henry Aldrich]

I just want to tell you I'll be right back.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Where are you going?

[Henry Aldrich]

To call a plumber. What for? I got a lady in a ditch.

[Mr. Aldrich]

How did you get a lady in a ditch?

[Henry Aldrich]

I was trying to get another guy out.

[Mr. Aldrich]

When?

[Henry Aldrich]

Right after I busted a faucet for a girl. What?

[Mr. Aldrich]

For the girls?

[Henry Aldrich]

Would you like to wear your coat or sweater or anything?

[Mr. Aldrich]

I would not.

[Henry Aldrich]

Boy, have I been having a tough time.

[Mr. Aldrich]

You've been having a tough time? I just played four holes with one club.

[Henry Aldrich]

How did you do, young man?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Have you had a sunstroke?

[Henry Aldrich]

No, sir. Do I look pale?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Are you going to canty for me?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I'll tell you, miss. Ready? I'll give you two more clubs. That ought to hold you while I go up and phone.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Oh, no, you don't. You canty. Now or never.

[Henry Aldrich]

But you don't realize position you're putting everyone in.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Come here with that bag.

[Henry Aldrich]

I can't help them.

[Mr. Aldrich]

You're going around with me if I have to drive you around with this club,

[Henry Aldrich]

I mean. I just wanted to tell you the

[Mr. Aldrich]

thing I'm selling you was much more

[Henry Aldrich]

valuable than the thing I was selling. Yeah, I can't.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Now getting back to the troubles of Henry Aldrich. Henry has decided to be kind and helpful to everyone he meets. So far, he's done very well. While caddying on the golf course for a Mr. Ebby, he's broken a water spigot and run two cars into a muddied ditch. Well, as the scene opens Henry is speaking.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mr. Eddy. Mr. Eddy, as soon as you've knocked the ball over this water hazard, could I just run up and phone?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Give me my number three iron.

[Henry Aldrich]

Your number three iron? Isn't that the one you used that took me away for so long?

[Mr. Aldrich]

May I have it?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Mr. Reddy. Then may I put in that call?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Stand back, please.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Aldrich]

You know, if I hadn't left my glasses behind, I'd swear this club was crooked.

[Henry Aldrich]

You really think so, Henry?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

What?

[Henry Aldrich]

Herbert, which way's he gonna hit? That fall over the water hazard and

[Mr. Aldrich]

you keep away from it.

[Henry Aldrich]

Come here, Herbert. 4. Boy, what a shot. That wasn't his ball. That was the head of his club.

[Mr. Aldrich]

I never did a thing like that before.

[Henry Aldrich]

See? They certainly make clubs poorly nowadays.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Give me my number two iron.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mr. Eddy, I really think you ought to let me pay for that number three.

[Mr. Aldrich]

What became of my ball?

[Henry Aldrich]

Herbert, put that ball back.

[Mr. Aldrich]

I just wanted to see whether it was his. And whose did you think it would be?

[Henry Aldrich]

It's yours all right. Herbert, could you step over here to one side a minute? What do you have?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Now then, let's see what this iron does.

[Henry Aldrich]

Listen, Herbert, I want you to go to the clubhouse and put in three phone calls. If they won't let you say it's for Mr. Eddie. One call is to a plumber to shut off some water. One is to a garage to.

[Mr. Aldrich]

A. Ms. Pearson.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Yes, Mr. Aldrich.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Will you take a letter, please?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Mr. Aldrich, while you were out to lunch, a young man by the name of Herbert Thompson telephoned.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Herbert? Oh, Henry's friend. What did he want?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Well, the fact is he seemed rather confused. At any rate, you're to go down to court at once and help get Henry out of trouble.

[Mr. Aldrich]

What kind of trouble?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

All I understand was your son has talked back to some officer.

[Mr. Aldrich]

That's a fine thing. I can't possibly go down. I'm scheduled for a conference. Impertinence to an officer, huh? What do you say to him?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

I don't know.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Well, Henry can just stay down there. I don't believe in interfering with the law.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

I understand. If you don't straighten things out, the fine will be $25.

[Mr. Aldrich]

$25? 20. Call the committee and tell them I'll be late.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

You're going to court?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Of course I am. I can't afford to pay $25 any more than anyone else can. Now, who's that?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

I have no idea. Hello?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

One moment, please. Mr. Aldrich, I have a message for you.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Who is it?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Mrs. Aldrich says she has a whole house full of guests waiting to play bridge and there aren't any cards.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Didn't Henry get them?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

He doesn't seem to have.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Well, here, take this dollar. Close up the office and get her some car.

[Henry Aldrich]

Excuse me, sir.

[Mr. Aldrich]

What is it, young man?

[Henry Aldrich]

Have you seen Mr. Eddy around the clubhouse? Here.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Oh, Mr. Eddy is still down in the locker room.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, will you tell him I found his coat? But I'm sorry, we mislaid his sweater.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Yes, sir. One moment, young man.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, I, I, I found your coat, Mr. Eddy. But I think I ought to tell you. The fellow with the lawnmower ran over one of the sleeves.

[Mr. Aldrich]

He did? Well, I'm not surprised.

[Henry Aldrich]

But Mr. Eddy, all I was trying to do when I carried it was to help you. Yes, I was trying to serve you.

[Mr. Aldrich]

It's 50, 75. $1. Now let's just forget that we ever even met.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, frankly, I don't feel I should even take the money.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Just take it and let's not say anything more about it. There's just one thing for which I suppose I ought to thank you.

[Henry Aldrich]

What's that?

