The Life of Riley (1949)
Season 1
Riley worked in an aircraft plant in California, but viewers usually saw him at home, cheerfully disrupting life with his malapropisms and ill timed intervention into minor problems. His stock answer to every turn of fate became a catch phrase: 'What a revoltin' development this is!"
Where to Watch Season 1
26 Episodes
- Egbert's Chemistry Set
E3Egbert's Chemistry SetRiley and his neighbor Gillis debate which of their sons has the most talent after learning of a special father-son meeting at the local high school. To compete against Gillis' boastful claims, Riley needs to find Junior's talent so he can aid the boy in becoming successful. At the meeting Gillis give an impassioned speech about the abilities of his boy. Riley senses he is going to be made to look a fool, till an unlikely accident shows his son not only to be talented but also a hero. - The French Professor
E4The French ProfessorRiley discovers a letter written to his daughter in French, investigating he discovers it is from her teacher who Bab's has a huge crush on. Riley is outraged at the thought of such a relationship, and the situation spirals down further when he is told Babs has invited the man for dinner. Riley begins to feel threatened by the teacher's French charm till Riley discovers something that turns the man from a rival to bonded friend - Nervous Breakdown
E5Nervous BreakdownPeg becomes angry when she hears Riley has bought a divers helmet to go with a colony of bees he has also purchased. A friend suggest Peg may be suffering a nervous condition and Riley has to finds ways to help her relax. Peg sees Riley's behavior in a similar light. Both begin to display increasingly erratic behavior. Finally a doctor is called and has decide who really needs the help - Assistant Manager
E6Assistant ManagerBab's is complaining she needs a new coat. This causes Riley to begin wonder about his lack of progress at the plant and his abilities to provide for his family . At the plant Riley miss understands a message from the management and thinks he's been given a big promotion. When he realizes the mistake he doesn't know how to tell his family - Riley's Birthday Gift
E7Riley's Birthday GiftRiley takes a long distance call from his mother in Brooklyn, and is reminded it is his birthday. He gets into a complete funk when he thinks his son had forgotten to buy him a gift. A complex series of plans are hatched to help fix the situation, however it becomes apparent that Junior might have a surprise for everyone - Riley, Gillis, and Vanderhopper, Inc.
E8Riley, Gillis, and Vanderhopper, Inc.Riley thinks that Babs' boyfriend Simon has money, after he finds his bank book. Riley talks Simon into going into business with him and quits his job. He then finds out that Simon's bank book was a fake as he was using it for his accounting class. - Junior Falls for Teacher
E9Junior Falls for TeacherPeg is concerned by Junior's behavior. The boy is picking at his food and seems completely distracted. Riley discovers Junior is in love with his teacher, meeting the woman he begins to fear he is having the same reaction. Fearful of the ramifications he confronts Peg with his concerns, both are pleasantly surprised to discover the truth - Night School
E10Night SchoolRiley is helping Junior with his homework, while he is working on his own night school assignments. Later during a test Riley is accused of cheating and expelled from school. It is discovered a fellow student, Tony has written a confession admitting he was the real cheat. Everyone is puzzled by Riley's behavior, why did he remain silent to save Tony. The answer surprises them all and changes Tony's life forever - The Boarder
E13The BoarderRiley is concerned about a lack of money and considers taking in a boarder. A suitable applicant is found, but suspicion falls on the man, Mr. Ferguson after it is thought he resembles the chief suspect in a bank robbery. Riley sets out on a course of action to keep his family safe and remove the mysterious man from the house. Who Ferguson is surprises everybody, and makes Riley even more nervous - Junior Drops Out
E15Junior Drops OutThe Rileys are concerned that the icebox has broken down and the landlord is refusing to replace it. Junior announces he wants to quit school. Riley allows it thinking the boy will be sick of work pretty fast want to return to school. Babs discovers the real reason for Junior's changing opinion, can Riley uses the information to get the boy back to school. - Riley's Firstborn
E16Riley's FirstbornRiley invites a fellow worker from the plant, Hal, who has been absent- minded at work to his home. Hal admits he is nervous about becoming a father. He is impressed by Riley's confidence and attitude to children till Peg tells him how Riley reacted to the news and what happened when Riley tried to get a raise from his boss. - Riley's Quarrel
E23Riley's QuarrelJim Gillis' wife announces she is leaving him. Without anywhere to live she asks the Rileys if she could stay with them. After they agree, she reveals her mother is coming into town and will need somewhere to stay with them as well. Riley realizes he needs to fix the issue and very quickly. - Five Dollar Bill
E26Five Dollar BillMoney goes missing and Riley thinks Junior is somehow involved despite the boy's protests he knows nothing. Riley agonizes over what to do for punishment. He does not want to lose the boy's love but sees the imperative to maintain discipline. A visit from a neighbor adds further information and Riley is not so sure about his course of action.
