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Starring Charlie Ruggles
Season 1 (ABC) (1949-50)
Episode Guide compiled by The Classic TV Archive
with contributions by: Robert Leszczak, Tom Alger [Updated July 2019]
references:
TV Guide / Library of Congress (telnet://locis.loc.gov)
Internet Movie Database (https://us.imdb.com)
UCLA Film and Television Archive
https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/the-ruggles/episodes/204959/
TV listings from the Long Beach CA Independent & Press Telegram newspapers.

################ The Ruggles ################
############## season 1 1949-50 ##############
##############################################
Los Angeles days/times (broadcast live):
Sundays 9pm (23Oct49 - 11Dec49)
Sundays 6pm (18Dec49 - 21May50)
Thursdays 7pm (25May50 - 14Sep1950)

New York City days/times (delayed via kinescope):
Thursdays 9:30pm (03Nov1949 - 01Dec1949)
Fridays 8:30pm (09Dec1949 - 24Mar1950)
Saturdays 7:30pm (01Apr1950 - 08Apr1950)

1.01 [--] The Ruggles
23Oct1949 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC-TV Sun. 9pm
03Nov1949 (kine) New York City, WBZ-7 ABC Thur. 9:30pm
Synopsis:
Today you'll find out how to solve the problem of six members of the family all having designs on the one lone bathroom at the same time, with Ruggles winding up at the end of the line. [Long Beach Independent]
Newspaper item:
BIGGEST news in local television production, and likewise big news to those who watch this newest entertainment medium, is the opening of the new Charlie Ruggles show today on KECA, channel 7, at 9 p. m. ("Your Witness," formerly heard at this time shifts to Thursday at a time to be announced later.)
This is the first major program to be televised here and recorded for the eastern ABC network starring a Hollywood movie actor.
The original pattern for "Mr. Milquetoast," Ruggles will portray the same kind of person that made his name famous on the screens of the world's movie theaters. It is a family-type program and the action will hinge around the Ruggles home.
For instance, today you'll find out how to solve the problem of six members of the family all having designs on the one lone bathroom at the same time, with Ruggles winding up at the end of the line. In the cast are Irene Tedrow as Mrs. Ruggles, Margaret Kerry as daughter, Judy Nugent and Jimmy Hawkins portray the twins. [Long Beach Independent]

1.02 [--] The Ruggles
30Oct1949 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC
10Nov1949 (kine) New York City, WBZ-7 ABC
no details

1.03 [--] The Ruggles
06Nov1949 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC
17Nov1949 (kine) New York City, WBZ-7 ABC
no details

1.04 [--] The Ruggles
13Nov1949 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC
24Nov1949 (kine) New York City, WBZ-7 ABC
Synopsis:
TURKEY-The Charlie Ruggles show at 9 on KECA, channel 7 tonight, will feature the bird, in person. Charlie thinks the Pilgrim fathers had the right idea and decides that what was good enough for them is good enough for him, so he brings home the Thanksgiving turkey, alive and kicking. What happens then could only happen to Ruggles. [Long Beach Independent]

1.05 [--] The Ruggles
20Nov1949 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC
01Dec1949 (kine) NYC, WBZ-7 ABC Thurs. 9:30pm
Synopsis:
KEY TO IT-Charlie Ruggles is a great fixer of things and when the lock on the front door gives him trouble, he fixes the thing. Does so good that the door won't stay shut and thus burglars might get in. This leads to complications in "The Ruggles" household. [Long Beach Independent]

1.06 [--] The Ruggles
27Nov1949 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC
09Dec1949 (kine) NYC, WBZ-7 ABC Fri. 8:30pm
Synopsis:
COURTESY—When Charlie Ruggles returns from a business trip he finds that discourtesy has taken over his home. He tries to solve this by a contest to select the most polite person in the home, and this leads to funny action on "The Ruggles" over KECA, channel 7, at 9 p. m. [Long Beach Independent]
--matching episode?
[--] The Ruggles: GOOD BEHAVIOR [syndicated title]
Charlie tries to prove the importance of politeness in everyday living.

