The titles to the Blondie & Dagwood movies usually had the word 'Blondie' in it...but not this one. So, it's easy to not know it's in the series if you casually see it in a programming guide. It's a shame, as it's a very good entry and shouldn't be missed by fans.
When the film begins, Blondie is talking about food shortages, rationing and points used to buy groceries. This is because the film was made during WWII and many foods and consumer items were doled out to the public in small amounts because so much was going to the war effort. This is why, late in the film, the cab drivers refuse to go faster than 35 mph...all to help conserve fuel for the war!
The plot involves Mr. Dithers being stuck with some houses he cannot easily sell. This is because he thought a munitions factory was going to be built nearby and the workers would need homes. But the government changed their mind and built elsewhere. The arrival of one of Dithers' old friends, Mr. Wheeler, looks promising, as Wheeler could build a plant in town for his tool company...so Dithers really is out to impress him. He then enlists the help of Dagwood to take care of Wheeler's daughter, Vicki. Dagwood assumes she's a little girl, but she's actually an attractive young woman who wants to be a movie star. She only agrees to live with the Bumsteads because she incorrectly assumes Dagwood is in the movie business.
Vicki isn't to be deterred once she realizes her mistake and soon enlists Blondie AND Dagwood to appear in the play she's written...and her father HATES that she wants to be an actress. So Dagwood is confused...he wants to make Mr. Wheeler happy AND Vicki. What is he to do? And, what will happen if her father learns that she's putting on a play with the Bumsteads AND Mrs. Dithers in it?!
This is a cute little film...a welcome addition to the series. While it's far from the best, it's still solidly entertaining and worth your time.
