Life Of Riley-Turkey Hunt 1944-11-19

Summary

Podcast Summary: Life Of Riley - Turkey Hunt

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Release Date: November 6, 2025
Original Broadcast Date: November 19, 1944

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Brief Overview

This classic Life of Riley episode, "Turkey Hunt," takes listeners back to a quintessential American Thanksgiving in the 1940s. As the Riley family attempts to secure a turkey for their holiday meal, comedic mishaps ensue, highlighting family dynamics, fatherly pride, and the realities of wartime America. The storyline cleverly weaves in themes of gratitude, community, and resourcefulness amidst shortages, making it both a humorous and heartfelt snapshot of its era.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Thanksgiving Anticipation and Family Banter

• The Rileys are excited for Thanksgiving, clustering outside their daughter Babs’ school after her performance in a Thanksgiving play.
• Playful teasing about historical figures and the school play sets a lighthearted, comedic mood.
• Quote (Bill Riley, 00:39):
  • “Nathan Hale was the fellow who said, I regret that I have but one wife to give to my country.”

2. Challenge to Riley’s Shooting Skills

• Conversation with neighbor Elmer Gillis centers on procuring a turkey via a shooting contest.
• Elmer boasts about winning turkeys every year, lightly mocking Riley’s marksmanship.
• Quote (Elmer Gillis, 03:31):
  • “And whatever you’ve been saying about my boy Elmer’s acting goes double for your daughter, B.”

3. Schemes and Bragging: The Turkey Shooting Plan

• Riley, not wanting to be shown up or seen as less manly, determines to win a turkey at the Antelope Valley shooting match.
• Digger Odell, the undertaker, graciously offers his quirky long-and-narrow cabin as a base for the turkey hunt.
• Quote (Digger Odell, 06:07):
  • “The good that you do to people will come back to you in the end. And so will the people.”

4. Wartime Shortages and Realities

• Brief segment (skippable for story, but illuminates context) highlights beef and meat rationing during WWII, with a plug for braising tougher meat cuts.

5. The Turkey Shoot is Cancelled

• Last-minute news from Gillis: the turkey shoot is called off.
• Riley panics; his pride—and his family’s Thanksgiving—are at stake.
• He arranges to secretly have a turkey shipped to the cabin from Jake’s Meat Market to keep up appearances.

6. Father-Son Confession & Wild Turkey Chase

• Riley confesses to Junior that the shooting match was canceled, concocting the story of having the turkey shipped instead.
• When they go to collect it, the train station is closed—they’re turkeyless and desperate.
• Determined to save face, Riley attempts to hunt anything edible—rabbit, turtle, even wild goose—but fails comically.
• Quote (Bill Riley, 14:00):
  • “Oh, all right, then I’ll shoot a rabbit. They’re smaller.”
  • “Well, I… I heard it’s very tasty. We can have turtle drumsticks and stuff the shell with chestnuts.”

7. Unexpected Encounter: The “Mirage” Turkey

• Riley and Junior stumble upon a live turkey with a tag: it belongs to a local child, Patty Kane, age 7.
• The turkey walks toward Riley, who is too moved to “hunt” a pet.
• Quote (Bill Riley, 16:22):
  • “I can’t shoot. No bird that gives himself up can.”

8. Truth Comes Out and a Happy Ending

• Crestfallen, Riley returns to the cabin ready to confess. But, surprise! The turkey shipment arrived! The station master delivered it to them directly.
• Peg leads the family in a poignant Thanksgiving prayer, reflecting on loved ones far away and the meaning of gratitude in difficult times.
• Quote (Peg Riley, 19:07):
  • “Well, here it is. Another Thanksgiving Day. And we have plenty to thank you for… And most of all, for all of us being here together. Some families are pretty far apart today…”
• Quote (Peg Riley, 19:34):
  • “If you could see your way clear to bring them back together again pretty soon now, we’d be mighty grateful for that, too.”

9. Closing & Wartime Reflection (Jimmy Fiddler’s Address)

• Hollywood correspondent Jimmy Fiddler delivers a heartfelt message about wartime gratitude and freedoms in America, juxtaposed with the shortages and sacrifices of the home front.

