BLONDIE GOES Latin (Columbia, 1941), directed by Frank R. Strayer, is the eighth entry to the highly popular film series based on the comic strip characters created by Chic Young, and a welcome change of pace from the usual domestic comedy at both home and the office to a shipboard musical. On top of that, it showcases Penny Singleton as Blondie, and Arthur Lake as her husband, Dagwood, in displaying their musical talents without stepping out of character, especially Singleton, who is in fine voice here. Let's not forget that Singleton sang in some early screen musicals (such as the 1930 version of "Good News" for MGM) when she was a young brunette named Dorothy McNulty.
The plot centers on Mr. Dithers (Jonathan Hale), Dagwood's boss, who invites the Bumstead family to accompany him on a cruise to South America for some rest and relaxation. However, before the boat leaves, Dithers receives a telegram to return to the office to meet with a very important client to cover an important business deal. Not wanting to postpone his long awaited vacation, Dithers assigns Dagwood to substitute for him to arrive at the office the following Monday and take care of the business contract deal himself. Reluctantly, Dagwood agrees, having his family remain in the company of Dithers so not to have their vacation spoiled. As Dagwood tries to leave the boat, he gets himself tangled up with a band of musicians trying to get on board. After helping them with their instruments by carrying the drums to the dance hall dining area, Dagwood finds that the boat has already left and is miles away from the port. Feeling he has fumbled again, Dagwood explains his predicament to band vocalist, Lovey Nelson (Ruth Terry), who assists him from being noticed by coming up with the idea of having Dag dress in drag masquerading as a lady drummer.
Set sail now for further misadventures and complications of Dagwood Bumstead, highlighted by some singing and dancing, with music and lyrics by Robert Wright and Chet Forrest. Songs featured include: "You Don't Play the Drum, All You Do is Beat It" (sung by band/ drum playing by Arthur Lake); "I Hate Music Lessons" (sung by Janet Burston and Larry Simms. This little number features Burston's doll on top of the piano with movable eyes as the children sing); "Querida" (sung by Tito Guizar and Penny Singleton); "Cry on My Shoulder" (sung by Penny Singleton); "Brazilian Cotillion" and "Pan American Time." Aside from watching Baby Dumpling (Simms) doing his own vocalizing and dancing as any 7-year-old can do, the Bumstead pooch, Daisy, is a howl standing on "her" hind legs doing a few steps along with another dog "herself."
Also seen in the supporting cast are Kirby Grant as Hal Trent, along with the Kirby Grant Orchestra; Eddie Acuff as The Taxi Driver; Joseph King as the ship's captain; Harry Barris as one of the band musicians; along with series regulars, Danny Mummert as Alvin Fuddow, and Irving Bacon as Mr. Cromp, the neighborhood postman, in smaller roles.
In spite of this being a second feature, then commonly known as a "B" movie, BLONDIE GOES Latin looks more like an "A" film, with glossy sets, along with some South American rhythm to go along, making this segment resemble that of the current trend of 20th Century-Fox Latino musicals, but in this situation, minus Technicolor, Cesar Romero and Carmen Miranda. The comedy situations presented are occasionally juvenile, which is expected in the "Blondie" series. On and all, this one ranks one of the most enjoyable outings in the series, and highly recommended for family viewing.
BLONDIE GOES Latin which had played on the American Movie Classics cable channel from 1996 to 2002, especially on Sunday mornings, can be found either on video or DVD package. (**1/2)
