QUITE SHORT LIVED at only 13 Episodes, this 1968-69 flash in the pan was indeed the second BLONDIE TV Series. The first series fared not much better racking up a whole 26 Episodes; but even so, it had Arthur Lake; who had originated the role of Dagwood in the Series of BLONDIE "B" Movies in the late '30s and the '40s. Pamela Britton replaced Penny Singleton as Blondie.
POSSIBLY THE LACK of ratings was due to scheduling, as things were highly competitive then and getting even more so. We can't recall what was the opposition, though; but it was most likely a superior product.
WE DID WATCH a few installments, hoping for a great Comic page to TV adaptation and it probably would have fared better at an earliest time slot or perhaps as part of the Saturday Morning Kiddie's Cartoon Cavalcade. We can only offer conjecture in this area of "what might have been."
AS FAR AS the casting is concerned, Will Hutchins as Dagwood and the former Mrs. Wilbur from MISTER ED, Patricia Harty, were fine as the Bumsteads. As far as the kids, well kids are kids and they were at least adequate; as was "Daisy."
WE DID HAVE serious questions about installing the multi-talented and very personable Mr. Jim Backus as J.C. Dithers. As Mr. Magoo's voice-yes, as Millionaire Thurston Howell-yes, but he just did not look at all the part of Mr. Dithers; as did former essayers of the part, Jonathon Hale (Columbia Movies) and Florenz Ames (1957 TV Series).
WHATEVER THE CASE, this BLONDIE came and went without nary a notice. Why we bet that an awful lot of baby boomers have no recollection of this at all.
MAYBE WE JUST dreamed it all up!
NOTE: OMISSIONS & CORRECTIONS Dept. We were recently corrected for stating that this series' BLONDIE, Patricia Harty, also had portrayed Alan Young's Wife on the MISTER ED Series; when, in actuality, Mrs. Wilbur Post was in real life, Connie Hines.
FOR THIS, WE are heartily sorry. Mea Culpa, Mea Culpa, Mea Maxima Culpa!