• Encourages supporting the war effort by buying war bonds.

• Quote (Jimmy Fiddler, 21:04):

  • “We Americans have plenty to be thankful for… We can be thankful that we have freedom of speech. We can be grateful for free press, for free screen and radio, freedom to worship God as we wish…”

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• Comic Banter:
  • Bill Riley: “Nathan Hale was the fellow who said, I regret that I have but one wife to give to my country.” (00:39)
• Digger Odell’s Slogan:
  • Digger Odell: “The good that you do to people will come back to you in the end. And so will the people.” (06:07)
• Desperate Hunting Ideas:
  • Bill Riley: “Well, I… I heard it’s very tasty. We can have turtle drumsticks and stuff the shell with chestnuts.” (14:12)
• Encounter with the Tagged Turkey:
  • Bill Riley: “I can’t shoot. No bird that gives himself up can.” (16:22)
  • Junior: “Pop, look. There’s a tag on his leg.” (16:35)
  • Bill Riley: “I wanted him to feed me.” (16:45)
• Thanksgiving Prayer:
  • Peg Riley: “Well, here it is. Another Thanksgiving Day. And we have plenty to thank you for. For our food, for our work that earns it. And most of all, for all of us being here together. Some families are pretty far apart today.” (19:07)
• Jimmy Fiddler’s Closing Message:
  • Jimmy Fiddler: “We Americans have plenty to be thankful for. We can be thankful that we have freedom of speech…” (21:04)

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Important Segment Timestamps

• Thanksgiving Play and Setup: (00:07–03:47)
• Digger Odell’s Cabin Offer: (05:26–07:12)
• News of Turkey Shoot Cancellation: (08:28–08:57)
• Father-Son Confession: (11:20–13:05)
• Hunting Misadventures: (13:44–15:35)
• The Pet Turkey Incident: (15:46–16:45)
• Thanksgiving Prayer and Family Moment: (19:07–20:02)
• Jimmy Fiddler’s Address: (21:03–22:19)

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Tone and Atmosphere

The episode’s tone bounces between lighthearted family squabbles and slapstick humor, punctuated by moments of warmth and patriotism. Riley’s exaggerated bravado and the comic misadventures are contrasted by genuine expressions of thankfulness in a time of global uncertainty.

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Summary Takeaway

"Turkey Hunt" is a charming reminder of family love, the follies of ego, and the importance of gratitude—especially poignant in the context of wartime hope and togetherness. The Rileys embody the optimism and resilience of the era, making this a timeless Thanksgiving tale.

Transcript

[Narrator]

There he is in the movie Wake Island. He was the Brooklyn Marine in Abroad with Two Yanks. He's Biff the Private. But tonight, he's just another American citizen looking forward to good old Thanksgiving Day.

[Bill Riley]

Yeah, and I got plenty to be.

[Peg Riley]

Thankful for this year. Our family's going to have a turkey filled with chestnut.

[Bill Riley]

When I was a kid, we had.

[Peg Riley]

A chestnut filled with turkey.

[Narrator]

The American Meat Institute presents William Bendix in the Life of Riley. And later, during our show, we'll have a special visit from your favorite Hollywood correspondent, Jimmy Fiddler. And now, on behalf of all those engaged in supplying meat to the nation, the American Meat Institute presents the Life of Riley with William Bendix as Riley. The Rileys have just witnessed a performance of a Thanksgiving play at the high school. And right now they're waiting for their daughter Babs outside the stage door.

[Junior Riley]

Why, I thought the play was fine. Especially the way Babs played Priscilla. Yeah.

[Peg Riley]

Yeah, Babs was good.

[Bill Riley]

And I got a laugh when Captain Myers Standish's beard fell off.

[Peg Riley]

Boy, was his face nude.

[Junior Riley]

Oh, if I was Priscilla, I'd sooner marry Miles Standish than Elmer Gillis. But the Gillis boy was playing John Alden. She had to marry him. That's history.

[Bill Riley]

Now, wait a minute. If they were so stuck on getting.

