Podcast appearances and mentions of William Bendix

Comedy on a SundayFirst,  a look at this day in History.Then Town Hall Tonight with Fred Allen, originally broadcast June 8, 1938, 86 years ago, Satire on Song Writers. Fred interviews "actors" about the coming summer stock season. People You Didn't Expect To Meet: Ray Smith, a hunting and fishing guide from upstate New York. Ed Albany: "The Human Echo" performs. Followed by the Judy Canova Show, originally broadcast June 8, 1946, 79 years ago, Judy prepares for a Game Show. Then The Life of Riley starring William Bendix, originally broadcast June 8, 1946, 79 years ago, The Bread Shortage.  Riley finds himself in the black market bread business. Finally. Lum and Abner, originally broadcast June 8, 1942, 83 years ago, Lum's English State of Mind.  While they're in the greeting card business, the boys compose a graduation card for Grandpappy Spears. Thanks to Honeywell for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.streamFind the Family Fallout Shelter Booklet Here: https://www.survivorlibrary.com/library/the_family_fallout_shelter_1959.pdfhttps://wardomatic.blogspot.com/2006/11/fallout-shelter-handbook-1962.html

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This week John Tefteller and guest Dr. Joe Webb discuss a 1947 episode of the radio show Suspense titled "Three Faces at Midnight," which starred William Bendix. The plot involves blackmail, politics, and gangsters, a territory familiar to Bendix who began as a thuggish character actor in the movies before The Life of Riley eclipsed his film career. They talk about the versatility of comedic actors in dramatic roles and an on-air sound effect mishap in the East Coast broadcast featuring actor Hans Conried. Visit our website: https://goodolddaysofradio.com/ Subscribe to our Facebook Group for news, discussions, and the latest podcast: https://www.facebook.com/groups/881779245938297 Our theme music is "Why Am I So Romantic?" from Animal Crackers: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KHJKAKS/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_MK8MVCY4DVBAM8ZK39WD

This week, as part of our epic 10-week quest that seeks to visit many comedians who appeared on the radio thriller series “Suspense,” and pare them with their radio programs, we're stopping off at the popular sitcom, The Life of Riley, starring William Bendix as the well-meaning but often misguided Chester A. Riley. This is a Mother's Day episode, and revolves around Riley's anxieties about his son Junior forgetting Mother's Day, leading to the show's usual encounters with characters like Riley's friend Gillis (played by John Brown) and the undertaker Digger O'Dell (also played by John Brown!). Visit our website: https://goodolddaysofradio.com/ Subscribe to our Facebook Group for news, discussions, and the latest podcast: https://www.facebook.com/groups/881779245938297 Our theme music is "Why Am I So Romantic?" from Animal Crackers: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KHJKAKS/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_MK8MVCY4DVBAM8ZK39WD

Comedy on a SundayFirst a look at the events of the dayThen Jack Benny, originally broadcast April 6, 1952, 73 years ago, The Swimming Pool.  Jack opens his swimming pool, and then visits the dentist. Followed by The Life of Riley starring William Bendix, originally broadcast April 6, 1946, 79 years ago, Riley Finds a Silver Fox Coat.   Riley finds a fur coat on the bus and wins an argument with his conscience.Then Meet Corliss Archer starring Janet Waldo, originally broadcast April 6, 1947, 78 years ago, The Beauty Contest. Corliss tries to become, "Sweetheart Of The Year."Followed by The Bob Hope Show, originally broadcast April 6, 1948, 77 years ago with guest Dinah Shore. The program originates from Laguna Beach, on behalf of the Laguna Beach Youth Fund. Bob and Dinah do a skit about the song, "Two Sleepy People."Finally, Lum and Abner, originally broadcast April 6, 1942, 83 years ago, the Committee for the Premiere. Preparations are being made for the big premiere of the new Lum and Abner movie. Thanks to Honeywell for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.streamIf you like what we do here, visit our friend Jay at http://radio.macinmind.com for great old time radio shows 24 hours a day

In this bonus episode, I share my favorite Suspense shows starring William Bendix - the lovable lug of The Life of Riley and the Oscar-nominated character actor of Lifeboat, The Blue Dahlia, and more. He's a Runyonesque brawler turned detective in Raymond Chandler's "Pearls are a Nuisance" (originally aired on CBS on April 19, 1945), and an unwitting participant in a political blackmail scheme in "Three Faces at Midnight" (originally aired on CBS on February 27, 1947). Finally, Bendix is a safecracker who discovers his estranged son is eager to go into the family business in "The Gift of Jumbo Brannigan" (originally aired on CBS on March 1, 1951).

A Funny SundayFirst a look at this day in History.Then The Life of Riley starring William Bendix, originally broadcast March 16, 1946, 79 years ago, Riley Buys an Insurance Policy.  Riley buys a life insurance policy from Sidney Monahan and thinks he's going to be killed so Peg can collect double indemnity!  Followed by Jack Benny, originally broadcast March 16, 1952, 73 years ago,The IRS pays Jack a Visit. The men from the Internal Revenue Department come to visit!Then Fibber McGee and Molly, originally broadcast March 16, 1936, 89 years ago, Check Room Attendants.  Fibber McGee and Molly are check room attendants at the Wistful Wistful railroad station. Followed by Amos ‘n' Andy originally broadcast March 16, 1945, 80 years ago, Lecture Bureau.  After running a bank for five minutes, the boys start a lecture bureau, with Andy doing the speech making.Finally Claudia, originally broadcast March 16, 1949, 76 years ago, The Westbrook Accident.  An early start getting to the sale. Thanks to Sean for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.streamFind the Family Fallout Shelter Booklet Here: https://www.survivorlibrary.com/library/the_family_fallout_shelter_1959.pdfhttps://wardomatic.blogspot.com/2006/11/fallout-shelter-handbook-1962.htmlAnd more about the Survive-all Fallout Sheltershttps://conelrad.blogspot.com/2010/09/mad-men-meet-mad-survive-all-shelter.html

For this week's podcast we set sail for Alfred Hitchcock's 1944 WWII parable, Lifeboat. Set entirely on a lifeboat occupied by several survivors of a U-boat attack in the Atlantic ocean, it's a morality tale set entirely at sea.***SPOILER ALERT*** We do talk about this movie in its entirety, so if you plan on watching it, we suggest you watch it before listening to our takes.A 20th Century Fox Picture. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Produced by Darryl F. Zanuck and Kenneth Macgowan. Written by Jo Swerling from a story by John Steinbeck. Starring Tallulah Bankhead, William Bendix, Walter Slezak, Mary Anderson, Henry Hull, Hume Cronyn, John Hodiak, Heather Angel, Canada Lee. Cinematography by Glen MacWilliams. Music by Hugo W. Friedhofer.Ranking: 19 out of 52. Ranking movies is a reductive parlor game. It's also fun. And it's a good way to frame a discussion. We aggregated over 70 ranked lists from critics, fans, and magazines Lifeboat got 1,961 ranking points.

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This Saturday on Vintage Classic Radio's "Saturday Matinee," we open with "The Life of Riley" in the episode “The Christmas Club,” which first aired on December 23rd, 1949. In this festive episode, Chester A. Riley, portrayed by William Bendix, struggles to hide his Christmas club savings from his family, leading to a series of humorous misunderstandings. The cast includes Paula Winslowe as Peg Riley, John Brown as Digby "Digger" O'Dell, and Wesley Morgan as Junior Riley. Following that, we tune into the "Abbott and Costello Show" for "The Christmas Show," originally broadcast on December 23rd, 1943. Bud Abbott and Lou Costello bring their iconic comedy to the holiday season, involving a hilarious quest to buy a Christmas tree and a mix-up involving Santa Claus himself. The duo is joined by regulars such as Mel Blanc and Arthur Q. Bryan in supporting roles. Our third show features "The Christmas Seals Show," a charity radio special guest starring Frank Sinatra, which highlights the importance of supporting the fight against tuberculosis through the purchase of Christmas Seals stamps. Sinatra lends his voice to both song and story, encouraging listeners to contribute to the cause. He's supported by a lineup of guest stars and a full orchestra, adding to the festive spirit and charitable appeal. We conclude with "Moonlight Serenade," a show starring Glen Miller and his orchestra. In the "Christmas Show," broadcast on December 24th, 1941, listeners are treated to a selection of yuletide classics and big band favorites. This episode offers a warm, musical celebration of the holiday season, showcasing Miller's signature sound that has captivated audiences for decades. Together, these episodes offer a rich tapestry of holiday entertainment, blending comedy, music, and goodwill, perfect for ushering in the festive spirit on Vintage Classic Radio.

