The Famous Studios, more the earlier ones than the more variable later ones, Popeye cartoons were generally amusing enough and were well made. To me though Fleischer's Popeye cartoons were funnier and fresher (even when the stories were formulaic the material was often very inventive) and they looked better, or at least looked better than the later Famous Studios output where time and budget limitations showed.
'House Tricks?' is the first post-war Popeye cartoon and it's a good one. The story itself may not be fresh as such but the material is funny and far from tired with some clever moments. Although it is a remake of 1938's 'The House Builder Upper' (very good by the way if not one of my favourites from the Popeye series), it is not too derivative of that cartoon but at least treats it with respect. The material having enough of its own touches to not make it too faithful, which is a potential problem when remaking something.
Starting with what wasn't so good, have found frequently that the Popeye cartoons tend to underuse Olive Oyl and make her too much of a plot device, or at least she is seldom as funny or as interesting as Popeye and Bluto and her material tends to be weaker. Still feel that she has very little to do in 'House Tricks?'
It does also feel rather odd not having Popeye being voiced by Jack Mercer. Harry Welch does serviceably but he doesn't relish the mumblings or asides as much as Mercer does and doesn't fit the character as adeptly.
On the other hand, there is a lot of energy here and it is never less than amusing. One is hardly short-changed when it comes to the humour, where all of it works and nothing misfires. Much of 'House Tricks?' appeal is the acrimonious chemistry between Popeye and Bluto, and there are lots of creative sabotage attempts against each other. The bit where Popeye is tricked by Bluto into cutting the wood is pretty hilarious. While the story may be a somewhat formulaic one, it is elevated by the chemistry between Popeye and Bluto and by a very clever twist at the end.
Animation is beautifully drawn and with enough visual detail to not make it cluttered or static and lively and smooth movement. The music is also outstanding, lots of merry energy and lush orchestration, adding a lot to the action and making the impact even better without being too cartoonish. Voice acting is dynamic and of very good quality. Jackson Beck does nicely too and it is hard to imagine somebody else better than Mae Questel as Olive, the character was voiced by others in some cartoons but they were nothing compared to Questel.
Summarising, very enjoyable. 8/10
