In 1949, Bendix played Riley in a movie. It's not available on DVD or VHS Amc used to show it back when AMC was worth watching. He was unavailable for the TV show. It is listed here on IDMB. In 1949-1950 Jackie Gleason played Chester A Riley on TV. Same characters and premise, just different actors. In it's own way, just as funny. Rosemar Decamp was Peg. Sid Tomack was Gillis. Gloria Winters was Babs. Jimmie Lydon (Henry Aldrich) was her boyfriend. It was canceled after 26 episodes. It was shown on the Dumont network. Again,the show is on IDMB The Gleason version was shown on WPIX in the late 70's after the Honeymooners.
Review of The Life of Riley
