Life of Riley 45-03-25 063 Missing Five Dollars

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio - "Life of Riley 45-03-25 063: Missing Five Dollars"

Release Date: May 24, 2025

---

Introduction

"Life of Riley," starring William Bendix as Chester A. Riley, delves into the everyday trials and tribulations of a typical American family during the Golden Age of Radio. In the episode titled "Missing Five Dollars," Riley faces a domestic dilemma that spirals into misunderstandings and family tension, all portrayed with humor and heartfelt moments.

---

The Missing Five Dollars

[01:54]
The episode kicks off with Riley returning home, eager to address a financial matter with his family. He discovers that five five-dollar bills are missing, initiating a family council in the kitchen.

• William Bendix (Riley): "Now, let's get down to the naked facts. Two weeks ago I came home from work and I hand you four five dollar bills."

[02:15]
Riley initially suspects his wife, Peg, of misplacing the money. The conversation reveals a lack of communication and trust within the household.

• William Bendix: "And I say to you, Dumplin, here's $20, go out and buy yourself a new mink fur piece. Cause the rabbit in your old mink fur piece is getting bald."

[02:44]
As the dialogue unfolds, Riley considers various possibilities, including a household burglar, only to dismiss them in favor of suspecting his son, Junior.

• William Bendix: "Well, let's use logic. You didn't take it, Peg. Babs didn't take it. I didn't take it. I got it. A burglar took it."

---

Accusations and Tensions Rise

[03:08]
Riley's determination to find the missing money leads him to confront Junior directly. The tension escalates as Riley becomes more insistent and frustrated.

• William Bendix: "Why, us rallies ain't got a crooked bone in our heads. Forget I even mentioned the matter, huh?"

[04:34]
Despite Junior's denials, Riley's mistrust pushes him towards contemplating disciplinary actions, highlighting generational conflicts and differing perspectives on responsibility.

• William Bendix: "Well, Peg, no arguments. I know how to bring up my son."

---

The Pursuit of Justice

[09:05]
Riley contemplates using physical punishment to address what he perceives as Junior's wrongdoing. This moment underscores the era's parenting styles and societal norms.

• William Bendix: "I'm giving you a licking."

[10:33]
Junior attempts to defend himself, but Riley remains adamant, reflecting the stubbornness and lack of communication that often lead to family conflicts.

• Junior Riley: "I didn't take it."

---

Unraveling the Mystery

[21:28]
A pivotal moment occurs when Peg discovers the missing five-dollar bill hidden in a piece of lettuce, revealing that the money was never stolen but misplaced by Riley himself.

• Peg Riley: "Well, it's a $5 bill. So you did have it all the time. And you accused Junior."

[22:03]
Faced with his mistake, Riley experiences a moment of self-realization and regret, recognizing his failure as a father and the damage caused by his unfounded accusations.

• William Bendix: "I'm a failure as a father."

---

Reconciliation and Resolution

[24:27]
The truth comes to light when Babs explains that Junior pawned the family ring to cover the club's lost funds, not realizing the underlying reasons for Riley's accusations.

• Babs Riley: "Well, Junior's treasurer, and he lost the $5 that the club saved up to buy a basketball. So he pawned the ring."

[26:12]
In an emotional turn, Junior returns with the truth, leading to heartfelt apologies and the mending of familial bonds.

• William Bendix: "I'll do anything you say, Papa. Please let me play tonight."

---

Closing Reflections

The episode concludes with Riley reflecting on his actions and the importance of trust and communication within the family. The Riley family's ability to overcome misunderstandings serves as a timeless reminder of the value of forgiveness and understanding.

---

Notable Quotes

• William Bendix (Riley):

  • "[07:00] I'm ashamed of you, Junior. To think that on Christmas I thought enough of you to give you my ruby ring that's been in my family for a hundred years. But you don't deserve to wear it."

• Junior Riley:

  • "[12:00] I'll do anything you say, Papa. Please let me play tonight."

• Peg Riley:

  • "[22:35] You made him go and get a job to pay back money he didn't take."

