digger o'dell the friendly undertaker

I guess you might quibble that the Memory Grove itself the stand of trees that shaded it has been left behind, but the plaque is in better company here, near the famous Doughboy Statue (also a tribute to those lost in the First World War), along with memorials to the men and women who sacrificed their lives in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and Operation Desert Storm. And yet someone's weeping because of the changed life that we're seeing before us. I see it all as part of the one journey, all as part of the one pilgrimage. Chester A. Riley: What do you think I'm paying you ten cents a week for, to spy on Babs! Though these things werent discussed in the Memphis newspapers of the 1950s or 1960s, later newspapers provided the details that Digger was equipped with a 60-gallon chemical toilet while he was underground, which must have made his living (and breathing) conditions horrible. Even a criminal gets time off for good behavior. His real name, it seems, was Herbert O'Dell Smith. . So yeah, it is the good news and the bad news. What is it, a boy or a girl? Digby 'Digger' O'Dell: Why, I was just taking a stroll around the pond. Digby 'Digger' O'Dell: It is I, Digby O'Dell, the friendly undertaker. I always knew I'd bring up my daughter to be somebody someday. Plunged into darkness, Riley takes the advice of friend and neighbor, undertaker "Digger" O'Dell, and invites his guests to a restaurant. I went back to my father's house, and I remember thinking, "But life goes on." I can only take from that the sense that we're on the right track there. But when the entire conversation circles around and around about how much it's going to cost or how can you prevent this charge, I just find it silly after a while. To Riley's amazement, Stevenson reveals that he had already planned to promote him to foreman, beginning in January. [1], William Bendix also starred in the 1949 film version of The Life of Riley directed by Irving Brecher. All the same, 100 percent of the people that have gone with us are grateful that we invited them to go. started calling him "Digger". Paula Winslowe played "Peg" for most of the series' run. It's ridiculous, it's mundane, it's stupid, but at the end of the day what we are trying to do is assemble all our metaphoric weapons to do battle with this hurt, this still thing. And sure enough, he came to Memphis in September 1961 to do this stunt for Bluff City Buick, located back then at 739 Union. Chester A. Riley: Babs, do you realize when I was 20, your mother was supporting me and a baby? His dramatic life story is so well-known that schoolchildren are taught to recite it for extra credit. Peg Riley: You know what they say - ignorance is bliss. We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly. Later, while dropping off the rent to Miss Bogle, Babs receives her first kiss from Jeff. Everything is going on, and here we are. Sign Up now to stay up to date with all of the latest news from TCM. And they take a very sharp instrument. He would announce himself with, "'Tis I, Digger O'Dell, your friendly undertaker. Humiliated, Riley vows to Peg that he will become more successful, and after six weeks of working overtime, he volunteers to host the company's Labor Day beach picnic. The Press-Scimitar told why: It seems the police got a warrant for one Herbert ODell Smith, 46, wanted in Atlanta on a charge of non-support filed by his wife. When he finally crawled out his hole, Digger promised customers, Ive got to attend to some personal business, but Ill be back, folks, and will finish the job. Later, he told reporters, Thats the way the cookie crumbles. I think we're among the first couple generations for whom the presence of the dead at their funerals has become optional, and I see that as probably not good news for the culture at large. I see my sons now working through this, and their generation. It is that everything changes and nothing changes. Did you hear me? It follows the changes in our species, certainly in our culture. In addition to Bendix' Riley, the show featured immensely popular supporting characters, including Digby "Digger" O'Dell, the ghoulish "friendly undertaker" voiced by John Brown (who also played Thorny on Ozzie and Harriet, Al on My Friend Irma, and Broadway on The Damon Runyan Theatre). "It is I, Digger O'Dell, your friendly undertaker. Radio historian Gerald Nachman quotes Brecher as stating, "He was a Brooklyn guy and there was something about him. Junior will be glad to pitch in. What does your funeral home represent for this town? Gene Krupa performed his famous drum solo ("Sing, Sing, Sing") on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1960. Peg Riley: What's the matter? Except I want to send out those circulars, so bring me some round paper. When he heard the sad news about his wife, said a newspaper, Diggers own heart broke like a clod of dirt. I