Dagwood and Blondie Bumstead were brought to life by revered cartoonist Chic Young and quickly debuted in a syndicated comic strip in September 1930. In newspapers coast to coast "Blondie" became the big cartoon buzz, growing to become the most popular comic strip in America. "Blondie" follows the comedic misadventures of Dagwood Bumstead, a naive, uncoordinated man whose main enthusiasm is eating. He runs afoul with his boss Mr. Dithers and at home with his wife Blondie raising their children and dogs. Young drew over 15,000 strips until his death in 1973. Since then his son has taken on the role for what continues to be a popular syndicated comic published today in papers throughout the world.
The immense success of the comic strip was a natural match to be released as a series of comic books beginning in the 1940s. It also led to Columbia Pictures releasing 28 low budget Blondie films from 1938-1950. Similarly, a radio program ran from 1949-1950. Two separate television series (1957 and 1968-67, respectively) were formed and each ran for one lone season. Animated cartoons appeared throughout the 80s. A wide variety of merchandise has been released and even restaurants formed featuring Dagwood's famously large sandwich. There's a recipe for "The Dagwood", which has entered people's lexicon for a large sandwich. "Blondie" left it's impression in the world in becoming one of the most popular comic strips ever created.
The first television series was released by Hal Roach Studios, running from January 4, 1957- July 5, 1957 and followed situations of the comic strip. It starred an embracingly typecast Arthur Lake who also portrayed Dagwood in the film series. The role of Blondie went to Pamela Britton, familiar to classic TV fans as neighbor Lorelei Brown in "My Favorite Martian". Harold Peary, known as radio hit "The Great Gildersleeve" has a recurring role as Dagwood's friend Herb Woodley.
The first episode of the series (alternatively titled "Sudden Wealth" on the recent remastered complete series DVD release) opens upon an idyllic suburban home. Blondie and children Cookie (Ann Barnes) and Alexander (Stuffy Singer), and their six at-attention dogs, have Dagwood's hat, briefcase, and an open door so he can race to catch the bus in time for work. In doing so he knocks down the mailman Mr. Beasley (Lucien Littlefield), sending letters flying (a common occurrence in the comic strip). Blondie is having coffee with her uppity friends who make her feel that Dagwood isn't as important at work as their husbands. She is upset that Dagwood does a lot for his boss that he doesn't get credit for. She pushes Dagwood to confront his boss Mr. Dithers (Florenz Ames, "The Adventures of Ellery Queen") of the J.C. Dithers Construction Company to give him a bigger office and vice presidency title. He is turned down. She feels all Dagwood needs is confidence and decides to send a fake telegram saying he has inherited over $100,000 from an uncle. It backfires, as now he doesn't want to work and is free with his money. His friend Herb Woodley (Harold Peary, radio hit "The Great Gildersleeve") asks Dagwood to go in on $5,000 in Allied Engineering stock, on a credit line from Woodley's broker. Dagwood goes to his boss with confidence that becomes insulting, but what effect will the situation really have?
A minor aside, the incidental music is the same as used in the series "How to Marry a Millionaire", which would air later that year. The plot is a reach, especially Dagwood not knowing if he has a particular uncle or not, but it is interesting being introduced to the characters with a few laughs along the way.
The first television series was released by Hal Roach Studios, running from January 4, 1957- July 5, 1957 and followed situations of the comic strip. It starred an embracingly typecast Arthur Lake who also portrayed Dagwood in the film series. The role of Blondie went to Pamela Britton, familiar to classic TV fans as neighbor Lorelei Brown in "My Favorite Martian". Harold Peary, known as radio hit "The Great Gildersleeve" has a recurring role as Dagwood's friend Herb Woodley.
The first episode of the series (alternatively titled "Sudden Wealth" on the recent remastered complete series DVD release) opens upon an idyllic suburban home. Blondie and children Cookie (Ann Barnes) and Alexander (Stuffy Singer), and their six at-attention dogs, have Dagwood's hat, briefcase, and an open door so he can race to catch the bus in time for work. In doing so he knocks down the mailman Mr. Beasley (Lucien Littlefield), sending letters flying (a common occurrence in the comic strip). Blondie is having coffee with her uppity friends who make her feel that Dagwood isn't as important at work as their husbands. She is upset that Dagwood does a lot for his boss that he doesn't get credit for. She pushes Dagwood to confront his boss Mr. Dithers (Florenz Ames, "The Adventures of Ellery Queen") of the J.C. Dithers Construction Company to give him a bigger office and vice presidency title. He is turned down. She feels all Dagwood needs is confidence and decides to send a fake telegram saying he has inherited over $100,000 from an uncle. It backfires, as now he doesn't want to work and is free with his money. His friend Herb Woodley (Harold Peary, radio hit "The Great Gildersleeve") asks Dagwood to go in on $5,000 in Allied Engineering stock, on a credit line from Woodley's broker. Dagwood goes to his boss with confidence that becomes insulting, but what effect will the situation really have?
A minor aside, the incidental music is the same as used in the series "How to Marry a Millionaire", which would air later that year. The plot is a reach, especially Dagwood not knowing if he has a particular uncle or not, but it is interesting being introduced to the characters with a few laughs along the way.