Life of Riley 47-11-29 177 Thanksgiving with the Gillises

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Life of Riley 47-11-29 #177: Thanksgiving with the Gillises

Episode Date: November 26, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Featured Show: The Life of Riley — Thanksgiving with the Gillises (Original Airdate: November 29, 1947)

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Overview

This episode features a classic Life of Riley Thanksgiving-themed radio show, transporting listeners back to the golden era of American family comedy. The plot centers on Chester A. Riley, his best friend Jim Gillis, and their well-intentioned but hilariously complicated plans to celebrate Thanksgiving together — with both families and their boss, Mr. Stevenson. As the holiday approaches, ambition and friendship collide amidst classic slapstick misunderstandings and gentle satire of working-class life.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Highlights

1. Thankful Reflections and Turkey Troubles

• Riley and Gillis’ Friendship:
  Walking home from work, Riley and Gillis banter about their good fortune—health, families, and friendship. Riley describes Thanksgiving as a time they are "pretty lucky compared to other guys."

• The Great Turkey Scheme:
  Riley claims butcher Al will give him a turkey with four drumsticks, humorously suggesting, "That's easy. Some other customer will get one with no drumsticks and two whatchamacallits." (01:56)

• Invitation Escalation:
  Riley impulsively invites the Gillis family for joint Thanksgiving dinner, envisioning "two turkeys, two cranberry sauces," and, jokingly, "two wives to do the dirty dishes" (04:04).
  Slight family protest ensues, mainly Babs calling Mrs. Gillis an "awful pill" and debates about the appropriateness of guests contributing food (04:45).

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2. Ambition and Shameless Scheming

• Foreman Opening at the Plant:
  Riley and Gillis gossip about who will be the new foreman, vowing not to play up to their boss but secretly plotting to get ahead (07:07).

• Competing for the Boss’s Favor:
  Both secretly invite Mr. Stevenson to Thanksgiving dinner, rationalizing their attempts as necessary for career advancement—even if it means uninviting their best friends (08:06–09:12).

  Notable Exchange:
  "After all, I'm not double crossing just anybody. I'm doing it to my best friend." — Riley, self-consciously justifying his action (08:31).

• Comedy of Disinvitation:
  Riley and Gillis clumsily try to call off their joint dinner by acting out a scenario where holiday bickering escalates into an all-out food fight (09:41–11:03), agreeing to part as "revolting" pals.

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3. Enter: The Boss

• Mr. Stevenson’s Double Booking:
  Both men are caught when Mr. Stevenson accepts both invitations, announcing, "I can accept both your invitations at the same time. See you tomorrow at three." (12:19)

  "What a revolting development this is." — Riley, expressing his trademark frustration (12:36).

• More Scheming:
  Each household decides to sell their own turkey and buy a fancy gift for their boss with the proceeds, each thinking he’s outsmarted the other (13:40–14:04).

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4. The Family Dinner Debacle

• The Big Day:
  Tensions rise as both families and Stevenson assemble. Each expects the other to supply the turkey; in the end, neither brings one (19:19).

  "Where's the turkey?" — A frantic back-and-forth reveals both sold theirs to buy gifts for Stevenson (19:26–19:45).

• The Miraculous Rescue:
  Digger Odell, the friendly undertaker, arrives unexpectedly with a fully cooked turkey, saving the meal:
  "So I brought you our turkey, all cooked and ready to serve." (23:08)

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5. Thankfulness, Friendship, and a Final Twist

• The Toast and the Foreman's Identity:
  After a lively dinner, Riley proposes a toast "to the health and happiness of the new foreman," each hoping to be singled out. Instead, Stevenson toasts Joe Beamish, a wounded war veteran, as the new foreman (25:30).

  "Germany? That's a fine place to be with a war going on. Oh...that Joe Beamish...the one who was wounded." — Riley, sheepishly recognizing Beamish's merits (26:22).

• Graceful Acceptance:
  Both Riley and Gillis graciously accept the decision, reminded of true thankfulness and friendship.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Friendship:
  "We're more than brothers. We're sisters under the skin." — Riley to Gillis (03:02)

• Thanksgiving Fantasies:
  "We'll have two turkeys...and two wives to do the dirty dishes." — Riley, tongue-in-cheek (04:04)

• Double crossing rationale:
  "I'm not double crossing just anybody. I'm doing it to my best friend." — Riley (08:31)

• Food fight fantasy:
  "And then I got a stick up for Peg. So I say, pipe down, Honey Bee. You're nothing but a pill." — Riley, forecasting chaos (10:30)