[Peg Riley]

History into it, answer me this.

[Bill Riley]

Where was Nathan Hale?

[Junior Riley]

Nathan Hale wasn't a pilgrim. Pop, you're all mixed up.

[Peg Riley]

Junior, a little respect, please.

[Bill Riley]

I know history, too. Nathan Hale was the fellow who said, I regret that I have but one wife to give to my country.

[Junior Riley]

Oh, Riley, if you see any of Babs, teachers, don't talk history with them.

[Peg Riley]

Believe me, that play wasn't history. And that Elmer wasn't a pilgrim. He was a grim pill.

[Bill Riley]

What an actor. He ain't got enough life in him to play a dead body.

[Elmer Gillis]

That guy Riley here's Elmer's father. Well, well, well, if it ain't the Riley.

[Bill Riley]

Oh, hello, Gillis. I was just saying how your boy Elmer played John Alton. Great.

[Junior Riley]

Thanks.

[Elmer Gillis]

And whatever you've been saying about my.

[Bill Riley]

Boy Elmer's acting goes double for your daughter, B. What?

[Junior Riley]

Oh, dear. Those Pilgrims sure lived in romantic days. Sometimes I wish we'd been born in those days.

[Elmer Gillis]

If we had, we'd be pretty old by now, huh?

[Bill Riley]

I suppose you might have married Captain Miles Standish instead of me, huh, Peg?

[Junior Riley]

Well, it depends, Riley. You think you could have kept us in fresh turkeys like John Alden kept Priscilla? Well, sure.

[Bill Riley]

I know how to shoot a gun. Remember the time we had a shooting.

[Peg Riley]

Match down At Cohen's farm.

[Bill Riley]

Didn't I shoot the cigar right out of Muley Durkin's mouth?

[Elmer Gillis]

Well, sure you did.

[Bill Riley]

But the target was a tin can on a fence.

[Peg Riley]

Was it?

[Junior Riley]

Yes, Riley, if I was a turkey, I wouldn't be worried when you came around.

[Peg Riley]

There's a woman's logic for you.

[Peg Riley (alternate lines)]

Look, Peg, we're married, ain't we?

[Peg Riley]

If you was a turkey, I'd be a turkey too.

[Bill Riley]

And turkeys don't go around shooting each other.

[Elmer Gillis]

Now, you take me, Riley. Every year I go up to Antelope Valley. I shoot a gobbler for Thanksgiving.

[Junior Riley]

Oh, you do?

[Peg Riley (alternate lines)]

Sure.

[Elmer Gillis]

Ask my wife.

[Junior Riley]

You hear that, Riley?

[Bill Riley]

What he can do, I can do.

[Junior Riley]

Well, sure you can. Just the same, I'm getting our turkey from Jake's Market.

[Bill Riley]

Now, listen. Hey, Peg, where you going?

[Junior Riley]

Oh, I'll be right back. I'm just going inside, see what's eating bath. Oh, wait a minute. I'll go with you, Ma.

[Peg Riley]

Oh, Gillis, what's the idea? Tearing me down in front of my wife? Telling them cock and bullet stories about shooting turkeys, huh?

[Bill Riley]

Well, it's true.

[Elmer Gillis]

If I'm lying, may I never see my landlord again.

[Bill Riley]

I still don't believe you. I'm the level, Riley.

[Elmer Gillis]

See, every tank's given up in Antelope Valley. They have a big takey shoe. The best 10 scores win a taking. It's only a dollar a try. And with $5, you're sure to win one.

[Peg Riley]

Oh, I can win a turkey at a shooting match, huh?

[Bill Riley]

Why, sure, it's a cinch.

[Elmer Gillis]

And Digger Odell, the undertaker, he'd lend you his cabin he's got up there.

[Peg Riley]

Well, that'd be perfect.

[Bill Riley]

But look, supposing a guy name and no names. But suppose that this guy couldn't shoot.

[Peg Riley]

So good and he wanted to show.

[Bill Riley]

His wife he was a good shot. Suppose this guy loses in the match?