Thanksgiving Comedy on TuesdayFirst a look at the events of the dayThen Jack Benny, originally broadcast November 19, 1939, 85 years ago,  Jack Buys an Ostrich for Thanksgiving. Mary Livingstone reads a Thanksgiving Day poem. Jack is planning a Thanksgiving party for his friends...with an ostrich! Followed by Amos ‘n' Andy, originally broadcast November 19, 1943, 81 years ago, Turkey Trouble.  Andy has to get a Thanksgiving turkey somewhere for his nephew Jimmy who is coming for Thanksgiving dinner. Maybe guest Spring Byington can help?We follow that with The Life of Riley starring William Bendix, originally broadcast November 19, 1944, 80 years ago, Turkey Hunt.  How to get a turkey for Thanksgiving? It's easy...win a turkey shoot! Then The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show, originally broadcast November 19, 1950, 74 years ago, Alice and the Kids Going to Palm Springs Without Phil.  Phil's spending the weekend without Alice and the girls, prompting Remley to bring a live turkey into the house. Her name is Charmaine. Finally, Superman, originally broadcast November 19, 1941, 83 years ago, The Pan-American Highway.   Clark Kent receives Perry White's distress call from the sabotaged stratoship. Superman to the rescue! A clue is found indicating that a lost Inca civilization may still exist. Bud Collyer still has laryngitis. Thanks to Honeywell for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.streamIf you like what we do here, visit our friend Jay at http://radio.macinmind.com for great old time radio shows 24 hours a day

Join us for a Thanksgiving Special on Vintage Classic Radio during this Saturday's "Saturday Matinee." We begin with "The Life of Riley" in the episode "Thanksgiving Flashback," originally aired on November 19, 1948. In this nostalgic episode, Chester Riley reminisces about past Thanksgiving celebrations, leading to a series of humorous and heartfelt misunderstandings typical of the Riley household. The show stars William Bendix as Chester Riley, supported by Paula Winslowe as Peg, his wife, and John Brown as the ever-scheming Digby "Digger" O'Dell. Next, we step back to November 18, 1940, for the "Burns and Allen Show." This episode finds George Burns and Gracie Allen preparing for a festive Thanksgiving, only to encounter their usual mix-ups and misunderstandings. Alongside George and Gracie, the episode features regulars such as Bill Goodwin, the show's announcer, and musicians like Meredith Willson. Before our final presentation, we'll enjoy a musical interlude with Frank Sinatra singing "Homesick, That's All," offering a touch of melancholic nostalgia. We conclude with "The Jack Benny Show," in the episode "Jack Dreams He is a Turkey," which first aired on November 21, 1943. In this amusing holiday special, Jack Benny experiences a hilarious dream sequence where he imagines himself as a turkey just before Thanksgiving. This episode features Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Rochester, Dennis Day, and Don Wilson, with the show sponsored by Jello. To cap off our Thanksgiving Special, Kay Kyser and his orchestra will play the classic "Shine On Harvest Moon," sending us off with a melody perfect for the season. Join us for a blend of comedy, music, and Thanksgiving spirit this Saturday on Vintage Classic Radio.

A Funny SundayFirst a look at this day in History.Then The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, originally broadcast October 27, 1950, 74 years ago, The Halloween Party.   It's Halloween, and Ozzie and Harriet are exploring a haunted house.Followed by Jack Benny, originally broadcast October 27, 1946, 78 years ago, Dream of Killing the Quartet.   Jack is very unhappy with the quartet and wonders how he could get rid of them.  Mary orders what kind of sandwich?  Then The Life of Riley starring William Bendix, originally broadcast October 27, 1945, 79 years ago, The Football Game.  Riley tries to encourage Junior by telling his story of his football exploits.Followed by Amos ‘n' Andy, originally broadcast October 27, 1944, 80 years ago, Madam Queen Marriage.  David Johnson would like to marry Madame Queen. Andy finds himself still engaged to marry Madame Queen. They've been engaged for only 14 years. Kingfish accepts $125 from Mr. Johnson to break up the engagement. Finally Superman, originally broadcast October 27, 1941, 83 years ago, the Crooked Oil Association. Superman rescues Tumbleweed from the quicksand pit. Jimmy Olsen finds a mysterious Silver Arrow. The start of a new adventure.Thanks to Debbie for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.streamFind the Family Fallout Shelter Booklet Here: https://jfk.artifacts.archives.gov/objects/18804/the-family-fallout-shelter

A Funny FridayFirst a look at this day in History.Then My Friend Irma starring Marie Wilson, originally broadcast October 11, 1948, 76 years ago.  Irma and her friends attend a charity masquerade ball. Followed by The Halls of Ivy starring Ronald and Benita Coleman, originally broadcast October 11, 1950, 74 years ago, Phone Problems.   A strange man from the telephone company comes to call. Is Emerson Hall (no relation to Todd Hunter Hall) worth saving?Then The Edgar Bergen Show with Charlie McCarthy, originally broadcast October 11, 1953, 71 years ago with guest Gordon MacRae. The first show of the season. Charlie gets guest Gordon MacRae to help him leave Bergen. Mortimer Snerd down on the farm. Followed by The Life of Riley starring William Bendix, originally broadcast October 11, 1947, 77 years ago, Riley The Cop.  A flashback story: Riley the cop. Finally Claudia, originally broadcast October 11, 1948, 76  years ago.  How long has David been awake?Thanks to Debbie for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.streamFind the Famly Fallout Shelter Booklet Here: https://jfk.artifacts.archives.gov/objects/18804/the-family-fallout-shelterCivil defense info mentioned on the show can be found here: http://www.civildefensemuseum.com/docs.html

Support Breaking Walls at https://www.patreon.com/thewallbreakers Created by Irving Brecher, the best-known incarnation of The Life of Riley came to the air Sunday January 16th, 1944 at 3PM eastern time over The Blue Network. It starred William Bendix as Chester A. Riley and was sponsored by The American Meat Institute. Riley was easily exasperated, but difficult to defeat. The difficulty increased by degrees with the flimsiness of Riley's cause. Bendix was born on January 14th, 1906 in Manhattan, New York. He came out of the New Jersey Federal Theater project, a latecomer to the profession, beginning at thirty when the grocery store he was running went out of business. His film career began in 1942. He was often the hooligan with the heart of gold. Riley was his most famous character. It co-starred the previously heard Hans Conreid as Uncle Baxter with John Brown as both Riley's friend Gillis and the undertaker, Digger O'Dell. Paula Winslowe was Riley's long-suffering wife Peg. Sharon Douglas was Babs and Conrad Binyon played Junior. The Life of Riley proved popular enough that in June of 1944 it was moved to Sundays at 10PM. When the series returned for the fall, its October 1944 rating was 4.7. On Sunday, October 29th, 1944 Junior was dared by his friends to visit the haunted Sherman house. He ropes Riley into going with him. Jeanette Nolan guest-stars on the show as Mrs. Sherman, who isn't a ghost, but is in fact a widow who lost her husband in the War and became a shut-in afterwards. Beginning in the fall of 1945 it moved to NBC where it was a mainstay for six seasons. It peaked in 1947-48 with a rating of 20.1, good for fourteenth overall that year. A TV version debuted in October of 1949, first with Jackie Gleason as Riley and later with William Bendix playing the familiar role for five years.

2+ Hours of ComedyFirst a look at this day in History.Then Father Knows Best starring Robert Young, originally broadcast September 27, 1951, 73 years ago, The Billiard Table. The family is mixed on having a billiard table in the house. Followed by My Friend Irma starring Marie Wilson, originally broadcast September 27, 1948, 76 years ago.  The Professor has lost his job at The Gypsy Tea Room. Irma gets the idea of opening a restaurant for the Professor, "The Cafe Kropotkin."Then The Life of Riley starring William Bendix, originally broadcast September 27, 1947, 77 years ago, the Art Object.  Riley buys a statue of Venus de Milo, with a clock and a radio in her stomach, lights in her hair, and a cigar lighter in her nose. She's just beautiful!Followed by The Sweeney and March Show starring Bob Sweeney and Hal March, originally broadcast September 27, 1947, 77 years ago, Enlisting in the National Guard. Finally Claudia, originally broadcast September 27, 1948, 76 years ago.  Claudia telephone David in the hospital...and speaks to the butler!Thanks to Sean for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.streamCivil defense info mentioned on the show can be found here: http://www.civildefensemuseum.com/docs.html

Join us this week on Vintage Classic Radio for our "Friday Night Noir," featuring a captivating film noir double bill with both episodes starring the iconic Alan Ladd. Dive into the dark and mysterious world of "The Blue Dahlia," first aired on April 21, 1949, on "The Screen Guild Theater." This gripping episode, penned by Raymond Chandler, follows Johnny Morrison as he returns from the war, only to find himself entangled in a web of murder and deceit after the tragic death of his wife. Alan Ladd shines as Johnny Morrison, alongside Veronica Lake as Joyce Harwood, William Bendix as Buzz Wanchek, and Howard Da Silva as Eddie Harwood. Following "The Blue Dahlia," we continue the intrigue with "The Glass Key," which originally aired on July 22, 1946. This adaptation of Dashiell Hammett's novel features Alan Ladd in the role of Ed Beaumont, a man caught in a brutal election fight that leads to murder. Ed's loyalty to his boss is tested as he navigates a treacherous path through betrayal and romantic entanglements. Alongside Alan Ladd, Marjorie Reynolds stars as Janet Henry, adding to the spellbinding drama. This episode also features performances by Brian Donlevy as Paul Madvig and Joseph Calleia as Nick Varna, each adding depth and intensity to this thrilling narrative. Tune in for a night of suspense and shadowy corners with these classic tales of intrigue and danger. Whether you're a long-time fan of film noir or discovering these stories for the first time, "Friday Night Noir" promises to deliver a night to remember.