• After the turkey mix-up:
  "I read in a magazine once that sardines have got more vitamins than all other..." — Riley, desperately making conversation (20:13)

• Classic Riley exasperation:
  "What a revolting development this is." — Riley (12:36)

• Riley and Gillis’s closing affirmation:
  "And even if we ain't foreman, we're still friends." — Gillis
  "Through thick and thin." — Riley
  "Yes, sir, Gillis. And believe me, they don't come any thicker than us." (28:24–28:39)

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Major Segment Timestamps

• Turkey plans and thankful banter: 01:29–04:26
• Family protests and rivalries: 04:26–05:43
• Scheming for the boss’s favor & disinvitation plot: 07:12–12:36
• Joint dinner gone awry (the empty kitchen comedy): 19:03–20:08
• Digger Odell saves Thanksgiving: 21:11–23:32
• Dinner, pie, cigars... and an unexpected toast: 24:02–26:36
• Riley & Gillis reaffirm friendship: 28:24–28:39

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Tone & Style

Classic Life of Riley—a warm, tongue-in-cheek look at blue-collar American life and values. The humor is broad but affectionate, with Riley’s signature blend of malapropisms, self-deprecation, and loyalty to friends and family. While the episode gently mocks workplace ambition and neighborly rivalry, it rings true to the spirit of Thanksgiving: friendship, honesty, humility, and, above all, gratitude for unexpected blessings.

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Recommended for:
Anyone nostalgic for vintage American comedy, classic sitcom fans, and listeners seeking lighthearted, well-observed portrayals of mid-century family life.

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Transcript

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[Narrator]

It's new. It's amazing. It's Prel P R E L L Procter and Gamble's new radiant cream shampoo. In the handy tube. Prel brings you the life of Riley. Prel A shampoo that removes unsightly dandruff in as little as three minutes and leaves hair radiantly clean, radiantly lovely. And presents the life of Riley with William Bendix. Says Riley. Well, Thursday was Thanksgiving, as that fresh cranberry stain on your vest will indicate. And today we find Chester A. Riley thankful that it's all over. But a few days before Thanksgiving, Riley was singing a different tune as he was walking home from work with his friend, neighbor and coworker, Jim Gillis.

[Chester A. Riley]

Hey, wait, Gillis. Let's go down this street here. I gotta pick up our Thanksgiving turkey at Al's meat market.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Oh, I'm glad you reminded me. My honeybee told me to pick ours up.

[Chester A. Riley]

Yeah, great guy, Al. You know, in our house, all four of us like the drumstick and nobody likes the whatchamacallit. So this year, Al promised to give me a turkey with four drumsticks.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

How is that possible? One turkey with four drumsticks with Al?

[Chester A. Riley]

That's easy. Some other customer will get with no drumsticks and two whatchamacullas. You know, I love Thanksgiving, Gillis.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Oh, me too. It's nice to stay home and bask on the bosom of the family.

[Chester A. Riley]

Yeah, we're pretty lucky compared to other guys. We got something to be thankful for. After all, we've got our health.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Yeah, that's something to be thankful for.

[Chester A. Riley]

We each got fine kids and were married to two fine, plain, home loving girls.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Yeah, that's something to be thankful for.

[Chester A. Riley]

You know, Gillis, we might have married a couple of flashy dames just for their looks. You know, to type those luscious blondes with those gorgeous figures. But we didn't.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

That's something to be thankful for.

[Chester A. Riley]

And that ain't all. I'm thankful for the good friends I got like you, Gillis. A guy couldn't ask for no better friend than you. You're. You're wonderful.

[Digger Odell]

I love you too. Riley.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

I feel like we're more than just friends. We're brothers.

[Chester A. Riley]

We're more than brothers. We're sisters under the skin. I'll never forget what you did that time our house burned down and we had no place to live.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Ah, what did I do? So I let your family live in my house for a couple of weeks. Any noble type person would have did the same.

[Chester A. Riley]

But you only charged us $4 a day. The seal and price.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Well, one good time deserves another. I was just paying you back for that time five years ago when I needed that blood transfusion to save my life. I'll never forget how you offered your blood.

[Chester A. Riley]

Ah, it was nothing. I. I just called up the blood bank and told them to give you a pint out of the cord I gave them.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

I know, Riley, but it ain't your blood. It's the thought behind it.

[Chester A. Riley]

Gillis, I got a great idea. Why don't you and the family have Thanksgiving dinner at our house? We'll all give thanks together.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Hey, that's a super pipe idea. I'll bring over our turkey and all the trimming.