[Elmer Gillis]

Well, I know one man, again, naming no name, but he happens to be my children's father. This guy, if he loses in the chute, he buys a turkey from some guy who wins.

[Peg Riley]

Oh, I get it, Gillis.

[Bill Riley]

Yeah, well, the first thing tomorrow, I'm seeing Digger Odell and talking turkey. Good morning, Digger. Glad to find you home. How's my favorite undertaker?

[Digger Odell]

Glad to see you, Riley. You're looking fine. Very natural.

[Bill Riley]

I feel good. Say, Digger, I got a favor to.

[Peg Riley]

Ask you about Thanksgiving.

[Digger Odell]

Ah, Thanksgiving. Roast turkey, cranberry sauce, gravy. I adore Thanksgiving. It's okay.

[Bill Riley]

Yeah, well. Well, I want to prove to my wife that I'm a good shot. So could I borrow your place up.

[Peg Riley]

In Antelope Valley this Thanksgiving, please?

[Digger Odell]

Certainly, Riley. Glad to be of help in your hour of. In my profession we have a slogan. The good that you do to people will come back to you in the end. And so will the people. Riley, you'll enjoy my ranch.

[Peg Riley]

Ranch?

[Bill Riley]

Say, how big is this place of yours?

[Digger Odell]

It's a mile long by 15ft wide. The land used to belong to a railroad, but they moved over to straighten the track.

[Bill Riley]

Well, that's a kind of an odd shape though inn, isn't it?

[Digger Odell]

Yes. Long and narrow, but very comfortable. Personally, I adore it. The wide open spaces, the bracing air, the smell of wood smoke to sharpen the appetite. It makes you feel so alive.

[Bill Riley]

Well, I, I, I gotta be going. And thanks for everything, Digger.

[Digger Odell]

Cheerio, Riley. Oh, bury me not. I'm alone.

[Junior Riley]

Well, since you asked me. Riley, I think spending Thanksgiving in the woods is silly.

[Bill Riley]

But you love Diggers ranch. The house is filled with wide open spaces. You gotta brace yourself against the fresh.

[Peg Riley]

Air because your lungs are filled with wood smoke.

[Bill Riley]

It makes you feel as if you were alive.

[Junior Riley]

Well, maybe. But I still think we better stay home on Thanksgiving.

[Bill Riley]

Oh, nothing. Dawn, I'm gonna make you take back what you said about me being a bad shot. I'm going to win at that shooting match.

[Junior Riley]

Well, I don't mind going, but couldn't we buy a turkey and bring it up there? You know, just in case?

[Peg Riley (alternate lines)]

Stop worrying, Peg.

[Bill Riley]

I guarantee to bring in a turkey. If I don't, I'll eat my hat.

[Junior Riley]

Save the crown for me, Pop.

[Peg Riley]

Junior.

[Junior Riley]

Hello? Oh, hello, Riley.

[Elmer Gillis]

I'm glad I got you in time. This is Gillis.

[Bill Riley]

Well, hurry up, Gillis. We're just leaving for the woods. The family's outside waiting for me.

[Elmer Gillis]

Oh, I got bad news, Riley. I just heard that the tanky shoot's been called off.

[Peg Riley]

Huh?

[Bill Riley]

They can't do this to me. What am I going to do now?

[Elmer Gillis]

Call the trip off?

[Bill Riley]

I can't back out now. I, I've been bragging so much about what a good shot I am. If, if I don't win a turkey, I'm a dead duck. I'm coming. But I gotta go now, Gillis.

[Peg Riley]

Maybe I'll think of something on my.

[Bill Riley]

Way to the station.

[Junior Riley]

Who was that on the phone?

[Peg Riley]

Gillis.

[Junior Riley]

Oh. Is anything wrong?

[Peg Riley]

No, no.

[Junior Riley]

Ben. Why are you looking so gloomy?

[Peg Riley]

Well, Gillis was just telling me about a nice family he knows that may be without a turkey for thanksg.