Note:
The following info is from the UCLA website (probably describing the above episode):
[--] The Ruggles
Show no. 6 (UCLA)
Producer: Bob Raisbeck
Director: George M. Cahan
Writer: Fred Howard
Stage director: Jerry Franks
Guest cast:
Monty Margetts

1.07 [--] The Ruggles
04Dec1949 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC
16Dec1949 (kine) NYC, WBZ-7 ABC Fri. 8:30pm
Synopsis:
DONKEY TROUBLE - An honest-to-goodness donkey takes over on the "Ruggles" show.
Seems that the family is to have a portrait taken for Christmas and through an error the donkey and photographer arrive to do the job. What happens next gives Charlie Ruggles plenty of opportunity for his own brand of humor. [Long Beach Independent]

--Newspaper item:
Margaret Kerry of the cast of "The Ruggles" had a new hair-do the other day and the writers had to make a last minute change in the script to cover her changed appearance. (06Dec1949 Long Beach Independent)

1.08 [--] The Ruggles
11Dec1949 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC
23Dec1949 (kine) NYC, WBZ-7 ABC Fri. 8:30pm
Synopsis:
When the "Ruggles" go on an economy binge and buy a deep-freeze, they find they haven't enough money left to buy food to fill it ... the neighbors take over and Ruggles finds himself frozen out. [Long Beach Press Telegram]

[--] Los Angeles time change:
Beginning 18Dec1949, "The Ruggles" switches from 9pm to 6pm Sundays.

1.09 [--] The Ruggles
18Dec1949 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC Sun. 6pm
30Dec1949 (kine) New York City, WBZ-7 ABC Fri. 8:30pm
Newspaper item:
RUGGLES MOVE. Charlie Ruggles and his family will take over new time in their some old home on KECA, channel 7, at 6 p. m. today. [Long Beach Independent]

1.10 [--] The Ruggles
25Dec1949 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC
06Jan1950 (kine) New York City, WBZ-7 ABC
Synopsis:
Pups and People--22 people and eight puppies will appear on "The Ruggles" tonight at 6 p.m. on KECA, channel 7, making a houseful in any language. This should cause some good comedy routines. [Long Beach Independent]

1.11 [--] The Ruggles
01Jan1950 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC
13Jan1950 (kine) New York City, WBZ-7 ABC
no details

1.12 [--] The Ruggles
08Jan1950 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC
20Jan1950 (kine) New York City, WBZ-7 ABC
no details

1.13 [--] The Ruggles
15Jan1950 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC
27Jan1950 (kine) New York City, WBZ-7 ABC
no details

1.14 [--] The Ruggles
22Jan1950 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC
03Feb1950 (kine) New York City, WBZ-7 ABC
Synopsis:
BATTER AND STUFF- When a man of the house takes over in the kitchen, anything may happen … and when it is Charlie Ruggles, it does. When "The Ruggles" open their door to televiewers tonight on KECA, channel 7, at 6, you'll find Charlie up to his eats in kitchen problems. His wife, played by Erin O'Brien Moore, has a cold so Charlie helps out. [Long Beach Independent]

1.15 [--] The Ruggles:
29Jan1950 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC
10Feb1950 (kine) New York City, WBZ-7 ABC
no details

1.16 [--] The Ruggles: THE PUNISHMENT [IMDb title]
5Feb1950 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC
17Feb1950 (kine) New York City, WBZ-7 ABC
no details

1.17 [--] The Ruggles:
12Feb1950 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC
24Feb1950 (kine) New York City, WBZ-7 ABC
Show no. 17 (UCLA)
no details
--Note:
IMDb lists the 12Feb1950 episode as "Chuck's Date."

1.18 [--] The Ruggles:
19Feb1950 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC
03Mar1950 (kine) New York City, WBZ-7 ABC Fri. 8:30pm
Show no. 18 (UCLA)
Synopsis 1:
Charlie Ruggles learns the perils of baby-sitting tonight at 6 during the "Ruggles" on KECA (7). [Long Beach Independent]
Synopsis 2:
Charlie Ruggles learns the perils of baby sitting when he takes over the job of caring for his own twins while Margart is off on a safari to a club meeting. [19Feb50 Long Beach Press-Telegram]
--same episode?
[--] The Ruggles: (unknown title)
original LA air-date unknown
11Dec1952 (Repeat) Los Angeles KECA-7
Synopsis:
Charlie Ruggles has his troubles when Mrs. Ruggles goes to a woman's club meeting and leaves him in charge of the house. He soon becomes involved in complications with his mother-in-law and a paper drive conducted by his twins, Donna and Donald. [11Dec52 Long Beach Independent]
--Note:
IMDb lists the 19Feb1950 episode as "Charlie's Lucky Day."