[Chester A. Riley]

Great. Oh, boy, what a Thanksgiving. We'll have two turkeys, two dishes of cranberry sauce, two boats of gravy, two pumpkin pies, two big cigars to smoke after dinner, and two wives to do the dirty dishes.

[Peggy Riley]

Chester, Riley, how could you go and invite the Gilles for Thanksgiving dinner without telling me? I like to feed my guests. And we only got one small turkey. And I'll never.

[Chester A. Riley]

I also invited their turkey.

[Peggy Riley]

Oh. Oh, no, no. It's not right to let guests bring food. We'll buy another dumplin.

[Chester A. Riley]

It's real holiday spirit. When we sit down to eat, it won't be their food or our food. It'll be one for all and everybody for himself. We'll have fun.

[Peggy Riley]

I don't mind, Mr. Gillis, but Mrs. Gillis is an awful pill.

[Chester A. Riley]

Now see here, Babs, you're talking about my best friend's wife. Honeybee Gillis is not a pill. Well, Pop's right. She's long and skinny.

[Peggy Riley]

She's more like a capsule. Junior.

[Chester A. Riley]

You watch that fresh talk, Junior. You ain't getting so big that I can't get your mother to spank you. I'm sorry, Pop, but that Egbert Gillis is murder.

[Peggy Riley]

And when he sits down at the.

[Chester A. Riley]

Table, he eats like a wolf. I said stop it. Just remember, that wolf happens to be the cub of my best friend. Now it's all settled. The Gillises are coming to Dinner. My head is made up.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Hurry up, Riley.

[Chester A. Riley]

We'll be late for work. So anyway, Gillis, when I told Peg and the kids that you and the family is coming over for Thanksgiving dinner, they was thrilled. You know what they said?

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

How should I know what they said? I ain't the kind of a next door neighbor who goes around eavesdropping.

[Chester A. Riley]

Well, they said, Riley, that's a wonderful idea.

[Digger Odell]

Oh, fine.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

And tell Junior not to worry. I'll see that my egg bite. Don't eat like a wolf.

[Chester A. Riley]

Phyllis, you hurt?

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Well, ever since that cut rate dentist filled my tooth with copper, my ears pick up like a radio. Now, come on. If we're late once more this month, the boss will blow his town.

[Chester A. Riley]

Oh, quit worrying. Mr. Stevenson went out of town for Thanksgiving.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

No, he's staying here. Only his family went away. The chauffeur told me.

[Chester A. Riley]

Oh, then we better snap it up.

[Digger Odell]

Hi, fellas.

[Chester A. Riley]

Oh, hi, Sharkey. Hi.

[Digger Odell]

Heard the news? Benson quit his job.

[Chester A. Riley]

You mean. You mean Sam Benson, the foreman?

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

No kidding? Who's gonna be the new foreman?

[Digger Odell]

Nobody knows yet. Stevenson is gonna announce somebody after Thanksgiving.

[Narrator]

Oh.

[Chester A. Riley]

Oh. Oh, that's a great job. I wonder who's gonna get it.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Yeah, I wonder.

[Digger Odell]

Every guy in the plant is angling for it. All sorts of schemes going on. Well, I gotta go, fellas.

[Narrator]

Hey.

[Chester A. Riley]

Hey, what's that you got wrapped in that newspaper?

[Digger Odell]

Oh, this? Just some petunias I picked for the boss's desk. So long.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Ain't that disgustin', Riley, what some guys won't do just to butter up the bus.

[Chester A. Riley]

Positively sickenin'. Now, me, I don't mind putting in eight hours of hard work for Stevenson. And I'll gladly work overtime for a time and a half. But when it comes to playing up to him, I draw the line. That's when I revolt.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

I'm with you, pal. I revolt too.

[Chester A. Riley]

Yes, sir, we're both revolting.

[Carl Stevenson]

Hello, Stevenson?

[Digger Odell]

Speaking.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Hello, boss. This is Gillis. I just heard you're gonna be a bachelor on Thanksgiving. Me and the family would love to have you break bread on us.

[Carl Stevenson]

Well, say, that's awfully nice of you, Gillis. I think I can. Hold on a minute, will you? My other phone is ringing. Hello?

[Chester A. Riley]

Hello, boss. This is Riley. What are you doing for dinner on Thanksgiving?

[Peggy Riley]

You invited Mr. Stevenson?

[Chester A. Riley]

Well, sure. He'll let me know definite tomorrow, but he'll come. Yes, sir. I'm out to get that foreman's job, Dumplin, and this will cinch it.

[Peggy Riley]

Oh, how?

[Chester A. Riley]

While you're filling his stomach with Turkey. I'll be stuffing his head about how good I am.

