This episode was released not too long after the famous Bette Davis film, THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER. Series writer Richard Flournoy may have borrowed an idea or two from the classic story... it sure fits, as you will see.
It's all woven into the continuing story, from the previous episode, of Blondie announcing she's expecting, and now the birth of baby "Cookie." To add to the festivities, Daisy gives birth to five cute puppies, including mischievous Elmer. I agree with the last reviewer, Blondie never looked like she gained an ounce while pregnant! Censorship at the time had a lot to do with it.
Mr. Dithers again plays the part of Dagwood and Blondie's "adopted" father, and with some really good scenes. He sends Dagwood away to Chicago on business to get his mind off the new baby --and enter sly playwrite George Wickley (so well played by Hans Conried), acting very much like Monty Woolley in THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER. Dagwood befriends George and before you know it, he becomes a permanent houseguest of the Bumsteads, much to Blondie's dismay.
Here's the kicker. Fresh from the latter film, comedian Mary Wickes also makes an appearance, playing an obnoxious housekeeper called Sarah, who takes over the house and Blondie's prize kitchen. Blondie wants one thing, and one thing only. To be alone with her family and throw both George and Sarah out of the house!
There's a poignant scene with Baby Dumpling --who adores "Uncle George" and does not want him to leave, definitely complicating Blondie's master plan.
It also shows off young Larry Simms' acting skills. Interestingly, Baby changes his name to Alexander, although Dagwood mentions his real name is Dagwood, Jr. How series creator Chic Young and/or Robert Flournoy came up with that name is a mystery!
Note Stanley Brown plays Archie's competitive co-worker Ollie, later replaced in the series by Jack Rice.
Look for popular character actor Tom Kennedy (brother of comedian Edgar Kennedy) as a cop, also Arthur O'Connell as an interne and Sylvia Field (from DENNIS THE MENACE) as a nurse.
Not to be missed for this memorable cast.
Remastered in dvd box sets that contain five to ten episodes. Thanks again to MOVIES Net for rerunning this classic during their Saturday morning comedy slot.
It's all woven into the continuing story, from the previous episode, of Blondie announcing she's expecting, and now the birth of baby "Cookie." To add to the festivities, Daisy gives birth to five cute puppies, including mischievous Elmer. I agree with the last reviewer, Blondie never looked like she gained an ounce while pregnant! Censorship at the time had a lot to do with it.
Mr. Dithers again plays the part of Dagwood and Blondie's "adopted" father, and with some really good scenes. He sends Dagwood away to Chicago on business to get his mind off the new baby --and enter sly playwrite George Wickley (so well played by Hans Conried), acting very much like Monty Woolley in THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER. Dagwood befriends George and before you know it, he becomes a permanent houseguest of the Bumsteads, much to Blondie's dismay.
Here's the kicker. Fresh from the latter film, comedian Mary Wickes also makes an appearance, playing an obnoxious housekeeper called Sarah, who takes over the house and Blondie's prize kitchen. Blondie wants one thing, and one thing only. To be alone with her family and throw both George and Sarah out of the house!
There's a poignant scene with Baby Dumpling --who adores "Uncle George" and does not want him to leave, definitely complicating Blondie's master plan.
It also shows off young Larry Simms' acting skills. Interestingly, Baby changes his name to Alexander, although Dagwood mentions his real name is Dagwood, Jr. How series creator Chic Young and/or Robert Flournoy came up with that name is a mystery!
Note Stanley Brown plays Archie's competitive co-worker Ollie, later replaced in the series by Jack Rice.
Look for popular character actor Tom Kennedy (brother of comedian Edgar Kennedy) as a cop, also Arthur O'Connell as an interne and Sylvia Field (from DENNIS THE MENACE) as a nurse.
Not to be missed for this memorable cast.
Remastered in dvd box sets that contain five to ten episodes. Thanks again to MOVIES Net for rerunning this classic during their Saturday morning comedy slot.