March 6, 2022 • 29 mins
Known for its tag line "What a revoltin’ development this is", The Life of Riley, starring William Bendix, first aired in January of 1944. The show was originally conceived as a vehicle for Groucho Marx, but it was reworked and recast with the assistance of co-developer Milton "Gummo" Marx, the non-performing Marx brother. It eventually emerged as a situation comedy about the life and struggles of blue-collar, salt-of-the-earth Chester A. Riley. Riley, a husband, father, and riveter at a California aircraft plant brought comedy to the common man’s struggle to make ends meet and finesse the challenges of everyday life. Riley invariably addressed a problem or pursued a scheme with a "full steam ahead" attitude that inflated even the most innocuous situation into a full-blown disaster.
The ironic title, suggesting a life of ease and comfort, probably had its origins in the 19th century. Some suggest the phrase "the life of Riley" referred to the 19th century clan Riley of County Cavan in Ireland, who consolidated power and wealth to such an extent that they minted their own money. Others claim the phrase is a reference to Hoosier poet, James Whitcomb Riley. Whatever the origin, "the life of Riley" became a catch phrase in the popular culture of the 1940s that has lasted to the present day, and is tied irrevocably to the character of Chester A. Riley.
In addition to Bendix’ Riley, the show featured immensely popular supporting characters, including Digby "Digger" O’Dell, the ghoulish "friendly undertaker" voiced by John Brown (who also played Thorny on Ozzie and Harriet, Al on My Friend Irma, and Broadway on The Damon Runyan Theatre). Riley’s annoying co-worker, Gillis, was also voiced by Brown. Uncle Baxter, Riley’s unwelcome permanent houseguest, was played by Hans Conreid.
The ironic title, suggesting a life of ease and comfort, probably had its origins in the 19th century. Some suggest the phrase "the life of Riley" referred to the 19th century clan Riley of County Cavan in Ireland, who consolidated power and wealth to such an extent that they minted their own money. Others claim the phrase is a reference to Hoosier poet, James Whitcomb Riley. Whatever the origin, "the life of Riley" became a catch phrase in the popular culture of the 1940s that has lasted to the present day, and is tied irrevocably to the character of Chester A. Riley.
In addition to Bendix’ Riley, the show featured immensely popular supporting characters, including Digby "Digger" O’Dell, the ghoulish "friendly undertaker" voiced by John Brown (who also played Thorny on Ozzie and Harriet, Al on My Friend Irma, and Broadway on The Damon Runyan Theatre). Riley’s annoying co-worker, Gillis, was also voiced by Brown. Uncle Baxter, Riley’s unwelcome permanent houseguest, was played by Hans Conreid.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:04):
Harry Is folks. During the dayhe plays in movies like Bake Island and
A Bell for Adano. But inhis off hours he's a gentleman farmer.
Yeah yeah, And on my farm, I got the smartest little hen you
ever sewa This hen lays an eggevery Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and
Thursday, but on Friday she laysthree eggs. She likes to weekend to
us. American Meat Institute presents whenYou'll bendis in the Life of Riley.
(00:47):
The meat people of America providing agreat food for a great nation. Five
million farmers and ranchers, raising finemeat animals, six hundred thousand men and
women in more than three thousand,five hundred meat packing plants, four hundred
thousand meat retailers, all doing theirlevel best to fill your daily needs.
(01:07):
On behalf of all these, theAmerican Meat Institute brings you the life of
Riley. Well if peace and quietever reign and war worker Chester A Riley's
little California Bungalow. Leave it toRiley to change the status quo. And
(01:30):
right now something seems to be brewing. As we find Riley, his wife
Peg and daughter Babs holding a familycounsel in the kitchen. Now let's get
down to the naked facts. Twoweeks ago, I came home from work
and I hand you four five dollarboots. Yes, as we know that.
And I say to you, dumplingis twenty dollars. Go out and
(01:52):
buy yourself a new mink fur piece, because the rabbit in your own mink
fur piece is getting bored. Yes, daddy, I remember seeing you give
mother the money. Okay, whenI gave you the dope peg, what
did you do with it? Itold you I put it away in the
cupboard here in the cream jug.Cream jug? You mean the half and
(02:13):
half jug. We ain't tasted creamin two years. Okay, now we're
getting somewhere. You say you didn'tlook in the cream jug again until this
morning. Yes, yes, Andthere are only three five dollars bills,
so five dollars is missing. Daddy. Are you sure you gave mother twenty
dollars? That's right. I didn'tcount it. I just took your word
(02:36):
for I'm positive I gave you twentydollars four or five dollars bills? You
know me, I never forget aface. What's that got to do with
the money. Abraham Lincoln's face wason every one of the four bills.
Well, where did the five dollarsget to? Wow, let's use logic.
(02:59):
You didn't, Baked Peg, Babbsdidn't take it. I didn't take
it. I got it. Aburglar took it. Oh, don't be
silly, Riley. The burglar didn't. Why didn't he take all the money?
So maybe he figured it would puthim in a higher income tax bracket.
Oh daddy, burglars don't pay incometax. They don't. They can
(03:22):
go to jail for Oh. Ohyeah, let's see what you mean.
Now, let's get logical, Peg, we didn't take it. A burglar
didn't take it. You're wull goBaxter his back east. Hey, maybe
Junior took it, oh, Riley, A junior wouldn't steal you know that.
Of course not, I ain't sayingJunior stole it. He probably just
(03:46):
took it when we weren't looking andforgot to tell us about it. All
right, Junior, how's my favorite? Okay? Pop? Junior? Look,
did did you borrow five dollars fromthe cream? Jug me? Well?
