Movies / Popeye (1980)

5/10

Runtime: 114 min

Genres: Comedy Family Musical Romance

Languages: English

Countries: USA


The classic comic strip and cartoon hero comes to life in Robert Altman's film adaptation of the adventures of the spinach-munching sailor. After he's thrown from his ship during a storm, Popeye (Robin Williams) finds refuge in a quaint seaside town. There he rents a room from the Oyls and meets their daughter Olive (the perfectly cast Shelley Duvall). Olive is engaged to Captain Bluto (Paul Smith), a bully and ruffian who is in charge of collecting taxes for the mysterious Commandant. Popeye, who was orphaned at an early age, is in the midst of a desperate search for his missing father, but what he doesn't realize is that the shipwreck has brought him unexpectedly close to his final destination. In bringing his own distinct vision to E. C. Segar's legendary hero, Altman creates an atmosphere that is breezy, loose, and filled with slapstick shenanigans. Williams portrays Popeye with a physically comic flair that is both honest and energetic--as do the rest of the cast members, including frequent Altman contributors Duvall, Paul Dooley, and David Arkin. Harry Nilsson's songs add to the lighthearted affair, making POPEYE an enjoyable family viewing experience all around.


Directors (1) Credit
Robert Altman ...
Writers (2) Credit
E.C. Segar (based on characters by)
Jules Feiffer (screenplay)
Editors (2) Credit
David A. Simmons (as David Alan Simmons)
John W. Holmes ...
Cinematographers (1) Credit
Giuseppe Rotunno (photography by)
Actors (54) Credit
Alan Autry Slug - a Tough (as Carlos Brown)
Allan F. Nicholls Rough House (as Allan Nicholls)
Barbara Zegler Daphne - a Housewife
Bill Irwin Ham Gravy - the Old Boyfriend
Carlo Pellegrini Swifty - the Cook
David Arkin The Mailman / Policeman
David McCharen Harry Hotcash - the Gambler
Dennis Franz Spike - a Tough
Diane Shaffer Mona Walfleur - a Steinette
Donald Moffat The Taxman
Donovan Scott Castor Oyl
Doug Dillard Clem - the Banjo Player
Eve Knoller Min - a Housewife
Geoff Hoyle Scoop - the Reporter
Hovey Burgess Mort - a Tough
Jack Mercer Popeye - Animated Prologue (voice)
John E. Bristol Bear - the Hermit (as John Bristol)
Judy Burgess Petunia - a Housewife
Julie Janney Mena Walfleur - a Steinette
Karen McCormick Rosie - the Milkmaid
Klaus Voormann Von Schnitzel - the Conductor
Larry Pisoni Chico - the Dishwasher
Linda Hunt Mrs. Oxheart - his Mudder
MacIntyre Dixon Cole Oyl
Margery Bond Daisy - a Housewife
Michael Christensen Splatz - the Janitor
Nathalie Blossom Blossom Walfleur - a Steinette
Ned Dowd Butch - a Tough
Noel Parenti Slick - the Milkman
Pamela Burrell Mrs. Stonefeller
Patty Katz Mina Walfleur - a Steinette
Paul Dooley Wimpy
Paul L. Smith Bluto
Paul Zegler Mayor Stonefeller - the Official
Peggy Pisoni Pickelina - a Housewife
Peter Bray Oxblood Oxheart - the Fighter
Pietro Torrisi Bolo - a Tough
Ray Cooper The Preacher
Ray Walston Poopdeck Pappy
Richard Libertini Geezil
Roberta Maxwell Nana Oyl
Robert Fortier Bill Barnacle - the Town Drunk
Roberto Dell'Acqua The Chimneysweep (as Roberto Dell'Aqua)
Roberto Messina Gozo - a Tough
Robin Williams Popeye
Saundra MacDonald Violet - a Housewife
Sharon Kinney Cherry - His Moll
Shelley Duvall Olive Oyl
Stan Wilson Oscar - the Barber
Susan Kingsley La Verne - the Waitress
Valerie Velardi Cindy - the Drudge
Van Dyke Parks Hoagy - the Piano Player
Wayne Robson Chizzelflint - the Pawnbroker
Wesley Ivan Hurt Swee'pea