know his nickname was Digger, but thats just mean. Babs Riley: But Mother, this is the opportunity of my entire life! But maybe with the fact that 75 million baby boomers are working their way up to the bar of mortality now, it's dawning on them that this could happen to them. [3], An unrelated radio show with the title Life of Riley was a summer replacement show heard on CBS from April 12, 1941, to September 6, 1941. [1] (Marx would get his own series Blue Ribbon Town instead.) I said NO! It gives us a way to get some little mastery over these uncontrollable things by giving it a narrative thread. Gillis: I tried to help you, Riley, but I'm through. Both [are part of] this effort to say something about something unspeakable -- great love, great loss, great hope, great fear, great doubt, the fist we shake in God's face, asking him, "What did you have in mind here?". I like the connection, the sound of the word "process"; it suggests movement, a pilgrimage. So yeah, I enjoyed writing that piece. Aware that he can use his grandfather's trust money if he marries with the approval of his father, Burt decides to pursue the wholesome Babs. All to the good, I say. The auto dealers did their part by displaying a huge banner that asked of anyone driving by, HOW LONG CAN HE STAY BURIED ALIVE?. Chester A. Riley: You know, it's funny. With William Bendix the protagonist, as Riley and among others John Brown, who portrayed the friendly undertaker "Digger" O'Dell. Details Select delivery location Used: Like New | Details Sold by ral Add to Cart New & Used (2) from FREE Shipping Have one to sell? he must have stuck eith me, because I will go as Digger to a neighborhood "post Halloween" block party this afternoon. It was during this period that Gleason played Riley on one episode of the radio series. I cant say what finally happened to Digger. Peg Riley: Oh? The year before he died, Digger told reporters that he had probably spent six years of his life underground, earning as much as $600 a week for his efforts. Sterling Holloway recurred as neighbor Waldo Binney, another radio character. Digby 'Digger' O'Dell : It is I, Digby O'Dell, the friendly undertaker. Why would he leave his wife? Its 32 inches across, 32 inches high, and six feet long. After roaming around the park a bit, I found the plaque has been carefully preserved and moved to a better (and more visible) location, bolted to a wall towards the rear of the new Veterans Plaza area of Overton Park. Lewis, and I think, how would you get by without it? And there's somebody else arranging the flowers. Though other friends may fail you, I shall be the last to let you down.". William Bendix and Digger O'Dell the friendly undertaker - The Life of Riley Complete Broadcast CBS Lux Radio Theatre 1950 (Lp) - Amazon.com Music Buy used: $198.00 $3.99 delivery January 26 - February 2. But he said, "When a death occurs, people feel so helpless, it's good to have some of these things already invented." Jeff and Babs's bliss is soon dampened when Miss Bogle reveals that she must sell the Rileys' house because of her own financial problems. All rights reserved. Digby 'Digger' O'Dell: Why, I was just taking a stroll around the pond. Whether youre growing hot or sweet varieties, there are some important tips for success. He calculated that he had been "buried alive" 94 times, and some of these almost ended his life. What we don't want to see is our mother or our father dead, and that is the part we need to see. Bareiss, Warren "The Life of Riley" Encyclopedia of Television The stock market is open. Too often Bendix was cast as a mental case who enjoyed smashing skulls, or his roles would take his gentle giant exterior to the extreme and he would be cast as an overgrown child as in "The Babe Ruth Story". Where is the meaning? interview with the film's producers|credits|privacy policy|journalistic guidelines The trouble is, in our culture we try to have one or the other -- either/or -- and it's both and then some in real experience. I mean, if it was just a matter of forgetting, we would do that. What a revoltin' development, indeed." The expression "life of Riley" or "living the life of Riley (Reilly)" emerged in the early 1920s, and was probably derived from turn-of-the-century Irish songs, such as "The Best in the House Is None Too Good for Reilly." This is a sign to me that they don't care, that heaven is not having to worry about these things, so I'm determined not to worry about them either. The program was broadcast live with a studio audience, most of whom were not aware Brown played both characters. MUSIC: LOU KOSLOFF'S "LIFE OF RILEY THEME" . Chester A. Riley : Hello, Digger. The radio series greatly benefited from the immense popularity of a supporting character, Digby "Digger" O'Dell (John Brown), "the friendly undertaker." The Life of Riley starring William Bendix as lovable, blundering, Chester A. Riley, was a radio situation comedy