[Narrator]

In a moment we'll find out if Riley can wriggle out of his dilemma. But right now, this is Ken Niles, your minute man for meat. And my minute's worth tonight is on this question. What can you do about the cuts of meat you can't get these war days? And the answer is. You braze the cuts of beef you do get. You see, our government is taking a big part of beef steaks and beef roasts these days to feed our fighters. So a lot of the beef left for us on the home front is what we call the braising cuts. They're lean, and you must prepare them a little more thoroughly if you want.

[Ken Niles / Jimmy Fiddler]

To serve them at their best.

[Narrator]

So the American Meat Institute recommends braising. Now, braising is a little like roasting.

[Ken Niles / Jimmy Fiddler]

And it's a little like frying.

[Narrator]

It's accomplished through low heat over a longer time. And on top of the stove, you pan brown your short ribs or flank steak or pot roast or whatever you're braising. You add liquid, put on the COVID and let her braise. And boy, oh, boy. Braised beef. Brown, glistening, drenched with gravy, tender though lean, is something to kiss your cook about. So, ladies, if you're hungry for kisses or compliments or just plain hungry, braise that beef. Remember, the braising cuts of beef are rich in proteins of highest quality, just as all cuts of meats, all meat is a yardstick of protean foods, because all meat measures up to every protean meat. Well, it's Thanksgiving morning, and the Rileys are at Digger Odell's cabin in the woods. Riley, determined to keep up his big bluff, that his shooting skill would get him. A turkey is tramping through the woods, gun in hand with Junior.

[Peg Riley]

Junior, I don't know why you had to come along. You're. You're going to make me nervous when I'm. When I'm aiming at the target.

[Junior Riley]

Well, I'm sticking with you, Pop. I want to see how you do in that shooting match.

[Peg Riley]

Don't even trust your own father.

[Junior Riley]

Hey, Pop, you said the turkey shoot was being held near Hooper Falls. We're going the wrong way. Look, there's the station.

[Ken Niles / Jimmy Fiddler]

Yeah, well.

[Peg Riley]

Yeah, I know, Junior.

[Peg Riley (alternate lines)]

Look, we. We got to have a father and son talk. It's time you. You knew something. I. I can't put it off any longer. Oh, you mean you're going to tell.

[Ken Niles / Jimmy Fiddler]

Me about the bees and the.

[Peg Riley]

Now, now, Junior, about the birds. One particular bird. A turkey. Look, Junior, we always been good friends. With us, it's been one for all and every man for himself.

[Bill Riley]

It's always gonna be that way. Right.

[Junior Riley]

Okay, Pop, what is it? You don't want me to tell Mom.

[Bill Riley]

You don't have to be so brunt.

[Peg Riley]

But, you see, the turkey chute was called off.

[Junior Riley]

You mean we aren't going to have a turkey?

[Peg Riley]

Well, it looked that way at first.

[Bill Riley]

But just before we got on the train, I got a big idea.

[Peg Riley]

I phoned Jake's Meat Market from the depot and I fixed it with Jake.

[Bill Riley]

To ship a turkey up here on the morning train. Now I pick it up at the station and tell you whether I wanted it.

[Peg Riley]

The turkey suit.

[Bill Riley]

What a ribbon.

[Junior Riley]

What a fib.

[Peg Riley]

Well, after we're all full of turkey, I'm going to tell the truth.

[Junior Riley]

Oh, here's the station, Pop.

[Peg Riley (alternate lines)]

Oh, yeah.

[Junior Riley]

Gosh.

[Peg Riley]

Yeah.

[Junior Riley]

I don't see it outside. And the station's locked.

[Bill Riley]

Somebody's got to be here. How am I going to get my turkey? What?

[Peg Riley]

Right.

[Bill Riley]

Here's a note on the window here.

[Peg Riley]

Closed today.

[Bill Riley]

Closed. No, they can't do this to me.

[Junior Riley]

Oh, Pop, now we ain't gonna have any turkey, and it's Thanksgiving.

[Bill Riley]

Thanks, Junior, for keeping me informed.

[Junior Riley]

Oh, well, Pop, let's go home.

[Bill Riley]

Junior, I. I can't go home without a turkey. So.

