You're a Sap, Mr. Jap (1942) User Reviews

Viewed with Historical Perspective, this type of Cartoon is among the Best and Highest of Wartime Platitudes; Expressed Editorially in a 7 Minute Funnybone Tickler!

[redryan64 · 7/10 · 6 December 2008]

THE FEELING of the need to have someone play the role of Arbiter of Public Taste and Political Correctness always manages to get under our skin. It does seem that these self-appointed, self-superior, pseudo-intellectual types do appear everywhere; be it in one's family, church or bowling league.

THESE are the guys who would have society completely disregard and ignore all that went before us; unless, of course, whatever 'it' is does not fly in the face of today's "acceptable" language, mores and general "standards" of "proper" behavior.

SO it is that these latter day, high tech book burners have targeted a great deal of what was Hollywood's greatest achievement; namely their participation in our own Allied Propaganda via their unselfishly crafted message and theme films.

COLDLY brutal in its generation, the Banned Code and List of Now Unacceptable extends into the Wartime Cartoons that don't meet with the new touchy, feely socially engineered 'official' attitudes; which these "Thought Police" have foisted down upon us.

WE were truly surprised to see that there seem to be volumes of such animated short subjects. The majority we are aware of are from Warner Brothers' LOONEY TUNES and MERRIE MELODIES; featuring Bugs, Daffy, Elmer & Porky, all in conflict with Hitler, Goerring, 'Il Duce', Tojo and the like. Surprisingly though, we found an ample supply of cartoons from MGM, Walt Disney, Lantz, Paramount-Famous Studios and the Brothers Fleischer.

YOU'RE A SAP MR. JAP (Famous Studios/Paramount Pictures, 1942) is a prime example of just what we're talking about.

BEING virtually indiscernible from the cartoons that were the output of the Studios of Max and Dave Fleischer before the 1941 business coup-de-tat that moved them out, bringing the new name of "Famous" Studios, YOU'RE A SAP MR. JAP bore none of the bland plot elements that would reduce the latter day Popeye Cartoons down to the level of the ultimate formula short movie.

WE all remember how we'd have Popeye and Olive Oyl together. Enter Bluto, usually the exponent of wolf whistle and an on acceptable on-screen version of a Male reaction to feminine pulchritude. Olive falls for Bluto's less than honorable attentions; until he gets a little too physical and invariably blurts out, "Hey Babe, how 'bout a kiss?" At this point we hear "Help! Help, Popeye and the diminutive sailor shows up to save the day; replete with the obligatory can of Spinach! DO we exaggerate, Schultz? ONCE again this JAP SAP cartoon is nothing like any of that. Oh sure, it follows the storyline of now having Popeye in the U.S. Navy. The Brothers Fleischer put the little guy in the service in 1941 to conform to the mood in the country and as an open gesture of support for the men now being conscripted in the first Peacetime Draft in United States History. Max and Dave even put Popeye in service aboard the mythical Battleship, the U.S.S. Pensyltucky.

OUR point is just this. YOU'RE A SAP MR. JAP and others like SPINACH FER Britain aren't cartoon vehicles for comic relief in the Theatre's program at all in the true sense. Rather they are a sort of grouping of Editorial Cartoons much like those from any "Great Metropolitan Newspaper". These animated shorts, much like those still one panel illustrations, have characters that are highly symbolic and representative of Nations, Ideas and Ideals, such as a just and lasting Peace. In most cases, the hero (Popeye, Bugs Bunny or whoever) is alone with the symbol of the Enemy. Both are highly exaggerated visual metaphors for abstract concept and thought; even if they are cloaked in humorous trappings for wider palatability.

OUR liberal stupidgencia (the antithesis of intelligencia) may not see themselves this way; but for this sort of behavior, they are no more than Neo Nazi Book burners.

PLEASE, allow the future generations to view and appreciate a view of past happenings that is both Historical and Humorous.

POODLE SCHNITZ!!

One of the few of the Popeye cartoons.

[emasterslake · 7/10 · 6 February 2007]

Like "Spinach for Britain" only this time we find our favorite sailor, on lookout for any Japanese enemy ships that come by.

At first Popeye thinks they're planning on giving out peace. But soon finds out that they're messing with him. And soon it becomes a battle on board a Japanese ship.

This and many other WW2 titles don't see the light of day, due to it having the Japanese drawn in a stereotype way. The title & song itself says it all, that it's meant to be an insult to the Japanese(as they were the enemy back then).

Along with "Tokio Jokio" and a hand full of Snafu cartoons. This one's very misunderstood for it's theme. Not saying it's great in any level, just it's an example of how people were thinking during that era.

Where can you see it? Good luck finding it on the internet. I advise those who are Japanese to not view it. As I noted earlier, that it's very insulting.

Your typical propaganda short I guess

[TheOtherFool · 6/10 · 1 June 2004]

'You're a sap, Mr. Jap, to make a Yankee cranky - You're a sap, Mr. Jap, Uncle Sam is gonna spank you!'

