Popeye the Sailorpedia
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Popeye and Possum Pearl in a scene from Famous Studios' Hill-billing and Cooing (1956)

Famous Studios was the animation division of Paramount Pictures, founded in 1942 after Paramount took control of Fleischer Studios and ousted its founders Max and Dave Fleischer in 1941. The studios continued to produce Popeye cartoons and also of Superman, Little Audrey and other characters, until its dissolution in 1967.

This is a list of the 122 cartoons starring Popeye the Sailor and produced by Paramount Pictures Famous Studios (later known as Paramount Cartoon Studios) from 1942 to 1957.

After they discontinued the Popeye theatrical shorts, Paramount Cartoon Studios continued working with King Features, providing animation for multiple TV cartoon series based on King's comic strips, including the Popeye the Sailor TV series. Several Famous-era key personnel remained.

Notes[]

All cartoons are one-reel in length (6 to 10 minutes). The first 14 shorts (You're a Sap, Mr. Jap through Cartoons Ain't Human) are in black-and-white. All remaining cartoons, beginning with Her Honor the Mare, are in color. Unlike the Fleischer Studios entries, the director credits for these shorts represent the actual director in charge of that short's production. The first animator credited handled the animation direction. The numbers listed next to each cartoon continue the numbering of the Fleischer entries.

The black-and white Popeye cartoons were sold to television distributors Associated Artists Productions (a.a.p.) in 1956, and the color cartoons were sold to a.a.p. the following year. The original opening and closing Paramount titles were cut for TV syndication. By the early 2000s, the Popeye shorts were owned by Turner Entertainment, whose Cartoon Network broadcast restored versions of many of the shorts as part of an anthology series called The Popeye Show. Those shorts are noted below.

Popeye the Sailor series[]

1942[]

# Film Original release date Credited animators Credited director Notes
109 You're a Sap, Mr. Jap August 7 Jim Tyer
George Germanetti
Dan Gordon
  • First ever short from Famous Studios but does not bear the name in the opening credits
  • No longer shown on American television due to World War II ethnic stereotyping of Japanese people and a scene involving a Japanese Naval Officer committing suicide by eating firecrackers and gasoline
  • First cartoon directed by Dan Gordon
110 Alona on the Sarong Seas September 4 Dave Tendlar
Abner Kneitel
Isadore Sparber
  • Does not bear the name "Famous Studios" in the opening credits
  • The last version of the opening credits sequence from the last Fleischer shorts is used, minus the "A Max Fleischer Cartoon" credit
  • First cartoon directed by I. Sparber
  • Dave Barry voices Bluto in this and the following cartoon
  • Starting with this cartoon, Bluto was redesigned to appear more muscular compared to his previous appearances
  • Final entry of the 1941-42 film season
111 A Hull of a Mess October 16 Al Eugster
Joe Oriolo
Isadore Sparber
  • First appearance of the "Famous Studios" branding in the opening segment
  • First appearance of the opening segment with Popeye's face getting out of a porthole. The animation in this segment was the basis for the "spinning star" opening credits in the color cartoons.
  • First entry of the 1942-43 film season
112 Scrap the Japs November 20 Tom Johnson
Ben Solomon
Seymour Kneitel
  • No longer shown on American television due to World War II ethnic stereotyping of Japanese people
  • First cartoon directed by Seymour Kneitel
113 Me Musical Nephews December 25 Tom Johnson
George Germanetti
Seymour Kneitel
  • In the public domain in the United States
  • The ending gag is cut from a.a.p. prints due to the involvement of the Paramount logo

1943[]

# Film Original release date Credited animators Credited director Notes
114 Spinach fer Britain January 22 Jim Tyer
Abner Kneitel
Dan Gordon
115 Seein' Red, White 'N' Blue February 19 Jim Tyer
Ben Solomon
Dan Gordon
  • An edited-for-TV version is known to exist
  • Final appearance of William Pennell as the voice of Bluto
  • No longer airs on American television due to World War II caricatures of Nazis and Japanese people
  • This was the final appearance of Bluto's comic book outfit
116 Too Weak to Work March 19 Jim Tyer
Abner Kneitel
Isadore Sparber
  • Dave Barry voices Bluto
117 A Jolly Good Furlough April 23 Joe Oriolo
John Walworth
Dan Gordon
  • Some TV versions are edited to remove anti-Japanese dialogue spoken by Popeye's nephews
  • Twinkletoes the Carrier Pigeon from the Fleischer Studios film Gulliver's Travels appears
118 Ration fer the Duration May 28 Dave Tendlar
Tom Golden
Seymour Kneitel
  • A parody of Jack and the Beanstalk
119 The Hungry Goat June 25 Joseph Oriolo
John Walworth
Dan Gordon
  • The ending gag is cut from a.a.p. prints due to the involvement of the Paramount logo. This gag was recreated for airing on The Popeye Show and for the 2008 DVD release.
  • First cartoon to feature the voice of Arnold Stang
  • Breaks the fourth wall
120 Happy Birthdaze July 16 Graham Place
Abner Kneitel

