Leave It to Blondie

This film actually marked the return of the series, which had been cancelled by Columbia Pictures in 1944. With many other projects going on, the studio apparently lost interest, and even limited the number of episodes over the last few years. However -- fans -- and lots of them, wrote in and complained and Columbia resumed production, with some changes.

Assistant director Abby Berlin, who had been with the series since the start, took over as director from Frank Strayer, who went on to other film projects. Also, Connie Lee, who wrote many B films in her career, took over for series writer Karen De Wolf. De Wolf moved on to tv in the 50s.

This episode is very lively, much like the early series episodes, and you'll notice that Alexander and Cookie are growing up fast. It also has another "entertainment" theme, this time Dagwood entering a goofy songwriting contest, inspired by an old song his late Uncle Henry wrote. He even gets to sing the song, becoming one of three finalists who appear on a radio show. Kooky stuff, hammed up by Arthur Lake.

In the meanwhile, as can be expected, Blondie gets jealous -- thinking the song was written by Dagwood for somebody else?? -- and Dagwood gets fired by Mr. Dithers (again) for messing up another business deal. Jonathan Hale as Dithers is a hoot to watch, ready to strangle Dagwood at any chance he can get. He and Dagwood make a super team.

Popular character actor Eddie Acuff (who appeared in no less than 300 movies and tv shows), plays the new and flustered mailman, also Jack Rice joins the series as Ollie, Dagwood's wisecracking co-worker. Rice co-starred with Florence Lake (Arthur's sister) for many years as the brother-in-law to Edgar Kennedy in his comedy film series.

Funny support from Chick Chandler as fast-talking Eddie, and veteran Maude Eburne as Magda, the tea leaf reader. Maude has some of the best lines here, a natural.

A gem. Always on dvd, either sold separately or in box sets. Thanks to MOVIES Net for running this classic series Saturday mornings.