Popeye gives Olive a parrot that he's trained. Bluto sets the bird free and then tries to kill it.Popeye gives Olive a parrot that he's trained. Bluto sets the bird free and then tries to kill it.Popeye gives Olive a parrot that he's trained. Bluto sets the bird free and then tries to kill it.
Photos
Jack Mercer
- Popeye
- (voice)
- (uncredited)
- …
Mae Questel
- Olive Oyl
- (voice)
- (uncredited)
- Directors
- Dave Fleischer
- Dave Tendlar(uncredited)
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe parrot is played by Jack Mercer with a voice similar to the one he used for Felix the Cat about 20 years later.
- ConnectionsFeatured in The Popeye Show: Fowl Play/Fleets of Stren'th/A Balmy Swami (2002)
Featured review
Falling "fowl" of the parrot
The cartoons of Fleischer Studios more often than not amused and charmed and were always well made. Not without over-cuteness at times and stories were seldom a strong suit, but they were always made up for significantly in appealing characters, outstanding music and visuals that were inventive and with innovative animation techniques.
'Fowl Play' is not quite one of the best Popeye cartoons or one of the best Popeye cartoons from 1937 in the best period for the series (the late 30s). That is not knocking it in any way as it's still a great cartoon and saying what was said about it not quite being one of the best 1937 Popeye cartoons is only because really that 1937 was one of the best and most consistent years for the series where all the cartoons pretty much were very good and more, great in the case of many.
Other than the story not being much special, the only major problem really is Olive. Am aware about saying more that once about her being underused and having material not as strong as Popeye and Bluto's, but very seldom has she been practically pointless and given next to nothing to do. The only thing one remembers about her role here is the running gag about her fainting frequently and that was really not that funny or endearing.
Popeye and Bluto always did have stronger material and their animosity always had plenty of fun and tension. Both are obvious in 'Fowl Play'. Absolutely love their chemistry, which is deservedly legendary and just sparkles in energ, while Popeye is immensely likeable with great comic timing (Jack Mercer's voice acting helps quite a lot) and Bluto is a mix of funny and formidable. The parrot though actually steals the show from under them, it is not everyday when a supporting character is more entertaining and interesting than Popeye and Bluto and is a relatively rare occurence. Some hilarious dialogue can be heard with the character.
Lots of energy can be seen here in 'Fowl Play', especially in the last portion where it becomes increasingly wild to hilarious effect. Lots of gags spot on in timing, with not a misfire in the lot. As always, love Popeye's mumblings and asides and there were not many other animated characters to be as funny as Popeye in that regard.
Ever excellent for this period is the animation, beautifully drawn, lively, smooth and meticulously detailed, never too elaborate or cluttered neither too static or simplistic. Every bit as good, and even better perhaps, is the music, with its lush orchestrated, merry energy and character, it adds to every expression, gesture and action and at its best it enhances the impact. Fleischer's direction is as accomplished as ever. The voice acting is very good.
In summary, not Popeye at his best but lots of fun. 8/10
'Fowl Play' is not quite one of the best Popeye cartoons or one of the best Popeye cartoons from 1937 in the best period for the series (the late 30s). That is not knocking it in any way as it's still a great cartoon and saying what was said about it not quite being one of the best 1937 Popeye cartoons is only because really that 1937 was one of the best and most consistent years for the series where all the cartoons pretty much were very good and more, great in the case of many.
Other than the story not being much special, the only major problem really is Olive. Am aware about saying more that once about her being underused and having material not as strong as Popeye and Bluto's, but very seldom has she been practically pointless and given next to nothing to do. The only thing one remembers about her role here is the running gag about her fainting frequently and that was really not that funny or endearing.
Popeye and Bluto always did have stronger material and their animosity always had plenty of fun and tension. Both are obvious in 'Fowl Play'. Absolutely love their chemistry, which is deservedly legendary and just sparkles in energ, while Popeye is immensely likeable with great comic timing (Jack Mercer's voice acting helps quite a lot) and Bluto is a mix of funny and formidable. The parrot though actually steals the show from under them, it is not everyday when a supporting character is more entertaining and interesting than Popeye and Bluto and is a relatively rare occurence. Some hilarious dialogue can be heard with the character.
Lots of energy can be seen here in 'Fowl Play', especially in the last portion where it becomes increasingly wild to hilarious effect. Lots of gags spot on in timing, with not a misfire in the lot. As always, love Popeye's mumblings and asides and there were not many other animated characters to be as funny as Popeye in that regard.
Ever excellent for this period is the animation, beautifully drawn, lively, smooth and meticulously detailed, never too elaborate or cluttered neither too static or simplistic. Every bit as good, and even better perhaps, is the music, with its lush orchestrated, merry energy and character, it adds to every expression, gesture and action and at its best it enhances the impact. Fleischer's direction is as accomplished as ever. The voice acting is very good.
In summary, not Popeye at his best but lots of fun. 8/10
helpful•11
- TheLittleSongbird
- Aug 17, 2019
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Ciężko Ranny Ptaszek
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime7 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.37 : 1
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