---

Conclusion

"Missing Five Dollars" masterfully portrays the complexities of family dynamics through humor and relatable scenarios. Chester A. Riley's journey from accusation to understanding exemplifies the everyday challenges and resolutions that define family life. This episode not only entertains but also imparts valuable lessons on communication, trust, and the importance of acknowledging one's mistakes.

---

Note: Advertisements and non-story content have been excluded to focus solely on the narrative elements of the episode.

Transcript

[Expedia]

Packages by Expedia. You were made to be rechargeable. We were made to package flights, hotels and hammocks for less. Expedia. Made to travel.

[Ken Niles]

Here he is, folks. During the day, he plays in movies like Wake island and the Bell for Adano. But in his off hours, he's a gentleman farmer.

[William Bendix]

Yeah. Yeah. And on my farm, I got the smartest little hen you ever saw. This hen lays an egg every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. But on Friday, she lays three eggs. She likes the weekend off.

[Ken Niles]

The American Meat Institute presents William Bendix in the Life of R. The Meat People of America. Providing a great food for a great nation. Five million farmers and ranchers raising fine meat animals. 600,000 men and women. And more than 3,500 meat packing plants. 400,000 meat retailers, all doing their level best to fill your daily needs. On behalf of all these, the American Meat Institute brings you the life of Riley. Well, if peace and quiet ever reign in war worker Chester A. Riley's little California bungalow, leave it to Riley to change the status quo. And right now, something seems to be brewing as we find Riley, his wife Peg, and daughter Babs holding a family council in the kitchen.

[William Bendix]

Now, let's get down to the naked facts. Two weeks ago I came home from work and I hand you four five dollar bills.

[Peg Riley]

Yes, yes, we know that.

[William Bendix]

And I say to you, Dumplin, here's $20, go out and buy yourself a new mink fur piece. Cause the rabbit in your old mink fur piece is getting bald.

[Babs Riley]

Yes, Addie, I remember seeing you give Mother the money.

[William Bendix]

Okay. When I gave you the dough, Peg, what did you do with it?

[Peg Riley]

I told you, I put it away in the cupboard here in the cream jug.

[William Bendix]

Cream jug? You mean the half and half jug? We ain't tasted cream in two years. Okay, now we're getting somewhere. You say you didn't look in the cream jug again until this morning?

[Peg Riley]

Yes, yes. And there are only three five dollar bills.

[William Bendix]

So five dollars is missing.

[Babs Riley]

Daddy, are you sure you gave Mother twenty dollars?

[Peg Riley]

That's right. I didn't count it. I just took your word for it.

[William Bendix]

I'm positive I gave you $20.4 $5 bills. You know me, I never forget a face.

[Peg Riley]

What's that got to do with the money?

[William Bendix]

Well, Abraham Lincoln's face was on every one of the four bills.

[Peg Riley]

Well, where did the $5 get to?

[William Bendix]

Now, let's use logic. You didn't take it, Peg. Babs didn't take it. I didn't take it. I got it. A burglar took it.

[Peg Riley]

Oh, don't be silly, Riley. A burglar did it. Why didn't he take all the money?

[William Bendix]

Well, maybe he figured it would put him in a higher income tax bracket.

[Babs Riley]

Oh, Daddy, burglars don't pay income tax.

[William Bendix]

They don't? They can go to jail for a. Oh. Oh, yeah, I see what you mean. Now, let's get logical, Peg. We didn't take it. A burglar didn't take it. Your Uncle Baxter is back East. Hey, maybe Junior took it.

[Peg Riley]

Oh, Riley, why, Junior wouldn't steal. You know that.

[Babs Riley]

Of course not.

[William Bendix]

I ain't saying Junior stole it. He probably just took it when we weren't looking and forgot to tell us about it. Hi, Junior. How's my favorite son, huh?

[Junior Riley]

Okay, Pop.

[William Bendix]

Junior, look. Did. Did you borrow $5 from the cream jug?

[Peg Riley]

Me?

[Junior Riley]

Well, no, Pop.