[Peggy Riley]

But you can't do that. Especially with the Gillises here.

[Chester A. Riley]

Oh, the Gillises won't be here. I'll uninvite them.

[Peggy Riley]

Oh, you couldn't do that. It isn't fair.

[Chester A. Riley]

Yeah, I know. It's kind of a double cross. But this may be the break of my lifetime. And after all, I'm not double crossing just anybody. I'm doing it to my best friend.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

But, Honeybee, don't you get it? I invite the big boss here to dinner, I get in good with him, and the next day I'm foreman.

[Peggy Riley]

But you promised to go to the Riley's.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Oh, I'll get out of that pooch phase. This is a crucial thing now. Leave everything to me. Vision of loveliness. Hey, Riley.

[Chester A. Riley]

Oh. Oh, hi, Agillis. I was just coming over to see you, pal.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

I was just coming over to see you.

[Digger Odell]

Riley, my friend.

[Chester A. Riley]

Listen, chum, about this joint Thanksgiving dinner over at my joint, I was thinking.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

That's funny, Riley.

[Chester A. Riley]

So was I. Yeah, I thought maybe we ought to call it off.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Oh, you did?

[Chester A. Riley]

Yeah. You see, Gillis, I figured the best way to keep a friendship going is not to get too friendly.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Well, you got a good point there in your head.

[Chester A. Riley]

In fact, it's very dangerous to get together Thanksgiving. I can see just what's gonna happen. You'll come over with your wife, an eggbird and your turkey. And there's me and my wife and kids and our turkey. It's very crowded.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Where am I sitting?

[Chester A. Riley]

On the piano stool. Very uncomfortable. And everybody's nerves is on edge. First thing you know, my Junior says to your Eggbert, hey, egghead, don't eat like a wolf. Yeah, yeah.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

And then my egg bite takes a poke at your Junior and gives him a bloody nose.

[Chester A. Riley]

Right? Eh? And then my wife comes in, takes one look at Junior and yells, junior, wipe that cranberry sauce off your face.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Yeah. But then she finds out what happened. So she tames on my Honeybee.

[Chester A. Riley]

That's right. And Peg says, really, Honeybee, you might teach that bratty yours some manners. And then naturally, your Honeybee turns on my Peg.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Well, naturally. And she tells your wife off, but good.

[Chester A. Riley]

And then I got a stick up for Peg. So I say, pipe down, Honey Bee. You're nothing but a pill. And that gets you sore, Gillis.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Why, that's what I always say.

[Narrator]

Oh.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Oh, yeah, yeah. I'm pointing up. So I say, see here, Riley, I'm the only one who can insult my wife and Then I pick up a.

[Digger Odell]

Dikey leg and throw it at you.

[Chester A. Riley]

And I throw a whatchamacallit at you.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Right in the eye.

[Digger Odell]

I get it.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

So I say to you.

[Chester A. Riley]

I say to you.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Listen, you big baboon.

[Chester A. Riley]

Who's a big baboon, Gillis?

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

I say, you are, you weasel. I say, well, if that's the way.

[Chester A. Riley]

You feel, beat it. Go on. Take your wife and your kid and your turkey and your stuff out.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Okay, I'm gone. You know, if that's the way it's going to be, Riley, we better call this here dinner off.

[Chester A. Riley]

Yeah, yeah, I agree with you, Gillis.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Well, so long, pal.

[Chester A. Riley]

So long, chum. Happy Thanksgiving. We need some more rivets, Gillis.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Yeah, it's oh, quitting time, Riley.

[Chester A. Riley]

Oh, okay. I sure am glad we called off our Thanksgiving dinner.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Yeah, much better. We should each have a quiet dinner with no headaches. Except our wife.

[Chester A. Riley]

Yeah, you're right.

[Carl Stevenson]

Oh, shut up.

[Chester A. Riley]

Riley.

[Carl Stevenson]

Riley.

[Chester A. Riley]

Oh, Mr. Stevenson.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

What's he doing in the shop?

[Carl Stevenson]

Riley, I want to thank you again for your invitation for Thanksgiving dinner.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Why, you double crossing snake.

[Carl Stevenson]

And Gillis, I want to thank you for your invitation too.

[Chester A. Riley]

Why, you're a bigger snake than I am.

[Carl Stevenson]

What's trouble, boys?

[Chester A. Riley]

So that's why you wanted to get out of our joint dinner.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

What about you?

[Carl Stevenson]

Wait a minute, boys. Were you planning to have Thanksgiving dinner together? Well, yes.

[Chester A. Riley]

Only I.