7+ Hours of  ComedyFirst a look at this day in History.Then The Life of Riley starring William Bendix, originally broadcast September 7, 1946, 78 years ago, Riley Gets Promoted. Riley has been promoted to be the new assistant manager...he thinks. Followed by Fibber McGee and Molly, originally broadcast September 7, 1936, 88 years ago, Judge Of Court Of Domestic Relations.  Meet the judge at the Wistful Vista "Court of Human Relations." Guess who?Then Father Knows Best starring Robert Young, originally broadcast September 7, 1950, 74 years ago, An Efficient House.  Jim has spent the summer “organizing” the house.  Margaret and the kids are busy trying to find everything...Followed by the CBS Radio Workshop, originally broadcast September 7, 1956, 68 years ago, The Hither and Thither Of Danny Dither.  An original musical comedy about Danny, a messenger from the Department of Faith, Hope, and Charity who comes to Earth for a very special reason. Finally Claudia, originally broadcast September 7, 1948, 76 years ago.  Opening night continues.Thanks to Sean for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.streamCivil defense info mentioned on the show can be found here: http://www.civildefensemuseum.com/docs.html

Same Time, Same Station 08/25/2024 Jeff Chandler Part 2. “This is Hollywood” 12/21/1946 (4) White Tie and Tales. William Bendix, Dan Duryea. Stars Hedda Hopper. “Movietown Radio Theater” 1947 Syndicated Les Mitchell Productions. Flowers For Millie. “Lux Radio Theater” 03/24/1947 (564) Smoky. AFRS Recording. Stars Joel McCrea. If you would like to request shows, please call (714) 449-1958 E-mail: Larry Gassman: LarryGassman1@gmail.com John Gassman: John1Gassman@gmail.com

Same Time, Same Station 08/25/2024 Jeff Chandler Part 2. “This is Hollywood” 12/21/1946 (4) White Tie and Tales. William Bendix, Dan Duryea. Stars Hedda Hopper. “Movietown Radio Theater” 1947 Syndicated Les Mitchell Productions. Flowers For Millie. “Lux Radio Theater” 03/24/1947 (564) Smoky. AFRS Recording. Stars Joel McCrea. If you would like to request shows, please call (714) 449-1958 E-mail: Larry Gassman: LarryGassman1@gmail.com John Gassman: John1Gassman@gmail.com

This Saturday on Vintage Classic Radio's "Saturday Matinee," listeners will be treated to a lineup of timeless radio shows beginning with "The Life of Riley" in the episode titled "Fish Story." Originally aired on June 4, 1944, this comedic episode features Chester A. Riley, played by William Bendix, who finds himself in a hilarious mix-up involving a borrowed rowboat and a supposed giant fish. The cast also includes Paula Winslowe as Peg Riley, John Brown as Digby "Digger" O'Dell, and Barbara Eiler as Babs Riley. Following "The Life of Riley," the airwaves will bring the laughter of "The Abbott and Costello Show" with the episode "Jack and the Beanstalk," which first delighted audiences on February 15, 1945. In this amusing adaptation of the classic fairy tale, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello add their unique comedic twist to the story of Jack, who trades the family cow for magic beans. The episode features Bud Abbott as Abbott, Lou Costello as Costello, and also includes notable voice performances from Mel Blanc and Iris Adrian. Concluding the matinee, "Lux Radio Theatre" presents "Cheaper by the Dozen," which was originally broadcast on May 7, 1951. This heartwarming episode stars Clifton Webb and Jeanne Crain, who portray Frank and Lillian Gilbreth, respectively, a couple managing the chaos and joy of raising twelve children. This radio adaptation captures the humorous and tender moments of family life, based on the biographical book by siblings Frank Bunker Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey. Each show in our lineup offers a distinct flavor of classic radio entertainment, from uproarious comedy to touching family tales, ensuring an engaging afternoon for all our listeners.

2+ Hours of  ComedyFirst a look at this day in History.Then Father Knows Best starring Robert Young, originally broadcast July 5, 1951, 73 years ago, The Meaning of Freedoms.  The Andersons are back in the days of the American Revolution.Followed by Fibber McGee and Molly, originally broadcast July 5, 1937, 87 years ago, Getting Out of Hollywood Lease.   The program originates from Hollywood.  Fibber tries to break his lease after filming their part in, "This Way, Please." Then The Martin and Lewis Show, originally broadcast July 5, 1949, 75 years ago, Guest Ralph Bellamy. The boys need a new act for a stage appearance in the fall. Perhaps guest Ralph Bellamy can help...he's written a new song! Ralph joins Dean and Jerry in a hillbilly drama titled, "When My Honeybee Starts Buzzin' 'Round, I Always Get The Hives."Followed by  The Life of Riley starring William Bendix, originally broadcast July 5, 1947, 77 years ago, Riley Thinks Peg is Leaving Him.  Riley thinks Babs is leaving him. The last show of the program's fourth season. Finally Claudia, originally broadcast July 5, 1948, 76 years ago, the baby is here, and it's a.....Thanks to Robert for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.streamIf you like what we do here, visit our friend Jay at http://radio.macinmind.com for great old time radio shows 24 hours a day. 

This Saturday on Vintage Classic Radio's "Saturday Matinee," we begin with the "Life of Riley" radio show and its episode titled "The Football Game," originally aired on October 27th, 1945. In this humorous episode, Chester A. Riley, portrayed by William Bendix, gets himself into a pickle when he tries to impress his son by claiming to be a former football star, which leads to a series of comedic misunderstandings and Riley attempting to play in a local football game. The cast also includes John Brown as Digby O'Dell, the friendly undertaker, and Paula Winslowe as Peg Riley, Chester's understanding wife. Next up, we enjoy the antics of the "Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show" in the episode "Cadillac in The Swimming Pool," which first graced the airwaves on May 15th, 1949. The episode finds Phil Harris, played by himself, and his wife Alice Faye, also playing herself, in a hilarious predicament when Phil accidentally drives a new Cadillac into their swimming pool, leading to a riotous attempt at hiding the mishap from a nosy insurance agent. The episode features Elliott Lewis as Frank Remley, Phil's guitar-playing sidekick, and Walter Tetley as Julius, the cheeky grocery boy. We conclude with the "Screen Director's Playhouse" and its episode "Music for Millions," broadcast on April 10th, 1949, starring June Allyson. The story centers on a young woman trying to keep her family together and maintain a spot in her beloved orchestra while waiting for news of her husband, who is away at war. The episode offers a touching portrayal of hope and resilience, with June Allyson reprising her film role. The cast is rounded out by notable performances from Hans Conried and Cathy Lewis in supporting roles. These episodes from the golden age of radio feature a blend of comedy, drama, and heartwarming moments, showcasing the diverse entertainment styles of the era.

Despite popular resistance in each party, Congress just reached wide bipartisan agreement on military aid to Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan along with a forced sale of TikTok. Even in a polarized age, Congress has managed bipartisan votes on controversial issues in an election year. Jordan Tama finds that bipartisan coalitions are quite common in congressional consideration of foreign policy—from overlapping competing alliances to broad support for internationalism, Congress is far less polarized on foreign policy than domestic policy. William Bendix finds that legislators are consistent in how they sponsor foreign policy bills based on their ideological views even across administrations of different parties. He also finds that hawks usually lead and win congressional votes over doves, regardless of who is president.