[William Bendix]

Hmm. That's funny. I wish I knew where that $5 went to. I like to know what happens to all our income and outgo so I can balance my books.

[Junior Riley]

You don't keep books, Pop.

[William Bendix]

Well, sure I do, mentally. And if there's $5 missing, I'm mentally unbalanced. You're sure you didn't take it, huh?

[Junior Riley]

Honest, Papa, I wouldn't steal.

[William Bendix]

No, of course you wouldn't. I'm talking crazy. Why, us rallies ain't got a crooked bone in our heads. Forget I even mentioned the matter, huh?

[Junior Riley]

Okay, Pop. See you later.

[William Bendix]

Okay, Junior. Wait a minute. What's that you got in that box there?

[Junior Riley]

Well, this?

[William Bendix]

Yeah.

[Junior Riley]

Oh, just a basketball. I'll see you later.

[William Bendix]

Oh, wait a minute. Wait a minute. A basketball. Let me get a feel of that, huh? Boy, I ain't had one of these in my hands since I played for good old nyu.

[Junior Riley]

Nyu? Pop, you never went to college?

[William Bendix]

Oh, this. NYU was the New Yorker posterers. We played in the Industrial League. Oh, boy, this reminds me of the old days. I used to dribble a ball right down the floor, fast as a pussycat. Dribble Puss rally, they call me.

[Junior Riley]

Oh, yeah, I bet you were good. Papa. Can I have the ball now?

[William Bendix]

Hey, this is a pretty good basketball. Brand new, too. Where'd you get it?

[Junior Riley]

Well, I. It's for my club's game tonight. Give me the ball, Pop. You might bust it.

[William Bendix]

Look, it's still got the price tag on it. Price tag says $4.95. That's almost $5. Junior, where did you get $5 to buy a new basketball?

[Junior Riley]

Well, I. I can't tell you, Pop.

[William Bendix]

But, Junior, you took it from the cream jug, Junior.

[Junior Riley]

No, I didn't.

[William Bendix]

Look at you. I can see guilty written all over your face. G. No, Pam, how could you do a thing like this? Stealing from your own family. Didn't I give you the right kind of upbringing? Didn't we always sneak into the theater to see them? Crime don't pay movies. And this is how you repay me?

[Junior Riley]

Oh, Papa, I didn't take the money.

[William Bendix]

I'm ashamed of you, Junior. To think that on Christmas I thought enough of you to give you my ruby ring that's been in my family for a hundred years. But you don't deserve to wear it.

[Junior Riley]

Pop, will you listen?

[William Bendix]

I don't want to hear no more. Now go to your room and stay there.

[Junior Riley]

Look, Pop, whatever you decide to do.

[William Bendix]

With me, you never mind that. I've already decided what to do with you as soon as I talk it over with your mother.

[Peg Riley]

Oh, Riley, I just can't believe Junior'd steal.

[William Bendix]

Neither can I, Peg. But the evidence is as plain as my face. Peg does only one thing to do. I'm gonna give Junior a licking.

[Peg Riley]

A licking? Oh, but Riley, Junior's a big boy.

[William Bendix]

Now, don't worry, I can protect myself. That boy needs a good old fashioned shellackin and he's gonna get it.

[Peg Riley]

Oh, now, Riley, look, you're just a little excited.

[William Bendix]

Now, Peg, no arguments. I know how to bring up my son.

[Peg Riley]

Well, he's my boy, isn' oh, okay.

[William Bendix]

I'll only lick my half.

[Peg Riley]

Now look, Riley, you don't want to do something you'll be sorry for. Couldn't you just give him a good talking to? After all, it was only $5.

[William Bendix]

Only $5? Yesterday it was cookies, today it's $5, tomorrow it's Fort Knox. Don't you see, Peg? This has got to be snipped in the bud. Will, I?

[Peg Riley]

I suppose you're right.

[William Bendix]

I'm glad you see it my way.

[Peg Riley]

Riley, what are you doing?

[William Bendix]

I'm taking my belt off.

[Peg Riley]

You think it's best to do it with a belt?

