March 6, 2022 • 30 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):
Riley Riley Water. He's a manwho's understood and refer in Riley Went and
Lad The American Meat Institute present WilliamBendicks in radio's most talked about comedy shows,
(00:27):
The Life of Riley This Day setapart to memorialize v E Day,
the American Meat Institute and its membercompanies who sponsor this program rededicate themselves to
their part of the job before ussupplying meats to our fighters and are still
(00:50):
to be concluded war with the Japanese. And now the American Meat Institute brings
you the Life of Riley. Likeevery real American, Chester Riley, California
(01:11):
aircraft worker believes that all people shouldbe free and equal. That goes for
every man, woman, child,and mother in law. And Riley's not
a man to keep his opinions tohimself. And so the other day,
hearing a growery of laughter in theliving room, he went in to investigate.
Oh that's the screen, Junior.Yeah, the killer, isn't it.
(01:34):
I heard it at school in here? What's all the hilarious hilarity?
Oh go ahead, Junior, killingda give up? I had had a
good lessons last week when my foremansat down one of my hot rivets.
Boy was his face ready? Sookay, Pop, Well, it seems
(01:59):
a man when hut in the woodswith his mother in law, and suddenly
the mother in law got lost.So he went home. Well that night
the game warden for him and said, mister Jones, we found your mother
in law. She's caught in abear trap, and there's a bear caught
in there too. What we do? So oh, Jones got sore and
said, just do what anything manwould do, open the trap and let
(02:20):
the poor bear. God, don'tyou get it? You see Pop the
mother in law go to explain it. I get it. I got a
funny bone in my head. Butyou're not laughing. How could I laugh?
I'm too shocked. So fine,kids, I got making fun of
(02:46):
the stanctity of motherhood, the mostsacred thing in life thanks to fatherhood.
Pop. It wasn't a mother inthe trap. There was a mother in
law. There's no difference. Takeany mother in law, scrape the in
(03:06):
law off of her, and whatyou got to a mother. I'm surprised
at you, bad junior. Ican understand there's very little chance of him
becoming a mother in law. DDaddy you don't have to scowl at me.
I mean a lot of people makefun of mother in law. Roff.
(03:27):
Just remember one thing, Babs.Every mother in law was once born
a human being. Okay, Okay, I got a mother in law and
I love her. If it wasn'tfor her, i'd never met your mother.
And if I never met your mother, that would put you kids in
a fine thing. All right,don't let it happen again. Hello,
(03:57):
was just giving your kids a lecture? Yes, I heard you, and
they deserve it. Right, youreally feel that way about my mother?
We'll shore. Hey, you knowI'm crazy about my mother in law.
I always get a wonderful feeling whenI think of that sweet little low lady
three thousand miles away there. Well, I'm I'm so glad you feel that
(04:25):
way, darling. Now I cantell you tell me why. Well,
I'm not supposed to, but Igotta telegram yesterday from my mother. Yeah.
Well, what does the little angelsay here? I'll read it to
you, says dear pay doctor saysI need immediate vacation. Yes, think
(04:46):
the darling deserves one. Where's shegoing? I want to finished? Riley
will ride Los Angeles Sunday. Whoshe's going to visit? One ange?
She don't know nobody heres yep,she's I'm in here and the rest of
the wire GISTs don't tell Chester.Why did surprize him? Love? Mother?
(05:23):
Past the salt? Kill us?Hey? Ah, Renny, Well
let's oh nothing much kill us?Why Junior was made for a string pitcher
for the school team? My daughtersjoining up for your nurse's aid. My
mother in law is coming to visitus. I gotta get a toothpode next
week. Oh that's murder. Yougot my sympathy. God's pretty bad.
(05:44):
I think i'll pay guests. Yeahyeah, ain't that going pretty podious to
get away from your mother? AndI'm talking about taking guests for my toads?
Oh you're too you're tool. What'sso talk about a mother in law?
Ny, I'll trade you. Yougive me your tooth tache, I'll
give you my mother in law.Nothing against my mother in law. Besides,
(06:06):
she's only going to say a veryshort man, that's what she'll say.
I don't think, I know,I know you don't think. Listen,
sucker. Once upon a time,my mother in law come to visit
me for a very short tank.She ran with an overnight bag. Today
(06:26):
she's got two wardrobe trunks, onesteamer trunk, three voices, four hat
boxes, and a double bag,all piled in my garage. What do
you do about your car season,she's always driving it. Well, you'll
(06:46):
make it sound pretty bad, Gillis. But that's because you ain't reasonable.
If forty eight countries can get alongin San Francisco, me and my mother
in law be okay. If I'mreasonable, she'll be reasonable. Ley.
