Popeye and the Pirates

The post-war Popeye cartoons may have not seen many classics on the same level as prime-Fleischer, but the late-40s Popeye cartoons from Famous Studios were more than decent on the most part back when Famous Studios still had it and not suffering from budget and time limitations. Jack Mercer did take a temporary absence for temporary military service when the post-war Popeye period started and his absence was deeply felt, despite the admirable replacement.

Since 'I'll Be Skiing Ya' he made a more than welcome return and it was like he never left, as he had not lost his freshness or lost what made his voice work for Popeye so great. This can be seen in the following cartoon 'Popeye and the Pirates', for me one of the better 1947 Popeye cartoons and in the better half of the post-war period for the series. Better than most of the 1945-1946 entries, certainly for most of those where Harry Welch replaced Mercer (admirably but not quite living up to such big shoes to fill).

Olive is underused and her material is not very interesting.

'Popeye and the Pirates' also could have done with more lustre in its first portion.

However, Popeye is as ever a strong titular character. Great comic timing, especially those asides that Mercer relishes with no holding back, and very likeable. The pirate captain is just as amusing and interesting, the deceptive charm just about believable and the menace even more so. Loved their chemistry together, the energy between them was great fun and a big part of 'Popeye and the Pirates' entertainment value. It carries it beautifully too. The second half fares much better, much funnier, it goes at a tighter pace with much more lustre and the wildness increases quite thrillingly.

Have no issues with the animation either. It is nicely detailed and drawn with some lovely colours that make the island setting come alive. The music is full of merry character and lushness, the action, expressions and gestures enhanced with it. The voice acting is fine, not just from Mercer but also from a typically robust Jackson Beck.

Concluding, very nicely done if more in the second half than the first. 8/10

Popeye and Olive Oyl are sailing on the open sea when they encounter a pirate ship. Pierre the pirate reels them in and starts pursuing Olive. It's a no holds barred for Olive. Popeye is willing to even put on a dress. There is a cut when Popeye undresses. I really like the little pirate. The colors are bright and sharp but it's not my favorite Popeye style. It's a fun color Popeye short.