[William Bendix]

It's the only way.

[Peg Riley]

Oh, but Riley, a belt.

[William Bendix]

Oh, I know. I feel the same way. When I think that just a few years ago he was just a little baby, and now. Oh, this is one of the worst features of being a parent. But duty is duty. And no matter how unpleasant it is, it's got to be done.

[Peg Riley]

Oh, I guess you're right.

[William Bendix]

Okay, here's the belt. Go and do it. Me?

[Babs Riley]

Oh.

[Peg Riley]

Oh, no, Riley. No, no, not me.

[William Bendix]

No, no, no. Peg, this is no time to get Soft hearted. You gotta be strong. You lick him, I'll cook the dinner.

[Peg Riley]

Well, why can't you be strong? It was all your idea anyway. You're the one who's getting soft hearty.

[William Bendix]

No, it ain't that, Peg. It's, it's. I, I, I just couldn't use my belt on him because.

[Peg Riley]

Because what?

[William Bendix]

But, well. Well, who'll hold up my pants?

[Peg Riley]

Well, I'm certainly not going to do it.

[William Bendix]

Okay, give me the belt. I started this and I'll see it through. Well, Junior, I'm giving you your last chance. Are you ready to confess? You took the $5.

[Junior Riley]

I didn't take it.

[William Bendix]

Okay, that settles it. You're getting a licking. Bend over.

[Junior Riley]

All right.

[William Bendix]

Wait a minute. I'm giving you your last chance. Are you gonna confess? No. Okay, that settles it. No more talk. Bend over.

[Junior Riley]

I'm bending over.

[William Bendix]

Wait a minute. I'm giving you your last chance. Did you take the money? Come on, Junior, cooperate.

[Junior Riley]

I told you I didn't.

[William Bendix]

Okay, that settles it. I ain't the type that Shilly shallys. This is the end. Come on, end. Over. I mean, bend over.

[Junior Riley]

All right, get it over with.

[William Bendix]

Don't tell me what to do. You gotta be taught a lesson. Well, I might as well get it over with. Why don't you say something?

[Junior Riley]

What do you want me to say?

[William Bendix]

Anything, sonny. As long as you make me mad.

[Junior Riley]

I've got nothing to say.

[William Bendix]

Trying to braze it out, huh? Okay, you better hold on to something because this is gonna hurt Junior. Okay, here it comes. And let that be a lesson to you. Is that all, Pop, don't think I'm getting soft hearted. The reason I stopped is. It's. It's kind of the war effort that the government wants us to conserve clothing. And if I gave you the licking you deserve, I'd wear out the seat of your pants. So I'm postponing your licking until the war's over. That's okay with me, but I'm still gonna punish you. You. You ain't playing in the basketball game tonight.

[Junior Riley]

Oh, no, no, Papa. I gotta play tonight for the championship.

[William Bendix]

You heard me. No basketball tonight. And no more basketball this season. But, Pa, you're gonna spend your spare time working and earning enough money to pay back the $5 you took.

[Junior Riley]

I'll do anything you say, Papa. Please let me play tonight.

[William Bendix]

Please.

[Junior Riley]

Just tonight.

[William Bendix]

No. It's time you learned that people have to pay for the mistakes they make. And if I ever catch you doing a thing like this again, you and me are through. Now put that in your pipe and smoke it and don't ever let me catch you smoking.

[Ken Niles]