1.19 [--] The Ruggles:
26Feb1950 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC
10Mar1950 (kine) New York City, WBZ-7 ABC Fri. 8pm
Show no. 19 (UCLA)
no details
--Note:
IMDb lists the 26Feb1950 episode as "Charlie's Promotion."

1.20 [--] The Ruggles:
05Mar1950 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC
17Mar1950 (kine) New York City, WBZ-7 ABC
Show no. 20 (UCLA)
no details

1.21 [--] The Ruggles:
12Mar1950 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC
24Mar1950 (kine) New York City, WBZ-7 ABC
Show no. 21 (UCLA)
no details

1.22 [--] The Ruggles:
19Mar1950 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC
Show no. 22 (UCLA)
no details

1.23 [--] The Ruggles:
26Mar1950 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC
Show no. 23 (UCLA)
no details

1.24 [--] The Ruggles:
02Apr1950 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC
Show no. 24 (UCLA)
no details

--Newspaper item:
Lyle Talbot made his "live" television debut last Sunday night as a surprise actor. He was visiting one of the ABC sound stages about half-an-hour prior to airtime for "The Ruggles" when an actor took suddenly in. Talbot learned the actor's lines and took his place on the stage before he cameras and gave an excellent performance. [Long Beach Independent, April 8, 1950]

1.25 [--] The Ruggles:
09Apr1950 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC
no details

1.26 [--] The Ruggles:
16Apr1950 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC
no details

1.27 [--] The Ruggles:
23Apr1950 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC
Synopsis:
Charlie Ruggles turns "Dan Cupid" in the hopes of adjusting a situation in the Ruggles household. [Long Beach Independent]

1.28 [--] The Ruggles:
30Apr1950 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC
no details

1.29 [--] The Ruggles:
07May1950 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC
no details

1.30 [--] The Ruggles:
14May1950 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC
no details

1.31 [--] The Ruggles: SHARON'S HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION [synd. title]
21May1950 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC Sun. 6pm
Synopsis 1:
GRADUATION-Sharon Ruggles graduates and an authentic high school graduation exercise will be reproduced on "The Ruggles" over KECA (7) at 6 p. m.
As mentioned before, The Ruggles move to Thursday nights at 7 p. m. beginning next week … that is, after tonight's show. [Long Beach Independent]
Synopsis 2:
It's Sharon's graduation---and the family is concerned about her future.

--Magazine item:
Because of Daylight Savings Time and longer summer days, the Lewis Food Company is shifting "The Ruggles" TV show over KECA-TV from Sunday, 6 p.m., to Thursday, 7p.m., effective May 25. The telecasts star Charles Ruggles, supported by Erin O'Brien-Moore and Margaret Kerry. [Radio Daily, May 22, 1950]

1.32 [--] The Ruggles
25May1950 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC, Thurs. 7pm
no episode details available.
Newspaper item:
RUGGLES ARRIVE - After packing all their duds, Charlie Ruggles and his family will arrive at 7 p. m. on KECA (7) after spending several months with Sunday. [Long Beach Independent]

1.33 [--] The Ruggles
01June1950 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC
no details

1.34 [--] The Ruggles
08June1950 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC
Show no. 34 (UCLA)
Producer: Bob Raisbeck
Director: George M. Cahan
Written by Fred Howard and Irving Phillips
Guest cast (UCLA):
Dickie Monahan
Jimmie Stark
Raul Chavez
Pat Lawless
Jim Crane
Clarence Badger
Synopsis:
RUGGLES JAILED-The inside of a jail comes under the close scrutiny of Charlie Ruggles after his son, Chuck, is placed within as a result of a traffic accident. Charlie hastens to bail out his progeny. [Long Beach Independent]
Synopsis 2:
When Chuck gets into trouble with the law, father Charlie comes up with a solution. (UCLA)

1.35 [--] The Ruggles
15June1950 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC
Show no. 35 (UCLA)
Synopsis:
Juvenile delinquency is the theme of "The Ruggles." [San Diego Union]

1.36 [--] The Ruggles
22June1950 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC
Show no. 36 (UCLA)
no details

1.37 [--] The Ruggles
29June1950 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC
Producer: Bob Raisbeck
Director: George M. Cahan
Written by Fred Howard
no details