The minute she moves in, yourwhole life will be change. You'll stop
being a freeman. You'll eat whatshe likes, see the movie she likes,
(07:08):
Listen to the program she likes.The minutes she establishes a beachhead in
your house, you'll be living anoccupied territory, and I'll take more than
the Allies to liberation. Not mymother in law. Why my sweet wife
(07:29):
let her treat me like that?Oh she wouldn't, gosh not. That's
the whole trouble with you, jelous. You don't know my wife nearly as
well as I do. Has aboutyou know, don't see whatnot not bad,
(07:56):
not bad at all. It's thesame brand you've been using for seventeen
years. Oh oh, Riley,Uh, please don't throw your head on
the piano. Well why not?What's the piano floor? Certainly not for
a hat. Back, We'll takeyou if I don't put my head on
a piano Where I put it?We sold our floor. Ye did you
(08:18):
ever think of hanging it in thecloset closet? I'll try anything, would
but why all the fud? Well? Mother will be here Sunday. You
know how she hates to clutter itup house. Let's get used to being
tidy. Hey, don't let's Ohthat's reasonable. Oh wait wait, Riley,
(08:43):
not in that closet. Uh,that's not yours anymore. No,
I've moved your things. Oh youyou want me to share the kid's clocket.
No, that's too crowded. Itook the brooms and mops oude of
the closet on the back porch.You can use that back forth. Now
(09:05):
listen, peg, I ain't gettingup in the morning and put my lukewarm
body into my ice cold pants.Oh but Angel, it's only temporary.
You do want my mother to havea closet, don't you? Yeah?
But can I leave my jacket inhere for the time being. Oh why
(09:30):
don't you wear it at dinner?Are you kidding? I just had it
clean. Won't hurt you to getinto the habit. Now we're having a
guest starting, Sonny, and itisn't nice matter to come to the table
in your shirts. Please, shewon't say that. My always roll them
up. Please, finy for whatdo? Okay? I ain't gonna let
(09:52):
nothing spoil my appetite when we gotsteak for dinner. Oh we're not having
steak tonight. I'm I'm saying itfor Sunday when mother gets here. But
what are we going to eat tonight? Lode, we had to be a
lope yesterday. Well I fixed itup and it looks lovely. Then let's
(10:13):
take a picture of it now,Riley, please okay here all okay,
I'm a reasonable man. At first, I want to relax. Oh,
Riley, please off that couch.What's wrong? I always like down here
before supper? Yes, I know. And if there's one thing that mother
(10:35):
doesn't like, it making a livingroom into a bedroom doesn't like. Mother
doesn't like now now, Riley,okay, okay, okay, I won't
lay on the couch. I laydown on my bed all right. Oh,
by the way, when mother getshere, she'll sleep in our room.
(10:56):
In our room. Now wait aminute, Tompany, but your mother
is a crowd, and you haveto douvel up with Junior in his room.
Nuts un done, he hikes inhis fleet. He I will.
Now, Riley, don't get itsing right. When you open a thought
(11:20):
to an in law, you becomean outlaw. And Almas will hear more
of how Riley Candles is oncoming motherin law. Meanwhile, this is Ken
Nile speaking for meat and with thehappiest words I've yet spoken on this program.
(11:43):
The great day came on Tuesday.The bee day the world has awaited
for nearly six long years is writteninto history. At last. Our President
is at this first Sunday after vE Day as a Sunday of Thanksgiving.
The American Lead Institute, in placeof its regular message at this time as
asked me to give you this specialmessage, especially appropriate on this Mother's Day
(12:03):
Sunday. Let's give thanks to GeneralEike Eisenhower and his fighting American boys,
to our brave British, Russian andFrench allies, to the great victory they
have just accomplished. But on thisDay of Thanksgiving over events in Europe.
Let us turn our eyes and heartsand skills to the West, where American's
(12:24):
other war still rages on. Letus remember our job is not complete until
we mark on the calendar of theworld a b J Day to go alongside
that v E Day that stands forvictory in Europe. And now back to
the Life of Riley with William Bendicksas Riley well Friley's mother in law is
(12:50):
en route to Los Angeles, andRiley is worried. His trouble making friend
Jim Gillis has convinced our hero thata visit from an in law will meanly
end of Riley's happy home life.Poor Riley is so confused that right now
he's riding out a telegram hoping toget his mother in law to turn around
and go back east. Oh,let's see, I gotta get the color
(13:11):
gray right, missus Harriet Turnbull CaliforniaLimited westbound, dear PEG's mother, bad
news, Los Angeles at war withPomona. No, no, no,
she won't believe that she's pretty much. Oh, oh, I got it.
Horrific blizzards raging here in California.Also many cases of sunstroke, big
(13:39):
volcano expected also flood. Wish youwere here, but turned back immediately.
Love and kisses from you. Whatare you doing? Oh? Oh,
peg, I didn't know you werein the house. Like hi, I
was. I was just take awar. Oh that'll do you good,
dear. Um. What you're ridingright? Oh? I ain't right now.