(04:12):
No, Pop, m that's funny. I wish I knew where that
five dollars went to. I liketo know what happens to all our income
and outgoes, so I can balancemy books. You don't keep books pop,
for sure, I do mentally.And if there's five dollars missing,
I'm mentally unbalanced. You're sure youdidn't take it. I wouldn't steal court.
(04:42):
You would. Now I'm talking crazywhile us rather ain't got a crooked
bone and our heads. I figuredI even mentioned that. Okay, Junior,
Wait a minute, what's that yougot in that box there? Well?
This, yeah, just a basketball. We'll see you later. Wait
a minute, Wait a minute,let me get a feeling at it.
(05:04):
Boy, I had one of thesemy hand since I played for good old
n Yu n yuh. If younever went to college. Oh this NYU
was the New Yorker Posters. Weplayed in the Industrial League. Boy,
this reminds me of the old days. I used to dribble the ball right
(05:25):
down the floor fast as a pussycat dribble puss rally. They called,
Oh yeah, I bet you weregood, Papa. Can I have the
ball now? Hey, this isa pretty good biscuit for brand new too.
Where'd you get it? Why?Um? It's from my club's game
tonight. Give me the ball,Pop, you might bust it. Looks
(05:46):
stud got the price tag on it. Price tag that's four ninety five.
That's almost five dollars, Junior.Where did you get five dollars to buy
a new basket? Boys? Well, I I can't tell you, Papa.
You took it from the cream jugJunior. No, I didn't look
(06:11):
at you. I can see guiltywritten all over your face. G I
lt y, Oh Pop? Couldyou do a thing like this, stealing
from your own family? Didn't Igive you the right kind of upbringing?
Didn't We always sneak into the theaterto see them. Crime don't pay movies,
(06:36):
and this is how you repay me. Oh, Papa, I didn't
take them. I'm ashamed of you, Junior, to think that I'm Christmas.
I thought enough for you to giveyou my ruby ring that's been in
my family for a hundred years,but you don't deserve to wear it.
I don't want to hear no more. I'll go to your room and stay
(06:57):
there. Look, Pop, whateverI decided to do with me, never
mind that I've already decided what todo with you. As soon as I
talked over with your mother. Oh, Riley, I just can't believe Junior
(07:21):
steals? Can I? Peg?But the evidence is as plain as my
face. Peg. There's only onething to do. I'm gonna give Junior
a licking. I'm licking o.But Riley, Junior is a big boy.
Now, Oh, don't worry.I can protect myself. That boy
(07:41):
needs a good old fashioned slacking andhe's gonna get it. Look, you're
just a little excited. Peg,no arguments. I know how to bring
up my son. Well, he'smy boy as much as yours. Oh
okay, I'll only pick my heafNow, look, Riley, you don't
want to do something you'll be sorryfor it. Couldn't you just give him
a good talking to? After all, it was only five dollars. Five
(08:03):
dollars yesterday, it was cookie today, it's five dollars tomorrow it's Fort Knox.
Don't you see, Peg? Thishas got to be snipped in the
bud. Who I suppose you're right? Why did you see it? My
way? Riley? What are youdoing? I'm taking my belt off.
(08:26):
Do you think it's best to doit with a belt? It's the only
way, But Riley, belt,I know, I feel the same way
when I think that just a fewyears ago he was just a little baby.
And now, oh, this isone of the worst features of being
a part. But duty is duty, and no matter how unpresent it is,
(08:48):
it's not to be done. Iguess you're right. Okay, here's
the belt, going do it?Oh no, Riley, No, no,
not no, No'm nott a peg. This is no time to get
soft hearted. You gotta be strong. You lick him, I'll cook the
(09:11):
dinner. Well why can't you bestrong? It was all your idea anyway,
you're the one who's getting soft hearted. No, it ain't that.
I just couldn't use my belt downbecause because what but well, who'll hold
up my pants? Well, I'mcertainly not gonna do it. Okay,
(09:33):
give me the belt. I startedthis and I'll see it through to the
end. Well, junior, i'mgiving you your last chance. Are you
ready to confess you took the fivedollars? I didn't take it? Okay,
(09:56):
that settles it. You're getting alicking then over all? Right,
Wait a minute, I'm giving youyour last chance. Are you gonna confess?
No? Okay, that's settles it. No more talk. Bendover I'm
bending over. Wait a minute,them giving you your last chance? Did
(10:22):
you take the money? Come on, ju and your cooperating. I told
you I didn't. Okay, thatsettles that. I ain't the type that
chilly shallies. This is the end. Come on, end over, I
mean bend over all right, getit over with. Don't tell me what
to do. You gotta be taughta lesson. Well, Hi, might
(10:48):
as well get it over with.H Why don't you say something? What
do you want me to say?Anything? Sunny? As long as you
make me mad, I've got nothingto say trying to raise it out.
Huh. Okay, you've better holdon it something because this is gonna hurt
(11:09):
you and you're okay here it comes. Let that be a lesson to you.
Is that all pop? Don't thinkI'm getting soft hearted. The reason
(11:31):
I stopped is it's it's it's akind of the war effort that the government
wants us to conserve clothing. Andif I gave you the licking you deserve,
I'd wear out the sea to yourpants. So I'm postponing your liking
until the war's over. That's okaywith me. I'm still gonna punish you
you. You ain't playing in thebasketball game tonight. Oh no, no,
(11:54):
Papa, I gotta play tonight.It's for the championship. You hurt
me. No basketball tonight and nomore basketball is season. But you're going
to spend your time working and earnenough money to pay back to five dollars
you've took. I'll do anything yousay, Papa, Please let me play
to night. Please just to nine. No, it's time you learned that
(12:15):
people have to pay for the mistakesthey make. And if I ever catch
you doing a thing like this again, you and me are through. Now.