[Mr. Aldrich]

For 15 years, my wife has been trying to get me to give up golf. Today I'm giving it up forever. Forever.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I'm certainly sorry.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Let's not discuss it anymore. If we ever meet on the street, let's not even speak to each other.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Mr. Rebbe.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Now then, do you think you can do one more thing for me and do it right?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, yes, sir. Anything you say.

[Mr. Aldrich]

All right. Go around in front of the clubhouse and tell the boy to bring my car here.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Aldrich]

But don't you go near the car. Don't you even touch the car.

[Henry Aldrich]

No, sir. And will you be. Where will you be? Here.

[Mr. Aldrich]

I mean, I will be right over here at the desk talking to Mr. Blodgett.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, sir. Did you want me, Mr. Eddy? I do something gone wrong, Mr. Eddy?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Wrong?

[Henry Aldrich]

Wrong.

[Mr. Aldrich]

I just want to tell you what I think of the way your entire club is rung.

[Henry Aldrich]

Did something in particular go wrong?

[Mr. Aldrich]

I. I hire a caddy to look for my golf balls. And I spend my whole day looking for my caddy. Well, do you know what my score was? 185. Well, I usually do it in 120. And then to add insult to injury, I come into the locker room looking forward to a shower. Oh, just a minute, Mr. Eddy.

[Henry Aldrich]

That's something.

[Mr. Aldrich]

You want to interrupt me? I get under the shower and in the midst of my bath, the water is shut off. Completely shut off. That's what I want to explain. It's something over which we had no control. Through some misdirection, a plumber came here and, unknown to us, shut off all the water in the clubhouse. Why? Well, all we know is some young man called him. That is no excuse. The fact still remains that underneath my clothes, right this minute, I am covered with soap suds. Well, I'm very sorry. Sorry. Did you ever walk around with suds on you? Oh, no, sir. Try it sometime.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mr. Eddy. Mr. I have some rather disconcerting news for you. Now, what happened was yours a black roadster?

[Mr. Aldrich]

What has happened to it?

[Henry Aldrich]

Nothing, except that the fella out in front says that sometime this afternoon a man from a garage came and towed it away.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Towed it? Who told him to do that?

[Henry Aldrich]

He didn't know. He just said somebody had phoned for him to come and get it. Father. Father, would you like some more butter?

[Mr. Aldrich]

No, thank you.

[Henry Aldrich]

Are you sure you're going to have enough?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Henry, if I were you, I wouldn't bother your father anymore.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, is he tired?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Mother, he is both tired and embarrassed.

[Henry Aldrich]

Did something go wrong?

[Mr. Aldrich]

Not a thing. All I did was miss a yearly business meeting in order to bail my son out of jail for talking back to an officer who didn't know anything about it.

[Henry Aldrich]

Father, that was entirely Herbert's fault.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Oh, no. No, it wasn't. It was your fault. Trying to be kind to someone you didn't even know.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, it's a funny thing, but things didn't work out like this in the generous gentleman.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Did the generous gentleman forget to bring cards for his mother's bridge party?

[Henry Aldrich]

Mother, I'm going to pay you back that dollar you gave me for the cards. I really am. I'd give you what I earned this afternoon, only I. I paid that to Mrs. McGill toward her fine.

[Mr. Aldrich]

You gave your dollar to Mrs. McGill?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, sir. And I told her if there was ever anything I could do to help her, I'd be very glad to.

[Mr. Aldrich]

And what did she say?

[Henry Aldrich]

She said she was quite sure there wasn't a thing I could do. Oh. I'll answer the phone, Mother.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Just eat your dinner. I'll see who it is.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Mother.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Henry, when does school start?

[Henry Aldrich]

In a few days. Why?

[Mr. Aldrich]

No reason. I was just wondering, is there anything

[Henry Aldrich]

I can pass you for?

[Mr. Aldrich]

No. No. No, thank you.

[Henry Aldrich]

See, the more I think about how Herbert balled things up today.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

Eddie, do you know a Mr. Eddy?

[Henry Aldrich]

Mr. Eddy? Yeah, in a way. Why?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

He just phoned for me.

[Henry Aldrich]

Does he want me to caddy for him tomorrow?

[Mrs. Aldrich]

He wants to know whether you have his necktie.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, gee whiz, I've got it in my pocket. I'll take it to him tomorrow.

[Mrs. Aldrich]

He said you're not to take it to him, you're to mail it to him.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, that's certainly very thoughtful of him because I had planned to do something else tomorrow.

[Mr. Aldrich]

What?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I wasn't able to give the Red Cross any money today, and I thought I'd go over and help them instead.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Here, Henry, is a dollar.

[Henry Aldrich]

A dollar? What for?

[Mr. Aldrich]

For the Red Cross. They're having enough problems without your going over and help. Listen again next week, same time, same station, for another sparkling half hour with your favorite youngster, his family and his pals. The Aldrich Family, starring Ezra Stone, is written by Clifford Goldsmith.

[Kidney Health Announcer]

You're jamming your favorite song, and while you aren't missing a beat, you could be missing a signal from your body. It's an SOS from your kidneys, and it doesn't sound like music at all. It's silent. High blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and other risk factors can quietly stress the kidneys, leading to negative impacts on the heart. That's why you should ask your doctor about a simple urine test called uacr. Most miss the signal for hidden kidney disease and related heart heart risk. You shouldn't visit detectthesos.com today to learn more.

[Mr. Aldrich]

Access to affordable credit helps me pay

[Henry Aldrich]

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 Durbin Marshall credit card bill.

[Mr. Aldrich]

See, banks and credit unions help small businesses make payroll. This bill would cut the vital resources

[Henry Aldrich]

they need while increasing megastore profits. They deserve it, don't they?

[Kidney Health Announcer]

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