It's with these words this short propaganda movie starring Popeye starts. Popeye's ship happens to meet up with a japanese war ship. At first, the Japanese pretend they want to make peace with him, only to try and kill him behind his back. But Popeye (finally) finds out what they are doing and starts his own private war. Which he wins, but that will come to you as no surprise.

Short comedy provides some laughs but it's not the best WWII propaganda ever made (not the worst either), although it always occurred to me Popeye probably is the most convincing character taking on a whole army of the enemy.

6/10.

Now a look at Popeye's War with Japan - Courtesy of You Tube

[theowinthrop · 4 February 2007]

Unlike Bugs Bunny or Daffy Duck, who have to be drafted or accidentally stumble onto the Axis, Popeye the sailor has an open invitation to involvement. He is a sailor - he's in the navy usually. So he is on patrol when he spots a Japanese fishing boat with two sailors on board (though both are wearing robes associated with home-life in Japan). They try to brain him with a mallet, and blow off his foot with a small stick of dynamite (pretending all the while they want a peace treaty signed with him - keep in mind this cartoon is from 1942, and probably had memories of the diplomats from Japan who were presenting an ultimatum when Pearl Harbor was attacked). When Popeye starts retaliating effectively (using a lobster in a bouquet of flowers - don't ask), the gloves formally come off.

The fishing boat decoy is the top of a super Japanese battleship , which sinks Popeye's craft (with the assistance of two submarines. But he starts eating his spinach - and it becomes the normal mopping up operation.

Just two points of interest again:

1) The battleship is "made in Japan" and the concept of shoddy manufacturing is again spread here - like in the Warners' cartoon TOKIO JOKIO.

2) A Japanese officer decides of symbolic sacrificial suicide by drinking gasoline and swallowing ammunitions (gun cartridges). I'm just surprised it was not a samurai sword through the stomach.

Again it was passable in 1942-45, but now it is hard to stomach, with or without hari-kiri.

While I dislike racist cartoons, you need to keep this one in its historical context and not bury it.

[planktonrules · 6/10 · 19 January 2017]

During WWII, the film studios went into full patriotic mode-- churning out tons of films supporting the war effort. So it wasn't at all surprising that they'd also create cartoons which featured barely human Germans and Japanese characters being foiled by the likes of Bugs Bunny, Donald Duck and Popeye. However, this created a huge problem after the war when we were suddenly allies with these same nations and it was no longer fashionable to hate them! Add to that, modern political correctness and it's not at all surprising you never films like "You're a Sap, Mr. Jap" on television these days! While I certainly can understand this, I am glad you can find them on YouTube and hope they're also available on DVD as this IS a part of our history.

So, in light of this is this Popeye cartoon worth looking for on the internet? Perhaps. If you want to see a chunk of history and are not someone who is so worried about political correctness that you might have a coronary, by all means watch it. I don't recommend it for young kids but older folks who understand the context should give it a try. Plus, the cartoon, despite the giant toothed 'Japs', is funny and well made. Popeye takes his ship in search of the enemy and finds a battleship full of devious and suicidal Japanese sailors. Not exactly a must-see, however, and the Private Snafu cartoons (also on YouTube as well as archive.org) are a lot funnier.

Popeye's quest for peace

[TheLittleSongbird · 6/10 · 3 November 2018]

Am somebody who likes to love a vast majority of the Popeye cartoons and likes the character himself. A likeable character whose chemistry and animosity with Bluto one that drives the cartoons with such fun and energy, always a highlight. Do have a preference for the Fleischer era cartoons, that are generally funnier, more imaginative and of higher quality, though many of the Famous Studio offerings entertain, just inferior in quality.

'You're a Sap, Mr Jap' is not one of my favourite Popeye cartoons, nowhere near so. 'You're a Sap, Mr Jap' is amusing and well made, and do appreciate what it aimed to do, which was done reasonably well if not completely successfully. It is one of those cartoons that is not going to appeal to all and be easy to criticise, but as a cartoon and product of its time it is intriguing.

There are many good things. It is well made visually, the backgrounds have lost none of the meticulous attention to detail, it's fluid, Popeye still looks good and is recognisable in design and the shading has atmosphere. Every bit as good is the lively and lushly orchestrated music score, that has character and adds a lot to the action and enhances it.

Popeye is amusing and likeable still, he is convincing as a single character taking on a much larger army, and Jack Mercer doesn't disappoint with the voice acting. There are a lot of dialogue and gags that are timed beautifully and are very funny and the energy doesn't let up. It is not a dull cartoon and has good intentions.

It does fall into the trap that a wartime cartoon has danger falling into and has fallen into, it does get rather too heavy-handed and lays what it's trying to say too thick. Other cartoon characters have worked and gelled better in a wartime setting, for Popeye it feels too on the serious and out of character side. Just my thoughts on this.

