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Blondie Hits the Jackpot (1949)
Blondie Hits The Jackpot - One of my favorite Blondie films
I have read the other reviews of this movie and I would like to both agree and disagree with some of the comments. I do not often comment or review movies but I must include my opinion, if only for my own sake, regarding this gem. I agree with the many who have stated that the Blondie films are great but do differ in some quality from the beginning films to the ones nearer to 1950, "Jackpot" being near the end. My opinion that this is a great addition to the Blondie series is because, in context, any fan of the series would love it. If I were to have seen this film without any understanding of the characters or story lines from before and after this installment, I would have thought it was silly and jumbled. However, knowing the Bumsteads since their first film debut in "Blondie" 1938 and continued throughout the series, I understand the characters and how they've grown and this movie is one that allows you, as the audience, to truly appreciate those changes. I hope to explain to the other Blondie fans just why I love this movie.
If there is anything I know to be true in this world, it is the fact that Penny Singleton was always a beautiful woman and wonderful actress but she surely did age gracefully and is incredibly stunning in this film. She also has "calmed down" regarding Dagwood and his antics and instead is his champion in every single way. Though she doesn't want Alexander to go out on a date, even if it is a birthday party with several children, she trusts Dagwood in the situation and Alexander goes on his way. The way she says "There goes Baby Dumpling" when he goes off to the party, is one of the most emotional things I've experienced regarding film, of course it is only due to the context and having watched the entire series. We have gotten used to seeing Alexander grow up before our eyes and become a wonderful young man, but Blondie caught me off-guard and shared with us her motherly thoughts by calling him Baby Dumpling again, a name we have not heard him being called for nearly 7-8 years. Also, Blondie is Dagwoods champion when he comes home, having been fired, and instead tells him how able he is and how smart he is. Basically telling him he can do anything and will find a new job in new time because she believes in him.
On the subject of Alexander, it is a treat to see him start having Dagwood tendencies, like his silly laugh, while still remaining a smart, kind boy that obviously was lucky enough to have Blondie as a mother. Can you imagine if he would have been ONLY like Dagwood? Too much to handle. He instead is a good balance between both Dagwood and Blondie. I also understand the dislike in having Dagwood do several silly jobs, however I rather enjoyed watching him try and fail at the several jobs because if anyone could pull that off with athleticism and wit it would be Arthur Lake, who was a genius in that realm. He, in some way, could do silly falls and gags reminiscent of the Stooges, but execute them in a way that seemed incredibly natural to the situation. Yes, you can see some of them coming but that's both expected and welcomed by Blondie fans. In the end, the movie may be seen as not as good or running out of steam when compared to their earlier films, but I instead see this film as a maturing that was correct and natural for this moment in the film series. Though we will always love the mailman being plowed over by Dagwood who is late for work, and Dagwood quitting or being fired only to have Blondie save his job, it's also nice to see them mature and grow as a family. The Bumsteads are tops in my book and I know you'll agree with me! Thank you for reading.