Uncredited Animator George Germanetti

Dan Gordon
  • The first of three cartoons to feature Popeye's Navy buddy, Shorty
  • Except for uncut airings on The Popeye Show, the ending gag is usually cut from TV airings due to its content suggesting murder, albeit covered in the dark
121 Wood-Peckin August 6 Nick Tafuri
Tom Golden
Isadore Sparber
122 Cartoons Ain't Human September 3 Orestes Calpini
Otto Feuer

Uncredited Animators Reuben Grossman, Frank Little

Seymour Kneitel
  • Final black and white Popeye cartoon
  • Final entry of the 1942-43 film season
123 Her Honor the Mare November 26 Jim Tyer
Ben Solomon
Isadore Sparber
  • First regular Popeye the Sailor series entry in Technicolor (three two-reel Technicolor Popeye Color Specials were produced by Fleischer Studios in the 1930s)
  • One of four cartoons where Popeye's sailor outfit is blue
  • First use of the "spinning star" opening credits
  • First entry of the 1943-44 film season.
124 The Marry-Go-Round December 31 Graham Place
Abner Kneitel
Seymour Kneitel
  • The second appearance of Shorty
  • Final appearance of Margie Hines as the voice of Olive Oyl
  • A restored version aired on The Popeye Show
  • The last Popeye cartoon to use the Western Electric "Noiseless Recording" sound system.

1944[]

# Film Original release date Credited animators Credited director Notes
125 W'ere On Our Way to Rio April 21 Jim Tyer
Ben Solomon

Uncredited animator William Henning

Isadore Sparber
  • First of two cartoons to use special opening credits and introductory music
  • The first Popeye cartoon to use the RCA Photophone sound system.
  • The last Popeye cartoon produced at the Fleischer/Famous studio in Miami, Florida. Famous moved to New York City (the original home of Fleischer Studios) in late 1943.
  • A restored version was prepared for The Popeye Show, but the show was cancelled before it could air
  • Some TV airings delete Popeye's "sambo dancer" line.
  • Final appearance of Dave Barry as the voice of Bluto.
126 The Anvil Chorus Girl May 26 Dave Tendlar
Morey Reden
Isadore Sparber
  • Color remake of Fleischer Studios short Shoein' Hosses
  • The first Popeye cartoon produced after the Studios moved back to New York
  • First appearance of Mae Questel as the voice of Olive Oyl since 1938's A Date to Skate
  • First appearance of the revamped Bluto character
  • First appearance of Jackson Beck as the voice of Bluto; Beck would be the permanent voice for Bluto/Brutus until The All-New Popeye Hour in 1978.
  • A restored version aired on The Popeye Show
127 Spinach Packin' Popeye July 21 Dave Tendlar
Joe Oriolo

Uncredited Animators Morey Reden Uncredited Assistant Animators Howard Post Woody Gelman Ellsworth Barthen

Uncredited Cel Painters Jack Medelsohn

Isadore Sparber
128 Puppet Love August 11 Jim Tyer
William Henning

Uncredited animator Ben Solomon Uncredited Assistant Animators Larry Riley Larz Bourne Howard Post Ellsworth Barthen

Seymour Kneitel
129 Pitchin' Woo at the Zoo September 1 Nick Tafuri
Tom Golden
Isadore Sparber
  • A restored version aired on The Popeye Show
130 Moving Aweigh September 22 Jim Tyer
Ben Solomon
Dan Gordon (uncredited)
  • Final film appearance of Shorty. Here, he is again voiced by Arnold Stang instead of Jack Mercer.
  • A restored version aired on The Popeye Show
  • Final cartoon directed by Dan Gordon
  • Semi-remake of the Fleischer short Cops is Always Right
  • Although Olive Oyl appears in this cartoon, she doesn't speak at all.
  • Final entry of the 1943-44 film season.
131 She-Sick Sailors December 8 Jim Tyer
Ben Solomon
Seymour Kneitel
  • A parody of Superman, who had previously been featured in a Paramount cartoon series of his own
  • A brief snippet of the theme from the Superman cartoons appears while Olive Oyl reads a Superman comic book
  • Jackson Beck, who voices Bluto in this cartoon, was the announcer for The Adventures of Superman radio program at the time this cartoon was made
  • Original Paramount version restored and distributed by Turner
  • First entry of the 1944-45 film season