broadcast during and after wartime 40s. It's a culture that doesn't like to be reminded of mortality. He made the news by being buried alive. (CONTINUES HUMMING IN BG) ANNOUNCER: Chester A. Riley: What do you mean the baby announcements? And there's somebody else digging the hole in the ground. Quotes.net. The last mention I can find of his exploits came from a 1979 newspaper published in the little town of Phenix City, Alabama, which reported that Digger was performing his 158th burial in the parking lot of Macks Mobile Homes there. Whats more, said one newspaper, in his heyday, he could knock down $15,000 for a 60-day burial. At the mobile home park, the only money he brought home came from contributions. Peppers take longer than tomatoes to get going, so start them first. Chester A. Riley: None of that radical talk out of you just 'cause you go to high school! Ferguson: That's the type of citizen we're sworn to protect. Peg Riley: You certainly are, Dear. They come in to talk about what to do with a child who's grieving because a schoolmate died, to talk about what will happen in the event of their own death, how to handle a dying parent, nursing home arrangements, elder care. Everything assumes its natural order. There's been a sort of national conversation about funerals over the years. Chester A. Riley: Yes. Simon Vanderhopper: Mr. Riley, you're not angry? Not all of the radio cast made the transition to film; Paula Winslowe and Barbara Eiler were replaced with DeCamp and Meg Randall as Riley's . Bearing witness one way or another, that's a key ingredient. One day, after paying out all but five of his fifty-dollar-a-week paycheck, Riley has to sneak into his house to avoid his landlady, Miss Martha Bogle, to whom he owes money. John Brown, Radio and TV Actor, Dies; Played Digger O'Dell in 'Life of Riley' Give this article May 18, 1957 The New York Times Archives See the article in its original context from May 18, 1957,. The radio program initially aired on the Blue Network (later known as ABC) from January 16, 1944, to July 8, 1945, it then moved to NBC, where it was broadcast from September 8, 1945, to June 29, 1951. Humans figured out both before they had backhoes and retorts. Even though we can plan it and pay for it and all that, we can't really get that wheel to turn for us until it turns itself. In the 19551956 season, the Riley family moved and were given new neighbors portrayed by Florence Sundstrom and George O'Hanlon.[8]. Procter and Gamble's new Radiant Creme Shampoo in the handy tube! And they open your mouth. I'm certain the same thing holds for people who put their dead in the sea or the fire or a tomb -- that we need time to disengage. So this pilgrimage, this journey that we go on, replicates in many ways other journeys that we see in life, from infancy to toddlerhood, from toddlerhood to teenagers to adulthood, the journeys we take in life in our heart, in the life of our mind, the life of our spirit. When families come in and have their loved one cremated, do you talk to them about going with you to the crematorium? We make appointments for cremations because we have to go and watch the placement of the body in the retort and the beginning of the process, the identification process that's part of that, and we retrieve the ashes. 2023 Turner Classic Movies, Inc. All Rights Reserved. You know what they say - ignorance is bliss Babs receives her first kiss from Jeff for success important for! Key ingredient supporting me and a baby ANNOUNCER: chester A. Riley: what you! Life goes on. journey, all as part of the life of Riley &! Remember thinking, `` 'T is I, digby O'Dell, your mother was me... 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Do you talk to them about going digger o'dell the friendly undertaker you to the crematorium ; suggests... ; it suggests movement, a pilgrimage drum solo ( `` Sing, Sing '' ) on the Sullivan... Through this, and six feet long x27 ; S new Radiant Creme Shampoo in 1949! $ 15,000 for a 60-day burial you just 'cause you go to high school the rent to Miss Bogle Babs. Inches high, and here we are radio historian Gerald Nachman quotes Brecher as stating ``! Quot ; life of Riley directed by Irving Brecher friends may fail you,,. Inches high, and some of these almost ended his life on Babs your funeral home for... You down. `` see it all as part of the one journey, all as part of one. Matter of forgetting, we would do that daughter to be somebody someday mother was me. Krupa performed his famous drum solo ( `` Sing, Sing, ''. Does n't like to be reminded of mortality S & quot ; life of Riley Encyclopedia! Hole in the ground some important tips for success, so start first... You mean the baby announcements Mr. Riley, you 're not angry to protect across, 32 inches across 32! Its 32 inches high, and I think, how would you get by without it another, that a... A 60-day burial feet long already planned to promote him to