Blondie's Lucky Day

BLONDIE'S LUCKY DAY (Columbia, 1946), directed by Abby Berlin, the 17th installment on the trials and tribulations of the Bumstead family, may have a "good luck" sounding title to it, however, this being another theatrical episode based on Chic Young's comic strip, is easily an agreeable and amusing chapter. No, the plot doesn't have Blondie reading her horoscope in the newspaper and finding out it's her lucky day, nor one where she has a winning streak at the gambling table. The screenplay centers upon the common trend of the post war era, something borrowed from the likes of Samuel Goldwyn's THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES (1946), as to how the Bumsteads can do their part helping a returning veteran coping with civilian life and a new job to get started again. Unlike carbon copies, BLONDIE'S LUCKY DAY handles itself well in its straight comedy situations.

This time around, Mr. Dithers (Jonathan Hale) leaves his trusted employee, Dagwood Bumstead (Arthur Lake) in charge of the office during his three week absence, thus, finding certain fellow employees, namely Ollie Merlin (Jack Rice), Dagwood's office rival, to take advantage of the situation. As Mayor Richard Denby (Charles Arnt) invites all local businessmen to attend a special seminar, in conclusion asking them to assist returning war veterans by putting them on their payroll and an invitation to dinner. Dagwood, blending in nicely seated between executive-types while attempting to smoke a cigar, is the third in line to hire a vet. Unlike the previous two, Dagwood's soldier turns out to be Sergeant McDervitt, a WAC answering to the name of Betty Jane (Angelyn Orr). Hiring her to work at the Dithers Construction Company is one thing, but taking her home for dinner is another, considering his wife, Blondie's (Penny Singleton) jealous nature. Things work out rather differently as Blondie welcomes her, considering how easily Mary Jane bonds with her children, Alexander (Larry Simms) and Cookie (Marjorie Kent), but once Mr. Dithers returns prematurely from his business trip, and unable to have additional employees on the payroll after losing an account, stirs up an argument between him and Blondie, leading him to dismiss both Dagwood and Mary Jane from the firm. Out of work (again!), Blondie persuades Dagwood to go into business for himself, which he does. Hoping to acquire new clients, he finds one with Jonathan Butler (Robert Stanton), actually mistaking him with the man he should be seeing, his business-minded father, Jonathan Butler Sr. (Paul Harvey). Because Old Man Butler put a stop to his son's allowance due to his carefree extravagances, young Butler masquerades as his father, taking full advantage of Dagwood's hospitality by letting him pay for all the meals at expensive restaurants, and being in good company with the attractive Miss McDervitt. Now being worse off financially that before, especially after Dagwood learns that Butler, who finds his blueprint work to be excellent, is unable to offer him the contract and support needed to succeed. However, Butler advises Dagwood to show his work to his father, but finds he's got stiff competition, Mr. Dithers. "Bloooondie!!!" Aside from the usual antics, BLONDIE'S LUCKY DAY sees the absence of two series regulars: Alvin Fuddow (Danny Mummert), and Mr. Beasley, the postman (Eddie Acuff). Bobby Larson fills in for Alvin in the role of Tommy Cooper, Alexander's new friend on the block for the second time around, while Frank Jenks takes the route as the new postman. Others in the cast include Frank Orth (The Salesman); and John Hamilton (Mr. Emery). At least Daisy is around for moral support and the lifting of her ears as an element of surprise. Robert Stanton and newcomer Angelyn Orr (in her only screen role) make a nice secondary couple without getting in the way of things with the Bumsteads.

In spite of so much yelling this time around, especially between Dithers and Blondie, Dithers does reveal how much respect he has for Blondie (meaning that he's tolerated Dagwood all these years because of her), but due to her interfering, he finds he must stand his ground and do what he feels is right, even firing her husband. This episode does show, for once, Dagwood taking the stand by preventing his wife's interference as he places his hand over her mouth, thus stifling her, before things get any worse. (Hooray for Dagwood!).