Chris, Kevin, and Ben review White Tie and Tails (1946), a sleeper from Golden Age Hollywood starring Dan Duryea, Ella Raines, and William Bendix. Politely make like high society and enjoy those finer things in life... suit up and get back to listening to The Searchers! Find a copy on YouTube, HERE. Submit your mailbags to us at thesearcherspodcast@gmail.com. We'll read it on air. Please rate us a 5/5, and review us on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to us. Follow us on Letterboxd.com if you'd like to see what we've recently watched and/or reviewed. Ben, Chris, & Kevin Our episode catalogue: https://searchersfilmpodcast.podbean.com/

Matt & Todd discuss Hitchcock's most underrated film. Survivors of a torpedoed freighter find themselves adrift on the titular Lifeboat. Tensions rise and passions flare. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Starring Tallulah Bankhead, William Bendix, Walter Slezak, Mary Anderson, John Hodiak, Henry Hull, Heather Angel, Hume Cronyn & Canada Lee. Story by John Steinbeck

The man you just heard was radio legend Hans Conreid, known as one of the most versatile actors of the 20th century. He could adroitly handle comedy, variety, or serious drama while speaking any dialect convincingly. On April 9th 1944 at 3PM eastern time over WJZ and at 12PM pacific time on KECA, Conreid was busy playing Uncle Baxter on The Life of Riley. Created by Irving Brecher, the best-known incarnation of The Life of Riley came to the air Sunday January 16th, 1944 at 3PM eastern time over The Blue Network. It starred William Bendix as Chester A. Riley and was sponsored by The American Meat Institute. Riley was easily exasperated, but difficult to defeat. The difficulty increased by degrees with the flimsiness of Riley's cause. Bendix came out of the New Jersey Federal Theater project, a latecomer to the profession, beginning at thirty when the grocery store he was running went out of business. His film career began in 1942. He was often the hooligan with the heart of gold. Riley was his most famous character. It co-starred the previously heard Hans Conreid as Uncle Baxter with John Brown as both Riley's friend Gillis and the undertaker, Digger O'Dell. Paula Winslowe was Riley's long-suffering wife Peg. Sharon Douglas was Babs and Conrad Binyon played Junior. The Life of Riley proved popular enough that in June it was moved to Sundays at 10PM. Beginning in the fall of 1945 it moved to NBC where it was a mainstay for six seasons. It peaked in 1947-48 with a rating of 20.1, good for fourteenth overall that year. A TV version debuted in October of 1949, first with Jackie Gleason as Riley and later with William Bendix playing the familiar role for five years.

In this week's "Saturday Matinee" on Vintage Classic Radio, we kick off with the "Life of Riley" episode titled "Riley the Milkman," which originally aired on March 22nd, 1947. In this humorous episode, Chester A. Riley, portrayed by William Bendix, takes on the job of a milkman in an attempt to prove his worth and industriousness to his family. The episode is filled with Riley's characteristic blunders and misunderstandings, leading to a series of comedic situations. Joining Bendix in the cast are Paula Winslowe as Peg Riley, his understanding wife, along with John Brown as the conniving neighbor, Gillis, and Barbara Eiler as their daughter, Babs. The family dynamics and Riley's well-meaning but often misguided efforts provide a delightful listen. Following the laughter from "Life of Riley," we move on to the "Blondie" episode titled "Dagwood Wins a Ring," which first delighted audiences on March 11th, 1945. This episode centers on Dagwood Bumstead, played by Arthur Lake, who wins a diamond ring in a raffle. The excitement quickly turns to chaos as Dagwood and his ever-patient wife, Blondie, portrayed by Penny Singleton, navigate the challenges and misunderstandings the prized ring brings into their lives. The episode showcases the comedic timing and chemistry of Lake and Singleton, with additional performances by Larry Simms as their son Alexander, and Daisy the dog adding to the family's misadventures. The finale of our "Saturday Matinee" is an episode from the "General Electric Show," hosted by the legendary Bing Crosby, which aired on December 18th, 1952. This particular episode is notable for featuring guest stars Ella Fitzgerald and Joe Venuti, adding a musical extravaganza to the mix. Crosby, with his smooth voice and charming demeanor, leads the show, which includes musical performances by Fitzgerald, showcasing her incredible vocal range and jazz stylings, and Venuti's masterful violin. The episode not only offers listeners a chance to enjoy timeless music but also provides a glimpse into the casual, yet captivating, hosting style of Crosby. Together, these episodes from "Life of Riley," "Blondie," and the "General Electric Show" offer a rich tapestry of entertainment from the golden age of radio. From the comedic mishaps of Riley and Dagwood to the musical brilliance of Crosby, Fitzgerald, and Venuti, this "Saturday Matinee" promises to transport listeners back to a cherished era of radio broadcasting, filled with laughter, music, and the timeless appeal of classic storytelling.

Two + hours of MysteryFirst a look at this day in History.Then The Mysterious Traveler, originally broadcast February 27, 1944, 80 years ago, The Good Die Young. Young Sondra detests her new step-mother and is determined to get rid of her as soon as possible. Followed by Suspense, originally broadcast February 27, 1947, 77 years ago, Three Faces at Midnight starring William Bendix. "Muscles" applies for a job, and finds himself blackmailing the Governor! Then The Shadow starring Orson Welles and Agnes Moorehead, originally broadcast February 28, 1938, 86 years ago, The Plot Murder. A hypnotist has sabotaged an aerial torpedo to destroy America's military experts. An early guided missile!Followed by Quiet Please starring Ernest Chappell, originally broadcast February 27, 1949, 75 years ago, If I Should Wake Before I Die. An excellent story about the future in which a patriotic scientist destroys the Moon, kills off most of the Earth, and has bigger plans for the future! A well-written tale of astronauts and atom bombs.Finally Lum and Abner, originally broadcast February 27, 1942, 82 years ago, Strange Happenings At Night. Mousie reports that honest Diogenes has been getting strange visitors at night. Thanks to Doug for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.stream

Guest William Bendix followed by Right Rope Wrong Neck.

The Life of Riley was a 30-minute family sitcom that started airing on CBS radio on April 12, 1941. It starred William Bendix as the lead character Chester A. Riley, a simple aircraft plant worker with a very complicated life. "What a revoltin' development this is!" was Riley's famous line in the show, which he usually utter after getting into one mess after another. Due to its popularity, the show lasted for a decade, with the last episode aired on June 29, 1951. A total of 320 episodes were produced during its entire run. It also has a movie and TV adaptation in the 1950s. The movie adaption was a flop in terms of ratings, although it ironically received the very first Emmy Award. The TV adaptation (with also starred Bendix), on the other hand, was a success, producing more than 200 episodes in its six season run. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Life of Riley was a 30-minute family sitcom that started airing on CBS radio on April 12, 1941. It starred William Bendix as the lead character Chester A. Riley, a simple aircraft plant worker with a very complicated life. "What a revoltin' development this is!" was Riley's famous line in the show, which he usually utter after getting into one mess after another. Due to its popularity, the show lasted for a decade, with the last episode aired on June 29, 1951. A total of 320 episodes were produced during its entire run. It also has a movie and TV adaptation in the 1950s. The movie adaption was a flop in terms of ratings, although it ironically received the very first Emmy Award. The TV adaptation (with also starred Bendix), on the other hand, was a success, producing more than 200 episodes in its six season run. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join us for a laughter-filled excursion into the delightful and sometimes chaotic life of Chester A. Riley with the radio program "The Life of Riley." Starring the lovable and well-intentioned Riley, brilliantly portrayed by William Bendix, this classic radio sitcom invites audiences to revel in the humorous escapades of an everyday family man. In the fictional California suburb of Waldo, Riley is the lovably bumbling husband and father, navigating the challenges of work, family, and his ever-present good intentions. From comical misunderstandings to the endearing mishaps that arise from his earnest efforts, each episode captures the essence of post-war domestic life with wit and warmth. This episode was originally broadcast December 24th, 1948 on NBC Radio.

