Blondie on a Budget

Blondie and Dagwood's life is thrown a curve when Rita Hayworth shows up. She used to be "someone he used to know," and came to the house on business with Dagwood, as she works in real estate. As part of the plot, and as the title suggests, they are currently talking about their budget and trying to keep expenses down, despite the fact there's a fur coat she'd like to have and the fact there's a fishing club/lodge he'd like to join. But he doesn't catch any, when he goes fishing anyway, Blondie says, when he goes with the neighbor, who tries to tell him how to deal with Blondie and put his foot down. Aside from the first film, this would be my next favorite. The films centering on their lives at home are better than those which put them in situations away from home. Their home life can get pretty crazy, with miscommunication and people jumping to conclusions. Yeah, Blondie! Rita around really pushes Blondie's buttons, which gives this entry some fire and gives us another fulfilling look into the Bumsteads' far-from-dull existence.

One of the better Blondie movies, Blondie on a Budget gives one a feeling of nostalgia by being very indicative of its time. The relatively simple story keeps one interested by incorporating stupidly witty dialog with slap stick comedy, truly a great film.

This is my second Blondie film to see and it involved some Classic Blondie topics: The budget, shopping and jealousy!

I was watching along and this gorgeous woman enters the scene and my first thought is, "she's beautiful!"...It turns out it is a young Rita Hayworth! But the person who really steals the show is the kid who plays Alvin! Not only is he a ham but charismatic as all get out!

Probably a watch and delete, but fun while it lasted.

Back in the days of the strict Production Code, Hollywood had a lot of rules about sexuality in films. Kisses needed to be brief and chaste, bad girls needed to ultimately be punished and couples NEVER were in the same bed together...even if they were married. As a result, you see many married couples with separate beds...which makes you wonder HOW these couples ever got children! Well, there are separate beds in this one...and, for once, I would have wanted this as Blondie seemed unusually grouchy in this installment of the Blondie and Dagwood series. Of course, Dagwood gave her some reasons to be grouchy...but didn't he always?!

In the midst of Blondie and Dagwood disagreeing on how to spend their money (Blondie wants a new coat, Dagwood wants to join a fishing club), an old flame of Dagwood's shows up at the house. Joan (Rita Hayworth*) drops by and almost instantly Blondie is jealous and assumes the worst. And, the rest of the film involves Dagwood telling a couple of innocent lies and Blondie assuming the absolute worst....and stomping off for a divorce (the second time in the series).

I think I liked this one a bit less than usual...mostly because Blondie just seemed grouchier and very insecure. Sure, Dagwood is an idiot...but that's not new. Not a bad film but just a bit darker and more unpleasant than it should be. Also, the bit with the neighbor imitating Blondie and Dagwood's voices was really stupid.

*Can anyone on this planet believe that a dope that looks like Arthur Lake could ever catch a woman that looks like Rita Hayworth unless he was, perhaps, a mega-millionaire?!

Rita Hayworth and Dagwood-that's like pairing Miss America with Daffy Duck-- all for comedy fun of course. It's the usual delightful Bumstead hijinks. Seems Blondie thinks hubby is really attracted to the beauteous Joan (Hayworth) who appears to be hanging around him. Too bad everything poor Dagwood does just seems to get him in deeper with Blondie. But, really, he just wants to go fishing, if only he can get the $200 Trout Club fee. At the same time, Blondie's got her eye on a $200 fur coat. Trouble is where will either get the money since their budget is strapped. Looks like real problems for the lovable couple.

It's a comically addled Dagwood along with a sternly humorous Blondie. Together they deliver the goods fans expect from the long-running series. But mustn't forget four-footed Daisy who deserved extra kibbles for her great acting, which really is a wonder. Also, the toddlers, Dumpling and Alvin, add happily to the mix. But just as important are how these comedic elements are combined by the director, editor, and writers. Typically, Dagwood will do something silly, Blondie will cast a reproving eye, Daisy will flop over, while Dumpling will say something cute. Thus, Dagwood's funny antic is made more so, thanks to an unsung production crew.

Too bad a family series like this never got the industry recognition it richly deserved. Blondie On A Budget shows again that the Oscars needed a category for lightweight budget films. Anyway, here's my statuette for whatever its worth.