In a moment, we'll find out more of the mystery of Junior took the $5 or did he? Right now, this is Ken Nile speaking for meat on all sides. These days we're hearing this question, where's the meat? Well, all kinds of meat, including the choicer cuts such as steaks, roasts and chops are going to the armed forces, including established army and navy bases, to military rest homes, to training centers, to army and navy hospitals, and onto ships and submarines with refrigeration facilities. Now, against the slightly decreased all over meat supply, the government has the greatest meat needs in history. Nearly one third of our total meat supply. Tonight I'm going to try to analyze the current situation here at home. Perhaps when you think of meat, you think in terms of steaks, roasts and chops. Did you ever realize that even in peace times there never were enough of these choice cuts to go around? But where are these cuts going? Well, you know that the men right at the fighting front get most of their meat in the form of compact, easily transported rations which do not require refrigeration. But they do get their meat and lots of it. And they get it regularly. Yes, millions of tons of meat are going to our fighters on five continents, on seven seas. It's plain arithmetic. When war needs go up, the amount of meat left for civilians goes down. The War Food Administration estimates that there will be 127 pounds of meat per civilian this year. As against 143 pounds in 1944. That's less for us, but it will keep up the supply for the boys at war. And that is the number one job of your meat industry. All meat, regardless of kind or cut, is a yardstick of protean foods. Because meat measures up to every protean need. And now back to the life of Riley with William Bendix as Riley. Well, Riley is still convinced that Junior stole $5 from the cream jug and is determined to punish the boy by not allowing him to play in the championship basketball game tonight.

[Babs Riley]

But Daddy, couldn't you let him play just tonight?

[William Bendix]

No. I said no basketball for Junior until he pays back the $5.

[Babs Riley]

I know, but he could start his punishment tomorrow. Let him play tonight. The game means so much to him.

[William Bendix]

He's. He's got to be taught a lesson.

[Marilyn Morris]

Babs, you starting a business can be overwhelming. You're juggling multiple roles, designer, marketer, logistics manager, all while bringing your vision to life. But for millions of businesses. Shopify is the ultimate partner. Shopify is the commerce platform behind millions of businesses around the world and 10% of all e commerce in the US from household names like Mattel and Gymshark to brands just getting started. Build a stunning online store with Shopify's ready to use templates, boost content with AI powered product descriptions, page headlines and enhance photography. Marketing is easy with built in tools for email and social media campaigns. Plus, Shopify simplifies everything from inventory to shipping and returns. If you're ready to sell, you're ready for Shopify. Turn your big business idea into With Shopify on your side, sign up for your $1 per month trial today at shopify.com try go to shopify.com try shopify.com.

[Expedia]

Packages by Expedia. You were made to be rechargeable. We were made to package flights, hotels and hammocks for less. Expedia. Made to travel.

[William Bendix]

You'll understand better what I'm doing when you become a father. I mean, when you.

[Peg Riley]

No, but Riley, isn't it enough that you gave him a whipping?

[William Bendix]

Whippings are all right in their place, but you also got to impress the boy's mind.

[Ken Niles]

Poor Junior.

[Junior Riley]

He made a date to take his.

[Babs Riley]

Girlfriend, Marilyn Morris to watch him play. Now I guess he'll have to stand her up.

[William Bendix]

If she's the right kind of girl, she'll wait for him until he gets through paying his debt to society.

[Peg Riley]

For heaven's sake, Riley, stop talking as if Junior was a criminal.

[William Bendix]

Well, that's what he practically is. No wonder he was so broken hearted when Shaky got frozen stiff.

[Peg Riley]

Now don't.

[William Bendix]

Wait a minute.

[Peg Riley]

Don't you think you're being.

[William Bendix]

Junior, is that you at the front door?

[Junior Riley]

Yeah, it's me.

[William Bendix]

Come in here.

[Junior Riley]

What do you want?

[William Bendix]

I thought I told you, you can't play basketball tonight.

[Junior Riley]

I'm not going to play basketball. I'm going out to see if I can get a job like you said, to pay back the money.

[William Bendix]

Oh, okay. If it's for a job, you can go. Uh, Junior?

[Junior Riley]

Yeah?

[William Bendix]

Be careful how you cross the street.

[Junior Riley]

Don't worry, I'll be careful.

[William Bendix]

Uh, who's that at the door, junior?

[Junior Riley]

Oh, it's Mr. Odell, the undertaker.

[William Bendix]

Well, tell him to come in.

[Digby O'Dell]

I am in. Greetings, Riley.

[William Bendix]

How are you, Digger? How's with the undertaker?

[Digby O'Dell]

How do you do, Mrs. Riley?

[Peg Riley]

Hello, Mr. O' Dell.