[Digger Odell]

He.

[Chester A. Riley]

We.

[Carl Stevenson]

Well, fine. That solves everything. I can accept both your invitations at the same time. So go right ahead with your original plans and count me in. See you tomorrow at three.

[Chester A. Riley]

What a revolting development this is.

[Peggy Riley]

But Jimsy, I thought your boss was coming here for dinner.

[Digger Odell]

No saccharine lips.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

That's all changed now. We're all going to eat at Riley's.

[Peggy Riley]

But Egbert's been invited to Artie Meyer's house.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Good. Maybe it's better my boss don't see our egg bite. Things are tough enough.

[Peggy Riley]

Well, all right, we'll go. You know, even if it is Riley's house, you can still drop a few hints about the foreman job.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

No, no, that's out. Riley and me made an honorable deal and Hinton wouldn't be croquette.

[Peggy Riley]

I guess you're right. It's not the honest thing to do.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

But I got a better plan. See, we're bringing a tyke and Riley's got a tyche. Now what do we need two tyches for?

[Peggy Riley]

Yes, one will be enough for seven people. Especially the portions Riley serves.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

So I'll sell our gobbler and buy the boss a box of his favorite cigars. That'll put us in solid.

[Peggy Riley]

Oh, Jimsy, you're so clever.

[Chester A. Riley]

But, duffler, it's so simple. Gillis is bringing a turkey, and we got a turkey. Why do we need two turkeys for?

[Peggy Riley]

Well, yes, it is a lot. And today with a food shortage, sure.

[Chester A. Riley]

So I'll sell our turkey and buy da boss a cigar lighter. It's patriotic to save food. And the boss will love me for that lighter.

[Peggy Riley]

Well, now, wait, Riley.

[Chester A. Riley]

Poor Gillis. I bet he'd love to borrow my brain.

[Peggy Riley]

I don't like it, Riley. It's underhanded and, well, it's just not fair.

[Chester A. Riley]

I know, Peg, but you don't understand. This is business. And the business world, it's like a jungle. Beast against beast. That's the only way to get ahead. So don't you worry. When I'm foreman, you'll give thanks that you're married to a beast like me.

[Narrator]

We'll hear the second act of the Life of Riley in a moment.

[Peggy Riley]

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[Narrator]

Of course, Prel's popular for two reasons.

[Peggy Riley]

First, Prel leaves hair more radiant than any soap or soap shampoo because Prel can't leave a dulling soap film.

[Narrator]

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[Peggy Riley]

And that handy Prel tube's popular too. No messy jars, no waste or spill.

[Narrator]

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[Peggy Riley]

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[Chester A. Riley]

Visit spinquest.com for more details.

[Peggy Riley]

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[Narrator]

And now back to the Life of Riley with William Bendix as Riley well.

[Peggy Riley]

I've got the table all set.

[Chester A. Riley]

Oh, it looks beautiful, Babs. Hey, where's the carving knife?

[Peggy Riley]

Oh, here it is, Pa.

[Chester A. Riley]

I wonder if it's sharp enough, Junior. Bend your head down.

[Peggy Riley]

Riley, for heaven's sake.

[Chester A. Riley]

Well, don't get excited. I just want one hair.

[Peggy Riley]

Oh, dear. Who left the door open like that? Shut it, Babs.

[Chester A. Riley]

No, no, leave it open.

[Peggy Riley]

Well, why, Daddy?

[Chester A. Riley]

Well, Gillis's hands will be so full carrying his turkey, he won't be able to ring the bell.

[Peggy Riley]

Oh, don't be silly. Shut it back.

[Chester A. Riley]

Say, I almost forgot the champagne. Where's the champagne?

[Carl Stevenson]

Here, Daddy.

[Chester A. Riley]

Oh, Junior, empty the ashes out of the bucket and fill it with ice. I'll put the champagne in it. I want the boss to have everything like he has at home. Oh, this champagne's great stuff. Imported from San Diego.

[Peggy Riley]

Oh, that must be the Gilles's.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Happy Thanksgiving, folks.

[Digger Odell]

Look.

[Chester A. Riley]

Come in, come in. Gillis, old fellow. Hope you brung your appetite.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Don't worry, Rynie, I'll gorge up my quota of victuals.

[Peggy Riley]

Hello, mister.

[Chester A. Riley]

You're alone?

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Oh, no, Honeybee went in through your kitchen.

[Chester A. Riley]

Oh, yeah, naturally.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Boy, that turkey smells delicious.

[Chester A. Riley]

Yeah, I smell it too. That aroma sure has a wonderful odor, doesn't it?