Put that in your pipe and smokeit, and don't ever let me
catch you smoking. A moment we'llfind out more of the mystery if wh
(12:37):
Junior took the five dollars or Diddy? Right now, this is cam Nile
speaking for meat on all sides.These days, we're hearing this question,
where's the meat? Well, allkinds of meat, including the choicer cuts
such as steaks, roasts, andchops, are going to the armed forces,
including established army and navy bases,to military rest homes, to training
(12:58):
centers, to army may be hospitals, and on to ships and submarines.
With refrigeration facilities. Now against theslightly decreased all over meat supply, the
government has the greatest meat needs inhistory, nearly one third of our total
meat supply. Tonight, I'm goingto try to analyze the current situation here
at home. Perhaps when you thinkof meat, you think in terms of
(13:20):
stakes, roasts, and chops.Did you ever realize that, even in
peace times, there never were enoughof these choice cuts to go around?
But who are these cuts going?Well? You know that the men right
at the fighting front get most oftheir meat in the form of compact,
easily transported rations which do not requirerefrigeration. But they do get their meat,
(13:41):
and lots of it, and theyget it regularly. Yes, millions
of tons of meat are going toour fighters on five continents, on seven
seas. It's plain arithmetic. Whenwar needs go up, the amount of
meat left for civilians goes down.The War Food Administration estimates that there will
be one hundred twenty seven pounds ofmeats perseval him this year as against one
(14:03):
hundred forty three pounds in nineteen fortyfour. That's less for us, but
it will keep up the supply forthe boys at war and that is the
number one job of your meat industry. All meats, regardless of kind or
cut, is a yardstick of proteanfoods because meat measures up to every protean
need. And now back to theLife of Riley with William Betticks as Riley.
(14:31):
Well. Riley is still convinced thatJunior stole five dollars from the cream
jug and is determined to punish theboy by not allowing him to play in
the championship basketball game tonight. ButDaddy, couldn't you let him play just
tonight? No, I said,no basketball for Junior until he pays back
to five dollars. I know,but he could start his punishment tomorrow.
(14:52):
Let him play tonight. The gamemeans so much to him. He's got
to be total lesson bits. You'llto stand better what I'm doing when you
become a father, I mean whenyou No. But Riley, isn't it
enough that you gave him a quipping? Whippings are all right in their place,
But you also got to impress theboy's mind. Or he made a
(15:18):
day to take his girlfriend Marilyn Marsto watch him play. No, I
guess you had to stand her up. If she's the right kind of girl.
She'll wait for him until he getsthrough pain, his death to society.
For heaven's sake, Riley stops talkingas if Junior was a criminal.
Oh that's what he practically is.Under He was so broken hearted when Shaky
got frozen stiff? No, right, mindy, don't you think you're being
(15:45):
Junior? Is that your what thefront thoughts me? Come in here?
What do you want? I thoughtI told you you can't play basketball tonight.
I'm not going to play basketball.I'm going on to see if I
can get a job, like yousaid, to pay back the money.
Okay, if it's for a job, you can go. John here.
(16:10):
Yeah, be careful how you crossthe street. Don't worry, I'll be
careful. Who said at the dortoyou? What's miss Dell? The undertaker?
Well tell him to come in.Greetings, Riley, how are you
(16:33):
digger? How's with the undertaker?How do you do? Miss Hello?
You're all looking fine? Thank you? What are you? Excuses? Mister
Dale? Welcome on to he's better. We're going to movies. Movies,
that's all the ladies think about.I haven't been a farm of the cinema
(16:55):
myself. Riley, did you happento see a film called Arsonic and Old
Lates? Well, no, don'tmiss it. It's about two old ladies
who poisoned twelve men and bury themin the cellar. I said through it
twice. It was awfully game,it must have been. Well what brings
(17:22):
you here? Did you? Oh? I have come to cheer you up
in your out of need, Riley. Why didn't you tell me? Oh,
tell you why that you had topawn this valuable ruby ving tag my
family ring? Why did you getit in Tubbin's pawn shop. I knew
you wouldn't pop with this ring unlessyou were destitute. Why didn't you tell
(17:44):
me you were heading for the poorhouse. I'd have given you a helping hand.
I didn't pour this ring. Igave it a junior. He pawned
it. That if one thing,it's another. Yes, boy, can
be very annoying. They annoy meconstantly. Lately half a dozen young hoodlums
(18:04):
have disturbed me at my work bygathering in the doorway of my piece of
business and chanting a song. Wellwhy should that body? They always sing?
Don't fence me in? Well,Riley, I am glad to see
that you're not flat on your backfinancially. That is well, I must
(18:29):
be running along. Oh yeah,well, thanks for everything. I'm a
little short of cash right now.I'll pay you what I owe you for
the ring tomorrow. It's only fivedollars. Take your time. Riley Digby
O'Dell is always planned to carry hisfriends peg peg Come here quick, look
(18:52):
at this. Oh you will berung when you gave Junior. Yeah,
how does he show us on creditfood by hacking it in the pawn shop?
Oh no, First he steals afive dollar bill, but he couldn't
hop that, So now he's porninga family jewels. He's disgraced us.
Now wait a minute, Oh,I can't get over it. Porning a
(19:15):
family ring for five bucks. Heain't even smart. When I was a
boy, I used to get seven. I mean, wait a minute,
Junior got five dollars for this ring. Yeah, well, there's something funny
about all this. The basketball costsfive dollars and he got five dollars with
(19:37):
the ring. Then why do youhave to take five dollars from the creamed
Riley? Are you sure you gaveme four or five dollars bills? Oh?