(14:01):
Look you've got a pen in yourhand. There's paper all over the
floor. If you're not writing,what I hear you're doing well? Guys,
I just got a new blotter fromthe bank and I'm tested. That's
what's that paper you just threw inthe waist basket? Paper? Let me
see it? Thank you, Thankyou, thank I smell something burning in
(14:24):
the ice box that you read this. I know you're hiding something for me.
Say missus Harriet's turn boat California LimitedWISPA. Why it's a telegram to
mother? You daring? What alovely thought welcoming her. I should have
(14:46):
thought of it. I wish youhad pay give me the paper? Will
you? Um? Terrific blizzard here? Sunstroke? Turn turned back? Oh
oh well, it don't really meanswhat it says. It's cold and you
(15:11):
were gonna send this to my motherChester Riley. How could you think of
such a thing here? It wasn'teasy pretending you liked her. Excuse me
that Robert Fulton had to invent thetelegraph. I don't guys enough alone,
(15:43):
and thank you as my wife caughtme right in the telegram. I wish
you man man. I ain't seenpig so man since our wedding night when
I carried her across the threshold andbumped her head against the transit m what's
your next move? Right? Oh? Nothing, I guess I'll just have
to figure out some way to handlemy mother in law when she gets here.
(16:06):
Oh you're gonna handle him? Yeah, then take my advice. Get
yourself a chair and a whip.She whistuous, But what can I do?
Open your mouth and put your footdown. When her train gets in
the sifternoon. She can stay ata hotel, can't she? The bellhops
(16:27):
crazy? I know, but afterall she is takes mother. Ain't it
kind of selfish? Really? I'mtelling you this for the sake of your
kids in your home. You gottaprotect your home, after all. You
think out time it insurance, don'tyou say? I never thought of it?
That way. You're a regulous howyou're to pet it's my duty.
(16:49):
No you're talking, Go home andlay down the lore. No more you
on the path. M more youin the fact of the homes, ahead
of the house. And if hermother comes, you'll go kill us.
You're right. For the sake ofmy family, I'm going right home and
lay down a lot of pig Ohthem's here? Who was at at the
(17:19):
door? Just now? Who's union? It's a telegram for you mother,
for me, Let me see who'sit from? What it's from your grandmother?
Well, for heaven's sake, whatgrandma? He read it? Oh
mother? Oh, won't you besurprised? Surprise isn't the word for us?
(17:48):
Where's your father? Now? Youand Junior not to say a word
about this wire. I want totell you a bottom and stuff. I'll
go and tell you. Hey,hey, oh ohkay, run, I've
got something to tell you, Okay, But first I got something to tell
you Peg. The time has comefor me to open my mouth. I'm
(18:08):
through choice. I just got anothertelling. Heg From now on, I'm
the fathead of the house. SoI'm laying down the law about your mother.
But Riley, that I got nothingagainst your mother. I love her
and I respect her, and she'swelcome to stay here as long as she
(18:30):
wants, providing she goes to ahotel. I'll even pay all the bills.
Oh I think then mother can't sayyou for the sake of our home?
No, and suppose I'm jack.Well, if your mother comes here,
I go very well, then Iguess you had to go. Hey,
(18:57):
didn't you hear me? I?If your mother comes, I go
bla, Well, what are youwaiting for? No? Go on?
So okay, I can take ahint. I don't have to stay here
(19:18):
where I'm not wanted. I'll justpack all my stuff. A fine thing
when a man has thrown out ofhis own house. See, I got
more stuff from a jog. Ican't put all this in my pocket,
so maybe I better postpar Thank youjust put this stuff in here. We
(19:44):
used the same police on our honeymoon. It's still got the label from the
hotel Hoboken. Hey, what's goingon for my kids? Good Bye?
What were you going? Daddy?Your mother will explain? Wow, goodbye
(20:04):
Junior, goodbye beats, good byepeg bound, bye Junior. Well,
goodbye. The store is stuck hedidn't turn the knob. Wow, goodbye
(20:32):
mother? Why daddy doing wolden?Dear? You'll be back to enough.
I think he needs a little lessonhide. Well, well, goodbye.
I'll let you know where to comesfrom my paycheck. Beauty bird, go
(21:03):
on, go on, Bird,go home, Go on, Bert,
be smart, go home. Thispodcast for birds that ain't got no home
like me getings Riley. Huh yourecognize me, Riley? It's dig be
(21:30):
Odell, the friendly undertakeer. Ohoh oh, I didn't see I guess
my brain is somewhere else. Braytell me, Riley, what are you
doing? Hid in the bath?I've been walking for hours. I'm dead.
You are? You should lie down? I can't. I left home.
(21:56):
I got no place to stay.You left home? Yeah, don't
ask me why, but I left. You're looking for a room all day?
No luck, dig Bedell, neverlet the print down. I'm positive
I can dig you up a restingplace, no trouble day. Why.