PCH 2023-CD009 The OTRNow RadioProgram - Christmas 09The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show. December 25, 1953. NBC net. Sponsored by: RCA Victor. A flashback visit to Christmas eve at the Harris'. Phil promises the kids a visit from Santa. Phil sings, "Jingle Bells.". Phil Harris, Alice Faye, Walter Tetley, Jeanine Roos, Anne Whitfield, John Hubbard, Elliott Lewis, Ray Singer (writer), Dick Chevillat (writer), Paul Phillips (producer, director), Walter Scharf and His Orchestra, Bill Forman (announcer), Jack Douglas (writer), Marvin Fisher (writer), Andy Devine (guest).  Casey, Crime Photographer. December 25, 1947. CBS net. "The Santa Claus Of Bum Boulevard". Sponsored by: Anchor Hocking Glass. It's Christmas Day, and the guy who gives away money on skid row is robbed of his $300. A good Christmas story. Alonzo Deen Cole (writer), Archie Bleyer (music), Herman Chittison (piano), Jan Miner, John Dietz (director), John Gibson, Staats Cotsworth, Tony Marvin (announcer), George Harmon Coxe (creator). The Life Of Riley. December 23, 1949. NBC net. Sponsored by: Pabst Beer. Riley has embezzled the money in the family's Christmas Club account. John Brown, Irving Brecher (creator, producer), Reuben Ship (writer), Bobby Ellis, Barbara Eiler, Alan Reed, Jimmy Wallington (announcer), William Bendix, Paula Winslowe, Mitch Lindeman (director). The Lone Ranger. December 24, 1948. Program #2486/1711. Syndicated. "Mr. Upton"/"Christmas Comes To Sandy". Sponsored by: Music fill for local commercial insert. A Christmas story about a poor mining cashier framed for robbery. A melodrama with a very heavy hand. The story was rebroadcast on December 25, 1950 (see cat. #78458). Brace Beemer, John Todd, Fred Foy (announcer), Jay Michael, Bill Saunders, Harry Goldstein, Elaine Alpert, George W. Trendle (writer, creator, producer), Dan Beattie (writer).     Exploring The Unknown. December 21, 1947. ABC net. "Chuckle Charlie and The Christmas Cloud". Sustaining. An unusual Christmas story on a program not known for drama nor comedy. Morey Amsterdam portrays a nightclub comedian (with lots of corny jokes) who goes out West to Arizona for Christmas. Strangely enough, there are significant science lessons mixed in with the jokes. It's a humorous exploration of rain-making and weather control. Good radio!. John Grinnell; Charles Irving (narrator, performer); Ralph Norman (composer, conductor); Frank Behrens; Stan Burns (comedy continuity); Ray Allen (comedy continuity); Morey Amsterdam ; Leo Cherne (Research Institute of America); Sherman H. Dreyer (writer, producer); Andre Baruch (announcer);. The Mysterious Traveler. December 25, 1951. Mutual net. "Christmas Story". Sustaining. A man driving across the country with a stranger decides to impersonate him to collect his inheritance after the stranger dies suddenly. David Kogan (writer, producer, director), Maurice Tarplin (as "The Traveler"), Robert A. Arthur (writer).HOST:RosieTIME: 02:59:39.137

Audio introduction of the track "Christmas Present" from Dec 17, 1944. Background of actor William Bendix who played "Riley" both on radio and television. He was an outstanding actor with oscar nominated role in films. He could be a comedian or a hard fighting soldier in a film based on WW II - Wake Island. In this program he is fighting the opening of Christmas presents marked "Do Not Open Until Christmas" but it is days before Christmas... and who does he know in Walla-Walla who sent him the present! This track will be found in the "Christmas" playlist.

Bing time! Bing Crosby Podcast 1948-12-01 Bob and Cathy Crosby, Al Jolson 1948-12-02 (316) Guest Peggy Lee, Gordon MacRae's Railroad Hour 1948-12-06 (10) William Bendix, Doris Day in Girl Crazy

Two hours of Comedies First, a look at this date in history. Then Father Knows Best starring Robert Young, originally broadcast November 29, 1951, 72 years ago, Meteor. There's a meteor in the Anderson's back yard...or is there?Followed by George Burns and Gracie Allen, originally broadcast November 29, 1945, 78 years ago, Gracie Goes Back to College. George and guest Jack Benny are both trying to get elected "most popular" at Beverly Hills Tech. Jack plays the violin while George sings! That will help?Then My Friend Irma starring Marie Wilson, originally broadcast November 29, 1948, 75 years ago. Jane is throwing a costume party in honor of Irma's birthday. Al invites one of his unsavory friends, the fabulous "Joe." Followed by The Life of Riley starring William Bendix, originally broadcast November 29, 1947, 76 years ago, Thanksgiving at the Gillis'. Riley and Gillis are bucking for a promotion at the plant, and they ask the boss over to try to make a good impression. Finally Claudia, originally broadcast November 29, 1948, 75 years ago, Listening to the Pringles. Why is David taking a later train?

An hour of Crime Drama.First, a look at this date in history.Then The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, originally broadcast October 27, 1950, 73 years ago, The Halloween Party. It's Halloween, and Ozzie and Harriet are exploring a haunted house.Followed by The Life of Riley starring William Bendix, originally broadcast October 27, 1945, 78 years ago, The Football Game. Riley becomes a football hero. And Lum and Abner, originally broadcast October 27, 1941, 82 years ago, The Hindu Prince. The Prince from India has arrived, talking Pig Latin and fooling everyone.Thanks to Sean for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.stream

Paula Winslowe, aka the long-suffering Mrs. Riley on The Life of Riley, returns to the podcast in two more radio thrillers. First, she's in a frantic race against the clock to find a woman in danger in "The Death Parade" (originally aired on CBS on May 15, 1956). Then, she's a florist who may be the only person who can identify a murderer in "The Twelfth Rose" (originally aired on CBS on June 5, 1956). Plus, we'll hear Ms. Winslowe and William Bendix in a baking contest on The Life of Riley (originally aired on NBC on October 27, 1950).

William Dennis Gargan was born to an irish-american Catholic family in Brooklyn, New York on July 17th, 1905. His parents—Bill and Irene—had seven children, but only Bill and his brother Ed survived infancy. Ed was four years older than Bill. The pair were close. Bill's mother had been a teacher, but his father was a book maker and a gambler, which didn't sit well with Irene's parents. Gargan's dad made book in the copy room at the New York World and in Room 9 of City Hall. The four-story brownstone they lived in at 427 Henry Street in Brooklyn Heights was won in a poker game. Today P.S. 29 stands on the site. Bill got his first silent movie job at seven for Vitagraph Studios. He was paid Three dollars and eighty-five cents. That's roughly one-hundred twenty dollars today. It portended things to come. By ten, Bill was hanging out at his father's bar in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Gargan later said that his mother was more straight-laced, a bit of a prude on the surface, but in reality, she ran with dad all her life and his.” Both parents had good senses of humor. He grew up going to Sea Gate in the summer and fighting for the Irish kids from Bay Ridge against the Italian kids in empty lots. He played baseball and basketball for St. Francis Xavier grade school and St. James High. He ditched school in the spring to scale the Ebbets Field wall to watch the Dodgers and their stars of the 1910s. When he was fourteen and working as an ice brusher at the Prospect Park skating rink, Gargan met a girl named Mary Elizabeth Kenny. He was so taken that he used his broom to knock her down! Gargan recalled that “She got up, her eyes spitting fire and her mouth not doing badly either. I knew I was in love.” Gargan loved the theater. By high school he was playing in school productions of Hamlet, Macbeth, and Romeo and Juliet. However, a teacher who'd been out to get Bill for his comedic behavior made life so miserable during Bill's senior year that he dropped out. Gargan became a message runner for a Broad Street brokerage firm, then a cop for a clothing store, then one for a Wall Street agency until he was fired for losing a tail. He sold Wesson Oil to grocers, sneaking away to watch plays. One day the lights went up and Gargan noticed his boss was sitting next to him. “Good show,” Gargan said, “you're fired,” said his boss. Bill's brother Ed was an actor. While having lunch with Ed one day at the Lamb's Club a man named Le Roy Clemens mentioned to Bill that a play he'd written was having tryouts. Bill read a line and was hired, beginning his career in Aloma of the South Seas. They opened in Baltimore in 1924. Gargan was a quick study, learning everyone's parts as well as the stage manager's. Within a year he was directing the Philadelphia production of the play. Aloma of the South Seas ran for forty weeks. Gargan spent the next years playing all over the country with people like George Jessel and Richard Bennett. Jessel would be godfather to Bill's first son Bill Jr, affectionately known as Barrie. Barrie was born on February 25th, 1929. After the stock market crashed, Bill got a short-term job on stage in New York where he met William Bendix. Soon a casting director at Paramount called and after that Leslie Howard cast Bill in a play. Bill later said that Leslie helped make him a star. That same year, on January 12, 1932 Gargan opened at the Broadhurst theater in New York with Leslie Howard in Philip Barry's The Animal Kingdom. It was a smash hit. His success led MGM to call. They offered him the part of Sergeant O'Hara in the 1932 feature Rain, starring Joan Crawford and Walter Huston. He'd be paid fifteen-hundred dollars per week. That's over thirty-three grand today. Bill bought out his contract with The Animal Kingdom, playing on May 2nd for the last time. The next morning, Bill, Mary, and young Barrie left for Hollywood. Rain was shot on Catalina Island.