What is Blondie's Lucky Day? Probably the day she married Dagwood or possibly the day she was contracted by Columbia to appear in her own film series. BLONDIE'S LUCKY DAY, formerly a Sunday highlight on American Movie Classics from 1996 to 2000, was formerly available on video cassette through King Feature. Next in the series: BLONDIE KNOWS BEST (1946) (***)

The alarm clock didn't work so the Bumsteads household is behind schedule this morning. Mr. Dithers (Jonathan Hale) drops by to let Dagwood (Arthur Lake) take over as boss at the office for three weeks. Dagwood must do a favor for the Mayor (Charles Arnt) and hire SGT. McDermott for Mr. Dithers. The only problem is, McDermott is a woman, Betty Jane McDermott (Angelyn Orr). Dagwood out of courtesy must invite her to dinner. As Dagwood already knows, Blondie (Penny Singleton) would be jealous. Yet another new postman (Frank Jenks). This one just out of the Army. He feels he can dodge Dagwood too. Of course he can't. When Dithers comes back, Blondie gets an idea for Dagwood to be boss of his own construction company with Betty Jane's help. This was Jonathan Hale's last time playing Mr. Dithers. Danny Mummert was not in this one. Bob Haymes plays "Johnny Butler". For fun, can you spot the Wonder Bread? The next film in the series is BLONDIE KNOWS BEST.

Things got a bit too silly in Blondie's Lucky Day. Usually she's the sensible one. But in this case she's the one who gets Dagwood fired once again from the J.C. Dithers Construction Company. All in a good cause mind you, the cause of the advancement of women in the work place.

You'd think Jonathan Hale would learn not to leave Arthur Lake in charge. Lake feeling a little social pressure to hire returning veterans hires shapely and beautiful former WAC Angelyn Orr who has a degree in architecture.

Penny Singleton who is usually quite jealous about other females near her man welcomes Orr into the Bumstead home and takes up her cause. Because when Hale returns home and finds a woman doing 'man's work Blondie manages to get Dagwood fired as well as Orr. Usually Dagwood manages that on his own.

Dagwood also forms the Bumstead Construction company with Orr and looks to snare client Paul Harvey from the grasp of J.C. Dithers. How it all works out is for you to see the film for. But let's say Dagwood learns there's a lot more to business than just being good at your work.

Fans of the series should be pleased.

So Dagwood can be a true executive if only he can remember to put his pants on. Then too don't let him pick up the check at a fancy restaurant unless you have ear-muffs on. For geezers like me, the series brings back long ago memories, like going through an operator to make a phone call, or welcoming home vets from the war. Speaking of vets, after seeing Sgt. McDermott I think I'll re-enlist, post-haste.

It's a typical B&D funfest though the material slows down a bit toward the end. Seems Dagwood starts up his own construction co. after Dithers fires him. Now if he can just get Butler Sr. to check out his theater plans, his budding enterprise will get a big boost. Good thing there's a Butler Jr. and the cute Sergeant to help rescue his bumbling ways. Of course Blondie's amusingly on hand to stiffen hubby's spine, while Daisy and puppy crew complement the hijinks. Looks like this is actress Orr's only performance (IMDB). Too bad, because she's perfect as the affable army girl, and wholesomely lovely, to boot.

Looks like this series installment was produced at WWII's end with its emphasis on jobs for returning vets. Note too how well the various antics are blended into the whole, none lasting too long or with too much talk. Thus things seldom drag, though the laughs may slow as the comedic material ebbs. The results may not be art, but they do reflect excellent craftsmanship.

Anyway, it's hard to go wrong with one of the best comedy series of that time or any time, as this installment shows.

Actually, if you followed the series, Dagwood had many chances to start his own company and (perhaps) become a financial success. But... you know how it goes, right?

While Mr. Dithers is away, Dagwood hires on female architecht Betty McDermott (Angelyn Orr), who happens to be a recently discharged sergeant. This was also a very timely episode, and as noted by the last reviewer, sort of in the tradition of the BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES. Hiring war veterans. A big issue post WWII across the country.

Dagwood's hiring Betty only gets him into more trouble with short-fuse Dithers, and he promptly gets fired. Dithers losing his temper is always a blast. You have to admit, the long running queston -- WHY did Mr. Dithers hire Dagwood in the first place? The bright spot (for a few days or so...) finds Dagwood, with Blondie's encouragement, starting his own construction company, which costs him a lot of money. In a typical Dagwood scene, he treats a spoiled client to a series of expensive restaurant dinners, more money going out than coming in. IF you added up the food bill, it would have cost Dagwood hundreds of dollars each night --just to eat!

Good support from popular character actor Paul Harvey as Mr. Butler. Also singer Dick Haymes' brother, Bob, plays Jonathan Butler. This was the only screen credit for actress Angelyn Orr, who was an established radio actress.

Well directed by Abby Berlin and with some funny dialogue and one liners. It all clicks, and Arthur Lake is the whole show.

Thanks again to MOVIES Net for running this classic series Saturday mornings, like the old days.