(22:18):
It'll be a pleasure you big Steve. I have it. You can spend
the night at night plea. Ohno, no, why not? It's
very quiet down there, no snorting. You see my families away, so
our house is empty. Oh ohyour house? Oh well, no,
(22:41):
thanks, all the same day,I'll find some place, Higg. Did
you ever have any mother in lawd'strouble? Never really, I'm ned about
my mother in law, simply ned. He's jarming gable and chuckles. And
I adore my mother in law.She's so good. They're lucky. Tiger
(23:11):
is a matter of fact, theseflowers that I have here to put my
mother in law to celebrate Mother's Day. Mother's Day. Today is Mother's Day.
I forgot Tiger. Walking out onPeg was bad enough, but going
it on Mother's Day makes it evenworse. I'm come, Riley, control
(23:32):
yoursel. I'm going home. I'mgoing home and apologize. Maybe she won't
ever speak to me again, maybeshe'll never even let me in a house,
but I won't care as long asshe takes me back. Oh you
(23:56):
hello, Riley, Peg. Hey, guy just dropped in to say happy
Mother's Day. Oh oh, itis Mother's Day, isn't it? Peg?
Peg? I was wrong? Godgillis he talked me into it?
(24:17):
Peg. If you want to knowme by this time, I ain't got
a mind of my own, soI use anybody's peg. I like your
mother. Honest, I'll stay inhis house as long as she lets me.
Well, don't it? Can Icome in? Oh? Good again?
(24:42):
Would it be alrighty thing? Soto kiss you? Wow? I
don't see any harm she doing.You made a new man out of me?
Oh well, I certainly did.Oh stop it, Riley. Oh
gee, you're you're wonderful. Forgiveme darling. Oh oh well, now
(25:04):
I better get down to the stationand meet your sweet mother. Oh wait
a minute, Riley, Riley,mother's here already, her dream got in
an hour ago. Yes, whereit's a little darlin in his room.
Oh mother, yes, your dear, no, my darling boy, Hello,
sweetheart? Hey, heyk you knowsomething. Your mother's getting to look
(25:30):
just like my mother. Your motherain't your mother, she's my mother.
Holy snakes, my mother. Willyou stop at jabrin, Riley and come
here and kiss your old mother?Mom? Mom? Ge, mom,
we're watching your looking great Mom.Give me a hotel. Oh you're squashing
(25:52):
me up by Why didn't you letus know you were coming? But she
did? Riley. The telegram wegot with thine mother, and it was
sent to me, so I thoughtit was from my mother, But I
got another wire this morning, Mother, Riley. I tried to tell you,
well, what's the difference my motheryour mother in law? I love
(26:14):
him both. He let me look. Oh, yes, sir, you're
still beautiful. You can pass formy sister. Sister. Well, I
like that the way you look now, Chester, you could pass for my
father the same old Mom. Oh, well, say drama's done that?
(26:38):
Start dinner? Yeah, come on, mom, let's pull nose bag.
Chester. Don't say nose bag?Oh okay, Mom, Caester. Is
that your hat on the piano?Yes? Mom. If there's one thing
I can't spend, it's a manwho clutters up the living room. Come
(27:02):
on, hurry, I wash yourhands, don't deloy. I'll be right
with you, mum. And thisfor the million things she gave me,
oh, is only that she's aruin old alrighty coming now? The day
(27:37):
is a fact. It may benatural to ask, how soon will we
get more meats? How about thatsteak? This question is clearly answered in
the following official states, but justreleased by the Office of War Information.
V E. Day does not meana reduction in the Army's meet for requirements
for nineteen forty five any more thanit does a reduction in the army's overall
food requirements. Troops in Europe willget less canned meat rations. They will
(28:02):
get more fresh meats, which manycombat troops have wanted so much, and
no matter how they slice it,they will want and need and get as
much meat overall as they did beforevictory in Europe, if not more.
On top of this continued neat inEurope is the obvious fact that stocks in
the Pacific, particularly of canned meatsand combat rations, must be increased or
(28:23):
the intensified war against Japan. Themeat industry believes this official statement by Washington
authority should be known to as manypeople as possible. That is why we
broadcast it today. SUMPM, youreally forgive me for acting a way I
(28:45):
did? All of course you gee, you should have slapped meat down or
something. I acted like a dope, Yes, but you're a sweet dope.
All say the nicest things, youknow. I don't say this to
every woman, but someday you're gonnamake some nice young man a wonderful mother
in law. Riley don't matter whattheir names, they're working on the line.
(29:30):
Mary. Don't miss the Life ofRiley, starring William Bendig, says
Riley, and presented by the AmericanMeat Institute Next week at the same time.
(29:52):
Next week, Riley tries to straightenout his teenage daughter's love life.
Results grief for Riley, laughs forus, don't christ it. William Bandix
plays Riley by arrangement with Hal Roach. This program was directed by Don Bernard
with music by Luke Coslow.