[Peg Riley]

So now I'm.

[Bill Riley]

I'm really going hunting.

[Junior Riley]

But, Pop, there's no turkeys in these woods.

[Bill Riley]

Well, there's other game to hunt.

[Peg Riley]

There's.

[Bill Riley]

There's deer.

[Junior Riley]

Deer? But we'll never get it home. A deer's too big.

[Bill Riley]

Oh, all right, then I'll shoot a rabbit. They're smaller.

[Junior Riley]

Oh, you couldn't shoot a rabbit. They're too fast.

[Bill Riley]

Yeah. Well, then keep your eye open for a turtle.

[Junior Riley]

Gosh. Turtle.

[Bill Riley]

Well, I. I heard it's very tasty. We can have turtle drumsticks and stuff the shell with chestnuts. Come on. We couldn't.

[Junior Riley]

Well, if you ask me, we're on a wild goose chase.

[Bill Riley]

Well, if we get a wild goose, that's better than nothing. Come on, let's.

[Junior Riley]

Gee, we've been walking for four hours, and here we are back at the train track.

[Peg Riley]

Yeah, my feet would give their right arm to get out of my shoes.

[Peg Riley (alternate lines)]

Junior.

[Bill Riley]

What?

[Peg Riley (alternate lines)]

Did you ever hear of a mirage.

[Peg Riley]

That looked like a turkey?

[Junior Riley]

No, Pop.

[Peg Riley]

Then look where I'm pointing.

[Peg Riley (alternate lines)]

And if you see what I see, I'm gonna shoot.

[Junior Riley]

It's a bird. Okay, Pop, listen.

[Bill Riley]

It's a turkey. A big gobbler. Junior.

[Junior Riley]

Stand back.

[Bill Riley]

I'm taking aim.

[Junior Riley]

Pop. Pop, you're shaking. Should I hold a Gun still now.

[Bill Riley]

You better go hold the turkey. No, no, no. Stay here. Get behind me, Junior.

[Junior Riley]

Let me shoot it, Pop.

[Bill Riley]

No, no. Look out now. I got a bead on him. I see him under the gun sight. Pop.

[Junior Riley]

Pop, he's coming toward us.

[Bill Riley]

I won't shoot till I see the white meat of his eye. One, two.

[Junior Riley]

You missed him.

[Bill Riley]

I couldn't have missed.

[Junior Riley]

Well, open your eyes and look. He's still coming at you, Pop.

[Bill Riley]

I'll get him this time. Pick him up, Junior.

[Junior Riley]

You didn't even touch him. And now he's running toward us.

[Bill Riley]

Junior, he's surrendering. He knows when he's late. Watch it, Flash.

[Junior Riley]

Pop, I think he likes you.

[Peg Riley]

Yeah.

[Bill Riley]

I can't shoot. No bird that gives himself up can.

[Peg Riley]

Now go.

[Bill Riley]

God. Go. Go.

[Peg Riley]

Go away, turkey.

[Bill Riley]

Shoot, turkey. Stop trying to kiss me. Go on.

[Junior Riley]

Hey, Pop, look. There's a tag on his leg.

[Bill Riley]

I'll read it.

[Junior Riley]

Let's see. My name is Sultan. I belong to Patty Kane, age 7. Please do not feed me.

[Elmer Gillis]

Feed him.

[Bill Riley]

I wanted him to feed me.

[Junior Riley]

Gosh, what a Thanksgiving.

[Bill Riley]

No turkey. It ain't right. I'm a law abiding man. Don't I do my work? Don't I buy war bonds? Don't I let the government withhold my tax? Then I have to go without turkey on Thanksgiving. That ain't right.

[Junior Riley]

Boy, that cabin sure looks good, don't it, Pop?

[Peg Riley]

I gotta go in and explain to your mother about no turkey.

[Bill Riley]

This is what I get for trying to be a smart aleck, huh?

[Peg Riley]

Here goes.

[Junior Riley]

Riley. Junior, where have you been?

[Peg Riley]

Bob?

[Peg Riley (alternate lines)]

Peg, I've been thinking.