[Digby O'Dell]

Bab.

[Babs Riley]

Hello.

[Digby O'Dell]

You're all looking fine. Very natural.

[Peg Riley]

Thank you. Will you excuse us, Mr. O' Dell? Well, come on, Babs. We better do the dishes, dear, if we're going to the movies tonight.

[William Bendix]

Movies, that's all the ladies think about.

[Digby O'Dell]

I'm very fond of the cinema myself. Riley. Did you happen to see a film called Arsenic and Old Lace? Well, no, don't miss it. It's about two old ladies who poisoned 12 men and buried them in the cellar. I sat through it twice. It was awfully gay.

[William Bendix]

It must have been. Well, what brings you here, Digger?

[Digby O'Dell]

Oh, I've come to cheer you up in your out of need. Riley, why didn't you tell me?

[William Bendix]

Well. Tell you what, Digger?

[Digby O'Dell]

That you had to pawn this valuable ruby ring.

[William Bendix]

Digger. My family ring. Where did you get it?

[Digby O'Dell]

In Tobin's Pawn Shop. I knew you wouldn't part with this ring unless you were destitute. Why didn't you tell me you were heading for the poor house? I'd have given you a helping hand.

[William Bendix]

I didn't pawn this ring. I gave it a Junior. He pawned it. That kid. If it ain't one thing, it's another.

[Digby O'Dell]

Yes, boys can be very annoying. They annoy me constantly. Lately, half a dozen young hoodlums have disturbed me at my work by gathering in the doorway of my place of business and chanting a song.

[William Bendix]

Well, why should that bother you?

[Digby O'Dell]

They always sing Don't Fence Me In. Well, Riley, I am glad to see that you're not flat on your back. Financially, that is. Well, I must be running along.

[William Bendix]

Oh, yeah. Well, thanks for everything, Digger. I'm a little short of cash right now. I'll pay you what I owe you for the ring tomorrow.

[Digby O'Dell]

It's only $5. Take your time, Riley. Digby O' Dell is always glad to carry his friends. Here he.

[William Bendix]

Peg. Peg, come here quick.

[Peg Riley]

Yes. What's the matter, Riley?

[William Bendix]

Peg, look at this.

[Peg Riley]

Oh, Jerubi ring. The one you gave Junior?

[William Bendix]

Yeah. And how does he show his ungratitude? By hawking it in the pawn shop.

[Peg Riley]

Oh, no.

[William Bendix]

First he steals a five dollar bill. But he couldn't hock that, so now he's pawning the family jewels. He's disgraced us.

[Peg Riley]

Now, wait a minute.

[William Bendix]

Oh, I can't get over it. Porn in a family ring for five bucks? He ain't even smart. When I was a boy, I used to get seven for. I mean.

[Peg Riley]

Oh, wait a minute. Junior got $5 for this ring. Yeah, well, there's something funny about all this. The basketball cost $5 and he got $5 for the ring. Then why'd he have to take $5 from the cream? J. Riley, are you sure you gave me four five dollar bills.

[William Bendix]

Oh, sure, I'm sure.

[Peg Riley]

But maybe you lost a bill or dropped it on the floor, mislaid it.

[William Bendix]

Hey, Peg, I remember perfect. Why, I was wearing a suit I got on. Now, I had the four five dollar bills in the little watch pocket so I wouldn't lose them. I remember giving it to you. I put two fingers in my little pocket like this and I pulled the money out like.

[Peg Riley]

What's that you took out of your pocket?

[William Bendix]

Nothing. Nothing.

[Peg Riley]

Don't say nothing. Nothing. I saw something green. Now what is it?

[William Bendix]

A piece of lettuce. I couldn't finish my lunch.

[Peg Riley]

Let me see that, Riley.

[William Bendix]

All right.

[Peg Riley]

Well, it's a $5 bill. So you did have it all the time. And you accused Junior.

[William Bendix]

Peg. Peg, Peg. Peg. Peg. There's a lot of five dollar bills. The mint is having a big year. They're making a lot of money.