Riley Riley Water. He's a manwho's understood and refer in Riley Went and
Lad The American Meat Institute present WilliamBendicks in radio's most talked about comedy shows,
(00:27):
The Life of Riley This Day setapart to memorialize v E Day,
the American Meat Institute and its membercompanies who sponsor this program rededicate themselves to
their part of the job before ussupplying meats to our fighters and are still
(00:50):
to be concluded war with the Japanese. And now the American Meat Institute brings
you the Life of Riley. Likeevery real American, Chester Riley, California
(01:11):
aircraft worker believes that all people shouldbe free and equal. That goes for
every man, woman, child,and mother in law. And Riley's not
a man to keep his opinions tohimself. And so the other day,
hearing a growery of laughter in theliving room, he went in to investigate.
Oh that's the screen, Junior.Yeah, the killer, isn't it.
(01:34):
I heard it at school in here? What's all the hilarious hilarity?
Oh go ahead, Junior, killingda give up? I had had a
good lessons last week when my foremansat down one of my hot rivets.
Boy was his face ready? Sookay, Pop, Well, it seems
(01:59):
a man when hut in the woodswith his mother in law, and suddenly
the mother in law got lost.So he went home. Well that night
the game warden for him and said, mister Jones, we found your mother
in law. She's caught in abear trap, and there's a bear caught
in there too. What we do? So oh, Jones got sore and
said, just do what anything manwould do, open the trap and let
(02:20):
the poor bear. God, don'tyou get it? You see Pop the
mother in law go to explain it. I get it. I got a
funny bone in my head. Butyou're not laughing. How could I laugh?
I'm too shocked. So fine,kids, I got making fun of
(02:46):
the stanctity of motherhood, the mostsacred thing in life thanks to fatherhood.
Pop. It wasn't a mother inthe trap. There was a mother in
law. There's no difference. Takeany mother in law, scrape the in
(03:06):
law off of her, and whatyou got to a mother. I'm surprised
at you, bad junior. Ican understand there's very little chance of him
becoming a mother in law. DDaddy you don't have to scowl at me.
I mean a lot of people makefun of mother in law. Roff.
(03:27):
Just remember one thing, Babs.Every mother in law was once born
a human being. Okay, Okay, I got a mother in law and
I love her. If it wasn'tfor her, i'd never met your mother.
And if I never met your mother, that would put you kids in
a fine thing. All right,don't let it happen again. Hello,
(03:57):
was just giving your kids a lecture? Yes, I heard you, and
they deserve it. Right, youreally feel that way about my mother?
We'll shore. Hey, you knowI'm crazy about my mother in law.
I always get a wonderful feeling whenI think of that sweet little low lady
three thousand miles away there. Well, I'm I'm so glad you feel that
(04:25):
way, darling. Now I cantell you tell me why. Well,
I'm not supposed to, but Igotta telegram yesterday from my mother. Yeah.
Well, what does the little angelsay here? I'll read it to
you, says dear pay doctor saysI need immediate vacation. Yes, think
(04:46):
the darling deserves one. Where's shegoing? I want to finished? Riley
will ride Los Angeles Sunday. Whoshe's going to visit? One ange?
She don't know nobody heres yep,she's I'm in here and the rest of
the wire GISTs don't tell Chester.Why did surprize him? Love? Mother?
(05:23):
Past the salt? Kill us?Hey? Ah, Renny, Well
let's oh nothing much kill us?Why Junior was made for a string pitcher
for the school team? My daughtersjoining up for your nurse's aid. My
mother in law is coming to visitus. I gotta get a toothpode next
week. Oh that's murder. Yougot my sympathy. God's pretty bad.
(05:44):
I think i'll pay guests. Yeahyeah, ain't that going pretty podious to
get away from your mother? AndI'm talking about taking guests for my toads?
Oh you're too you're tool. What'sso talk about a mother in law?
Ny, I'll trade you. Yougive me your tooth tache, I'll
give you my mother in law.Nothing against my mother in law. Besides,
(06:06):
she's only going to say a veryshort man, that's what she'll say.
I don't think, I know,I know you don't think. Listen,
sucker. Once upon a time,my mother in law come to visit
me for a very short tank.She ran with an overnight bag. Today
(06:26):
she's got two wardrobe trunks, onesteamer trunk, three voices, four hat
boxes, and a double bag,all piled in my garage. What do
you do about your car season,she's always driving it. Well, you'll
(06:46):
make it sound pretty bad, Gillis. But that's because you ain't reasonable.
If forty eight countries can get alongin San Francisco, me and my mother
in law be okay. If I'mreasonable, she'll be reasonable. Ley.
