Tots of Fun

By 1950, the Popeye series was not near as good as it was in the 30s. While still liking the animation, music and voice acting and the cartoons were still funnier than most of those from the mid/late-50s (one of Famous Studios' generally roughest and most inconsistent periods overall), they didn't quite have the same energy and the stories were becoming increasingly formulaic with the lack of originality increasing over-time in the 50s.

1952's 'Tots of Fun' is a Popeye cartoon to have a mix of the revolving around music theme (which the Popeye series actually did very well in all its periods) and the Popeye building a house theme (also not a novel theme for the Popeye series but generally done well). Instead of featuring either Olive and Bluto, 'Tots of Fun' features Popeye's nephews and dependent on the material they are a bit take and leave as characters. Have always though liked Popeye a lot. 'Tots of Fun' though is not one of the best cartoons of either and indicative of not only what made this period in the series hit and miss but also that the formula was starting to get tired. By all means though it is far from bad and did entertain.

'Tots of Fun' does have things that work very well indeed. The best thing about it is the lively and lushly orchestrated music score, that has character and adds a lot to the action and enhances it. It is also very important here and essential to the cartoon's success, it is brilliantly done here and Suppe's "Poet and Peasant Overture" is always welcome. The animation is mostly very good , the backgrounds have lost none of the meticulous attention to detail, it's fluid, Popeye still looks good and is recognisable in design and the colour is vibrant.

Popeye is amusing and likeable still, he is also quite relatable here, and Jack Mercer doesn't disappoint with the voice acting, really relishing the asides which are gold. 'Tots of Fun' isn't short on gags and some are funny and well timed, namely the superior first half. Popeye's nephews can have a tendency to be too bratty, and while they are annoying at first their good intentions in the second half makes them likeable. Mixing the building and music practise together at the same time was quite clever.

Having said all of that, the story is very thin and little new is done with territory that is hardly innovative in story and material. Did get the sense that the formula was starting to get on the tired side. The first part of 'Tots of Fun' is fairly routine and lacking in energy that fortunately is there in the second half.

While the nephews were more than tolerable in characterisation, they are somewhat primitively animated where one can sort of tell they started out in black and white.

Overall, pretty decent. 6/10

While his nephews practice the Poet and Peasant Overture at home, Popeye is in the lot next to the house, building his own home -- presumably so he can't hear them playing. He fouls up and knocks himself out, so the boys build the house for him to the strains of Franz von Suppe's lively music.

It's a pretty good cartoon in the series, because it's pure sight gags, which the staff at Famous Studios were good at -- they'd been doing it since the 1920s. If at times they seem to borrow stuff from Friz Freleng's SKYSCRAPER SYMPONY, well, steal from the best.

Popeye's nephews try to help him build his house. It's not that helpful and he sends back to their music practice. They refuse to be sidelined. This is a fine Popeye cartoon for Famous Studios. The nephews aren't annoying. It's as fun as it can be.