The Life of Riley is an American radio situation comedy series of the 1940s that was adapted into a 1949 feature film, a 1950s television series, and a 1958 comic book. Radio: The radio program initially aired on the Blue Network (later known as ABC) from January 16, 1944, to July 8, 1945, it then moved to NBC, where it was broadcast from September 8, 1945, to June 29, 1951. Irving Brecher pitched the radio series for friend Groucho Marx under the title The Flotsam Family, but the sponsor balked at what would have been essentially a straight head-of-household role for Marx. (Marx would get his own series Blue Ribbon Town instead.) Brecher then saw William Bendix as taxicab company owner Tim McGuerin in Hal Roach's The McGuerins from Brooklyn (1942). Radio historian Gerald Nachman quotes Brecher as stating, "He was a Brooklyn guy and there was something about him. I thought this guy could play it. He'd made a few films, like Lifeboat, but he was not a name. So, I took The Flotsam Family script, revised it, made it a Brooklyn Family, took out the flip-flippancies and made more meat-and-potatoes, and thought of a new title, The Life of Riley. Bendix's delivery and the spin he put on his lines made it work." The reworked script cast Bendix as blundering Chester A. Riley, a wing riveter at the fictional Cunningham Aircraft plant in California. His frequent exclamation of indignation—"What a revoltin' development this is!"—became one of the most famous catchphrases of the 1940s. It was later reused by Benjamin J. Grimm of the Fantastic Four. The radio series also benefited from the immense popularity of a supporting character, Digby "Digger" O'Dell (John Brown), "the friendly undertaker." Brecher told Brown, "I want a very sepulchral voice, quavering, morbid," and he got it right away. The supporting cast featured Paula Winslowe as Riley's wife, Peg, and as Riley's mother-in law; Brown as O'Dell and as Riley's co-worker Jim Gillis; Francis "Dink" Trout as Waldo Binny; Tommy Cook, Bobby Ellis and Scotty Beckett as Junior at various times during the show's run; Barbara Eiler as Riley's daughter, Babs; Shirley Mitchell as Honeybee Gillis; Hans Conried as Uncle Baxter; and, Alan Reed as multiple characters, including Riley's boss (Mr. Stevenson) and Peg's father. Henry Morgan voiced Riley's father in one episode. Mel Blanc provided some voices as well, including that of Junior's dog Tiger as well as that of a dog catcher who claimed to have a special bond with dogs. Mitchell's Gillis often gave Riley bad information that got him into trouble, whereas Brown's Digger gave him good information that "helped him out of a hole," as he might have put it. Brown's lines as the undertaker were often repetitive, including puns based on his profession; but thanks to Brown's delivery, the audience loved him. The program was broadcast live with a studio audience, most of whom were not aware Brown played both characters. As a result, when Digger delivered his first line, it was usually greeted with howls of laughter and applause from surprised audience members. The series was co-developed by the non performing Marx Brother turned agent Gummo. The American Meat Institute (1944–45), Procter & Gamble (Teel dentifrice and Prell shampoo) (1945–49), and Pabst Blue Ribbon beer (1949–51) took turns as the radio program's sponsor. An unrelated radio show with the title Life of Riley was a summer replacement show heard on CBS from April 12, 1941, to September 6, 1941. The CBS program starred Lionel Stander as J. Riley Farnsworth and had no real connection with the more famous series that followed a few years later. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dwight-allen0/support

The Life of Riley is an American radio situation comedy series of the 1940s that was adapted into a 1949 feature film, a 1950s television series, and a 1958 comic book. Radio: The radio program initially aired on the Blue Network (later known as ABC) from January 16, 1944, to July 8, 1945, it then moved to NBC, where it was broadcast from September 8, 1945, to June 29, 1951. Irving Brecher pitched the radio series for friend Groucho Marx under the title The Flotsam Family, but the sponsor balked at what would have been essentially a straight head-of-household role for Marx. (Marx would get his own series Blue Ribbon Town instead.) Brecher then saw William Bendix as taxicab company owner Tim McGuerin in Hal Roach's The McGuerins from Brooklyn (1942). Radio historian Gerald Nachman quotes Brecher as stating, "He was a Brooklyn guy and there was something about him. I thought this guy could play it. He'd made a few films, like Lifeboat, but he was not a name. So, I took The Flotsam Family script, revised it, made it a Brooklyn Family, took out the flip-flippancies and made more meat-and-potatoes, and thought of a new title, The Life of Riley. Bendix's delivery and the spin he put on his lines made it work." The reworked script cast Bendix as blundering Chester A. Riley, a wing riveter at the fictional Cunningham Aircraft plant in California. His frequent exclamation of indignation—"What a revoltin' development this is!"—became one of the most famous catchphrases of the 1940s. It was later reused by Benjamin J. Grimm of the Fantastic Four. The radio series also benefited from the immense popularity of a supporting character, Digby "Digger" O'Dell (John Brown), "the friendly undertaker." Brecher told Brown, "I want a very sepulchral voice, quavering, morbid," and he got it right away. The supporting cast featured Paula Winslowe as Riley's wife, Peg, and as Riley's mother-in law; Brown as O'Dell and as Riley's co-worker Jim Gillis; Francis "Dink" Trout as Waldo Binny; Tommy Cook, Bobby Ellis and Scotty Beckett as Junior at various times during the show's run; Barbara Eiler as Riley's daughter, Babs; Shirley Mitchell as Honeybee Gillis; Hans Conried as Uncle Baxter; and, Alan Reed as multiple characters, including Riley's boss (Mr. Stevenson) and Peg's father. Henry Morgan voiced Riley's father in one episode. Mel Blanc provided some voices as well, including that of Junior's dog Tiger as well as that of a dog catcher who claimed to have a special bond with dogs. Mitchell's Gillis often gave Riley bad information that got him into trouble, whereas Brown's Digger gave him good information that "helped him out of a hole," as he might have put it. Brown's lines as the undertaker were often repetitive, including puns based on his profession; but thanks to Brown's delivery, the audience loved him. The program was broadcast live with a studio audience, most of whom were not aware Brown played both characters. As a result, when Digger delivered his first line, it was usually greeted with howls of laughter and applause from surprised audience members. The series was co-developed by the non performing Marx Brother turned agent Gummo. The American Meat Institute (1944–45), Procter & Gamble (Teel dentifrice and Prell shampoo) (1945–49), and Pabst Blue Ribbon beer (1949–51) took turns as the radio program's sponsor. An unrelated radio show with the title Life of Riley was a summer replacement show heard on CBS from April 12, 1941, to September 6, 1941. The CBS program starred Lionel Stander as J. Riley Farnsworth and had no real connection with the more famous series that followed a few years later. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dwight-allen0/support

The Life of Riley is an American radio situation comedy series of the 1940s that was adapted into a 1949 feature film, a 1950s television series, and a 1958 comic book. Radio: The radio program initially aired on the Blue Network (later known as ABC) from January 16, 1944, to July 8, 1945, it then moved to NBC, where it was broadcast from September 8, 1945, to June 29, 1951. Irving Brecher pitched the radio series for friend Groucho Marx under the title The Flotsam Family, but the sponsor balked at what would have been essentially a straight head-of-household role for Marx. (Marx would get his own series Blue Ribbon Town instead.) Brecher then saw William Bendix as taxicab company owner Tim McGuerin in Hal Roach's The McGuerins from Brooklyn (1942). Radio historian Gerald Nachman quotes Brecher as stating, "He was a Brooklyn guy and there was something about him. I thought this guy could play it. He'd made a few films, like Lifeboat, but he was not a name. So, I took The Flotsam Family script, revised it, made it a Brooklyn Family, took out the flip-flippancies and made more meat-and-potatoes, and thought of a new title, The Life of Riley. Bendix's delivery and the spin he put on his lines made it work." The reworked script cast Bendix as blundering Chester A. Riley, a wing riveter at the fictional Cunningham Aircraft plant in California. His frequent exclamation of indignation—"What a revoltin' development this is!"—became one of the most famous catchphrases of the 1940s. It was later reused by Benjamin J. Grimm of the Fantastic Four. The radio series also benefited from the immense popularity of a supporting character, Digby "Digger" O'Dell (John Brown), "the friendly undertaker." Brecher told Brown, "I want a very sepulchral voice, quavering, morbid," and he got it right away. The supporting cast featured Paula Winslowe as Riley's wife, Peg, and as Riley's mother-in law; Brown as O'Dell and as Riley's co-worker Jim Gillis; Francis "Dink" Trout as Waldo Binny; Tommy Cook, Bobby Ellis and Scotty Beckett as Junior at various times during the show's run; Barbara Eiler as Riley's daughter, Babs; Shirley Mitchell as Honeybee Gillis; Hans Conried as Uncle Baxter; and, Alan Reed as multiple characters, including Riley's boss (Mr. Stevenson) and Peg's father. Henry Morgan voiced Riley's father in one episode. Mel Blanc provided some voices as well, including that of Junior's dog Tiger as well as that of a dog catcher who claimed to have a special bond with dogs. Mitchell's Gillis often gave Riley bad information that got him into trouble, whereas Brown's Digger gave him good information that "helped him out of a hole," as he might have put it. Brown's lines as the undertaker were often repetitive, including puns based on his profession; but thanks to Brown's delivery, the audience loved him. The program was broadcast live with a studio audience, most of whom were not aware Brown played both characters. As a result, when Digger delivered his first line, it was usually greeted with howls of laughter and applause from surprised audience members. The series was co-developed by the non performing Marx Brother turned agent Gummo. The American Meat Institute (1944–45), Procter & Gamble (Teel dentifrice and Prell shampoo) (1945–49), and Pabst Blue Ribbon beer (1949–51) took turns as the radio program's sponsor. An unrelated radio show with the title Life of Riley was a summer replacement show heard on CBS from April 12, 1941, to September 6, 1941. The CBS program starred Lionel Stander as J. Riley Farnsworth and had no real connection with the more famous series that followed a few years later. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dwight-allen0/support