[Peggy Riley]

Why, I. I can't smell any turkey.

[Chester A. Riley]

Well, Peg, where's your nose while the air is reeking with.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Certainly is. Pardon me while I drool.

[Peggy Riley]

Well, I better give Honey Bee a hand in the kitchen. Oh, there's Mr. Stevenson.

[Chester A. Riley]

Now, remember, killers. No hinting about the job.

[Carl Stevenson]

Not a word. Happy Thanksgiving, Everybody.

[Peggy Riley]

Oh, hello, Mr. Stevenson. Come in.

[Carl Stevenson]

Hiya, boss.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Hi there, chief.

[Carl Stevenson]

Well, Junior, Barbara. Hello.

[Peggy Riley]

Here, let me take your coat.

[Carl Stevenson]

Thank you, Barbara.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Here, sit down, boss. Make yourself at home in my chair.

[Chester A. Riley]

What Gillis means is, make yourself at home in my chair. In my home.

[Carl Stevenson]

Hope I'm not too early, Riley.

[Chester A. Riley]

Oh, no, no. You're just in time. We were all waiting for you. Including the turkey.

[Carl Stevenson]

Ah, turkey. Just the thing. The thought of it makes my mouth water.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Riley, give the boss a blotter.

[Chester A. Riley]

Well, should we sit down, Peg? Huh?

[Peggy Riley]

Yes, dear. I'm all ready. Hello there, every. Daddy. Oh, Mrs. Gillis.

[Chester A. Riley]

Hello, Honeybee.

[Peggy Riley]

Hello, Mrs. Stevenson.

[Chester A. Riley]

Charmed.

[Peggy Riley]

Simply charmed.

[Carl Stevenson]

Pleasure to see you, Mrs. Gillis.

[Peggy Riley]

Well, shall we sit down, Honeybee? Yes, by all means, darling. Well, let's see now. You sit here, Mr. Stevenson.

[Carl Stevenson]

Thank you.

[Peggy Riley]

And I think Honeybee and Mr. Gillis. Here. Riley, you sit here. And Babson, Junior. Come on.

[Carl Stevenson]

Nice family.

[Chester A. Riley]

That's perfect. Well, here, here, Mr. Stevenson. You do the carpet.

[Carl Stevenson]

Oh, no, no, I couldn't, Riley.

[Chester A. Riley]

Oh, go on. You're good at cutting salaries. Try it on a turkey.

[Peggy Riley]

All right.

[Carl Stevenson]

All right.

[Chester A. Riley]

Well, I'm all set.

[Carl Stevenson]

Bring on the turkey.

[Chester A. Riley]

Okay. Bring on a turkey.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Yeah, bring on a turkey.

[Peggy Riley]

All right, honeybee, bring on the turkey. Where is it, Peggy, dear? Why, in the kitchen. Where you put it? I didn't put it anywhere. Where'd you put it, darling?

[Carl Stevenson]

Something wrong, folks?

[Chester A. Riley]

Oh, well, don't worry, boss. We'll track it down at Gillis. Where's the turkey you brought?

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Oh, I didn't tell you I didn't bring any.

[Peggy Riley]

You didn't?

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Well, where's the tyke you have?

[Chester A. Riley]

Oh. Oh, that's right. I didn't tell you we ain't got it. Oh, you see, we thought you would.

[Carl Stevenson]

Oh.

[Peggy Riley]

Oh, dear. Oh, my. Well, now, Ginsey, run out of the delicate castle and see if you can get some turkey. Hurry.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Okay.

[Chester A. Riley]

Sit tight.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Excuse me a minute, folks.

[Peggy Riley]

Riley, say something.

[Chester A. Riley]

I read in a magazine once that sardines have got more vitamins than all other.

[Carl Stevenson]

How's school coming, Junior?

[Chester A. Riley]

Well. Oh, fine, Mr. Stevenson.

[Carl Stevenson]

Nice weather for Thanksgiving, isn't it? Wonder how Cornell make out against Penn. I was thinking of going to see the new play at the Madison tonight, but I hear it's a turkey. Well, come now, folks. Just because there's been a little mishap with the turkey doesn't mean we all have to be so glum. Who wants this carving knife?

[Peggy Riley]

Oh, you. You can't imagine how embarrassed I am, Mr. Stevenson.

[Carl Stevenson]

Well, please don't be. Worse things can happen.

[Chester A. Riley]

The boss is right. Why, if somebody walked in now and saw us sitting here like this, they'd think this was a funeral.

[Digger Odell]

Speak for yourself, John.

[Chester A. Riley]

Digger, it's you.

