Flies Ain't Human

This Popeye cartoon starts off kind of slow but once it kicks in, it's fast-paced and hilarious, thanks to a little fly.

Popeye is snoring away, enjoying a solid nap when a bunch of flies land on his head. Our Man uses his handy pipe to scoop up and blow away all the annoying insects.....but his problem isn't totally solved.

Nearby is one other fly, who decides he's going to bother Popeye, who is back to sleep. This little guy is given a similar treatment but instead of going out the window, winds up in a can of spinach! Of course, he eats it....and then becomes Superfly!!

That's where the real fun starts because this fly now can do amazing things, and funny things, I might add. Popeye is no match for a fly with spinach in his stomach and the sight gags are very clever as the two "humans" go at each other.

You'll laugh out loud a number of times watching this.

Popeye is trying to nap but one fly continues to bug him. Popeye throws him into a can but it turns out to be a can of spinach. I love the switcheroo and the simplicity of this short. I don't remember the fly being a recurring Popeye character but maybe it should be.

Flies Ain't Human (1941)

*** (out of 4)

Popeye isn't feeling too well so he goes to take a nap but some flies decide to disturb him. He's able to get rid of all but one and sure enough he's a brat.

If you're a fan of the Popeye series then you know there's been all sorts of pesky creatures that would bother him and live to regret it. THis here is a pretty funny short for the series as Popeye has the tables turned on him when the fly eats some of his spinach and goes on the attack. As you'd expect the animation is terrific and there's certainly a lot of good action as Popeye destroys his house trying to take care of the fly.

1941's 'Flies Ain't Human' is another example of a change from the usual formula for the Popeye series. Instead of Popeye and Bluto fighting and trying to outsmart each other to achieve a certain goal or vying for Olive Oyl's affections, it has Popeye interacting with a character other than Olive and/or Bluto. There were times where he was partnered with historical/literary characters, family members and even animals. 'Flies Ain't Human' is an example of the third.

It is also in my view one of the better cartoons to have Popeye interacting and being partnered with an animal, in this case a fly. It is a very good cartoon, one of the better ones of 1941 and in the better half of those produced in Fleischer's early 40s period, which on the whole was its worst period in a big quality decline. Not all their output from this period was below average, a lot were, with the best of the Popeye series being among the exceptions. Of which 'Flies Ain't Human' is one of them.

'Flies Ain't Human' is agreed a slow starter, with not an awful lot happening other than setting up the action.

Even with the change of pace in characterisation, story-wise there is not a whole lot that is different or extraordinary.

So much works in 'Flies Ain't Human's' favour though. The animation is very well done. Love the attention to detail in the backgrounds and Popeye's character animation, and compared to the series in its early years to me the animation quality advanced quite a bit for Fleischer regarding the late-30s onwards Popeye cartoons. Some of it, even in the busier moments, were quite inventive. The music is another high-point, that was something that was consistently never less than excellent throughout the entire Popeye series (for both Fleischer Studios and Famous Studios). Very lush and characterful, adding a lot to the action.

Jack Mercer's voice acting is spot on, as is his priceless delivery of Popeye's mumblings and asides. Popeye is likeable and is also relatable in this situation. The fly may be small in stature but is actually quite big in personality and his chemistry with Popeye is witty. The gags are many and are never less than very amusing, hilarious later on even. While the cartoon starts off slow, the pace very quickly picks up once the battle between Popeye and the lone fly starts and the wildness of the final act doesn't feel too hectic or overly silly.

Concluding, very good and very impressive as far as early 40s Fleischer goes. 8/10.