Goonland (Popeye)

Goonland
The magnum opus of Popeye.
Directed by: Dave Fleischer Seymour Kneitel Release date: October 21, 1938 Franchise: Popeye Prequel: Mutiny Ain't Nice (Previous short) Sequel: A Date to Skate (Next short)

Goonland is the 65th Popeye cartoon and was released in 1938 by Fleischer Studios.

Plot

While Popeye is searching for his Pappy he discovers an island inhabited by super strong natives. He found his pappy imprisoned but pappy at first ignores him, but when Popeye is caught by the goons and carried off, his can of spinach lands near Pappy and it works just as well on him as it does on Popeye.

Why is it considered the peak of Popeye

1. The plot is unique and original for the most part of the series. The plot features Popeye's long lost father who was stuck in Goon Island for around 40 years and Popeye trying to save him, which leads to some great action and rather adventurous atmosphere.
2. Great Animation and Music for it's time considering the studio behind it, the background setting for it is also pretty unique and fun.
3. Had some memorable quotes like "Hair today, goon tomorrow", "He don't know his own skin and bones", and "I found out where to find my pappy, my pappy what got lost when I was born. One look at me made him unhappy, forty years have gone since he was goooone...".
4. The 4th wall joke near the end, while not accurate for the most part, is still clever with the joke of the human hands fixing the broken film strip. This one pays respects to the talents of the animation and the production crew.
5. The character designs on the goons are very creative and fun. Unfortunately, they only appeared in this cartoon during the theatrical years.
6. The usual good voice acting by Jack Mercer.
7. Popeye as usual, is a likable character along with the other shorts that feature him. Even Pappy is also likable in this short.
8. Some heartwarming moments here and there, such as Popeye meeting his Pappy for the first time in 40 years.

Bad qualities

1. The remake of this film from 1952 called "Popeye's Pappy", isn't very good and features stuff that is offensive and didn't aged well.

Reception

It received a 7.7/10 rating on IMDB.

Trivia

• First animated appearance of Popeye's father, Poopdeck Pappy.
• Goonland was remade by Famous Studios in 1952, with some substantial differences, as Popeye's Pappy.
• The final Fleischer Popeye cartoon that was made in New York, prior to the move to Miami.

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