[Digger Odell]

Yes, it is. I, Digby o', Dell, the friendly undertaker. You're looking fine. Very hungry.

[Chester A. Riley]

Why didn't you ring the bell, Digger?

[Digger Odell]

I came in through the kitchen. You see, I.

[Chester A. Riley]

This is my boss, Mr. Carl Stevenson. Boss, Digger Odell. How do you do?

[Digger Odell]

Carl Stevenson. Well, as I live and breathe, if you'll pardon the expression. Glad to know you, Zach. One of my dearest cronies was your late uncle, Rufus Q. Stevenson, the pawnbroker.

[Carl Stevenson]

Oh, yes. Good old Uncle Ruf.

[Digger Odell]

A fine man. He once helped me out of a hole. I've always regretted I couldn't do the same for him.

[Chester A. Riley]

We. We were almost gonna have a little Thanksgiving dinner, Digger.

[Digger Odell]

Ah, thanks. Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday. Started by the Pilgrims. One of whom Was my ancestor, Roger Odell.

[Carl Stevenson]

Really?

[Digger Odell]

Ah, yes. He started the family profession a stone's throw from Plymouth Rock.

[Chester A. Riley]

Gee, a pilgrim.

[Digger Odell]

The very day they landed, they were attacked by a ferocious band of iroquois. And Roger O' Dell personally made 50 Indians bite the dust.

[Chester A. Riley]

Well, wait a minute, digger. He killed 50 Indians?

[Digger Odell]

No, the others killed them, but O' Dell made them bite the dust. Well, toodle oo.

[Peggy Riley]

Oh, we'd ask you to stay for dinner, Mr. Odell.

[Digger Odell]

Oh, no, thank you. My family and I were invited at the last minute to be the guests of J.J. gabriel.

[Chester A. Riley]

J.J. gabriel? Oh, yeah. He's the town's biggest undertaker.

[Digger Odell]

Oh, yes. He does a land office business.

[Chester A. Riley]

You're eating dinner at his place?

[Digger Odell]

I have to for business reasons. So I brought you our turkey, all cooked and ready to serve.

[Chester A. Riley]

Digger, you brought us a turkey?

[Digger Odell]

Yes, I laid it out in the kitchen.

[Chester A. Riley]

Oh, Digger, you saved my life.

[Digger Odell]

I did? Well, after all, it's a holiday.

[Peggy Riley]

Thank you very much, Mr. Odell.

[Digger Odell]

I really must go. Gabriel is waiting for me outside. Oh, that's Gabriel now. And you know me. When Gabriel blows his horn, I come a running. Well, curio, I'd better be shoveling off.

[Chester A. Riley]

Boy, Digger sure saved our life with this turkey. Gillis, can't you eat quieter? You sound like the Super Chief.

[Carl Stevenson]

On my word, Mrs. Riley, I haven't had a meal like this in years.

[Peggy Riley]

Neither have we. Oh, that's no way to do that.

[Chester A. Riley]

Don't yell at the boy, Dumplin. He only means we can't eat like this every day with the celery I get on the job, I got. Now have some more of my turkey, boss.

[Digger Odell]

Riley. No hint.

[Chester A. Riley]

Well, I.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Here, boss, have one of my radishes.

[Carl Stevenson]

No, thank you. Really?

[Chester A. Riley]

How about a little more pie? Take mine.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

No, no, take mine. I ain't bitten into mine yet.

[Chester A. Riley]

More coffee, boss?

[Carl Stevenson]

Please, boss, not another morsel. All I want now is to fall into a good soft chair and smoke a good cigar.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Well, here. Smoke a whole box with my love.

[Chester A. Riley]

Why, light him with this nifty lighter right from my heart.

[Carl Stevenson]

Well, boys, this is very nice of you, but you really shouldn't have done it. I don't expect any presents.

[Chester A. Riley]

Oh, forget it, boys.

[Peggy Riley]

Well, shall we go into the other room?

[Chester A. Riley]

Yeah. No, no, no, wait. Let's drink a toast.

[Carl Stevenson]

Good idea. What'll we drink to?

[Chester A. Riley]

Let's drink to the health and happiness of the new foreman.

[Carl Stevenson]

Oh, then you know Riley.

[Chester A. Riley]

Well, I sort of guess you know two Gillis.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Well, I know what a great executive you are, boss. So there's only one man you could pick.

[Digger Odell]

Get ready, Honeybee.

[Peggy Riley]

I'm so excited.

[Carl Stevenson]

Well, I'm glad you men like my choice. All right, here's luck to the new foreman, Joe Beamish.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

To Joe Beamish.