[Peg Riley]

Riley, that's the five dollar bill you accused Junior of stealing. And you might just as well admit it.

[William Bendix]

Yeah. Yeah, I guess it is. What a revolting development this is.

[Peg Riley]

I said he didn't take it, but you wouldn't listen. Oh, no. You had to go ahead and call him a thief and ruin his basketball game.

[William Bendix]

I'm a failure as a father.

[Peg Riley]

Well, what are you going to do about it?

[William Bendix]

I'm a problem parent. Peg. Do you think he'll ever forgive me?

[Peg Riley]

You better do something and ride away too.

[Ken Niles]

Yeah.

[William Bendix]

Junior. Junior.

[Peg Riley]

Darlin, he's not here. You made him go and get a job to pay back money he didn't take.

[William Bendix]

Oh, yeah, yeah, that's right. I. I gotta find him. I gotta. Maybe that's him now. Oh. Oh. Oh, it's you, Marilyn. Well, come in.

[Babs Riley]

I want to speak to you, Mr. Riley.

[Peg Riley]

Who is it, Riley?

[William Bendix]

Oh, it's. It's Marilyn Morris, Junior's little friend.

[Babs Riley]

Junior's fiance.

[William Bendix]

Junior's fiance? Her. Excellent. Excuse me, Marilyn, but isn't it a little late for a 12 year old.

[Babs Riley]

Girl to be out 12 and a half?

[William Bendix]

Pardon me, madam.

[Peg Riley]

Well, hello there, Marilyn. Was anything wrong?

[Babs Riley]

Plenty. Mr. Riley. After what you did to Junior, I think you're the meanest man in the world. Well, how you accusing your own son of being a thief and stopping him.

[Peg Riley]

From playing basketball and giving him a beating besides, you mean to say he beat Junior with a leather belt?

[Babs Riley]

Mrs. Riley, I don't see how you can live with this man.

[Peg Riley]

Oh, Mary, you shouldn't say things like that about Mr. Riley.

[Babs Riley]

I have a right to criticize. As his future daughter in law.

[William Bendix]

You Sound more like a mother in law.

[Peg Riley]

Well, anyway, we know now that Junior's innocent.

[William Bendix]

Yeah, but he didn't have to pawn the family ring.

[Babs Riley]

Oh, but you don't understand. He had to pawn the ring. Otherwise his club would have called him a thief.

[William Bendix]

What? Nobody's gonna call my boy a thief.

[Peg Riley]

Just a minute, Marilyn. What's all this about Junior's club?

[Babs Riley]

Well, Junior's treasurer, and he lost the $5 that the club saved up to buy a basketball. So he pawned the ring.

[William Bendix]

Well, why didn't he tell me about it?

[Babs Riley]

Well, he knew how much the ring meant to you, and he didn't want to hurt your feelings.

[William Bendix]

Oh, I see.

[Peg Riley]

You see the kind of a son you have, Riley.

[William Bendix]

Gee, how can I ever make it up to him? I gotta do something nice. I know. I'm gonna buy him a new lawnmower. But. But all this wouldn't have happened if he'd come to me for the $5 in the first place.

[Babs Riley]

Well, that's what he should have done. But Junior isn't always as bright as he should be.

[Peg Riley]

A lot like his father.

[William Bendix]

He's my boy, all right.

[Babs Riley]

Well, he may improve.

[William Bendix]

Oh, gosh, I'm glad it's all settled.

[Babs Riley]

Oh, but it isn't. You're forgetting about Junior. He can't play in the game tonight. You made him take a job.

[William Bendix]

Well, he can quit, can't he? The game ain't started yet. Where's Junior working?

[Babs Riley]

120 Magnolia Avenue. He's got a hard job, too.

[William Bendix]

Never mind. Never mind. He ain't gonna do it. Marilyn, you go down to the gym and tell the coach Junior's playing tonight. We'll go and get Junior and have him down at the gym in less than a jiffy. Come on, Peg.

[Peg Riley]

I'm ready.

[William Bendix]

Wait a minute. I almost forgot. Where's my belt?