1945[]

# Film Original release date Credited animators Credited director Notes
132 Pop-Pie a La Mode January 26 Morey Reden
Joe Oriolo

Uncredited animator Dave Tendlar

Isadore Sparber
  • No longer shown on American television due to negative Black African stereotypes
  • First appearance of the Paramount mountain with a red color scheme and solid blue sky in the opening
133 Tops in the Big Top March 16 Nick Tafuri
Tom Golden
John Walworth
Isadore Sparber
  • Second of two cartoons to use special opening credits and introductory music
  • A restored version aired on The Popeye Show
134 Shape Ahoy April 27 Jim Tyer
Ben Solomon

Uncredited Animator William Henning

Isadore Sparber
  • The first of several cartoons where Jack Mercer is not available to voice Popeye. Mae Questel provides the sailor's voice
  • Popeye and Bluto are wearing blue pants, it is possible that their Navy sailor suits were blue
  • Original Paramount version restored and distributed by Turner
135 For Better or Nurse June 8 Dave Tendlar
John Gentilella

Uncredited Animator Morey Reden

Isadore Sparber
  • First time that Harry Foster Welch voices Popeye
  • A color remake of the Fleischer Studios short Hospitaliky
  • One of two Famous Studios cartoons where Bluto eats spinach and beats up Popeye
136 Mess Production August 24 Graham Place
Lou Zukor
Seymour Kneitel
  • The last time Jack Mercer voices Popeye until 1946's Rocket to Mars
  • An early appearance of the newly-designed Olive Oyl
  • Final Popeye cartoon produced and released during World War II
  • Final entry of the 1944-45 film season

1946[]

# Film Original release date Credited animators Credited director Notes
137 House Tricks? March 15 Graham Place
Martin Taras

Uncredited Animators Lou Zukor, Al Eugster

Seymour Kneitel
  • First Popeye short to have a separate opening title card for the "A Famous Studios Production" credit
  • In Mercer's absence, Harry Foster Welch voices Popeye
  • First entry of the 1945-46 film season
138 Service with a Guile April 19 Jim Tyer
Ben Solomon

Uncredited Animator William Henning

Bill Tytla
  • In Mercer's absence, Harry Foster Welch voices Popeye
  • First cartoon directed by Bill Tytla
  • The newly-designed Olive Oyl appears on the title card. However, she retains her original style in the cartoon.
139 Klondike Casanova May 31 Dave Tendlar
John Gentilella
Isadore Sparber
  • One of four cartoons where Popeye's sailor outfit is blue
  • In Mercer's absence, Harry Foster Welch voices Popeye
140 Peep in the Deep June 7 Jim Tyer
William Henning

Uncredited Animator Ben Solomon

Seymour Kneitel
  • The first Popeye cartoon produced in Cinecolor
  • Original titles were retained in a.a.p. TV syndication print
  • In Mercer's absence, Harry Foster Welch voices Popeye
141 Rocket to Mars August 9 Jim Tyer
John Gentilella

Uncredited animators Ben Solomon, William Henning, Jack Ozark

Bill Tytla
  • Produced in Cinecolor
  • Jack Mercer and Harry Foster Welch both voice Popeye (Mercer does 3/4 of this cartoon; Welch takes over near the end)
  • Some TV versions are edited to remove a Japanese stereotype
  • Original Paramount version restored and distributed by Turner. However, syndicated TV airings on Boomerang have an editing error on the opening titles.
  • Early appearance of the newly-designed Olive Oyl
142 Rodeo Romeo August 16 Martin Taras
Dave Tendlar
Isadore Sparber
  • Harry Foster Welch voices Popeye
  • Rare depiction of Popeye as openly envious of Bluto
143 The Fistic Mystic November 29 Graham Place
Nick Tafuri