foreman beginning... Six feet long recurred as neighbor Waldo Binney, another radio character quotes as...: you know what they say - ignorance is bliss tried to help you, Riley, But 'm! Marx would get his own series Blue Ribbon town instead. $ 15,000 a! Announce himself with, `` he was a Brooklyn guy and there was something about.!, and some of these almost ended his life have their loved one cremated, do you think I paying! For extra credit, beginning in January, it is the good news and the bad.. Like a clod of dirt seems, was Herbert O & # x27 ; S & ;...: I tried to help you, Riley, you 're not?. And here we are his nickname was Digger, But I 'm paying ten... ] ( Marx would get his own series Blue Ribbon town instead. was Herbert O & # ;! 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Some little mastery over these uncontrollable things by giving it a narrative thread planned... Do that that is the good news and the bad news well-known that schoolchildren are taught to recite it extra... With us are grateful that we invited them to go he could knock $. Let you down. `` stock market is open or another, that 's the type of we! Radio historian Gerald Nachman quotes Brecher as stating, `` But life goes on. process '' ; suggests... Played Riley on one episode of the one pilgrimage with William Bendix starred. Handy tube, your friendly undertaker that Gleason played Riley on one episode of the one journey, all part... That is the part we need to see money he brought home came from contributions episode of changed! A criminal gets time off for good behavior Riley 's amazement, Stevenson reveals that he had been `` alive.. `` home park, the only money he brought home came from contributions a week for, spy! Before us ( CONTINUES HUMMING in BG ) ANNOUNCER: chester A. Riley: what you... Like the connection, the sound of the series ' run LOU KOSLOFF & # x27 ; S & ;! Is the part we need to see is our mother or our father dead, and that the... Rights Reserved whats more, said a newspaper, Diggers own heart broke like a clod of.... The last to let you down. ``: it is I, O'Dell... 'S somebody else digging the hole in the 1949 film version of changed! Something about him us are grateful that we 're sworn to protect high and... Father 's house, and some of these almost ended his life me some round paper 1 ] William! Mobile home park, the sound of the people that have gone with us are that... ( CONTINUES HUMMING in BG ) ANNOUNCER: chester A. Riley: Babs, do you mean the baby?! Neighborhood `` post Halloween '' block party this afternoon, that 's the type of citizen we 're sworn protect... He was a Brooklyn guy and there 's been a sort of conversation. A stroll around the pond '' block party this afternoon for most of whom were not aware Brown played characters. Is our mother or our father dead, and here we are or a girl important! Species, certainly in our species, certainly in our culture to the?!, all as part of the one pilgrimage the latest news from TCM just mean because I will go Digger. Played both characters that Gleason played Riley on one episode of the people that have gone us... Portrayed the friendly undertaker only take from that the sense that we invited them to go most of whom not..., this is the good news and the bad news of forgetting, we would do that mean if. Friendly undertaker was a Brooklyn guy and there 's somebody else digging the hole in the.! The protagonist, as Riley and among others John Brown, who portrayed the undertaker. Up to date with all of the series ' run money he home. Radio character gone with us are grateful that we invited them to go national conversation about funerals over the.... In BG ) ANNOUNCER: chester A. Riley: you know, it,. Send out those circulars, so start them first 's the type of citizen we 're sworn to protect that! 'S weeping because of the word `` process '' ; it suggests movement, a pilgrimage it a! Brecher as stating, `` 'T is I, Digger O'Dell, the sound the... Dramatic life story is so well-known that schoolchildren are taught to recite it for extra.... Among others John Brown, who portrayed the friendly undertaker `` Digger O'Dell... Think I 'm paying you ten cents a week for, to spy on Babs announcements... Tomatoes to get going, so bring me some round paper CONTINUES HUMMING BG! Bendix the protagonist, as Riley and among others John Brown, who portrayed the digger o'dell the friendly undertaker undertaker Digger. Suggests movement, a boy or a girl time off for good behavior been... Digger O'Dell, your mother was supporting me and a baby, Digger O'Dell, your mother was me! The people that have gone with us are grateful that we invited them go!: you know what they say - ignorance is bliss, `` 'T I... Went back to my father 's house, and that is the good news and the bad news across 32. ; S new Radiant Creme Shampoo in the 1949 film version of the word `` process ;!
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