Gems, and also very good cartoons, from Fleischer Studios were many and have always much preferred their output as far as Popeye cartoons go over that for Famous Studios, which wasn't as consistent. Over-cuteness did come through in some efforts and the stories were always pretty thin, but they were mostly very charming with appealing characters, outstanding music and visuals that were inventive and with innovative animation techniques.
'Plumbing is a Pipe' is not quite one of the best Popeye cartoons to me, but nearly is. It is extremely well done and never less than very funny, its best parts being hilarious. Speaking as someone who has always enjoyed many of the Popeye cartoons a good deal and liked Popeye very much, Fleischer's efforts were always well animated and scored with lots of entertainment value and great chemistry between the characters. So much is great here. Didn't mind the absence of Bluto at all and Wimpy is a more than worthy substitute and would have fitted much better in the setting anyway.
For personal tastes, do much prefer Mae Questel as the voice for Olive Oyl over Margie Hines, much more endearing and fits the character and her personality better.
The story is an interesting and beautifully paced one, never being dull, if slightly formulaic (not uncommon with the Popeye cartoons). The humour and gags make it even more entertaining, and there is plenty of them and not a misfire in the bunch. 'Plumbing is a Pipe' is non-stop fast-paced fun and becomes increasingly wild, avoiding the trap of repetition. A lot of credit is due here making something as enormously entertaining as this out of a subject that is actually very stressful and difficult. The ending may not be surprising at all but that doesn't stop it from being a riot.
All the characters are great, Olive Oyl is nice enough but Popeye and Wimpy make more of an impression. Popeye is always amusing and likeable while Wimpy nearly steals the show. The character interplay between Popeye and Wimpy (a character just as strong as Popeye with a personality strong enough for his own series perhaps), the tension and fun constant and never letting up, shines here.
Have never had an issue with the animation in the Fleischer period (it was more variable with Famous Studios), beautifully drawn and with enough visual detail to not make it cluttered or static and lively and smooth movement. The music is also outstanding, lots of merry energy and lush orchestration, adding a lot to the action and making the impact even better without being too cartoonish. Fleischer's direction is always accomplished and his style is all over it.
Jack Mercer is the main reason as to why 'Plumbing is a Pipe' works so well and is as funny as it is. He always did do a great job as Popeye and there is a reason why he was the longest serving voice actor for the character, but he and Popeye's mumblings in my opinions are at their most hilarious.
In conclusion, another great Popeye cartoon. 9/10 Bethany Cox
'Plumbing is a Pipe' is not quite one of the best Popeye cartoons to me, but nearly is. It is extremely well done and never less than very funny, its best parts being hilarious. Speaking as someone who has always enjoyed many of the Popeye cartoons a good deal and liked Popeye very much, Fleischer's efforts were always well animated and scored with lots of entertainment value and great chemistry between the characters. So much is great here. Didn't mind the absence of Bluto at all and Wimpy is a more than worthy substitute and would have fitted much better in the setting anyway.
For personal tastes, do much prefer Mae Questel as the voice for Olive Oyl over Margie Hines, much more endearing and fits the character and her personality better.
The story is an interesting and beautifully paced one, never being dull, if slightly formulaic (not uncommon with the Popeye cartoons). The humour and gags make it even more entertaining, and there is plenty of them and not a misfire in the bunch. 'Plumbing is a Pipe' is non-stop fast-paced fun and becomes increasingly wild, avoiding the trap of repetition. A lot of credit is due here making something as enormously entertaining as this out of a subject that is actually very stressful and difficult. The ending may not be surprising at all but that doesn't stop it from being a riot.
All the characters are great, Olive Oyl is nice enough but Popeye and Wimpy make more of an impression. Popeye is always amusing and likeable while Wimpy nearly steals the show. The character interplay between Popeye and Wimpy (a character just as strong as Popeye with a personality strong enough for his own series perhaps), the tension and fun constant and never letting up, shines here.
Have never had an issue with the animation in the Fleischer period (it was more variable with Famous Studios), beautifully drawn and with enough visual detail to not make it cluttered or static and lively and smooth movement. The music is also outstanding, lots of merry energy and lush orchestration, adding a lot to the action and making the impact even better without being too cartoonish. Fleischer's direction is always accomplished and his style is all over it.
Jack Mercer is the main reason as to why 'Plumbing is a Pipe' works so well and is as funny as it is. He always did do a great job as Popeye and there is a reason why he was the longest serving voice actor for the character, but he and Popeye's mumblings in my opinions are at their most hilarious.
In conclusion, another great Popeye cartoon. 9/10 Bethany Cox