Blondie Goes to Gollege

Blondie Goes to College is a delightful and entertaining comedic romp released in 1942. The film is part of the popular "Blondie" series, and Penny Singleton and Arthur Lake return in their iconic roles as the loveable couple Blondie and Dagwood Bumstead.

In this installment, Blondie decides that it's time for her and Dagwood to further their education by attending college. The opening sees the duo enthusiastically preparing to enroll as students at a nearby institution of higher learning, eager to soak up all the knowledge and experiences college life has to offer.

Singleton and Lake shine in their performances, exemplifying the rapport and chemistry that made them fan favorites in the first place. Singleton excels as Blondie, her sunny optimism and determination brought to life on screen with every laugh and quip. As Dagwood, Lake is bumbling and endearing, generating ample humor through his performances. Their perfect comic timing keeps audiences amused and engaged, thereby creating a lighthearted atmosphere that's typical of the “Blondie” movies.

Apart from Singleton and Lake, the film also features Larry Simms as Baby Dumpling, their adorable son, who adds a unique dynamic to the plot, and Danny Mummert assumes the role of Alvin Fuddle, Baby Dumpling's best friend. The rest of the cast, including Janet Blair and Lloyd Bridges, add their unique individual humor to the mix, making for a fun and energetic ensemble.

Blondie Goes to College gives the Bumsteads a new environment to navigate—the bustling campus life full of youthful energy and vivacious students. They find themselves tangled in various farcical circumstances as they attempt to balance their domestic responsibilities with their newfound student lives.

The film grapples with the theme of ageism and the societal pressure of fitting into norms. The Bumstead couple being older than the average college student is a consistent source of comic relief throughout the story. What it does beautifully is showcase that learning indeed has no age bar. While Blondie and Dagwood do experience initial hurdles, they choose to tackle each situation with humor, resilience, and plenty of heart-warming moments.

In classic Blondie fashion, many unconventional events follow - a surprise visit from a stork, hidden identities, a football match, and plenty of chaos where Dagwood invariably ends up in a muddle. The movie skillfully incorporates slapstick comedy, witty and humorous dialogues, and situational comedy to dish out laughter on a platter. Romm's direction and the comic timing of all the actors ensure that audiences are thoroughly entertained.

Cinematography, by Henry Freulich, effectively captures the small-town charm of the Bumsteads' new adventure. It's bright and cheerful, enhancing the overall feel of the film. The film's set design deserves a mention as it successfully recreates the lively atmosphere of a college campus, further adding to the film's appeal.

The soundtrack of the film, like the series itself, is catchy and memorable. Each track resonates with the movie's light-hearted tone and comical narrative, thereby enhancing the viewing experience. The concluding 'big game' sequence is specially crafted with comic tension and humor, resounding with the audience and giving the film a satisfying finale.

All in all, Blondie Goes to College is an amusing and heartening comedy that guarantees a fun time for viewers of all ages. It manages to uphold the charm of the established Blondie series, magnifying it with the added novelty of the college setting. It's a classic, feel-good film with fantastic performances and a captivating plot that will leave you in splits, making it a must-watch for lovers of old-school comedies.