On shore leave in South America, sailors Popeye and Bluto compete for the affections of one Olivia Oyla. Ay carumba!
Something about sassy music seemed to inspire the Fleischers. This one's a gem from the start, with Popeye and Bluto shaking their thangs with as much liberty as great animation will allow. The cartoon is peppered throughout with superb throwaway gags, from Bluto's photographic memory, to the "CENSORED" sign that briefly covers a Latin dancer's suggestive region.
When they get to the local cafe, Popeye claims he "can't dance no conjure." But when Bluto rudely steps in, Popeye downs the requisite can of spinach, and it's Morning, Noon and Nightclub all over again. The ending is novel, too -- instead of Olive getting her men, the local military police nab them instead, for trying to start a riot -- which they do, at least for the happy cartoon-viewer. An absolute hoot.
My rating:
© 2008, Steve Bailey.
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