The Life Of Riley - "Gambling Doesn't Pay" (04-27-46)

Gambling Doesn't Pay (Aired April 27, 1946)

INTRO: Bob Plays The Del-Vikings "Whispering Bells" (1957)

The show began as a proposed Groucho Marx radio series, The Flotsam Family, but the sponsor balked at what would have been essentially a straight head-of-household role for the comedian. Then producer Irving Brecher saw Bendix as taxicab company owner Tim McGuerin in the movie The McGuerins from Brooklyn (1942). The Flotsam Family was reworked with Bendix cast as blundering Chester A. Riley, riveter at a California aircraft plant, and his frequent exclamation of indignation---"What a revoltin' development this is!"---became one of the most famous catch phrases of the 1940s. The radio series also benefited from the immense popularity of a supporting character, Digby "Digger" O'Dell (John Brown), "the friendly undertaker."Beginning October 4, 1949, the show was adapted for television for the DuMont Television Network, but Bendix's film contracts prevented him from appearing in the role.

THIS EPISODE:
 
April 27, 1946. NBC network. "Gambling Doesn't Pay" - Sponsored by: Teel, Dreft. Riley tries to teach Junior about the evils of gambling, which is not as easy as it sounds! William Bendix, Paula Winslowe, Scotty Beckett, John Brown, Ken Carpenter (announcer), Irving Brecher (producer), Don Bernard (director), Lou Coslowe (music). 29:27. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.