Outrageous episode, again with Dagwood trying to impress a client -- this time the man's daughter, played by noneother than Ann Savage, shortly before her landmark role in DETOUR.
This was exceptionally written by both series writer Karen DeWolf and Connie Lee, who would continue writing for the series after DeWolf left to handle other film projects and tv.
Thurston Hall is spot on as Mr. Wheeler, a wealthy client of Dithers who wants to get down to business, only to have his daughter, Vicky (Ann Savage), a stage actress, causing all sorts of trouble with a play. Naturally, to keep Vicky happy, Dagwood and Blondie get into the amateur production along with Mr. Dithers and his wife?-- and Mr. Crumb, the mailman (Irving Bacon). This was Bacon's final appearance in the series, who went on to guest star in many classic films.
The goofy stage play is a gem; everything that could go wrong goes wrong, and Dagwood is laugh out loud hilarious. Nobody could hold this together better than Arthur Lake, and Ann Savage is just as good playing the spoiled daughter.
This episode also includes some well known characters actors; Grace Hayle as Mrs. Dithers. Grace was known for THE GREAT DICTATOR playing Madame Napaloni. It's a shame she did not return to the series. Mexican actor Rafael Alcayde plays Jerry, Vicky's beau, and Elspeth Dudgeon plays Frances, a staple in many films, generally as kindly old women and grandmothers.
Best line department; Vicky walks into the house, looking stunning. Alexander points to her and says to Blondie, "Mommy. Its that Daddy's bonus?
10 Stars just for that line.
Note, Columbia Pictures was losing interest in the series (cutting down on releases) and cancelled it after this episode. However, due to the sucess of the radio show and many letters written in by fans, the series was finally renewed the following year with LEAVE IT TO BLONDIE.
Always on dvd in separate box sets that break up some episodes, or you can buy each episode individually. Thanks always to MOVIES net for running the series Saturday mornings.