[Peg Riley]

Why don't we all go on a diet starting today?

[Bill Riley]

A foodless diet.

[Junior Riley]

We can talk about it after dinner. Meanwhile, the turkey's getting cold.

[Bill Riley]

I think we're.

[Peg Riley]

Did you say turkey?

[Junior Riley]

Of course, turkey. The dining room. On the table.

[Bill Riley]

Turkey. Gosh, Junior, look. What? A turkey.

[Junior Riley]

Oh, mom, did you shoot it?

[Bill Riley]

Yeah, Peg. How? Who? When?

[Junior Riley]

That was some joke you played on us, Riley, you clever thing. Station master said you had it shipped up here from town. And he knew we'd want it today. Brought it here himself.

[Bill Riley]

Ain't that iron onical?

[Junior Riley]

Hey, Pop, your neck's getting red.

[Peg Riley]

That sunburn left over from last summer, Junior.

[Junior Riley]

Well, dinner's ready, Daddy.

[Bill Riley]

Okay, folks, grab your chairs. Every man for himself. Come on, follow up there.

[Junior Riley]

Oh, it looks delicious. Start carving, Pop.

[Bill Riley]

Okay, let me have that carving knife. Dr. Riley wanted in surgery. Just to make sure everybody gets enough.

[Elmer Gillis]

Turkey, I'm going to give you your.

[Bill Riley]

Second helpings first.

[Junior Riley]

Riley, Huh? Haven't you forgotten something?

[Peg Riley]

Huh? Oh.

[Bill Riley]

Oh, yeah.

[Peg Riley (alternate lines)]

Yeah, I almost forgot. Well, here it is. Another Thanksgiving Day. And we have plenty to thank you for. For our food, for our work that earns it. And most of all, for all of us being here together. Some families are pretty far apart today.

[Junior Riley]

If.

[Peg Riley (alternate lines)]

You could see your way clear to bring them back together again pretty soon now, we'd be mighty grateful for that, too. We thank you for letting us live in a country where the always be a Thanksgiving Day. And if you help us, we'll do all we can so that someday there won't be any place in the world where people can't live in peace with each other. Amen.

[Peg Riley]

Amen.

[Narrator]

Riley will be back in a moment with your favorite Hollywood correspondent, Jimmy Fiddler. And remember, folks, all meat, regardless of cut or kind, has the right kind of proteins to build and rebuild body tissues. That's what makes meat a yardstick of protean foods. It measures up to every protean need. And may I add, the nutritional statements just made about meat are accepted by the Council on Foods and Nutrition of the American Medical Association.

[Bill Riley]

Atta boy, Ken. Folks, this is Bill Bendix welcoming Jimmy.

[Peg Riley]

Fiddler, who has a special, special message for us.

[Bill Riley]

So, Jimmy, on behalf of all the rallies, welcome. Our microphone is yours.

[Elmer Gillis]

Thank you.

[Ken Niles / Jimmy Fiddler]

Thank you very much. Ladies and gentlemen. Thanksgiving Day is almost here. Perhaps if you have loved ones overseas and if there'll be empty chairs at your table on Thanksgiving, you may think you haven't much for which to be grateful. Perhaps food rationing, gas rationing, shortages here and shortages there have aggravated you. If that's true, open your minds and your hearts. We Americans have plenty to be thankful for. We can be thankful that we have freedom of speech. We can be grateful for free press, for free screen and radio, freedom to worship God as we wish. Thankful that we can laugh and can speak our minds without fear. That we can say no, not be forced to say yes at the point of a bayonet like the people of Germany and Japan. We can be thankful that our cities and homes haven't been bombed and that our babies haven't gone hungry. We can be thankful that the men who lead us today are now determined that there shall be no more wars, no more death and tragedy and famine. Let's protect this magnificent freedom and prove our thanks by buying war bonds. Buying them till our pocketbooks are pinched. Good night.

[Narrator]

Follow the Life of Riley starring William Bendix and sponsored by the American Meat Institute. Next week at this same time.

[Bill Riley]

This is the Blue network.