Sure, I'm sure maybe you losta billard dropped it on the floor,
and this lady peg peg I rememberperfect why I was wearing a suit
I got on. Now, Ihad the four or five dollars bills and
(20:00):
the little watch pockets so I wouldn'tlose them. I remember giving it to
you. I put two fingers inmy little pocket like this, and I
pulled the money. I was like, what's that you took out of your
pocket? Don't say nothing nothing.I saw something green? Now what is
(20:25):
it? That's a piece of lettuce. I couldn't finish my lunch. Let
me see that, Riley. It'sa five dollar bill. So you did
have it all the time, andyou a pig, pig, pig,
pig pigs. There's a lot offive dollar bills that the mint is having
a big years and making a lotof money. Riley, that's the five
(20:49):
dollars bill you accused you when you'restealing, and you might just as well
admit it. Yeah, yeah,I guess it is. What a revolting
development distance I said, he didn'ttake it, but you wouldn't lisn't.
Oh no, you had to goahead and call him a thief and ruin
him basketball dame a failure. Well, what are you going to do about
(21:14):
it? I'm a problem parent.You think he'll ever forgive me? You
better do something and right away toYeah Junior, Junior, don he's not
here. You made him go andget a job to pay back money he
didn't take. Oh yeah, yeah, that's right. I gotta find him.
(21:36):
I gotta Oh maybe that's him now, oh oh, oh, it's
you, Maryland. Well, comein. I want to speak to you,
mister Riley. Who is it,Ryle? It's it's Marilyn Morrison,
Junior's little friend, Junior's siance,Junior's Excuse me, Marilyn. Isn't it
(22:03):
a little late for a twelve yearold girl to be out twelve and a
half? Pardon me, madam?Well there, Marilyn, there's anything wrong
plenty, missus Riley. After whatyou did to Junior, I think you're
the meanest man in the world.We are choosing your own son of being
(22:23):
a thief and stopping him from playingbasketball and giving him a beating. Besides,
what do you mean to say he'dbeat Junior with a leather belt?
Missus Riley. I don't see howyou can live with this. Man.
Oh, Marily, you shouldn't saythings like that about mister Riley. I
(22:45):
have a right to criticized as hisfuture daughter in law. You sound more
like a mother in law. Well, the way we know now, the
junior's innocently, But he didn't haveto pawn the family ring. Oh but
(23:06):
you don't understand. He had topond the ring otherwise his club would have
called him a thief. Watch no, but he's gonna call him my pa.
Just a minute, Maryland, what'sall this about Junior's club? Well,
Junior's treasure and he lost the fivedollars that the club saved up to
buy a basketball. Sully pond thering. Well why didn't he tell me
(23:29):
about it? Well, he knewhow much ring meant to you, and
he didn't want to hurt your feelings. Oh see, you see kind of
the sun you had? Riley?Gee, how can I haven't make it
up to him? I gotta dosomething nice. I know, I'm gonna
buy up a new lawnmower. Butbut all this wouldn't have happened if he'd
(23:56):
come to me for the five dollarsin the first place. Well, that's
what he should have done. ButJunior isn't always as bright as he should
be. Father, he's my boy. Well he named Oh gosh, I'm
glad it's alsome. Oh, butit isn't. You're forgetting about Junior.
He can't play in the game tonight. You made him take a job.
You can, quick, Candy,the game ain't started yet. Where's Junior
(24:18):
working? Mag No, you avenue, he's got a hard job too.
Over mind, never mind, heain't gonna do it. Marland. You'll
go down to the gym and tellthe coach Junior is playing tonight. We
will go and get Junior and havehim down at the gym, and let's
than a Jeffy, Come on peg, I'm mad. Wait a minute,
I almost forgot. Where's my belt? What do you want with your belt?
I'm gonna give it a junior.What I'm gonna give it a junior?
(24:41):
And then I'll bend over one twenty. Here's the place page. It's
a funny place for Junior to work, a private house. He's too young
to be a butler. Uh,Junior, Mom, Pop, I have
(25:06):
brought home the five dollars. Youdidn't have to come for it. No,
no, no, Junior, youdon't understand everything is okay, but
what do you know all about everything? And I ain't sure about you?
Porning the rain? And you're playingbasket ball tonight? And will you take
me back as your father? Oh, Jane, Pop, sure, but
(25:30):
am on Junior, Dear, you'llmiss the game, but I can't leave
my jo. You go to thegame. Whatever you're doing, I'll do
it for you. You will,Gosh, thanks Pop, hurry Collard Junior's
sold peg. I would go,hey, wait a minute, Well what
am I supposed to be doing here? That that's a baby? Yeah,
(26:03):
I got a job minding the reach'sbaby. They went to the basketball game.
But I can't mind this baby.This ain't my type of work.
I'm a river. But uh,tag you mind the baby? Oh?
No, basketball game, don't youI'm I'm not talking to you. Don't
(26:33):
come dead, baby. Reddy Prittywould pick him up. Holy smoke,
is this kid homely? Oh right, your beautiful love. I got this
(26:55):
kid in the perm on my hand. Listen, Pa, will you please
dry up? Oh? I knowwhat's wrong with Oh? Yeah, you
ain't too much? Wait him anda randy party knows what I could do.
