Blondie on a Budget

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.

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?!

Bit by bit, I totally believe that the Blondie series is one of the most seriously neglected film series of all time, there were, I don't know, 20? films (actually, 28 now that I've looked it up) and I've seen 5 of them, and they've all be charming, with amazing chemistry with the leads, plenty of humor and smartness, without treating the audience like idiots. In this one, what could have been a one joke movie (Blondie is jealous of Dagwood's old flame popping by for a visit) turns out to be quite a clever and funny series of events. It just so happens the old flame is played by Rita Hayworth in one of those "Before They Were Famous" roles. She's quite magnetic, and actually adds, but surprisingly doesn't distract what is going on. One of the best in the series. Some great shots of an old time movie theatre too.

Blondie On A Budget deals with the family finances that the Bumsteads are having and the choices that these young marrieds have to make. It almost breaks up the Bumsteads.

Arthur Lake wants $200.00 to join a club where the pastime is fishing. Blondie wants a new coat. Things are on a friendly level until an old girlfriend of Dagwood's enters the picture.

Rita Hayworth visits the Bumsteads, she's moved back to town and has a job that will put her in close proximity to Arthur Lake and that upsets Penny Singleton. A series of the usual mishaps and misdirections leave the Bumsteads apart with Singleton going to Reno.

If you can accept the premise that Rita Hayworth was ever interested in Dagwood Bumstead than you'll find this film a pleasant and enjoyable comedy.

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.