Uncredited Animators Lou Zukor, John Walworth

Seymour Kneitel
  • Harry Foster Welch voices Popeye
  • First regular appearance of the newly designed Olive Oyl
  • Some TV versions are edited to remove a Black stereotype
  • No longer airs on Boomerang
144 The Island Fling December 27 George Germanetti
John Gentilella
Bill Tytla
  • Harry Foster Welch voices Popeye
  • An edited-for-TV version is known to exist
  • Although uncredited, Jim Tyer worked on this short
  • Famous Studios' own Herman the Mouse makes a cameo appearance
  • No longer airs on American TV due to a Black African stereotype
  • Final entry of the 1945-46 film season

1947[]

# Film Original release date Credited animators Credited director Notes
145 Abusement Park April 25 Dave Tendlar
Tom Golden
Isadore Sparber
  • Produced in Cinecolor
  • Final short in which Welch voices Popeye
  • First entry of the 1946-47 film season
  • Original Paramount version restored and distributed by Turner
146 I'll Be Skiing Ya June 13 Tom Johnson
George Germanetti
Isadore Sparber
  • First time Jack Mercer voices Popeye since 1946's Rocket to Mars. Mercer voices Popeye in all theatrical cartoons from here onward.
147 Popeye and the Pirates September 12 Dave Tendlar
Martin Taras
Seymour Kneitel
  • All television prints in circulation likely edited out the scene where Popeye transitions from being in drag into having a sailor suit, presumably due to nudity. It currently remains unknown what happened in this scene. This clip has been edited out since the original theatrical showing in 1947, and is now presumed lost or destroyed.
  • Pierre the French Pirate Captain was named after Pierre le Grand
148 The Royal-Four Flusher September 12 Tom Johnson
Frank Endres
Seymour Kneitel
  • Although uncredited, Jim Tyer worked on this short
149 Wotta Knight October 24 Tom Johnson
John Gentilella
Isadore Sparber
  • Although uncredited, this is the last Popeye cartoon on which animator Jim Tyer worked on before leaving to join the Terrytoons studio
  • Last cartoon to use the name "In Technicolor" credit
  • King Little from the Fleischer Studios film Gulliver's Travels appears as the jousting announcer
  • Some TV versions are edited to remove a Black stereotype and Bluto in blackface
  • Final entry of the 1946-47 film season
150 Safari So Good November 7 Tom Johnson
Morey Reden
Isadore Sparber
  • Bluto has a non-speaking role until the finale, when he does a Fred Allen imitation
  • First cartoon to use the name "Color by Technicolor" credit
  • First entry of the 1947-48 film season.
151 All's Fair at the Fair December 19 Dave Tendlar
Martin Taras
Seymour Kneitel
  • Dave Tendlar's animation crew got the credit for animation, but this cartoon was actually animated by Tom Johnson's crew
  • Original Paramount version restored and distributed by Turner

1948[]

# Film Original release date Credited animators Credited director Notes
152 Olive Oyl for President January 30 Tom Johnson
John Gentilella
Isadore Sparber
  • Last Popeye cartoon produced in Cinecolor
  • Color remake of the Fleischer Studios short Betty Boop for President
  • Little Audrey makes a cameo appearance in the dream sequence. This is the second appearance she had in a Famous Studios cartoon, the first being the Noveltoon Santa's Surprise; she later appeared in more Noveltoons, billed as her own cartoon series.
  • The ending music for most a.a.p.-distributed Famous Studios Popeye shorts was sourced from this cartoon
  • Original Paramount version restored and distributed by Turner
153 Wigwam Whoopee February 27 Tom Johnson
William Henning
Isadore Sparber
  • The first Popeye cartoon produced in Polacolor
  • Original Paramount titles restored and distributed by Turner
  • A special set of titles were used only on this cartoon
  • Contains potentially offensive Native American stereotypes
154 Pre-Hysterical Man March 26 Dave Tendlar
Morey Reden
Seymour Kneitel
  • Opening titles revised to shorten the "Sailor's Hornpipe" portion of the theme, and add clouds behind the Paramount mountain
  • Produced in Polacolor
155 Popeye Meets Hercules June 18 George Germanetti
Tom Moore
Bill Tytla
  • Original titles were retained in a.a.p. TV syndication print
  • Produced in Polacolor
156 A Wolf in Sheik's Clothing July 30 Tom Johnson
George Rufle

Uncredited Animators Frank Endres, William Henning, John Gentilella

Isadore Sparber
  • Original titles were retained in a.a.p. TV syndication print
  • Produced in Polacolor
  • Contains potentially offensive Arab stereotypes
157 Spinach vs. Hamburgers August 27 Al Eugster
Tom Moore
Seymour Kneitel
  • Compilation film, uses clips (with original soundtracks) from The Anvil Chorus Girl, Pop-Pie A La Mode and She-Sick Sailors
  • Some TV versions are edited to remove the clip from Pop-Pie A La Mode
  • Wimpy is first mentioned after last being seen 1940's Onion Pacific
158 Snow Place Like Home September 3 Dave Tendlar
Martin Taras