(27:15):
He's gonna patch you with a bracketmake you feel better? Yeah,
ain't that nice? Very low tightkid didn't even say excuse me, Randy's
(27:41):
gonna be back and got the most. I hope the red stamp situation won't
make you women feel you have togive up those good meat breakfast we've been
talking about for a good meal tostart off the day. Let's say you
would like to serve each member ofyour family of four slice or to a
bacon with a breakfast eggs. Youcan do it with only a quarter of
a pound or one racing point.If you want to serve some good nutritious
(28:02):
liver with it, watch for porkor lamb liver which requires no points,
or liver sausage which is delicious whenserved hot and breakfast. That's the point
free too. And how about thatgood old English dish grilled kidneys that rate
close to liver in proteans, mineralsand vitamins that won't take any of your
precious points either. Though. Yousee, there's more than one way to
(28:22):
keep the proteans of meat in yourbreakfasts. All meat is rich in the
right kind of proteans, right forgrowth, right for tissue repair, rite
for good red blood. That's whymeat is a yard stick of protean foods,
because meat measures up to every proteanneed. And remember these nutritional statements
just made about meat are accepted bythe Council on Foods and Nutrition of the
American Medical Association. And now here'sa word from the star of our show,
(28:51):
Riley himself, William Bendix. Folks, there's a war on No,
I don't mean the one Germans andJeff started and that the United Nations are
going to finish. I need towar against infantile paralysis, the doubly enemy
of your child and mind. Solet's all join the March of Dimes.
(29:14):
Send your dimes and your dollars ifyou can. To President Roosevelt. Remember
a dime that you spend marching mayhelp a little child to walk. I'm
the mical Viney's starring wham by Niklas. While he presented by the American Medians
to dudes next week if they sayhe's got next week, Riley goes to
a live initiation and the results areblack, blue and disaster. This is
(29:38):
Cam Dyle saying here, next week, let's super blue what I'm worth?
Seven thirty at k Eca Los Angeles
Harry Is folks. During the dayhe plays in movies like Bake Island and
A Bell for Adano. But inhis off hours he's a gentleman farmer.
Yeah yeah, And on my farm, I got the smartest little hen you
ever sewa This hen lays an eggevery Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and
Thursday, but on Friday she laysthree eggs. She likes to weekend to
us. American Meat Institute presents whenYou'll bendis in the Life of Riley.
(00:47):
The meat people of America providing agreat food for a great nation. Five
million farmers and ranchers, raising finemeat animals, six hundred thousand men and
women in more than three thousand,five hundred meat packing plants, four hundred
thousand meat retailers, all doing theirlevel best to fill your daily needs.
(01:07):
On behalf of all these, theAmerican Meat Institute brings you the life of
Riley. Well if peace and quietever reign and war worker Chester A Riley's
little California Bungalow. Leave it toRiley to change the status quo. And
(01:30):
right now something seems to be brewing. As we find Riley, his wife
Peg and daughter Babs holding a familycounsel in the kitchen. Now let's get
down to the naked facts. Twoweeks ago, I came home from work
and I hand you four five dollarboots. Yes, as we know that.
And I say to you, dumplingis twenty dollars. Go out and
(01:52):
buy yourself a new mink fur piece, because the rabbit in your own mink
fur piece is getting bored. Yes, daddy, I remember seeing you give
mother the money. Okay, whenI gave you the dope peg, what
did you do with it? Itold you I put it away in the
cupboard here in the cream jug.Cream jug? You mean the half and
(02:13):
half jug. We ain't tasted creamin two years. Okay, now we're
getting somewhere. You say you didn'tlook in the cream jug again until this
morning. Yes, yes, Andthere are only three five dollars bills,
so five dollars is missing. Daddy. Are you sure you gave mother twenty
dollars? That's right. I didn'tcount it. I just took your word
(02:36):
for I'm positive I gave you twentydollars four or five dollars bills? You
know me, I never forget aface. What's that got to do with
the money. Abraham Lincoln's face wason every one of the four bills.
Well, where did the five dollarsget to? Wow, let's use logic.
(02:59):
You didn't, Baked Peg, Babbsdidn't take it. I didn't take
it. I got it. Aburglar took it. Oh, don't be
silly, Riley. The burglar didn't. Why didn't he take all the money?
So maybe he figured it would puthim in a higher income tax bracket.
Oh daddy, burglars don't pay incometax. They don't. They can
(03:22):
go to jail for Oh. Ohyeah, let's see what you mean.
Now, let's get logical, Peg, we didn't take it. A burglar
didn't take it. You're wull goBaxter his back east. Hey, maybe
Junior took it, oh, Riley, A junior wouldn't steal you know that.
Of course not, I ain't sayingJunior stole it. He probably just
(03:46):
took it when we weren't looking andforgot to tell us about it. All
right, Junior, how's my favorite? Okay? Pop? Junior? Look,
did did you borrow five dollars fromthe cream? Jug me? Well?
(04:12):
No, Pop, m that's funny. I wish I knew where that
five dollars went to. I liketo know what happens to all our income
and outgoes, so I can balancemy books. You don't keep books pop,
for sure, I do mentally.And if there's five dollars missing,
I'm mentally unbalanced. You're sure youdidn't take it. I wouldn't steal court.
(04:42):
You would. Now I'm talking crazywhile us rather ain't got a crooked
bone and our heads. I figuredI even mentioned that. Okay, Junior,
Wait a minute, what's that yougot in that box there? Well?
This, yeah, just a basketball. We'll see you later. Wait
a minute, Wait a minute,let me get a feeling at it.
(05:04):
Boy, I had one of thesemy hand since I played for good old
n Yu n yuh. If younever went to college. Oh this NYU
was the New Yorker Posters. Weplayed in the Industrial League. Boy,
this reminds me of the old days. I used to dribble the ball right
(05:25):
down the floor fast as a pussycat dribble puss rally. They called,
Oh yeah, I bet you weregood, Papa. Can I have the
ball now? Hey, this isa pretty good biscuit for brand new too.
Where'd you get it? Why?Um? It's from my club's game
tonight. Give me the ball,Pop, you might bust it. Looks
(05:46):
stud got the price tag on it. Price tag that's four ninety five.
That's almost five dollars, Junior.Where did you get five dollars to buy
a new basket? Boys? Well, I I can't tell you, Papa.
