Beware of Barnacle Bill (1935)
Beware of Barnacle Bill Review
Beware of Barnacle Bill is a 1935 animated short from the Popeye the Sailor series. It is an amazing entry and the finest thus far.
Popeye goes to propose Olive, but she rejects his proposal for she is engaged to another sailor. Eventually the two fight and Popeye leaves Olive. I adored that ending as it is not only instantly unforgettable, but also perfect in every way. Olive’s line – “There goes the navy. Here comes the army!” – is just hilarious and such an impeccable way to close the film. But Popeye is also hilarious and he was especially funny and charming in the scene where he proposes to her and you see his shyness.
It isn’t perfect overall as the music, although catchy and fun, is too repetitive in lyrics and the action could have been a bit better. But the humor is of the best kind and this series is at its finest when it focuses on the relationship between Popeye and Olive Oyl. I loved its opening and ending, but all parts are superb and it is always incredibly entertaining and so funny. This is definitely the best Popeye film to this point!
Beware of Barnacle Bill is the best Popeye entry this far as it has a superb use of characters and their relationship and incredible humor with the ending being hilarious and just perfect.
