The Life of Riley

By Entertainment Radio

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Category: Comedy

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Subscribers: 2
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Episodes: 27

Description

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.

Episode Date
Life_Of_Riley_451215_Grandma_s_Boyfriend
Mar 06, 2022
Life_Of_Riley_451208_Job_Promotion_Exam
Mar 06, 2022
Life_Of_Riley_451201_Phonograph_Record_Saves_Riley
Mar 06, 2022
Life_Of_Riley_451124_Will_Babs_And_Simon_Marry
Mar 06, 2022
Life_Of_Riley_451020_Sidney_Monahan_Is_A_House_Guest
Mar 06, 2022
Life_Of_Riley_450915_Neighbor_Feud_Over_Juniors_Goat
Mar 06, 2022
Life_Of_Riley_450908_LayOffs
Mar 06, 2022
Life_Of_Riley_450513_Pegs_Mother_Visits
Mar 06, 2022
Life_Of_Riley_450325_Five_Dollars_Is_Missing
Mar 06, 2022
Life_Of_Riley_450318_Riley_Is_A_Pal_To_Junior
Mar 06, 2022
Life_Of_Riley_450311_Junior_Runs_Away
Mar 06, 2022
Life_Of_Riley_450304_Expectant_Fathers
Mar 06, 2022
Life_Of_Riley_450225_Riley_Helps_Luigi_Pass_English_Exam
Mar 06, 2022
Life_Of_Riley_450121_Riley_Takes_Phone_Booth_Nickels
Mar 06, 2022
Life_Of_Riley_450114_The_Watch
Mar 06, 2022
Life_Of_Riley_450107_Silver_Gloves_Boxing
Mar 06, 2022
Life_Of_Riley_441224_Roswells_A_Guest_For_Christmas
Mar 06, 2022
Life_Of_Riley_441217_Christmas_Present
Mar 06, 2022
Life_Of_Riley_441210_Rileys_Mash_Note_At_Night_School
Mar 06, 2022
Life_Of_Riley_441203_Most_Popular_Boy
Mar 06, 2022
Life_Of_Riley_441119_Turkey_Hunt
Mar 06, 2022
Life_Of_Riley_441112_Big_Football_Bet
Mar 06, 2022
Life_Of_Riley_441105_Piano_Lessons_for_Junior
Mar 06, 2022
Life_Of_Riley_441029_Halloween_Haunted_House
Mar 06, 2022
Life_Of_Riley_440430_Baxter_Goes_To_New_York
Mar 06, 2022
Life_Of_Riley_440409_Riley_Is_Best_Dressed_Man
Mar 06, 2022
Life_Of_Riley_440116_Riley_Plans_to_Build_A_House
Mar 06, 2022