You took it from the cream jugJunior. No, I didn't look
(06:11):
at you. I can see guiltywritten all over your face. G I
lt y, Oh Pop? Couldyou do a thing like this, stealing
from your own family? Didn't Igive you the right kind of upbringing?
Didn't We always sneak into the theaterto see them. Crime don't pay movies,
(06:36):
and this is how you repay me. Oh, Papa, I didn't
take them. I'm ashamed of you, Junior, to think that I'm Christmas.
I thought enough for you to giveyou my ruby ring that's been in
my family for a hundred years,but you don't deserve to wear it.
I don't want to hear no more. I'll go to your room and stay
(06:57):
there. Look, Pop, whateverI decided to do with me, never
mind that I've already decided what todo with you. As soon as I
talked over with your mother. Oh, Riley, I just can't believe Junior
(07:21):
steals? Can I? Peg?But the evidence is as plain as my
face. Peg. There's only onething to do. I'm gonna give Junior
a licking. I'm licking o.But Riley, Junior is a big boy.
Now, Oh, don't worry.I can protect myself. That boy
(07:41):
needs a good old fashioned slacking andhe's gonna get it. Look, you're
just a little excited. Peg,no arguments. I know how to bring
up my son. Well, he'smy boy as much as yours. Oh
okay, I'll only pick my heafNow, look, Riley, you don't
want to do something you'll be sorryfor it. Couldn't you just give him
a good talking to? After all, it was only five dollars. Five
(08:03):
dollars yesterday, it was cookie today, it's five dollars tomorrow it's Fort Knox.
Don't you see, Peg? Thishas got to be snipped in the
bud. Who I suppose you're right? Why did you see it? My
way? Riley? What are youdoing? I'm taking my belt off.
(08:26):
Do you think it's best to doit with a belt? It's the only
way, But Riley, belt,I know, I feel the same way
when I think that just a fewyears ago he was just a little baby.
And now, oh, this isone of the worst features of being
a part. But duty is duty, and no matter how unpresent it is,
(08:48):
it's not to be done. Iguess you're right. Okay, here's
the belt, going do it?Oh no, Riley, No, no,
not no, No'm nott a peg. This is no time to get
soft hearted. You gotta be strong. You lick him, I'll cook the
(09:11):
dinner. Well why can't you bestrong? It was all your idea anyway,
you're the one who's getting soft hearted. No, it ain't that.
I just couldn't use my belt downbecause because what but well, who'll hold
up my pants? Well, I'mcertainly not gonna do it. Okay,
(09:33):
give me the belt. I startedthis and I'll see it through to the
end. Well, junior, i'mgiving you your last chance. Are you
ready to confess you took the fivedollars? I didn't take it? Okay,
(09:56):
that settles it. You're getting alicking then over all? Right,
Wait a minute, I'm giving youyour last chance. Are you gonna confess?
No? Okay, that's settles it. No more talk. Bendover I'm
bending over. Wait a minute,them giving you your last chance? Did
(10:22):
you take the money? Come on, ju and your cooperating. I told
you I didn't. Okay, thatsettles that. I ain't the type that
chilly shallies. This is the end. Come on, end over, I
mean bend over all right, getit over with. Don't tell me what
to do. You gotta be taughta lesson. Well, Hi, might
(10:48):
as well get it over with.H Why don't you say something? What
do you want me to say?Anything? Sunny? As long as you
make me mad, I've got nothingto say trying to raise it out.
Huh. Okay, you've better holdon it something because this is gonna hurt
(11:09):
you and you're okay here it comes. Let that be a lesson to you.
Is that all pop? Don't thinkI'm getting soft hearted. The reason
(11:31):
I stopped is it's it's it's akind of the war effort that the government
wants us to conserve clothing. Andif I gave you the licking you deserve,
I'd wear out the sea to yourpants. So I'm postponing your liking
until the war's over. That's okaywith me. I'm still gonna punish you
you. You ain't playing in thebasketball game tonight. Oh no, no,
(11:54):
Papa, I gotta play tonight.It's for the championship. You hurt
me. No basketball tonight and nomore basketball is season. But you're going
to spend your time working and earnenough money to pay back to five dollars
you've took. I'll do anything yousay, Papa, Please let me play
to night. Please just to nine. No, it's time you learned that
(12:15):
people have to pay for the mistakesthey make. And if I ever catch
you doing a thing like this again, you and me are through. Now.
Put that in your pipe and smokeit, and don't ever let me
catch you smoking. A moment we'llfind out more of the mystery if wh
(12:37):
Junior took the five dollars or Diddy? Right now, this is cam Nile
speaking for meat on all sides.These days, we're hearing this question,
where's the meat? Well, allkinds of meat, including the choicer cuts
such as steaks, roasts, andchops, are going to the armed forces,
including established army and navy bases,to military rest homes, to training
(12:58):
centers, to army may be hospitals, and on to ships and submarines.
With refrigeration facilities. Now against theslightly decreased all over meat supply, the
government has the greatest meat needs inhistory, nearly one third of our total
meat supply. Tonight, I'm goingto try to analyze the current situation here
at home. Perhaps when you thinkof meat, you think in terms of
(13:20):
stakes, roasts, and chops.Did you ever realize that, even in
peace times, there never were enoughof these choice cuts to go around?
But who are these cuts going?Well? You know that the men right
at the fighting front get most oftheir meat in the form of compact,
easily transported rations which do not requirerefrigeration. But they do get their meat,
(13:41):
and lots of it, and theyget it regularly. Yes, millions
of tons of meat are going toour fighters on five continents, on seven
seas. It's plain arithmetic. Whenwar needs go up, the amount of
meat left for civilians goes down.The War Food Administration estimates that there will
be one hundred twenty seven pounds ofmeats perseval him this year as against one
(14:03):
hundred forty three pounds in nineteen fortyfour. That's less for us, but
it will keep up the supply forthe boys at war and that is the
number one job of your meat industry. All meats, regardless of kind or
cut, is a yardstick of proteanfoods because meat measures up to every protean
need. And now back to theLife of Riley with William Betticks as Riley.