Furthermore, 'You're a Sap, Mr Jap' is not for those easily offended. Even for somebody judging it as a product of its time, the Japanese are stereotypically drawn and characterised and not only will it not bode well it also doesn't hold up. For Popeye, 'You're a Sap, Mr Jap' is on the bland side, it is great to have a change of pace where the usual characters and conflict are not seen and numerous Popeye cartoons have done this very well, but part of me did miss the zaniness and imagination of the best Popeye cartoons and the conflict lacking. Didn't find the Japanese strong enough as characters.

Concluding, interesting and not bad at all but left me a bit conflicted. 6/10 Bethany Cox

Not very good

[rbverhoef · 5/10 · 17 April 2004]

This Popeye animated short, made after Pearl Harbor, shows us how he alone destroys a complete Japanese ship. First they offer peace but while Popeye is signing the peace contract they start attacking him. After they have hurt him a little he takes his famous spinach and shows the Japanese how to fight.

For me the only funny thing was Jack Mercer as the voice of Popeye. When he talks he always makes me smile, but when that is the only good thing in a short it is not enough. In black and white the animation is not bad, although sometimes things look a little messy. For war propaganda is probably pretty good, but for an entertaining short today it doesn't work.

You're a Sap, Mr. Jap is too politically incorrect for me to recommend as a Popeye cartoon

[tavm · 2/10 · 13 August 2020]

Having just watched this on a special on political incorrectness, it didn't surprise me this Popeye cartoon was on it. In this one, this sailor-man ends up basically battling by himself various Japanese military men with the stereotypical looks and characterizations. To tell the truth, the only funny gag I found here was when a crab suddenly came out of a handful of flowers those Japs-as they were called at the time-give to Popeye as a "peace" offering. Otherwise, I was too offended to find anything else funny. So I'd only recommend You're a Sap, Mr. Jap if you are historically-minded.

Popeye wins the war in the Pacific!

[llltdesq · 8/10 · 31 October 2002]

This short was the first short released by Paramount Famous Studios and was one of several done by the studio showing Popeye engaged directly against the enemy, most often the Japanese. While Warner Brothers, Disney and, to a lesser extent, other studios, did shorts often depicting Germans as foils, the majority of Famous Studios efforts focused on the Japanese. Given Pearl Harbor and Popeye's naval ties, this is quite understandable. This is an average short. Seein' Red, White an' Blue and Spinach For Britain have aged better. But it's still worth watching. Recommended.

Wartime Propaganda

[Tooney · 8/10 · 12 March 2000]

If you are very sensitive when it comes to extreme racial stereotypes, this cartoon is not for you. But if you are strongly interested in seeing a rare piece of wartime animation, come on in!

In this cartoon, Popeye is patrolling the seas and discovers what looks like a Japanese fishing boat. The two Japanese fishermen trick Popeye into thinking that they want a peace treaty signed. But looks can be deceiving; the fishing boat turns out to be a Japanese navy ship! What follows is considered today to be morale-boosting propaganda.

Be forewarned, the representations of the Japanese in the film are done in a mean-spirited fashion. Keep in mind, though, that there was a war going on at the time. But I strongly recommend this cartoon to those who are interested in the WWII era.

A Lot Of Good Artwork & Sight Gags In Here

[ccthemovieman-1 · 10/10 · 14 January 2009]

This World War II Popeye cartoon had some very good sight gags in it, and its decidedly above-average for its genre. It was nicely drawn, too, with some great angles, good detail and....well, lots of interesting sights.

What it amounts to is Popeye out at sea in his little boat and accidentally running into a small Japanese boat, with two guys on it. (Incidentally, why were the "Japs" always pictured with big, round glasses and bucked teeth?).

Anyway, these harmless-looking Japanese sailors want Popeye to sign a peace treaty. Oh, boy, thinks the gullible Popeye, "wait until the Admiral sees this!" In one of those great artwork scenes I was alluding to above, we slowly see how that little Japanese ship is really a big destroyer.....and Popeye is in deep....um, water! "Why, you double-crossing Ja-pansies!," yells our Sailor Man.

How he gets out of the situation is fun to watch.

Funny For What It Is

[Michael_Elliott · 19 September 2017]

You're a Sap, Mr. Jap (1942)

*** (out of 4)

Popeye is out at sea when he comes across a Japanese ship and it's his American duty to try and destroy them all by himself.

Obviously with a title like YOU'RE A SAP, MR. JAP, you're not dealing with something that is politically correct by today's standards but that's why it's so important to remember that when this movie was made Japan was the enemy. We were fighting them in WWII and I'm sure Americans got a kick out of seeing Popeye beat them up on the screen. The stereotypes that are shown here will probably be offensive to a lot of people but that's why keeping them in context is so important. As far as the film goes, it's pretty fun as it's non-stop action and there are several funny bits including the tricks the Japanese soldiers try to pull to kill Popeye.