Watch Blondie Takes a Vacation

Blondie Takes a Vacation is a 1939 American comedy film directed by Frank R. Strayer and starring Penny Singleton, Arthur Lake, and Larry Simms. This is the fourth in the series of the Blondie movie franchise that originated from the comic strip Blondie by Chic Young. The film starts with Blondie, Dagwood, and their son Alexander or "Baby Dumpling" excitedly packing their bags for their first vacation in four years. Dagwood's initial excitement was derailed when he learned that his boss, Mr. Dithers, had a work assignment for him to complete during their vacation, taking away his free time for relaxation. But Blondie was determined to make the most of their vacation, and the family soon sets off on their adventure.

The family decides to take a driving vacation down to Florida, but along the way, they have to face several obstacles that challenge their vacation's serenity. These obstacles range from deserted roads to broken car parts and even to dance exercises.

Moreover, the family's vacation runs into trouble when they lose their car, and their money has been stolen. The group then faces further obstacles to make it to their destination, including a milking station, a ferry ride, and a train ride. True to form, Dagwood eventually manages to lose their bags, requiring the family to spend the night without their essentials.

While the family is struggling to make it to their destination, Blondie's wealthy uncle offers them a donation, but Blondie refuses to accept it, knowing that it would come with strings attached. The family eventually reaches their destination in their battered and beaten car, but they are immediately taken aback by the hotel's exorbitant rates.

Blondie's friend Carol comes to their rescue when she offers her trailer park as a place for them to stay. Dagwood is overjoyed about the chance to be an outdoor enthusiast and spends his time fishing and boating. At the same time, Blondie tries to catch up on her reading and relaxing during the vacation.

However, their peaceful stay is short-lived when Mr. Dithers shows up unexpectedly and tells Dagwood that he needs to return home to work on an important project for an upcoming contract. Dagwood is left to decide between working on the project with Mr. Dithers or finishing his vacation with his family.

Blondie Takes a Vacation stands apart as it is one of the few times where the franchise gets out of their familiar surroundings and onto the open road. The film's pacing is fast, and the jokes are clever, making it a funny and enjoyable watch. The performances by Penny Singleton, Arthur Lake, and Larry Simms make it a great comedy family film.

Overall, the film is filled with several hilarious moments, including Dagwood getting into a physical struggle with a rotating door, and him unknowingly getting into a risky business venture. Eventually, Dagwood makes the decision to prioritize his family over work, leading to a heartwarming conclusion in the midst of a comedy-filled adventure.

In conclusion, Blondie Takes a Vacation is a delightful film that stands apart in the franchise due to its departure from the familiar surroundings and onto the open road. It features a fast-paced narrative, clever jokes, and terrific performances that make it a highly enjoyable and highly recommended watch.

Blondie Takes a Vacation is a 1939 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 5 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.