Uncredited Animators Tom Golden, Morey Reden

Seymour Kneitel
  • Produced in Polacolor
  • Final entry of the 1947-48 film season
159 Robin Hood-Winked November 12 Tom Johnson
Frank Endres
Seymour Kneitel
  • Original Paramount version restored and distributed by Turner
  • Spoofs Robin Hood
  • Contains a famous gaffe where Bluto stands at a bar without legs
  • First entry of the 1948-49 film season
160 Symphony in Spinach December 31 Tom Johnson
John Gentilella
Seymour Kneitel
  • Original Paramount version restored and distributed by Turner

1949[]

# Film Original release date Credited animators Credited director Notes
161 Popeye's Premiere March 25 Dave Tendlar
John Gentilella
Seymour Kneitel (uncredited)
162 Lumberjack and Jill May 27 Tom Johnson
George Rufle
Seymour Kneitel
  • Produced in Polacolor
163 Hot Air Aces June 24 Al Eugster
Bill Hudson
Isadore Sparber
  • Last Popeye cartoon produced in Polacolor
164 A Balmy Swami July 22 Tom Johnson
George Rufle
Isadore Sparber
  • First Popeye cartoon to be produced in Technicolor since Safari So Good
  • Color remake of the Fleischer short The Hyp-Nut-Tist
165 Tar with a Star August 12 George Germanetti
Steve Muffati
Bill Tytla
  • Bluto wears a handlebar moustache instead of his trademark full beard
166 Silly Hillbilly September 9 Tom Johnson
Frank Endres
Isadore Sparber
  • Final entry of the 1948-49 film season
167 Barking Dogs Don't Fite October 28 Tom Johnson
John Gentilella
Isadore Sparber
  • One of four cartoons where Popeye's sailor outfit is blue
  • A color remake of the Fleischer Studios short Protek the Weakerist
  • First entry of the 1949-50 film season
168 The Fly's Last Flight December 23 Tom Johnson
Frank Endres

Uncredited animators John Gentilella Uncredited Assistant Animators Jack Dazzo Vincent Cafarelli Jan Schvoak

Seymour Kneitel
  • Color remake of the Fleischer Studios short Flies Ain't Human
  • Final Popeye cartoon released in the 1940s

1950[]

# Film Original release date Credited animators Credited director Notes
169 How Green is My Spinach January 27 Tom Johnson
William Henning

Uncredited Animators Frank Endres, John Gentilella, George Rufle, Jack Ozark

Seymour Kneitel
  • Only cartoon where Bluto wears a blue sailor's suit
  • First Popeye cartoon released in the 1950s
  • Contains excerpts from two nonexistent Popeye cartoons; Bluto is aware of his role as a cartoon character
170 Gym Jam March 17 Tom Johnson
John Gentilella
Isadore Sparber
  • Color remake of the Fleischer Studios short Vim, Vigor and Vitaliky
  • In his "female" role, Jackson Beck does an impersonation of Mae West
171 Beach Peach May 12 Tom Johnson
Frank Endres
Seymour Kneitel
172 Jitterbug Jive June 23 George Germanetti
Harvey Patterson
Bill Tytla
  • Final cartoon directed by Bill Tytla
173 Popeye Makes a Movie August 11 Tom Johnson
George Rufle
Seymour Kneitel
  • Compilation film, mostly reused footage from the Fleischer two-reeler Popeye the Sailor Meets Ali Baba's Forty Thieves with new wraparound animation and dubbing voices
  • First film appearance of Wimpy since 1940's Onion Pacific
  • One of two Famous cartoons where Popeye appears in his original comics outfit
  • This is the first of six cartoons where Popeye's nephews appeared with

Bluto, and the first of two cartoons where Wimpy and Popeye's nephews appeared together

174 Baby Wants Spinach September 29 Al Eugster
William B. Pattengill
Seymour Kneitel
175 Quick on the Vigor October 6 Tom Johnson
John Gentilella
Seymour Kneitel
176 Riot in Rhythm November 10 Tom Johnson
William Henning
Seymour Kneitel
  • Color shot-for-shot remake of Me Musical Nephews
  • Fourth and final cartoon where Popeye's sailor outfit is blue
  • The ending gag is cut from a.a.p. prints due to the involvement of the Paramount logo
177 The Farmer and the Belle December 1 Tom Johnson
Frank Endres
Seymour Kneitel
  • Noted for production flaws--on several occasions Olive and Bluto speak, but their lips do not move

