"The Life of Riley" originated as a popular 40s radio show created by Irving Brecher for Groucho Marx, but sponsors didn't like the idea of his character being a straight man in the comedy. They turned to Brooklin-born "everyday man" William Bendix to play the lead role of Chester A. Riley and reformatted the show. In 1949, a feature film was made casting Bendix in his familiar role and produced by Brecher. Meanwhile, Brecher jumped to get the series on the air with NBC, with plans for Bendix to star in the television series as well. RKO stood firm with his picture contract, however, preventing him from doing the series. As such, audience favorite John Brown, as an undertaker named Digger O'Dell serving up droll puns on his profession, was the only original cast member to appear in the series (and also appeared in the film). Jackie Gleason had made a name for himself as a stand-up comedian in New York and worked as a minor supporting actor in films throughout the 40s. He was cast as Chester A. Riley for the series and developed the prototype for the blue collar television character, one later cemented by the character of "The Honeymooners" Ralph Kramden, also portrayed by Gleason. Riley was a good intentioned everyday man who could turn minor troubles into big ones. "The Life of Riley" aired as one of television's first sitcoms and was successfully despite only lasting 26 episodes due to a conflict with the sponsor. The show won television's very first Emmy Award (for "Best Film Made For and Shown on Television"). When NBC revived the show in 1953 they turned to Bendix who enjoyed a successfully six-season run. Influence from the series can be seen in shows such as 80s/90s hit "Married... With Children", with the lead everyday man character's delivery very similar to Riley and whose wives shares the same name (Peg). Additionally, the concept of a show opening with whistling pre-dates "The Andy Griffith Show" by 11 years.
Reflecting upon the series, the original "The Life of Riley" is notable for being one of the earliest sitcoms, as well as for the role of a young Jackie Gleason. Interestingly, it did feel much like the radio series it was based upon and as such is perhaps exactly what it would be like if we could see the action of a radio program. Despite winning the first Emmy I overall found it to be an uneven series with a mix of good, average, and below average episodes. I felt Gleason's everyman befuddlement worked, but the characters of Peg, Junior, and especially Babs offered very little. Neighbors Gillis and Waldo were more of a pest than comic. The character of Digger O'Dell brought some nice comedy, but was very rarely used.
It could have been something special if the effort given to comical episodes such as "Tonsils", "Insurance", and "Riley's Firstborn" was given to other offerings. Some mixed in some heart for feel-good episodes. But more often than not the episodes were a bit of a strain to get into and there wasn't enthusiasm to see what the next episode would bring.