The minute she moves in, yourwhole life will be change. You'll stop
being a freeman. You'll eat whatshe likes, see the movie she likes,
(07:08):
Listen to the program she likes.The minutes she establishes a beachhead in
your house, you'll be living anoccupied territory, and I'll take more than
the Allies to liberation. Not mymother in law. Why my sweet wife
(07:29):
let her treat me like that?Oh she wouldn't, gosh not. That's
the whole trouble with you, jelous. You don't know my wife nearly as
well as I do. Has aboutyou know, don't see whatnot not bad,
(07:56):
not bad at all. It's thesame brand you've been using for seventeen
years. Oh oh, Riley,Uh, please don't throw your head on
the piano. Well why not?What's the piano floor? Certainly not for
a hat. Back, We'll takeyou if I don't put my head on
a piano Where I put it?We sold our floor. Ye did you
(08:18):
ever think of hanging it in thecloset closet? I'll try anything, would
but why all the fud? Well? Mother will be here Sunday. You
know how she hates to clutter itup house. Let's get used to being
tidy. Hey, don't let's Ohthat's reasonable. Oh wait wait, Riley,
(08:43):
not in that closet. Uh,that's not yours anymore. No,
I've moved your things. Oh youyou want me to share the kid's clocket.
No, that's too crowded. Itook the brooms and mops oude of
the closet on the back porch.You can use that back forth. Now
(09:05):
listen, peg, I ain't gettingup in the morning and put my lukewarm
body into my ice cold pants.Oh but Angel, it's only temporary.
You do want my mother to havea closet, don't you? Yeah?
But can I leave my jacket inhere for the time being. Oh why
(09:30):
don't you wear it at dinner?Are you kidding? I just had it
clean. Won't hurt you to getinto the habit. Now we're having a
guest starting, Sonny, and itisn't nice matter to come to the table
in your shirts. Please, shewon't say that. My always roll them
up. Please, finy for whatdo? Okay? I ain't gonna let
(09:52):
nothing spoil my appetite when we gotsteak for dinner. Oh we're not having
steak tonight. I'm I'm saying itfor Sunday when mother gets here. But
what are we going to eat tonight? Lode, we had to be a
lope yesterday. Well I fixed itup and it looks lovely. Then let's
(10:13):
take a picture of it now,Riley, please okay here all okay,
I'm a reasonable man. At first, I want to relax. Oh,
Riley, please off that couch.What's wrong? I always like down here
before supper? Yes, I know. And if there's one thing that mother
(10:35):
doesn't like, it making a livingroom into a bedroom doesn't like. Mother
doesn't like now now, Riley,okay, okay, okay, I won't
lay on the couch. I laydown on my bed all right. Oh,
by the way, when mother getshere, she'll sleep in our room.
(10:56):
In our room. Now wait aminute, Tompany, but your mother
is a crowd, and you haveto douvel up with Junior in his room.
Nuts un done, he hikes inhis fleet. He I will.
Now, Riley, don't get itsing right. When you open a thought
(11:20):
to an in law, you becomean outlaw. And Almas will hear more
of how Riley Candles is oncoming motherin law. Meanwhile, this is Ken
Nile speaking for meat and with thehappiest words I've yet spoken on this program.
(11:43):
The great day came on Tuesday.The bee day the world has awaited
for nearly six long years is writteninto history. At last. Our President
is at this first Sunday after vE Day as a Sunday of Thanksgiving.
The American Lead Institute, in placeof its regular message at this time as
asked me to give you this specialmessage, especially appropriate on this Mother's Day
(12:03):
Sunday. Let's give thanks to GeneralEike Eisenhower and his fighting American boys,
to our brave British, Russian andFrench allies, to the great victory they
have just accomplished. But on thisDay of Thanksgiving over events in Europe.
Let us turn our eyes and heartsand skills to the West, where American's
(12:24):
other war still rages on. Letus remember our job is not complete until
we mark on the calendar of theworld a b J Day to go alongside
that v E Day that stands forvictory in Europe. And now back to
the Life of Riley with William Bendicksas Riley well Friley's mother in law is
(12:50):
en route to Los Angeles, andRiley is worried. His trouble making friend
Jim Gillis has convinced our hero thata visit from an in law will meanly
end of Riley's happy home life.Poor Riley is so confused that right now
he's riding out a telegram hoping toget his mother in law to turn around
and go back east. Oh,let's see, I gotta get the color
(13:11):
gray right, missus Harriet Turnbull CaliforniaLimited westbound, dear PEG's mother, bad
news, Los Angeles at war withPomona. No, no, no,
she won't believe that she's pretty much. Oh, oh, I got it.
Horrific blizzards raging here in California.Also many cases of sunstroke, big
(13:39):
volcano expected also flood. Wish youwere here, but turned back immediately.
Love and kisses from you. Whatare you doing? Oh? Oh,
peg, I didn't know you werein the house. Like hi, I
was. I was just take awar. Oh that'll do you good,
dear. Um. What you're ridingright? Oh? I ain't right now.