1.38 [--] The Ruggles
06July1950 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC
no episode description available.
--Newspaper item:
AWARDS AGAIN-The award for being the outstanding family on TV presented by the Parent-Teacher Association goes this year to Charlie Ruggles and his "The Ruggles." Mrs. Marvin Owen, president of the Tenth District PTA, will make the award to Ruggles during the program tonight at 7 on KECA (7). Frank Samuels, VP of ABC, gets an award, too. [06July1950 Long Beach Independent]

1.39 [--] The Ruggles
13July1950 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC
A lot of business about business paces "The Ruggles." [San Diego Union]

1.40 [--] The Ruggles: CHUCK RUNS AWAY [synd. title]
20July1950 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC
28Aug1952 (Repeat) Los Angeles KECA-7
Synopsis 1:
A runaway son poses a family problem for Charlie Ruggles. [20Jul50 San Diego Union]
(same synopsis for Synd. repeat: 03Jan1956 Portland, Oregon KLOR-12 Tues. 3pm)
Synopsis 2:
A runaway son poses a family problem on the Charlie Ruggles Show on KECA at 7. Charlie's son, Chuck, ignores parental advice and persists on going through with a friend on a hitchhike vacation to Grand Canyon. [Long Beach Press Telegram]
Synopsis 3:
Ruggles' son decides to take a trip to the Grand Canyon and this leads Charlie to some paternal worries. [Long Beach Independent]
Synopsis 4:
Charlie won't give Chuck permission to take a trip---so he runs away.
(Synd. repeat: 03Jan1956 Portland, Oregon KLOR-12 Tues. 3pm)

1.41 [--] The Ruggles
27July1950 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC
no details

1.42 [--] The Ruggles
03Aug1950 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC
Show no. 42 (UCLA)
Guest cast:
Rusty Morris ... Rutherford Sykes
Synopsis:
Will Rutherford Sykes actually take off on his expedition to the Aztec ruins in Mexico? That is the vexing question that supplies the tour de farce in "The Ruggles, starring Charlie Rugeles and Erin O'Brien Moore. [Long Beach Press Telegram]
-same episode?
[--] The Ruggles: THE ARCHEOLOGIST [synd. title]
Synopsis:
A man is pursuing Sharon---and Charlie wants him sent to Mexico.
(Synd. repeat: 30Apr1956 WMAL-7 Wash D.C. Mon. 2pm)

1.43 [--] The Ruggles
10Aug1950 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC
Show no. 43 (UCLA)
Synopsis:
Charlie Ruggles makes his contribution to the hoarding-abatement campaign. [San Diego Union]

[--] Variety magazine item:
Pittsburgh--Bob Finkel, graduate of the Carnegie Tech drama school now directing Charles Ruggles' TV program in Hollywood. It comes through WDTV here via kinescope.
(Variety, Aug. 16, 1950)

1.44 [--] The Ruggles
17Aug1950 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC
no details [Long Beach Press Telegram or Independent]

1.45 [--] The Ruggles
24Aug1950 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC
no details

--Possibly the 24Aug1950 LA episode:
[--] The Ruggles
Los Angeles air-date unknown
26Sep1950 (kine) Dallas, TX, WFAA-8 Wed. 7:30pm
Synopsis:
Charlie Ruggles joins the back-to-church movement on his program. [Dallas Morning News]

--Magazine item:
Irving Phillips, playwright, joins writing staff KECA-TV Los Angeles The Ruggles. (Aug. 28, 1950, Broadcasting magazine)

1.46 [--] The Ruggles
31Aug1950 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC

1.47 [--] The Ruggles
07Sep1950 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC
no details [Long Beach Press-Telegram]

1.48 [--] The Ruggles: JURY DUTY [synd. title]
14Sep1950 (live) Los Angeles KECA-7 ABC Thurs. 7pm
Synopsis 1:
JURY DUTY-When duty calls ... a man must answer. Charlie Ruggles wishes no call had come after he volunteers to do jury duty to prove to his neighbor that a person should be a good citizen. [Long Beach Independent]
Synopsis 2:
Charlie gives his neighbor a lesson in civic duty. [TVGuide.com]
Synopsis 3:
Ruggles puts his heart ... and his foot ... into efforts to volunteer for jury duty. [Detroit Times]
(Synd. repeat: 27Jan1956 KLOR-12 Portland, Oregon, Tues. 3:30pm)
(Synd. repeat: 01May1956 WMAL-7 Wash D.C. Tue. 2pm)
(Synd. repeat: 04Sep1956 WWJ-4 Detroit, Tues. 12:30pm)

################ The Ruggles ################
############### end of season 1 ##############
##############################################

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