Protek the Weakerist

I think the best thing about this short is that it's never cutesy about the dog, which Popeye thoroughly dislikes (and humorously ignores), though they do have an inevitable Spinach-bonding moment. The chase antics are good, and Mercer's voicings are always funny, especially the under-the-breath comments.

Not only is much-smaller usually battle big, brutish Bluto but now Olive's little dog Fluffy has to run for his life against Bluto's big bulldog.

It all starts after Popeye, as a favor to Olive, took Fluffy for a walk. Popeye was not happy about it, embarrassed he might be seen walking with this pansy, little women's dog. Popeeye's mumbling and disparaging comments about the dog provide the humor. However, along comes Bluto and chaos ensues as the bulldog takes off after the little mutt and Bluto belts Popeye into the side of a brick wall.

One just knew what was going to happen, but it didn't spoil the ending which was both cute and funny. Popeye's message? "Just 'cause you're taller, don't hit people smaller.....I'm Popeye the Sailor Man." (the dog grabs the pipe and goes "toot, toot!")

If you like to watch Popeye for the fights, you'll love this one! You get to watch not only Bluto and Popeye mix it up, but two dogs get into the act as well. Bluto's dog has his charming personality and social graces as well. Actually, the dog angle is what makes this cartoon work (that and Jack Mercer, who made all the Popeyes he voiced better-he was great!) and the ending is quite good. Well worth watching. Recommended.

Proteck The Weakerist (1937)

*** 1/2 (out of 4)

Popeye shows up at Olive Oyl's house and she demands that he take her little dog for a walk. Popeye is embarrassed by such a small dog and soon he runs into Bluto and his large bulldog. Soon Bluto and his dog are picking a fight and it's up to the small one to rise up.

PROTECK THE WEAKERIST is another classic episode from the Fleischer series that once again has some terrific animation as well as some fabulous gags. This short works extremely well even though I'm sure some are going to find it rather mean and especially how Popeye bullies the dog early on. I really don't think people should take it too serious since it is animation after all! There are some great fights that break out towards the end of the film including Popeye getting slapped around. The highlight is certainly the small dog who winds up in the spinach and comes out strong.

Olive Oyl cleans up her little dog Fluffy. She asks Popeye to walk her dog, but Popeye claims that a manly man like him can not be seen walking such a puny dog. He tries his best to hide the dog when he passes someone he knows. Bluto is out walking his mean-looking bulldog which chases after Fluffy.

I don't know if Fluffy makes more appearances, but I think that she makes a good side character. The structure is still the same. Only this one has dogs. If I have to change one thing, Fluffy should be rough-looking like Popeye after the fight. Olive Oyl can be incredulous and that would be funny.