After making such a big impression in his previous appearances, it made sense to have Popeye's father Pappy return once again. It is always interesting when Popeye is partnered with characters other than Olive and Bluto and quite a lot of the cartoons that don't have them are still quite good. That is of course on how good the other character is as a character and their chemistry with Popeye, and to me Pappy was one of the best and funniest.
'Problem Pappy' to me was a great cartoon and on the same level as the great 'Poopdeck Pappy'. One of the best 1941 Popeye cartoons, and not just one of the best Popeye cartoons of the early 40s but also easily one of the best for the studio in what was not a good period for them Proof that there were still some glimmers of light in a generally murky, but quite dark, tunnel for Fleischer Studios in the early 40s. But at least the Popeye series was still watchable, even if the series had far better years overall.
Not really all that much to criticise really. It is quite slight and plot-wise it's nothing earth shattering.
However, these are minor quibbles, especially as everything else works and is done brilliantly. The animation is neatly and expressively drawn (especially with Pappy in the second half) and still very much like the work that goes into the backgrounds. The music, appropriately like its own character, is as beautifully orchestrated and characterful as ever.
There is a very high number of gags, and they are every bit as sharp, as funny (at best hilarious) and witty as the ones in 'Poopdeck Pappy'. Especially in the second half, where 'Problem Pappy' is brimful with energy and wit. 'Problem Pappy' is even wilder in the pacing than the previous Popeye and Pappy cartoons, and with less of the gentler tone, and is particularly lively in the climactic moments.
While Popeye is as ever amusing and likeable and his frustration is not hard to relate to, Pappy steals the show and is an absolute joy. They interact so beautifully together too, even more so than with most of the cartoons with Popeye and Olive and Popeye, Olive and Bluto from the early 40s. Jack Mercer is again in a one man show and is typically exuberant, not many people did asides and mumblings as well as he in his day.
Overall, great. 9/10.