Chester A Riley has just finished a hard day's work at the plant. He is physically and mentally exhausted, but trudging wearily up his front walk, his sagging spirits are given a lift as he enters expecting to face the warm greetings from his wife and children, the wholesome, tasty dinner that awaits him, and the quiet, relaxing evening surrounded by his loved ones. However, Bob Hope is on the television this evening, and both kids and Peg, are heading out to the respective homes of their friends who own a television. Apparently, all of the adverts are saying that the television keeps a family together at home - but since the Riley's don't own a TV - it just means nobody's home at all!