[Chester A. Riley]

Joe Beamish.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Joe Beamish.

[Carl Stevenson]

Yes, Joe Beamish. Fine fellow. Ogillis, hand me that ashtray, please.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Get it yourself.

[Peggy Riley]

Lindsay, don't be rude.

[Carl Stevenson]

Was something wrong? Riley, what's the matter?

[Chester A. Riley]

What's the matter? Making Joe Beamish foreman after all we did for you. Some gratitude.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

But Riley's saying I'm endorsing in spades yet.

[Carl Stevenson]

Well, now, wait.

[Chester A. Riley]

When you opened up the plant and you couldn't get no help, who gave up a good job to go and work for you? We did. But where was Joe Beamish?

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Go on, Riley, give it to him good. Right in front of me.

[Chester A. Riley]

But Riley, during the war we could have gotten better jobs for more pay, but we still. And where was Joe Beamish then?

[Carl Stevenson]

He was flying a plane over Germany.

[Chester A. Riley]

Germany? That's a fine place to be with a war going on. Oh, oh, oh, that Joe Beamish, the one who was wounded.

[Carl Stevenson]

Yes. He's out of the hospital now. He uses that artificial leg just fine. Besides that, he has seniority and he's a very fine worker.

[Chester A. Riley]

You couldn't have picked a better man, boss.

[Carl Stevenson]

Sorry if I disappointed you, fellas.

[Digger Odell]

Oh, you didn't, Mr. Stevenson.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

What Riley says. I agree with him.

[Chester A. Riley]

Oh, honest. I ain't disappointed either. Joe Beamish deserves the job.

[Peggy Riley]

That's the way to talk, dear. I don't mind if you're not foreman.

[Chester A. Riley]

Oh, sure. Why should you mind, dumpling? After all, you've got plenty to be thankful for. As it is, you're still young and good looking. You got a son who's handsome, you got a daughter who's gorgeous. And you got a husband who. If there's any more turkey left, I'll have to watch him a call it.

[Carl Stevenson]

Riley's.

[Narrator]

We'll be back in just a moment. The Wonder Shampoo. That's what they say about Prel, Proctor and Gambles Radiant Cream shampoo. And the handy tube from Fairlawn, New Jersey. Mrs. P.S.

[Peggy Riley]

Keller writes, I am so pleased with the results of my Prel shampoo. Even in our hard water, Prel really worked wonders. Left my hair clean and soft. Nicely manageable.

[Narrator]

Yes. One trial and you'll agree Prel's a wonder for two reasons. First, Prel removes unsightly dandruff quickly. Second, Prel leaves hair radiantly lovely. Buy try P R E L L.

[Peggy Riley]

Prel Shampoo leaves hair radiant, gleaming bright. Not a bit of dandruff is in S Comes in a tube handy too. B R E L L Proud Shampoo. Well, it ended up a nice dinner after all, didn't it, honeybee? Oh, simply scrumptious.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

And even if we ain't foreman, we're still friends. Hey, Riley. Through thick and thin.

[Chester A. Riley]

Yes, sir, Gillis. And believe me, they don't come any thicker than us.

[Narrator]

Rock Em Gam invite you to join us again next week to hear the Life of Riley with William Bendix as Riley. William Bendix can currently be seen in the Paramount picture Where There's Life. The script is by Reuben Shipp and Alan Lipscott. Mrs. Riley's Paula Winslow. Digger Odell is John Brown. The Life of Riley is produced and directed by Irving Brecker.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

Oh, she was the duchess daughter her.

[Narrator]

Finery looked just so.

[Chester A. Riley]

She washed them all as you water.

[Narrator]

With wonderful Ivory Snow. Ah, wonderful Ivory Snow. The soap that's so kind to your hands. You just know it's kind to sheer nylons and dainty lingerie. And your hands will tell you why Ivory Snow keeps lovely washables lovely longer. Prove it. This week wash your dishes with Ivory Snow. When you see how it pampers your hands you'll really know it's extra kind to fine fabrics. There's no other soap like it. Ivory Snow is the only soap Both ivory mild and in granulated form. Make suds instantly and lukewarm even in cool water. Your hands will tell you why Ivory Snow keeps pretty lingerie and other nice things lovely longer. Oh, wonderful Ivory Snow S N O W. This is Ken Carpenter reminding you that for radiantly clean, lovely hair, get the shampoo and the tube P R E L L Prel shampoo and listen again next week when Prel brings you the life of Riley. Good night. This is NBC, the national broadcasting company.

[Spin Quest Announcer]

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[Spin Quest Disclaimer Announcer]

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