What happens
Chester A. Riley, a factory worker, is short on money for Christmas presents just before the holiday. He expects a bonus from his boss, Mr. Stevenson, but when the men learn the bonus is not coming, they blame Riley, and his family and friends turn against him. The Life of Riley is a radio comedy from 1948, starring William Bendix, Paula Winslowe, Hans Conried and Alan Reed. Riley's reputation suffers as the misunderstanding spreads through the plant and his household.
Riley's home and the Stevenson factory in an American town, shortly before Christmas, 1948
Characters: Chester A. Riley, Peg, Junior, Betsy, Mr. Stevenson, Millie, Gillis, Digby
Listen for: Riley's visit to Mr. Stevenson's office and the men's reaction when they learn there is no bonus
Written from the episode itself; it never gives away the ending. Every recording is remastered for the stream: cleaned of rumble, hiss and mains hum (and the old TV whine where we found it), then levelled in two passes to steady broadcast loudness, so one show is never quieter than the next.