This episode originally aired on March 11, 1955. George Fenneman is the announcer [he was also the announcer for the program's original sponsor, Gulf Oil] and opening narrator, while appearing as announcer/foil for Groucho Marx on "YOU BET YOUR LIFE" and working on "DRAGNET".
@rhb909
14 жыл бұрын
They dont make shows like this anymore!Oh what a shame!! Bob in Grafton,West Virginia
@fromthesidelines
14 жыл бұрын
Thanks, 'LOL'. Incidentally, guest star Jimmy Gleason (who appeared several times as Riley's father) originally played "Jim Gillis" in the 1949 feature film adaptation of the "RILEY" radio show featuring William Bendix, produced by creator/owner Irving Brecher. Irv didn't want to produce another version of the show (after an unsuccessful attempt to bring it to TV with Jackie Gleason in 1949-'50), so he leased the rights to NBC for a 15 year period, and they produced this 1953-'58 edition.
@EyesofLauraMars
14 жыл бұрын
as always, a wealth of great classic tv nostalgia... Thanks a whole lot! :-)
@EyesofLauraMars
14 жыл бұрын
I listen to the radio show all the time. I can't believe John Brown (Digger) also portrays Gillis! I knew about James Gleason playing Riley's friend Gillis in the 1949 film & also have that on DVD & VHS & may add it if people would like to see it. Jackie Gleason's Life of Riley lacked William Bendix' presence, who, in my estimation IS Chester A. Riley. It's a role he was born to play & tailor-made for him.
@EyesofLauraMars
14 жыл бұрын
You're very welcome. This is my favorite 1950s sitcom. Though I love Bachelor Father, I Married Joan, My Little Margie, The Donna Reed Show, & Ozzie & Harriet, too! MORE Riley, coming soon! :-)
@vawlkee51
12 жыл бұрын
Can't go wrong with Sterling Holloway as Waldo!
@fromthesidelines
14 жыл бұрын
The reason Jackie initially played "Riley" on TV was because William Bendix had a contract with RKO-Radio Pictures, who refused to allow him to appear on a weekly TV show in 1949. Irving Brecher chose Gleason because, in his opinion, he came the closest to "being" Riley [he was forced to produce the TV series because Pabst Blue Ribbon, the radio sponsor, wanted that version on the air- then cancelled after 26 episodes because they wouldn't extend Brecher's contract for a full 39 week season].
@EyesofLauraMars
12 жыл бұрын
You're welcome! This masterpiece has been hidden far too long! Many times I've spent hours watching a marathon of The Life of Riley. Nice of you to comment! :-)
@EyesofLauraMars
13 жыл бұрын
@ScarletSinn Yes, William Bendix played Babe Ruth, in The Babe Ruth Story, a 1948 film.
@floydlawson9775
7 жыл бұрын
Jackie Gleason was great as Ralph Kramden but William Bendix is a much better Riley.
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