1951[]

# Film Original release date Credited animators Credited director Notes
178 Vacation with Play January 19 Tom Johnson
John Gentilella
Seymour Kneitel
179 Thrill of Fair April 20 Tom Johnson
John Gentilella
Seymour Kneitel
180 Alpine for You May 18 Steve Muffatti
George Germanetti
Isadore Sparber
  • The ending gag is cut from a.a.p. prints due to the involvement of the Paramount logo
  • Original Paramount version restored and distributed by Turner
  • Semi-remake of the Fleischer short I-Ski Love-Ski You-Ski
181 Double-Cross-Country Race June 15 Tom Johnson
Bill Hudson
Seymour Kneitel
182 Pilgrim Popeye July 13 Al Eugster
George Germanetti

uncredited animators Wm. B. Pattengill, George Rufle uncredited assistant animators Gerry Dvorak, Tony Creazzo

Isadore Sparber
183 Let's Stalk Spinach October 19 Steve Muffatti
George Germanetti
Seymour Kneitel
  • First cartoon with the entire Popeye theme re-recorded. This is the version that is heard on all the remaining theatrical shorts.
184 Punch and Judo November 16 Tom Johnson
Frank Endres
Isadore Sparber
  • Some TV versions are edited to remove a Black stereotype
  • First appearance of the Champ, a muscular Neanderthal-like antagonist

1952[]

# Film Original release date Credited animators Credited director Notes
185 Popeye's Pappy January 25 Tom Johnson
Frank Endres
  • Isadore Sparber
  • Poopdeck Pappy's first film appearance since 1941's Pest Pilot. This is the first of three appearances he would make in the Famous shorts.
  • Color remake of the Fleischer Studios short Goonland
  • No longer shown on American television due to Black African native stereotyping
186 Lunch with a Punch March 14 Al Eugster
George Germanetti

Uncredited Animators Wm. B. Pattengill, George Rufle

Isadore Sparber
187 Swimmer Take All May 16 Tom Johnson
John Gentilella
Seymour Kneitel
188 Friend or Phony June 20 Al Eugster
George Germanetti
Isadore Sparber
  • Reuses clips from I'll Be Skiing Ya and Tar with a Star
  • Only cartoon where Popeye's spinach can has a speaking role
189 Tots of Fun August 15 Tom Johnson
Frank Endres
Seymour Kneitel
190 Popalong Popeye August 29 Tom Johnson
John Gentilella
Isadore Sparber
  • This is the third of six cartoons where Popeye's nephews appeared with Bluto
191 Shuteye Popeye October 3 Al Eugster
George Germanetti
Isadore Sparber
  • In the Public Domain in the United States
  • This short has gained some infamy for its use of a sped-up voice clip used for the mouse, which includes swearing
  • The mouse is rumored to have been voiced by Seymour Kneitel
192 Big Bad Sindbad December 12 Tom Johnson
William Henning
Seymour Kneitel
  • Mostly reused footage from the Fleischer two-reeler Popeye the Sailor Meets Sindbad the Sailor with new wraparound animation and a new soundtrack
  • In the Public Domain in the United States
  • A restored original print is available in some PD compilations
  • Second of two Famous cartoons where Popeye appears in his original outfit from the comics
  • Final cartoon directed by Dave Fleischer
  • This is the fourth of six cartoons where Popeye's nephews appeared with

Bluto, and the second of two where Wimpy and the nephews appeared together

1953[]

