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The Life of Riley Season 1 Episodes

26 Episodes 1953 - 1953

Episode 1

Babs' School Election

Fri, Jan 2, 1953

Babs is running for President of her college's freshman class. Riley attempts to provide unwanted assistance to her election campaign meet with predictable disaster.

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Episode 2

Riley's Gift from the Boss

Fri, Jan 9, 195330 mins

Riley receives a letter from the president of the airplane plant in which he works, Cyrus P. Cunningham, announcing that the company will honor Riley's ten years of service with a luncheon in the boardroom the following day. Excited, Riley dragoons his pal Gillis into checking out the boardroom during their lunch hour, and Riley comes across a piece of paper that says "Riley -- Gift -- CAR." The entire Riley family rejoices at the prospect of receiving a car from the boss. The next day, Riley is deflated when he learns that his gift is considerably less grand than an automobile. He spends the rest of the week trying without success to bring himself to tell Peg and the kids that they will be riding the bus for some time to come. (The Paley Center for Media)

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Episode 3

Riley's New Suit

Fri, Jan 16, 1953

Riley needs a new suit. When his kids decide to surprise him with one, he begins thinking he's crazy because the only suit he has to use keeps disappearing.

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Episode 4

The Cake Contest

Fri, Jan 23, 1953

Riley replaces Peg's baking-contest entry with a store-bought cake.

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Episode 5

Riley's Kiss in the Dark

Fri, Jan 30, 1953

Riley tries determining the identity of a woman who kissed him in the dark.

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Episode 6

Riley Proves His Manhood

Fri, Feb 6, 1953

Peg goes to work in a run-down café.

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Episode 7

Riley's Sister Cissy

Fri, Feb 13, 195330 mins

Riley makes a last-ditch attempt to marry off his sister Cissy.

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Episode 8

Riley and the Bean Contest

Fri, Feb 20, 1953

Riley goes all out to win a car in a bean-counting contest.

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Episode 9

Riley the Scoutmaster

Fri, Feb 27, 1953

Riley sets up as Scoutmaster when Junior's regular scoutmaster must take a leave of absence for the troop. Also, Riley sets out to show his wife that a man can do all the household duties in half the time a woman can.

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Episode 10

Riley Invades the Fight Game

Fri, Mar 6, 1953

Riley is pitted against boxer Lou Nova at a charity bazaar.

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Episode 11

Riley's Lost Weekend

Fri, Mar 13, 1953

The Rileys swap houses with "Square Head" Malloy for three days.

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Episode 12

Junior Wins the Soapbox Derby

Fri, Mar 20, 195330 mins

Junior's efforts to build a racer are hampered by unwanted advice.

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Episode 13

Riley's Family Reunion

Fri, Mar 27, 195324 mins

Riley's family is selected to appear in a radio program that brings parents and a child together for a family reunion - and plants hidden microphones throughout the house to capture their unrehearsed reactions to the event.

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Episode 14

Riley's Business Venture

Fri, Apr 3, 1953

Riley tries supplementing his wages by buying a hamburger stand.

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Episode 15

Riley Camps Out

Fri, Apr 10, 1953

Feeling that their families don't sufficiently appreciate them, Riley and Gillis decide to spend their vacation camping at a remote mountain cabin - and come to appreciate their lives back in the suburbs.

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Episode 16

Riley Steps Out

Fri, Apr 10, 1953

Peg is bored and wants to go out on the town. Riley decides to take Peg to a special banquet when he finds to two charity tickets discarded by his boss, Mr Cunningham, but when he arrives at the banquet he discovers they are not paid for. Peg is very embarrassed and disappointed and they leave for home. Riley decides to buy flowers for her the next day and discovers he is the 1000th customer at Forley's Florist Shop. He wins a completely paid for dinner for the entire family at the famous Morambo Club.

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Episode 17

Riley's Operation

Fri, Apr 17, 1953

Riley's sore throat is traced to his tonsils and he's ordered to have them removed. It's all his family and friends can do to get him to the hospital for his operation.

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Episode 18

Riley the Executive Type

Fri, May 1, 1953

Riley is dismayed when his spur-of-the-moment resignation is accepted.

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Episode 19

Riley Engages an Escort

Fri, May 8, 1953

Riley's efforts to secure a date for Babs to the Sadie Hawkins dance backfire.

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Episode 20

Riley Cultivates Babs

Fri, May 15, 1953

When Babs' friends see her out with Riley, rumors fly that she's dating a rich older man.

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Episode 21

Riley's Uncle Baxter

Fri, May 22, 1953

Peg's uncle captivates the Rileys with stories of his war heroism.

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Episode 22

Riley Outwits Cupid

Fri, May 29, 1953

Riley tries dissuading Babs from going steady.

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Episode 23

Riley Gets Engaged

Fri, Jun 5, 1953

At the laundromat Chester meets an attractive French miss upset over her visa expiration. The lady explains that if it appears that she's to be married she can stay. Riley becomes engaged to her but explaining to wife Peg is difficult.

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Episode 24

Riley Punishes Junior

Fri, Jun 12, 1953

Riley is named Father of the Month by his lodge.

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Episode 25

Riley Meets a Rival

Fri, Jun 19, 1953

Hoping to make Riley jealous, Peg invites an old flame for dinner.

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Episode 26

Riley the Typical Worker

Fri, Jun 26, 1953

A trip to Hawaii is offered to the most average employee where Riley is employed. Deciding he has the prize in the the bag Chester acts in ways that jeopardize his chances of winning.

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