[Peg Riley]

What do you want with your belt?

[William Bendix]

I'm gonna give it a Junior. What? I'm gonna give it a Junior, and then I'll. 120. Here's the place, Peg. Hmm. It's a funny place for Junior to work. A private house. He's too young to be a butler. Uh, Junior.

[Junior Riley]

Mom. Pop, I'd have brought home the $5. You didn't have to come for it.

[William Bendix]

No, no, no, Junior, you don't understand. Everything is okay. But what do you know all about everything? And I ain't sore about you pawning the ring. And you're playing basketball tonight and. And will you take me back as your father?

[Junior Riley]

Oh, gee, Pop, sure.

[William Bendix]

But.

[Peg Riley]

Come on, Junior, dear, you'll miss the game.

[Junior Riley]

But I can't leave my job.

[William Bendix]

You go to the game. Whatever you're doing, I'll do it for you.

[Junior Riley]

You will? Gosh, thanks, Pop.

[Peg Riley]

Well, hurry up, Junior.

[Junior Riley]

Oh, so long, Pop.

[William Bendix]

So long, Junior. So long, Peg. Have a. Away. Wait a minute. What am I supposed to be doing here?

[Junior Riley]

That's it, Pop.

[William Bendix]

That's a baby.

[Junior Riley]

Yeah, I got a job minding the Reese's baby. They went to the basketball game.

[William Bendix]

I can't mind this baby. This ain't my type of work. I'm a riveter. Peg, you mind the baby. I'll.

[Peg Riley]

Oh, no. I'm going to the basketball game. Come on, Junior, dear.

[William Bendix]

Junior. Peg. Dog Peg. Pipe down, you. I'm. I'm not talking to you. Don't count, dad. Da, da, baby. Da, da. Row party will pick him up. Holy smoke, is this kid homely. Oh, all right, all right, you beautiful love. I got this kid in the palm of my hand. Listen, baby, will you please dry up? Oh, I. I know what's wrong with a baby. Oh, yeah. You ate too much. Wait a minute. Ratty party knows what to do. He's gonna pat you with a back and make you feel better.

[Peg Riley]

Yeah.

[William Bendix]

Yeah. Ain't that nice? Very low type kid. Didn't even say excus.

[Ken Niles]

The Riley's will be back in just a moment. I hope the Red Stamp situation won't make you women feel you have to give up those good meat breakfasts we've been talking about for a good meal to start off the day. Let's say you'd like to serve each member of your family of four a slice or two of bacon with the breakfast eggs. You can do it with only a quarter of a pound or one ration point. If you want to serve some good, nutritious liver with it, watch for pork or lamb liver, which requires no point. Or liver sausage, which is delicious when served hot at breakfast. That's point free, too. And how about that good old English dish, grilled kidneys that rate close to liver in proteins, minerals and vitamins. That won't take any of your precious points either, though. You see, there's more than one way to keep the proteins of meat in your breakfasts. All meat is rich in the right kind of proteins. Ripe for growth, right for tissue repair, Ripe for good red blood. That's why meat is a yardstick of protean foods. Because meat measures up to every protean need. And remember, these nutritional statements just made about meat are accepted by the council on Foods and Nutrition of the American Medical Association. And now, here's a word from the star of our show, Riley himself, William Bendix.

[William Bendix]

Folks, there's a war on. No, I. I don't mean the one that the Germans and Japs started and that the United nations are going to finish. I mean the war against infantile paralysis, the deadly enemy of your child and mine. So let's all join the March of Dimes. Send your dimes and your dollars, if you can, to President Roosevelt. Remember, a dime that you send marching may help a little child to walk.

[Ken Niles]

Follow the life of Riley, starring William Bendix as Riley and presented by the American Meat Institute. Next week at the same time next week, Riley goes to a large initiation. And the results are black, blue and disastrous. This is Candy saying, see you next week. This is The Blue Network. 7:30 at Kea, Los Angeles.

[Expedia]

Packages by Expedia. You were made to be rechargeable. We were made to package flights, hotels and hammocks for less. Expedia made to travel.