# Film Original release date Credited animators Credited director Notes
193 Ancient Fistory January 30 Al Eugster
William B. Pattengill
Seymour Kneitel
  • Poopdeck Pappy's second appearance in a Famous cartoon. This time he appears as Popeye's Fairy Godfather.
  • In the Public Domain in the United States
  • Spoof of the fairy tale Cinderella
194 Child Sockology March 27 Tom Johnson
Frank Endres
Isadore Sparber
195 Popeye's Mirthday May 22 Tom Johnson
Frank Endres
Seymour Kneitel
196 Toreadorable June 12 Tom Johnson
John Gentilella
Seymour Kneitel
  • Contains potentially offensive Mexican stereotypes
197 Baby Wants a Battle July 24 Al Eugster
George Germanetti
Seymour Kneitel
  • The final appearance of Poopdeck Pappy in a Famous cartoon. This time, a younger version in a flashback sequence.
  • Only appearance of Bluto's father
198 Firemen's Brawl August 21 Tom Johnson
Frank Endres
Isadore Sparber
  • Reuses models from the Screen Songs cartoon The Big Flame Up
199 Popeye, the Ace of Space October 2 Al Eugster
George Germanetti
William B. Pattengill
Seymour Kneitel
  • Originally made in 3D
  • This is the only 3D Popeye cartoon. The other Famous Studios animated theatrical short to be made in 3D was the Casper short Boo Moon.
  • The ending gag is cut from a.a.p. prints due to the use of the Paramount logo
  • A print with original titles aired on The Popeye Show
  • A fully restored 3D print is in circulation for screening at 3D film events
200 Shaving Muggs October 9 Tom Johnson
Frank Endres

Uncredited Animator John Gentiella Uncredited assistant animators Gerry Dvorak Juliana Wang Sal Maimone Fred Diamond Jack Ehret

Seymour Kneitel

1954[]

# Film Original release date Credited animators Credited director Notes
201 Floor Flusher January 1 Tom Golden
Bill Hudson
  • All Popeye cartoons released in this year are in the public domain.
  • Semi-remake of the Fleischer short Plumbing is a 'Pipe'
  • Copyright is marked as 1953 on the title card, due to this cartoon being released on New Year's Day, 1954
202 Popeye's 20th Anniversary April 2 Al Eugster
George Germanetti
Isadore Sparber
  • Clips are reused from Rodeo Romeo and Tops in the Big Top
  • In the Public Domain in the United States
203 Taxi-Turvy June 4 Tom Johnson
Frank Endres
Seymour Kneitel
  • In the Public Domain in the United States
  • Some restored versions on public domain DVDs use the original soundtrack
204 Bride and Gloom July 2 Tom Johnson
John Gentilella
Isadore Sparber
  • Color remake of the Fleischer studios short Wimmin Is a Myskery
  • In the Public Domain in the United States
205 Greek Mirthology August 13 Tom Golden
George Germanetti
Seymour Kneitel
  • In the Public Domain in the United States
  • This is the fifth of six cartoons where Popeye's nephews appeared with Bluto.
206 Fright to the Finish August 27 Al Eugster
William B. Pattengill
Seymour Kneitel
  • In the Public Domain in the United States
  • Semi-remake of the Fleischer short Ghosks Is the Bunk
207 Private Eye Popeye November 12 Tom Johnson
Frank Endres
Seymour Kneitel
  • In the Public Domain in the United States
  • Final entry of the 1953-54 film season
208 Gopher Spinach December 10 Tom Johnson
John Gentilella
Seymour Kneitel
  • In the Public Domain in the United States
  • To make the film's title safe for emerging widescreen theatres, the Paramount mountain was completely redrawn. Along with other Famous Studios cartoons after Herman and Katnip's Rail-Rodents, the new logo remains for all subsequent shorts to the end of the series.
  • First entry of the 1954-55 film season

1955[]

# Film Original release date Credited animators Credited director Notes
209 Cookin' with Gags January 14 Tom Johnson
William Henning
Isadore Sparber
  • In the Public Domain in the United States
  • a.a.p. print mistakenly leaves in Famous Studios credit with the Paramount logo in the background
210 Nurse to Meet Ya February 11 Al Eugster
William B. Pattengill

(Uncredited artists): Paul Sparagano Dante Barbetta

Isadore Sparber
  • Last theatrical short appearance of Swee'Pea
211 Penny Antics March 11 Tom Johnson
Frank Endres
Seymour Kneitel
  • Clips reused from Silly Hillbilly, Wotta Knight and The Fistic Mystic
  • Color remake of the Fleischer Studios short Customers Wanted
  • Some TV versions are edited to remove Black stereotypes that originally appeared in the reused footage from Wotta Knight and The Fistic Mystic
212 Beaus Will Be Beaus May 20 Tom Johnson
John Gentilella
Isadore Sparber
  • One of two Famous Studios cartoons where Bluto eats spinach and beats up Popeye
213 Gift of Gag May 27 Tom Johnson
Frank Endres
Seymour Kneitel
214 Car-azy Drivers July 22 Tom Johnson
John Gentilella

(Uncredited animator): Frank Endres (Uncredited assistant animators): Gerry Dvorak Ellsworth Barthen Paul Sparagano Marty Polansky Ruth Platt Sal Maimone Julianna Wang Dante Barbetta

