We've previously reviewed both TV iterations of Irving Brecher's The Life of Riley, so it's way past time to visit the radio series that started it all.
Film star William Bendix had the lead as Chester Riley, family man. Riley lasted a few years, shuttling between networks, leading to a feature film spin-off, followed by the first TV series with Jackie Gleason filling in for Bendix, who returned four years later.
Let's take a look at a Christmas Eve episode from season 1 in 1944. Bendix breaks character to address the audience at the end of the show.
Rating: A.
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