They’ll Do It Every Time (1929-2008): Unveiling the Long-Running Success

They’ll Do It Every Time is a single-panel newspaper comic strip that had a remarkable run over eight decades, captivating readers with its humorous take on the ironies and absurdities of everyday life. Created by Jimmy Hatlo, the strip debuted on February 5, 1929, and continued until February 3, 2008. Over the years, the strip’s title became a famous catchphrase, reflecting its widespread appeal and enduring legacy.

Publication History

Initially, Hatlo, a sports cartoonist, conceived the panel to fill space on the San Francisco Call-Bulletin comics page. However, the strip quickly gained traction among readers, who began sending fan mail, prompting Hatlo to continue producing the panel. Eventually, the feature’s popularity led to its syndication by King Features Syndicate in 1936, with a Sunday panel added on July 4, 1943. The strip was published in newspapers nationwide, becoming a comic section staple.

Characters and Story

“They’ll Do It Every Time” illustrated the minor absurdities, frustrations, hypocrisies, ironies, and misfortunes of everyday life. Presented in a single-panel or two-panel format, the strip depicted deceptive, pretentious, unwitting, or scheming human behavior in the left-side panel, with the second panel revealing the truth of the situation.

In addition to its observational humor, the strip occasionally featured “Hatlo’s History,” enabling the cartoonist to satirize memorable moments from earlier centuries. One of the strip’s recurring characters was Henry Tremblechin, a timid man often depicted as a victim of life’s ironies. Another notable character was Tremblechin’s daughter, Little Iodine, who appeared frequently and eventually spun off into her comic strip.

A Tip of the Hatlo Hat

One distinctive feature of the strip was the “tip of the Hatlo Hat,” a small acknowledgment box in the lower-right corner of the panel featuring a drawing of Hatlo tipping his hat. Ideas and gags for the strip often came from suggestions by readers, who were credited with the strip. Hatlo continued working on “They’ll Do It Every Time” until he died in 1963, after which the Al Scaduto and Bob Dunn team took over the strip. The tradition of crediting readers for their suggestions continued, although the “Hatlo hat” drawing was eventually dropped.

Legacy and Awards

“They’ll Do It Every Time” received widespread acclaim and recognition throughout its run. The strip and Bob Dunn received the National Cartoonists Society’s Newspaper Panel Cartoon Award multiple times. Hatlo himself was honored with the Reuben Award in 1975. Following Dunn’s death in 1989, Al Scaduto continued to write and draw the strip until his passing in 2007.

Conclusion

“They’ll Do It Every Time” entertained readers with witty observations and relatable humor for nearly eight decades. From its humble beginnings in the San Francisco Call-Bulletin to its syndication by King Features, the strip left an indelible mark on the world of newspaper comics. Although it concluded its run in 2008, its legacy lives on, and it remains a beloved classic in the annals of comic strip history.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about “They’ll Do It Every Time”

1. What is “They’ll Do It Every Time”?

“They’ll Do It Every Time” is a single-panel newspaper comic strip created by Jimmy Hatlo. It debuted in 1929 and continued until 2008, offering humorous observations on the ironies and absurdities of everyday life.

2. Who created “They’ll Do It Every Time”?

The strip was created by Jimmy Hatlo, a sports cartoonist who conceived it to fill space on the San Francisco Call-Bulletin comics page.

3. What was the format of “They’ll Do It Every Time”?

The strip typically featured a single-panel or two-panel format. The left-side panel portrayed deceptive, pretentious, unwitting, or scheming human behavior, while the second panel revealed the truth of the situation.

4. What characters appeared in “They’ll Do It Every Time”?

While the strip didn’t have central characters, one recurring figure was Henry Tremblechin, a timid man often depicted as a victim of life’s ironies. Another notable character was Little Iodine, Tremblechin’s daughter, who eventually spun off into her comic strip.

5. Why was “They’ll Do It Every Time” popular?

The strip’s popularity stemmed from its relatable humor and witty observations about everyday life. It resonated with readers who appreciated its humorous take on shared experiences and situations.

6. Did readers contribute to “They’ll Do It Every Time”?

Yes, readers often contributed ideas and gags for the strip, which were acknowledged with a small acknowledgment box featuring a drawing of Hatlo tipping his hat. Hatlo valued reader input and credited them for their suggestions.

7. How long did “They’ll Do It Every Time” run?

The strip ran for nearly eight decades, from 1929 to 2008. It gained national syndication in 1936 and continued entertaining readers until its conclusion in 2008.

8. What awards did “They’ll Do It Every Time” receive?

The strip and artist Bob Dunn received the National Cartoonists Society’s Newspaper Panel Cartoon Award multiple times. Jimmy Hatlo himself was honored with the prestigious Reuben Award in 1975.

9. Why did “They’ll Do It Every Time” come to an end?

The strip concluded in 2008 following the death of Al Scaduto, who had taken over the strip after Dunn’s passing in 1989. King Features Syndicate, the strip’s distributor, opted not to continue it with another cartoonist.

10. What is the legacy of “They’ll Do It Every Time”?

“They’ll Do It Every Time” left an indelible mark on the world of newspaper comics, with its witty humor and relatable content. Despite its conclusion, it remains a beloved classic in comic strip history, cherished by readers for its enduring humor and timeless observations.