The Life of Riley is an American radio situation comedy series of the 1940s that was adapted into a 1949 feature film, a 1950s television series, and a 1958 comic book. Radio: The radio program initially aired on the Blue Network (later known as ABC) from January 16, 1944, to July 8, 1945, it then moved to NBC, where it was broadcast from September 8, 1945, to June 29, 1951. Irving Brecher pitched the radio series for friend Groucho Marx under the title The Flotsam Family, but the sponsor balked at what would have been essentially a straight head-of-household role for Marx. (Marx would get his own series Blue Ribbon Town instead.) Brecher then saw William Bendix as taxicab company owner Tim McGuerin in Hal Roach's The McGuerins from Brooklyn (1942). Radio historian Gerald Nachman quotes Brecher as stating, "He was a Brooklyn guy and there was something about him. I thought this guy could play it. He'd made a few films, like Lifeboat, but he was not a name. So, I took The Flotsam Family script, revised it, made it a Brooklyn Family, took out the flip-flippancies and made more meat-and-potatoes, and thought of a new title, The Life of Riley. Bendix's delivery and the spin he put on his lines made it work." The reworked script cast Bendix as blundering Chester A. Riley, a wing riveter at the fictional Cunningham Aircraft plant in California. His frequent exclamation of indignation—"What a revoltin' development this is!"—became one of the most famous catchphrases of the 1940s. It was later reused by Benjamin J. Grimm of the Fantastic Four. The radio series also benefited from the immense popularity of a supporting character, Digby "Digger" O'Dell (John Brown), "the friendly undertaker." Brecher told Brown, "I want a very sepulchral voice, quavering, morbid," and he got it right away. The supporting cast featured Paula Winslowe as Riley's wife, Peg, and as Riley's mother-in law; Brown as O'Dell and as Riley's co-worker Jim Gillis; Francis "Dink" Trout as Waldo Binny; Tommy Cook, Bobby Ellis and Scotty Beckett as Junior at various times during the show's run; Barbara Eiler as Riley's daughter, Babs; Shirley Mitchell as Honeybee Gillis; Hans Conried as Uncle Baxter; and, Alan Reed as multiple characters, including Riley's boss (Mr. Stevenson) and Peg's father. Henry Morgan voiced Riley's father in one episode. Mel Blanc provided some voices as well, including that of Junior's dog Tiger as well as that of a dog catcher who claimed to have a special bond with dogs. Mitchell's Gillis often gave Riley bad information that got him into trouble, whereas Brown's Digger gave him good information that "helped him out of a hole," as he might have put it. Brown's lines as the undertaker were often repetitive, including puns based on his profession; but thanks to Brown's delivery, the audience loved him. The program was broadcast live with a studio audience, most of whom were not aware Brown played both characters. As a result, when Digger delivered his first line, it was usually greeted with howls of laughter and applause from surprised audience members. The series was co-developed by the non performing Marx Brother turned agent Gummo. The American Meat Institute (1944–45), Procter & Gamble (Teel dentifrice and Prell shampoo) (1945–49), and Pabst Blue Ribbon beer (1949–51) took turns as the radio program's sponsor. An unrelated radio show with the title Life of Riley was a summer replacement show heard on CBS from April 12, 1941, to September 6, 1941. The CBS program starred Lionel Stander as J. Riley Farnsworth and had no real connection with the more famous series that followed a few years later. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dwight-allen0/support

The Life of Riley is an American radio situation comedy series of the 1940s that was adapted into a 1949 feature film, a 1950s television series, and a 1958 comic book. Radio: The radio program initially aired on the Blue Network (later known as ABC) from January 16, 1944, to July 8, 1945, it then moved to NBC, where it was broadcast from September 8, 1945, to June 29, 1951. Irving Brecher pitched the radio series for friend Groucho Marx under the title The Flotsam Family, but the sponsor balked at what would have been essentially a straight head-of-household role for Marx. (Marx would get his own series Blue Ribbon Town instead.) Brecher then saw William Bendix as taxicab company owner Tim McGuerin in Hal Roach's The McGuerins from Brooklyn (1942). Radio historian Gerald Nachman quotes Brecher as stating, "He was a Brooklyn guy and there was something about him. I thought this guy could play it. He'd made a few films, like Lifeboat, but he was not a name. So, I took The Flotsam Family script, revised it, made it a Brooklyn Family, took out the flip-flippancies and made more meat-and-potatoes, and thought of a new title, The Life of Riley. Bendix's delivery and the spin he put on his lines made it work." The reworked script cast Bendix as blundering Chester A. Riley, a wing riveter at the fictional Cunningham Aircraft plant in California. His frequent exclamation of indignation—"What a revoltin' development this is!"—became one of the most famous catchphrases of the 1940s. It was later reused by Benjamin J. Grimm of the Fantastic Four. The radio series also benefited from the immense popularity of a supporting character, Digby "Digger" O'Dell (John Brown), "the friendly undertaker." Brecher told Brown, "I want a very sepulchral voice, quavering, morbid," and he got it right away. The supporting cast featured Paula Winslowe as Riley's wife, Peg, and as Riley's mother-in law; Brown as O'Dell and as Riley's co-worker Jim Gillis; Francis "Dink" Trout as Waldo Binny; Tommy Cook, Bobby Ellis and Scotty Beckett as Junior at various times during the show's run; Barbara Eiler as Riley's daughter, Babs; Shirley Mitchell as Honeybee Gillis; Hans Conried as Uncle Baxter; and, Alan Reed as multiple characters, including Riley's boss (Mr. Stevenson) and Peg's father. Henry Morgan voiced Riley's father in one episode. Mel Blanc provided some voices as well, including that of Junior's dog Tiger as well as that of a dog catcher who claimed to have a special bond with dogs. Mitchell's Gillis often gave Riley bad information that got him into trouble, whereas Brown's Digger gave him good information that "helped him out of a hole," as he might have put it. Brown's lines as the undertaker were often repetitive, including puns based on his profession; but thanks to Brown's delivery, the audience loved him. The program was broadcast live with a studio audience, most of whom were not aware Brown played both characters. As a result, when Digger delivered his first line, it was usually greeted with howls of laughter and applause from surprised audience members. The series was co-developed by the non performing Marx Brother turned agent Gummo. The American Meat Institute (1944–45), Procter & Gamble (Teel dentifrice and Prell shampoo) (1945–49), and Pabst Blue Ribbon beer (1949–51) took turns as the radio program's sponsor. An unrelated radio show with the title Life of Riley was a summer replacement show heard on CBS from April 12, 1941, to September 6, 1941. The CBS program starred Lionel Stander as J. Riley Farnsworth and had no real connection with the more famous series that followed a few years later. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dwight-allen0/support