(14:01):
Look you've got a pen in yourhand. There's paper all over the
floor. If you're not writing,what I hear you're doing well? Guys,
I just got a new blotter fromthe bank and I'm tested. That's
what's that paper you just threw inthe waist basket? Paper? Let me
see it? Thank you, Thankyou, thank I smell something burning in
(14:24):
the ice box that you read this. I know you're hiding something for me.
Say missus Harriet's turn boat California LimitedWISPA. Why it's a telegram to
mother? You daring? What alovely thought welcoming her. I should have
(14:46):
thought of it. I wish youhad pay give me the paper? Will
you? Um? Terrific blizzard here? Sunstroke? Turn turned back? Oh
oh well, it don't really meanswhat it says. It's cold and you
(15:11):
were gonna send this to my motherChester Riley. How could you think of
such a thing here? It wasn'teasy pretending you liked her. Excuse me
that Robert Fulton had to invent thetelegraph. I don't guys enough alone,
(15:43):
and thank you as my wife caughtme right in the telegram. I wish
you man man. I ain't seenpig so man since our wedding night when
I carried her across the threshold andbumped her head against the transit m what's
your next move? Right? Oh? Nothing, I guess I'll just have
to figure out some way to handlemy mother in law when she gets here.
(16:06):
Oh you're gonna handle him? Yeah, then take my advice. Get
yourself a chair and a whip.She whistuous, But what can I do?
Open your mouth and put your footdown. When her train gets in
the sifternoon. She can stay ata hotel, can't she? The bellhops
(16:27):
crazy? I know, but afterall she is takes mother. Ain't it
kind of selfish? Really? I'mtelling you this for the sake of your
kids in your home. You gottaprotect your home, after all. You
think out time it insurance, don'tyou say? I never thought of it?
That way. You're a regulous howyou're to pet it's my duty.
(16:49):
No you're talking, Go home andlay down the lore. No more you
on the path. M more youin the fact of the homes, ahead
of the house. And if hermother comes, you'll go kill us.
You're right. For the sake ofmy family, I'm going right home and
lay down a lot of pig Ohthem's here? Who was at at the
(17:19):
door? Just now? Who's union? It's a telegram for you mother,
for me, Let me see who'sit from? What it's from your grandmother?
Well, for heaven's sake, whatgrandma? He read it? Oh
mother? Oh, won't you besurprised? Surprise isn't the word for us?
(17:48):
Where's your father? Now? Youand Junior not to say a word
about this wire. I want totell you a bottom and stuff. I'll
go and tell you. Hey,hey, oh ohkay, run, I've
got something to tell you, Okay, But first I got something to tell
you Peg. The time has comefor me to open my mouth. I'm
(18:08):
through choice. I just got anothertelling. Heg From now on, I'm
the fathead of the house. SoI'm laying down the law about your mother.
But Riley, that I got nothingagainst your mother. I love her
and I respect her, and she'swelcome to stay here as long as she
(18:30):
wants, providing she goes to ahotel. I'll even pay all the bills.
Oh I think then mother can't sayyou for the sake of our home?
No, and suppose I'm jack.Well, if your mother comes here,
I go very well, then Iguess you had to go. Hey,
(18:57):
didn't you hear me? I?If your mother comes, I go
bla, Well, what are youwaiting for? No? Go on?
So okay, I can take ahint. I don't have to stay here
(19:18):
where I'm not wanted. I'll justpack all my stuff. A fine thing
when a man has thrown out ofhis own house. See, I got
more stuff from a jog. Ican't put all this in my pocket,
so maybe I better postpar Thank youjust put this stuff in here. We
(19:44):
used the same police on our honeymoon. It's still got the label from the
hotel Hoboken. Hey, what's goingon for my kids? Good Bye?
What were you going? Daddy?Your mother will explain? Wow, goodbye
(20:04):
Junior, goodbye beats, good byepeg bound, bye Junior. Well,
goodbye. The store is stuck hedidn't turn the knob. Wow, goodbye
(20:32):
mother? Why daddy doing wolden?Dear? You'll be back to enough.
I think he needs a little lessonhide. Well, well, goodbye.
I'll let you know where to comesfrom my paycheck. Beauty bird, go
(21:03):
on, go on, Bird,go home, Go on, Bert,
be smart, go home. Thispodcast for birds that ain't got no home
like me getings Riley. Huh yourecognize me, Riley? It's dig be
(21:30):
Odell, the friendly undertakeer. Ohoh oh, I didn't see I guess
my brain is somewhere else. Braytell me, Riley, what are you
doing? Hid in the bath?I've been walking for hours. I'm dead.
You are? You should lie down? I can't. I left home.
(21:56):
I got no place to stay.You left home? Yeah, don't
ask me why, but I left. You're looking for a room all day?
No luck, dig Bedell, neverlet the print down. I'm positive
I can dig you up a restingplace, no trouble day. Why.
