10/10
A Real/Reel Blueprint Short
2 September 2018
TAKING THE LEAST complicated of situations, the Brothers Fleischer brought us as good a POPEYE picture as is possible. The short involves the arrival of the two already feuding rivals for the affections of the maiden, Olive Oyl to her residence at the same time. Popeye arrives at the front door, Bluto to the back. (WE know which is which as the front door has a welcome mat.)

FROM THAT POINT, it's just one continuous and very inventive series of great gags. All were intended to decide which one would please the lovely Olive and hence determine who would stay.

AS WE HAVE already stated, this one is most elemental in form and execution. With only the three characters, the production team was able to give us what was perhaps a one reel look at the "Eternal Triangle." We could have seen entrances by Wimpy (who was used extensively by the Fleischers) or some other nondescript characters but the chosen route was simplicity, and the uncomplicated worked very well.

ONE THING THAT struck us while viewing this cartoon on Turner Classic Movies (TCM) was how great a comedy mind that Director, brother Dave Fleischer, possessed. He had a great sense on how to frame a gag; as well as how to give a particular bit of comic play the right length of time to play out it course to near maximum effect.

IN THIS SENSE, we are comparing him to perhaps as great a comedy director as the silver screen had produced. That would be Arthur Stanley Jefferson; better known to the World as Stan Laurel.

WE ARE AWARDING this one reel cartoon, PLEASED TO MEET CHA (Paramount/Fleischer Studios, 1935) a full 10 on the rating scale.
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