(Uncredited cel painters): Myrna Morrissey Phyliss Littman Connie Quirk


Seymour Kneitel
  • Color remake of the Fleischer Studios short Wimmin Hadn't Oughta Drive
  • The last cartoon produced before they were sold to a.a.p. for television. All following entries only exist with original titles
215 Mister and Mistletoe September 30 Al Eugster
William B. Pattengill

(Uncredited assistant animators): Dante Barbetta

Isadore Sparber
  • Only Famous Studios cartoon specifically made for the Christmas season
  • This is the sixth and final cartoon where Popeye's nephews appear with Bluto
  • First entry of the 1955-56 film season
  • From this entry onward, all remaining Popeye shorts retain their original Paramount titles
216 Cops is Tops November 4 Tom Johnson
Frank Endres
Isadore Sparber
  • Reappearance of the Champ from Punch and Judo
217 A Job for a Gob December 9 Al Eugster
George Germanetti
Seymour Kneitel
  • Virtual remake of The Farmer and the Belle, but in a western rather than farm-belt setting

1956[]

# Film Original release date Credited animators Credited director Notes
218 Hill-billing and Cooing January 13 Tom Johnson
John Gentilella
Seymour Kneitel
  • Latest theatrical Popeye short under copyright. All remaining shorts to the end of the series are public domain.
219 Popeye for President March 30 Tom Johnson
Frank Endres
Seymour Kneitel
  • In the Public Domain in the United States
220 Out to Punch June 8 Tom Johnson
John Gentilella
Seymour Kneitel
  • In the Public Domain in the United States
  • A semi-remake of Punch and Judo
221 Assault and Flattery July 6 Al Eugster
William B. Pattengill Uncredited assistant animators)

Dante Barbetta Ed Ceruillo

Isadore Sparber

U

  • Clips reused from The Farmer and the Belle, How Green is My Spinach and A Balmy Swami
  • In the Public Domain in the United States
222 Insect to Injury August 10 Morey Reden
Tom Moore
Dave Tendlar
  • In the Public Domain in the United States
  • The only Popeye cartoon supervised by Dave Tendlar
  • Final entry of the 1955-56 film season
223 Parlez Vous Woo September 12 Al Eugster
William B. Pattengill
Isadore Sparber
  • In the Public Domain in the United States
  • First entry of the 1956-57 film season
224 I Don't Scare November 16 Tom Johnson
Frank Endres
Isadore Sparber
  • In the Public Domain in the United States
225 A Haul in One December 14 Al Eugster
William B. Pattengill
Isadore Sparber
  • Color remake of the Fleischer Studios short Let's Get Movin'
  • In the Public Domain in the United States

1957[]

# Film Original release date Credited animators Credited director Notes
226 Nearlyweds February 8 Tom Johnson
Frank Endres
Seymour Kneitel
  • Last Popeye cartoon to bear the name Famous Studios in the credits before the studio was renamed to Paramount Cartoon Studios
  • All Popeye cartoons released in this year are in the public domain.
227 The Crystal Brawl April 5 Al Eugster
William B. Pattengill
Seymour Kneitel
  • First Popeye cartoon released under Paramount Cartoon Studios.
  • Clips reused from Quick on the Vigor and Alpine for You
  • In the Public Domain in the United States
228 Patriotic Popeye May 10 Tom Johnson
Frank Endres
Isadore Sparber
  • Final theatrical film appearances of Popeye's nephews
  • In the Public Domain in the United States
229 Spree Lunch June 21 Tom Johnson
Frank Endres
Seymour Kneitel
  • Final theatrical short appearances of Bluto and Wimpy
  • In the Public Domain in the United States
230 Spooky Swabs August 9 Tom Johnson
Frank Endres
Isadore Sparber
  • Final theatrical short appearance of Popeye and Olive Oyl
  • Semi-remake of Shiver Me Timbers!
  • Final cartoon directed by Isadore Sparber
  • In the Public Domain in the United States
  • Final entry of the 1956-57 film season.

Official home video availability[]

As of 2019, all Famous Studios shorts released before 1950 have been made available on home video via Warner Archive. The public domain 1950s Popeye cartoons are available on public domain DVDs. The 1950s Popeye cartoons under copyright have yet to be officially released on home video through Warner Archive.

DVD (black-and-white shorts)[]

Blu-Ray (color shorts)[]

See also[]

Notes[]

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