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.
