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Like to love a vast majority of the Fleischer Studios Popeye output, the late-30s cartoons being particularly good and where the high quality was the most consistent. 1940 saw Fleischer Studios starting to decline significantly, the cartoons were mostly well made and scored but they tended to not be very funny, too cute with un-compelling stories and characters. The Popeye cartoons though were among the better ones from this period, in its best theatrical series in the early 40s bar none.

'Fightin Pals' may not one of the best Popeye cartoons overall though or one of the best of the 1940 output. Considering that Fleischer Studios' pre-40s output was mostly decent to brilliant, it is a little disappointing. At the same time though, despite a couple of major problems there are a lot of well done things and 'Fightin Pals' on the whole was pretty good. It was interesting to see a different more friendly side to the usual anarchic Popeye and Bluto relationship.

Story-wise, 'Fightin Pals' is not much new, other than the different slant to the relationship between Popeye and Bluto, and is not too interesting in the beginning.

While loving Jack Mercer (one of two consistently good things throughout the series, the other being the music), Pinto Colvig never quite gelled for me as Bluto. He had big shoes to fill, but my problem was comparing him to other roles he did and not being able to get them out of my head or separate them (in Colvig's case it was him being the original voice of Disney's Goofy) when the voice didn't fit the character design enough.

On the other hand, the animation is neatly and expressively drawn (especially with Popeye) and still very much like the work that goes into the backgrounds. The music, appropriately like its own character, is as beautifully orchestrated and characterful as ever.

The gags are also a lot of fun despite the lack of originality, with genuinely funny moments once the action moves to Africa. The story is not much new but still a lot of energy, with a wonderfully wild final third that is the case for most Popeye cartoons. Popeye and Bluto work so well together and are great characters individually and Mercer as usual is great.

Concluding, very well done on the whole. 8/10

Dr. Bluto (really!) goes off on an expedition into darkest Africa. Popeye sees him off and they beat the daylights out of each other (affectionately). Popeye is sad that his punching bag buddy is gone. Then he hears on the radio that the guy is hopelessly lost and he sets sail for the Dark Continent. At this point, Popeye comes across all the cliched animal and obstructions as he makes his way through the jungle. The conclusion is quite predictable, but it is a fun take on the usual relationship these guys have. Worth a look.

Fightin Pals (1940)

*** (out of 4)

Popeye is at home listening to the radio when news breaks that Bluto has gone missing in Africa. Popeye decides to go there and try to look for his pal.

This here is a rather short and quick entry in the long-running series and it has the type of gags that you'd expect. Once Popeye reaches Africa it's pretty much him running into various wildlife and of course he eventually finds Bluto and I'm sure you can guess what happens. As usual the animation is quite great and there's a terrific fast-pace to the film that certainly helps it move along.

Popeye bids a fond farewell to Bluto as the latter heads off for an African expedition by punching him in the belly. Bluto responds sentimentally by throwing an anchor at the sailor man. When word comes that Bluto is lost, Popeye heads off to Africa himself to rescue his pal. Besides, he is lonely and yearning for a fight.

Not only does this cartoon expertly mock the previous year's STANLEY AND LIVINGSTON, it offers an unforeseen take on the relationship between the two guys. Add in the usual unlikely gags, and you have one of the best Popeye cartoons from the Fleischer years. A tremendous amount of fun.