How did Popeye the Sailor become strong to the finish? Where did he come from, and what was his family like? This charming 1980 film musically explores Popeye's origins, and the quirky town of Sweet Haven with it's criminally pinioned populace. From the moment Popeye discreetly rides an ebbing storm into this odd port, we know his life will never be the same again.

Directed by Robert Altman, the screenplay was written by Jules Feiffer, and inspired by the works of E. C. Segar, creator of the one-eyed comic book hero (1894-1938). Originally, Dustin Hoffman was planned as Popeye. Both the divinely funny Lily Tomlin, and the fabulous Gilda Radner were tapped for Olive before the cast was finalized. Hoffman had some issue with Feiffer writing the script, and we were to loose the much beloved Radner less than a decade later to cancer. Personally, as much as enjoy both Tomlin and Radner, I can't really imagine anyone other than Robin Williams and Shelley Duval as Popeye and Olive Oyl.

This joint production between Paramount and Disney displays a lot of talents. Harry Nillson wrote all the original songs. There is plenty to enjoy for those who are fond of musicals. The lullaby duet between Olive and Popeye, is very expressive of their characters and sweet in it's simplicity. While Robin Williams had to re-dub much of his muttered dialog in his film debut, he unfailingly presents us with a very clear and accurate depiction of a much beloved cartoon characters, and even in his singing he never breaks with character.

Ray Walston, best know for his work as Uncle Martin in tv's My Favorite Martian, was the perfect choice as Poopdeck Pappy, Popeye's mysterious father figure. Swee'pea became a combination of the original character along with Jeep, Popeye's exotic and magical pet. The child chosen to play the clairvoyant and irrepressible Swee'pea was actually played by Altman's grandson, and the child nearly stole every scene he was in out from under the other actors! Many of the extras playing citizens of Sweet Haven were recruited from European circuses, and their grasp of physical expression and comedic timing adds greatly to the film.

Perhaps the most alarming question raised by this light-hearted film is what would happen if Popeye refused to eat spinach? In fact, in the original strip Popeye only used the added strength he gained by eating spinach once. It wasn't until he was being promoted as an animated character that this trait was exploited to make him a compelling role model for kids. In Sweet Haven, Popeye actually overcomes his childhood aversion to this healthy veg and learns to not only enjoy it, but appreciate the life-saving strength it gives him in the face of his enemies.