(14:31):
Well. Riley is still convinced thatJunior stole five dollars from the cream
jug and is determined to punish theboy by not allowing him to play in
the championship basketball game tonight. ButDaddy, couldn't you let him play just
tonight? No, I said,no basketball for Junior until he pays back
to five dollars. I know,but he could start his punishment tomorrow.
(14:52):
Let him play tonight. The gamemeans so much to him. He's got
to be total lesson bits. You'llto stand better what I'm doing when you
become a father, I mean whenyou No. But Riley, isn't it
enough that you gave him a quipping? Whippings are all right in their place,
But you also got to impress theboy's mind. Or he made a
(15:18):
day to take his girlfriend Marilyn Marsto watch him play. No, I
guess you had to stand her up. If she's the right kind of girl.
She'll wait for him until he getsthrough pain, his death to society.
For heaven's sake, Riley stops talkingas if Junior was a criminal.
Oh that's what he practically is.Under He was so broken hearted when Shaky
got frozen stiff? No, right, mindy, don't you think you're being
(15:45):
Junior? Is that your what thefront thoughts me? Come in here?
What do you want? I thoughtI told you you can't play basketball tonight.
I'm not going to play basketball.I'm going on to see if I
can get a job, like yousaid, to pay back the money.
Okay, if it's for a job, you can go. John here.
(16:10):
Yeah, be careful how you crossthe street. Don't worry, I'll be
careful. Who said at the dortoyou? What's miss Dell? The undertaker?
Well tell him to come in.Greetings, Riley, how are you
(16:33):
digger? How's with the undertaker?How do you do? Miss Hello?
You're all looking fine? Thank you? What are you? Excuses? Mister
Dale? Welcome on to he's better. We're going to movies. Movies,
that's all the ladies think about.I haven't been a farm of the cinema
(16:55):
myself. Riley, did you happento see a film called Arsonic and Old
Lates? Well, no, don'tmiss it. It's about two old ladies
who poisoned twelve men and bury themin the cellar. I said through it
twice. It was awfully game,it must have been. Well what brings
(17:22):
you here? Did you? Oh? I have come to cheer you up
in your out of need, Riley. Why didn't you tell me? Oh,
tell you why that you had topawn this valuable ruby ving tag my
family ring? Why did you getit in Tubbin's pawn shop. I knew
you wouldn't pop with this ring unlessyou were destitute. Why didn't you tell
(17:44):
me you were heading for the poorhouse. I'd have given you a helping hand.
I didn't pour this ring. Igave it a junior. He pawned
it. That if one thing,it's another. Yes, boy, can
be very annoying. They annoy meconstantly. Lately half a dozen young hoodlums
(18:04):
have disturbed me at my work bygathering in the doorway of my piece of
business and chanting a song. Wellwhy should that body? They always sing?
Don't fence me in? Well,Riley, I am glad to see
that you're not flat on your backfinancially. That is well, I must
(18:29):
be running along. Oh yeah,well, thanks for everything. I'm a
little short of cash right now.I'll pay you what I owe you for
the ring tomorrow. It's only fivedollars. Take your time. Riley Digby
O'Dell is always planned to carry hisfriends peg peg Come here quick, look
(18:52):
at this. Oh you will berung when you gave Junior. Yeah,
how does he show us on creditfood by hacking it in the pawn shop?
Oh no, First he steals afive dollar bill, but he couldn't
hop that, So now he's porninga family jewels. He's disgraced us.
Now wait a minute, Oh,I can't get over it. Porning a
(19:15):
family ring for five bucks. Heain't even smart. When I was a
boy, I used to get seven. I mean, wait a minute,
Junior got five dollars for this ring. Yeah, well, there's something funny
about all this. The basketball costsfive dollars and he got five dollars with
(19:37):
the ring. Then why do youhave to take five dollars from the creamed
Riley? Are you sure you gaveme four or five dollars bills? Oh?
Sure, I'm sure maybe you losta billard dropped it on the floor,
and this lady peg peg I rememberperfect why I was wearing a suit
I got on. Now, Ihad the four or five dollars bills and
(20:00):
the little watch pockets so I wouldn'tlose them. I remember giving it to
you. I put two fingers inmy little pocket like this, and I
pulled the money. I was like, what's that you took out of your
pocket? Don't say nothing nothing.I saw something green? Now what is
(20:25):
it? That's a piece of lettuce. I couldn't finish my lunch. Let
me see that, Riley. It'sa five dollar bill. So you did
have it all the time, andyou a pig, pig, pig,
pig pigs. There's a lot offive dollar bills that the mint is having
a big years and making a lotof money. Riley, that's the five
(20:49):
dollars bill you accused you when you'restealing, and you might just as well
admit it. Yeah, yeah,I guess it is. What a revolting
development distance I said, he didn'ttake it, but you wouldn't lisn't.
Oh no, you had to goahead and call him a thief and ruin
him basketball dame a failure. Well, what are you going to do about
(21:14):
it? I'm a problem parent.You think he'll ever forgive me? You
better do something and right away toYeah Junior, Junior, don he's not
here. You made him go andget a job to pay back money he
didn't take. Oh yeah, yeah, that's right. I gotta find him.