The Life of Riley is an American radio situation comedy series of the 1940s that was adapted into a 1949 feature film, a 1950s television series, and a 1958 comic book. Radio: The radio program initially aired on the Blue Network (later known as ABC) from January 16, 1944, to July 8, 1945, it then moved to NBC, where it was broadcast from September 8, 1945, to June 29, 1951. Irving Brecher pitched the radio series for friend Groucho Marx under the title The Flotsam Family, but the sponsor balked at what would have been essentially a straight head-of-household role for Marx. (Marx would get his own series Blue Ribbon Town instead.) Brecher then saw William Bendix as taxicab company owner Tim McGuerin in Hal Roach's The McGuerins from Brooklyn (1942). Radio historian Gerald Nachman quotes Brecher as stating, "He was a Brooklyn guy and there was something about him. I thought this guy could play it. He'd made a few films, like Lifeboat, but he was not a name. So, I took The Flotsam Family script, revised it, made it a Brooklyn Family, took out the flip-flippancies and made more meat-and-potatoes, and thought of a new title, The Life of Riley. Bendix's delivery and the spin he put on his lines made it work." The reworked script cast Bendix as blundering Chester A. Riley, a wing riveter at the fictional Cunningham Aircraft plant in California. His frequent exclamation of indignation—"What a revoltin' development this is!"—became one of the most famous catchphrases of the 1940s. It was later reused by Benjamin J. Grimm of the Fantastic Four. The radio series also benefited from the immense popularity of a supporting character, Digby "Digger" O'Dell (John Brown), "the friendly undertaker." Brecher told Brown, "I want a very sepulchral voice, quavering, morbid," and he got it right away. The supporting cast featured Paula Winslowe as Riley's wife, Peg, and as Riley's mother-in law; Brown as O'Dell and as Riley's co-worker Jim Gillis; Francis "Dink" Trout as Waldo Binny; Tommy Cook, Bobby Ellis and Scotty Beckett as Junior at various times during the show's run; Barbara Eiler as Riley's daughter, Babs; Shirley Mitchell as Honeybee Gillis; Hans Conried as Uncle Baxter; and, Alan Reed as multiple characters, including Riley's boss (Mr. Stevenson) and Peg's father. Henry Morgan voiced Riley's father in one episode. Mel Blanc provided some voices as well, including that of Junior's dog Tiger as well as that of a dog catcher who claimed to have a special bond with dogs. Mitchell's Gillis often gave Riley bad information that got him into trouble, whereas Brown's Digger gave him good information that "helped him out of a hole," as he might have put it. Brown's lines as the undertaker were often repetitive, including puns based on his profession; but thanks to Brown's delivery, the audience loved him. The program was broadcast live with a studio audience, most of whom were not aware Brown played both characters. As a result, when Digger delivered his first line, it was usually greeted with howls of laughter and applause from surprised audience members. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dwight-allen0/support

The Life of Riley is an American radio situation comedy series of the 1940s that was adapted into a 1949 feature film, a 1950s television series, and a 1958 comic book. Radio: The radio program initially aired on the Blue Network (later known as ABC) from January 16, 1944, to July 8, 1945, it then moved to NBC, where it was broadcast from September 8, 1945, to June 29, 1951. Irving Brecher pitched the radio series for friend Groucho Marx under the title The Flotsam Family, but the sponsor balked at what would have been essentially a straight head-of-household role for Marx. (Marx would get his own series Blue Ribbon Town instead.) Brecher then saw William Bendix as taxicab company owner Tim McGuerin in Hal Roach's The McGuerins from Brooklyn (1942). Radio historian Gerald Nachman quotes Brecher as stating, "He was a Brooklyn guy and there was something about him. I thought this guy could play it. He'd made a few films, like Lifeboat, but he was not a name. So, I took The Flotsam Family script, revised it, made it a Brooklyn Family, took out the flip-flippancies and made more meat-and-potatoes, and thought of a new title, The Life of Riley. Bendix's delivery and the spin he put on his lines made it work." The reworked script cast Bendix as blundering Chester A. Riley, a wing riveter at the fictional Cunningham Aircraft plant in California. His frequent exclamation of indignation—"What a revoltin' development this is!"—became one of the most famous catchphrases of the 1940s. It was later reused by Benjamin J. Grimm of the Fantastic Four. The radio series also benefited from the immense popularity of a supporting character, Digby "Digger" O'Dell (John Brown), "the friendly undertaker." Brecher told Brown, "I want a very sepulchral voice, quavering, morbid," and he got it right away. The supporting cast featured Paula Winslowe as Riley's wife, Peg, and as Riley's mother-in law; Brown as O'Dell and as Riley's co-worker Jim Gillis; Francis "Dink" Trout as Waldo Binny; Tommy Cook, Bobby Ellis and Scotty Beckett as Junior at various times during the show's run; Barbara Eiler as Riley's daughter, Babs; Shirley Mitchell as Honeybee Gillis; Hans Conried as Uncle Baxter; and, Alan Reed as multiple characters, including Riley's boss (Mr. Stevenson) and Peg's father. Henry Morgan voiced Riley's father in one episode. Mel Blanc provided some voices as well, including that of Junior's dog Tiger as well as that of a dog catcher who claimed to have a special bond with dogs. Mitchell's Gillis often gave Riley bad information that got him into trouble, whereas Brown's Digger gave him good information that "helped him out of a hole," as he might have put it. Brown's lines as the undertaker were often repetitive, including puns based on his profession; but thanks to Brown's delivery, the audience loved him. The program was broadcast live with a studio audience, most of whom were not aware Brown played both characters. As a result, when Digger delivered his first line, it was usually greeted with howls of laughter and applause from surprised audience members. The series was co-developed by the non performing Marx Brother turned agent Gummo. The American Meat Institute (1944–45), Procter & Gamble (Teel dentifrice and Prell shampoo) (1945–49), and Pabst Blue Ribbon beer (1949–51) took turns as the radio program's sponsor. An unrelated radio show with the title Life of Riley was a summer replacement show heard on CBS from April 12, 1941, to September 6, 1941. The CBS program starred Lionel Stander as J. Riley Farnsworth and had no real connection with the more famous series that followed a few years later. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dwight-allen0/support

Bob Hope welcomes special guest, William Bendix.Episode 551 of The Bob Hope Show. The program originally aired on March 18, 1953.Please email questions and comments to host@classiccomedyotr.com. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/classiccomedyotr.Please share this podcast with your friends and family. You can also subscribe to our podcast on Spotify, iTunes, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, and Google podcasts.

In this bonus episode, I'm sharing my five favorite detective stories from Suspense. Over its twenty year run, "radio's outstanding theater of thrills" presented many great mysteries, including these five tales adapted from stories by some of crime fiction's best writers and starring some of the genre's most interesting characters. First, Warren William recreates his screen role as The Lone Wolf makes his radio debut. The reformed jewel thief turned detective stars in "Murder Goes for a Swim" (originally aired on CBS on July 20, 1943). Then, an unlikely pair of detectives (Allyn Joslyn and William Bendix) hunts for a stolen necklace in Raymond Chandler's "Pearls are a Nuisance" (originally aired on CBS on April 19, 1945). Dashiell Hammett provides our third tale, as John Payne and Frank McHugh play a small town sheriff and his deputy who catch a wanted man only to have him die in their jail cell in "Two Sharp Knives" (originally aired on CBS on June 7, 1945). Brian Donlevy stars as Duncan McLain, the blind private detective created by Baynard Kendrick in a radio adaptation of Kendrick's novel "Out of Control" (originally aired on CBS on March 28, 1946), a story that finds Kendrick investigating a seemingly impossible murder. And finally, Dana Andrews is a cop out to stop a serial killer who's hungry for publicity in "The Crowd," an adaptation of a story by Ray Bradbury (originally aired on CBS on September 21, 1950).

Put out your Jack-o-lantern, grab the candy bowl, and enjoy the Down These Mean Streets Halloween Special! It's a full-sized candy bar of a show with eight old time radio shows - a mix of frights and delights - to get you in the spirit of the season. First, Paul Frees stars in an adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher" from Escape (originally aired on CBS on October 22, 1947) and Basil Rathbone drops by The Jack Benny Program for Halloween hijinks (originally aired on NBC on November 2, 1941). A killer stalks the streets of London in "The Hands of Mr. Ottermole," a spine-tingling tale from The Mollé Mystery Theatre (originally aired on NBC on June 21, 1946) and Sherlock Holmes is on the trail of a witch in "The Laughing Lemur of Hightower Heath" (originally aired on Mutual on October 26, 1947). William Bendix visits a haunted house on The Life of Riley (originally aired on ABC on October 29, 1944) and we'll hear an unusual werewolf story on The Stan Freberg Show (originally aired on CBS on October 6, 1957). Finally, we're back in Poe country as The Weird Circle presents "The Cask of Amontillado" and Bud and Lou drop by Bela Lugosi's monstrous mansion on The Abbott and Costello Show (originally aired on ABC on May 5, 1948).