(22:18):
It'll be a pleasure you big Steve. I have it. You can spend
the night at night plea. Ohno, no, why not? It's
very quiet down there, no snorting. You see my families away, so
our house is empty. Oh ohyour house? Oh well, no,
(22:41):
thanks, all the same day,I'll find some place, Higg. Did
you ever have any mother in lawd'strouble? Never really, I'm ned about
my mother in law, simply ned. He's jarming gable and chuckles. And
I adore my mother in law.She's so good. They're lucky. Tiger
(23:11):
is a matter of fact, theseflowers that I have here to put my
mother in law to celebrate Mother's Day. Mother's Day. Today is Mother's Day.
I forgot Tiger. Walking out onPeg was bad enough, but going
it on Mother's Day makes it evenworse. I'm come, Riley, control
(23:32):
yoursel. I'm going home. I'mgoing home and apologize. Maybe she won't
ever speak to me again, maybeshe'll never even let me in a house,
but I won't care as long asshe takes me back. Oh you
(23:56):
hello, Riley, Peg. Hey, guy just dropped in to say happy
Mother's Day. Oh oh, itis Mother's Day, isn't it? Peg?
Peg? I was wrong? Godgillis he talked me into it?
(24:17):
Peg. If you want to knowme by this time, I ain't got
a mind of my own, soI use anybody's peg. I like your
mother. Honest, I'll stay inhis house as long as she lets me.
Well, don't it? Can Icome in? Oh? Good again?
(24:42):
Would it be alrighty thing? Soto kiss you? Wow? I
don't see any harm she doing.You made a new man out of me?
Oh well, I certainly did.Oh stop it, Riley. Oh
gee, you're you're wonderful. Forgiveme darling. Oh oh well, now
(25:04):
I better get down to the stationand meet your sweet mother. Oh wait
a minute, Riley, Riley,mother's here already, her dream got in
an hour ago. Yes, whereit's a little darlin in his room.
Oh mother, yes, your dear, no, my darling boy, Hello,
sweetheart? Hey, heyk you knowsomething. Your mother's getting to look
(25:30):
just like my mother. Your motherain't your mother, she's my mother.
Holy snakes, my mother. Willyou stop at jabrin, Riley and come
here and kiss your old mother?Mom? Mom? Ge, mom,
we're watching your looking great Mom.Give me a hotel. Oh you're squashing
(25:52):
me up by Why didn't you letus know you were coming? But she
did? Riley. The telegram wegot with thine mother, and it was
sent to me, so I thoughtit was from my mother, But I
got another wire this morning, Mother, Riley. I tried to tell you,
well, what's the difference my motheryour mother in law? I love
(26:14):
him both. He let me look. Oh, yes, sir, you're
still beautiful. You can pass formy sister. Sister. Well, I
like that the way you look now, Chester, you could pass for my
father the same old Mom. Oh, well, say drama's done that?
(26:38):
Start dinner? Yeah, come on, mom, let's pull nose bag.
Chester. Don't say nose bag?Oh okay, Mom, Caester. Is
that your hat on the piano?Yes? Mom. If there's one thing
I can't spend, it's a manwho clutters up the living room. Come
(27:02):
on, hurry, I wash yourhands, don't deloy. I'll be right
with you, mum. And thisfor the million things she gave me,
oh, is only that she's aruin old alrighty coming now? The day
(27:37):
is a fact. It may benatural to ask, how soon will we
get more meats? How about thatsteak? This question is clearly answered in
the following official states, but justreleased by the Office of War Information.
V E. Day does not meana reduction in the Army's meet for requirements
for nineteen forty five any more thanit does a reduction in the army's overall
food requirements. Troops in Europe willget less canned meat rations. They will
(28:02):
get more fresh meats, which manycombat troops have wanted so much, and
no matter how they slice it,they will want and need and get as
much meat overall as they did beforevictory in Europe, if not more.
On top of this continued neat inEurope is the obvious fact that stocks in
the Pacific, particularly of canned meatsand combat rations, must be increased or
(28:23):
the intensified war against Japan. Themeat industry believes this official statement by Washington
authority should be known to as manypeople as possible. That is why we
broadcast it today. SUMPM, youreally forgive me for acting a way I
(28:45):
did? All of course you gee, you should have slapped meat down or
something. I acted like a dope, Yes, but you're a sweet dope.
All say the nicest things, youknow. I don't say this to
every woman, but someday you're gonnamake some nice young man a wonderful mother
in law. Riley don't matter whattheir names, they're working on the line.
(29:30):
Mary. Don't miss the Life ofRiley, starring William Bendig, says
Riley, and presented by the AmericanMeat Institute Next week at the same time.
(29:52):
Next week, Riley tries to straightenout his teenage daughter's love life.
Results grief for Riley, laughs forus, don't christ it. William Bandix
plays Riley by arrangement with Hal Roach. This program was directed by Don Bernard
with music by Luke Coslow.
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