(21:36):
I gotta Oh maybe that's him now, oh oh, oh, it's
you, Maryland. Well, comein. I want to speak to you,
mister Riley. Who is it,Ryle? It's it's Marilyn Morrison,
Junior's little friend, Junior's siance,Junior's Excuse me, Marilyn. Isn't it
(22:03):
a little late for a twelve yearold girl to be out twelve and a
half? Pardon me, madam?Well there, Marilyn, there's anything wrong
plenty, missus Riley. After whatyou did to Junior, I think you're
the meanest man in the world.We are choosing your own son of being
(22:23):
a thief and stopping him from playingbasketball and giving him a beating. Besides,
what do you mean to say he'dbeat Junior with a leather belt?
Missus Riley. I don't see howyou can live with this. Man.
Oh, Marily, you shouldn't saythings like that about mister Riley. I
(22:45):
have a right to criticized as hisfuture daughter in law. You sound more
like a mother in law. Well, the way we know now, the
junior's innocently, But he didn't haveto pawn the family ring. Oh but
(23:06):
you don't understand. He had topond the ring otherwise his club would have
called him a thief. Watch no, but he's gonna call him my pa.
Just a minute, Maryland, what'sall this about Junior's club? Well,
Junior's treasure and he lost the fivedollars that the club saved up to
buy a basketball. Sully pond thering. Well why didn't he tell me
(23:29):
about it? Well, he knewhow much ring meant to you, and
he didn't want to hurt your feelings. Oh see, you see kind of
the sun you had? Riley?Gee, how can I haven't make it
up to him? I gotta dosomething nice. I know, I'm gonna
buy up a new lawnmower. Butbut all this wouldn't have happened if he'd
(23:56):
come to me for the five dollarsin the first place. Well, that's
what he should have done. ButJunior isn't always as bright as he should
be. Father, he's my boy. Well he named Oh gosh, I'm
glad it's alsome. Oh, butit isn't. You're forgetting about Junior.
He can't play in the game tonight. You made him take a job.
You can, quick, Candy,the game ain't started yet. Where's Junior
(24:18):
working? Mag No, you avenue, he's got a hard job too.
Over mind, never mind, heain't gonna do it. Marland. You'll
go down to the gym and tellthe coach Junior is playing tonight. We
will go and get Junior and havehim down at the gym, and let's
than a Jeffy, Come on peg, I'm mad. Wait a minute,
I almost forgot. Where's my belt? What do you want with your belt?
I'm gonna give it a junior.What I'm gonna give it a junior?
(24:41):
And then I'll bend over one twenty. Here's the place page. It's
a funny place for Junior to work, a private house. He's too young
to be a butler. Uh,Junior, Mom, Pop, I have
(25:06):
brought home the five dollars. Youdidn't have to come for it. No,
no, no, Junior, youdon't understand everything is okay, but
what do you know all about everything? And I ain't sure about you?
Porning the rain? And you're playingbasket ball tonight? And will you take
me back as your father? Oh, Jane, Pop, sure, but
(25:30):
am on Junior, Dear, you'llmiss the game, but I can't leave
my jo. You go to thegame. Whatever you're doing, I'll do
it for you. You will,Gosh, thanks Pop, hurry Collard Junior's
sold peg. I would go,hey, wait a minute, Well what
am I supposed to be doing here? That that's a baby? Yeah,
(26:03):
I got a job minding the reach'sbaby. They went to the basketball game.
But I can't mind this baby.This ain't my type of work.
I'm a river. But uh,tag you mind the baby? Oh?
No, basketball game, don't youI'm I'm not talking to you. Don't
(26:33):
come dead, baby. Reddy Prittywould pick him up. Holy smoke,
is this kid homely? Oh right, your beautiful love. I got this
(26:55):
kid in the perm on my hand. Listen, Pa, will you please
dry up? Oh? I knowwhat's wrong with Oh? Yeah, you
ain't too much? Wait him anda randy party knows what I could do.
(27:15):
He's gonna patch you with a bracketmake you feel better? Yeah,
ain't that nice? Very low tightkid didn't even say excuse me, Randy's
(27:41):
gonna be back and got the most. I hope the red stamp situation won't
make you women feel you have togive up those good meat breakfast we've been
talking about for a good meal tostart off the day. Let's say you
would like to serve each member ofyour family of four slice or to a
bacon with a breakfast eggs. Youcan do it with only a quarter of
a pound or one racing point.If you want to serve some good nutritious
(28:02):
liver with it, watch for porkor lamb liver which requires no points,
or liver sausage which is delicious whenserved hot and breakfast. That's the point
free too. And how about thatgood old English dish grilled kidneys that rate
close to liver in proteans, mineralsand vitamins that won't take any of your
precious points either. Though. Yousee, there's more than one way to
(28:22):
keep the proteans of meat in yourbreakfasts. All meat is rich in the
right kind of proteans, right forgrowth, right for tissue repair, rite
for good red blood. That's whymeat is a yard stick of protean foods,
because meat measures up to every proteanneed. And remember these nutritional statements
just made about meat are accepted bythe Council on Foods and Nutrition of the
American Medical Association. And now here'sa word from the star of our show,
(28:51):
Riley himself, William Bendix. Folks, there's a war on No,
I don't mean the one Germans andJeff started and that the United Nations are
going to finish. I need towar against infantile paralysis, the doubly enemy
of your child and mind. Solet's all join the March of Dimes.
(29:14):
Send your dimes and your dollars ifyou can. To President Roosevelt. Remember
a dime that you spend marching mayhelp a little child to walk. I'm
the mical Viney's starring wham by Niklas. While he presented by the American Medians
to dudes next week if they sayhe's got next week, Riley goes to
a live initiation and the results areblack, blue and disaster. This is
(29:38):
Cam Dyle saying here, next week, let's super blue what I'm worth?
Seven thirty at k Eca Los Angeles
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