Popeye: A Date to Skate (1938)
Ahoy there! We’re excited to share our latest cartoon commentary on the classic Popeye short A Date to Skate (1938). This timeless gem perfectly captures the humor and charm that makes Popeye such a beloved character in animation history. Here’s a little deep dive into the short itself, including its release details and some fun facts we uncovered.
Release Information:
- Title: A Date to Skate
- Release Date: October 14, 1938
- Studio: Fleischer Studios
- Director: Dave Fleischer
- Animators: Willard Bowsky, Orestes Calpini, and William Sturm
- Music: Sammy Timberg (Composer)
- Voice Cast:
- Popeye: Jack Mercer
- Olive Oyl: Margie Hines
Plot Summary:
In A Date to Skate, Popeye takes Olive Oyl out for a skating date, with plenty of laughs, mishaps, and of course, Popeye’s iconic can of spinach to save the day. The short cleverly combines humor and action, with Olive’s wobbly skating and Popeye’s heroics providing endless entertainment.
Fun Facts:
- A Date to Skate was one of the later Popeye shorts produced in black and white. Color Popeye cartoons began appearing in 1936, but Fleischer Studios continued to produce black-and-white shorts for theatrical releases until 1943.
- The cartoon is a great example of Fleischer Studios’ knack for dynamic, fluid animation—especially during the action sequences where Popeye skates to Olive’s rescue.
- Jack Mercer, who voiced Popeye, was known for ad-libbing much of the muttering and under-the-breath jokes Popeye is famous for. This gave the character an improvisational, relatable charm.
- Sammy Timberg’s score complements the cartoon’s comedic and action-packed tone beautifully, enhancing both the humor and the suspense.
Why This Short is a Classic:
A Date to Skate showcases the Fleischer Studios’ ability to blend physical comedy with heartfelt moments. The exaggerated animation style and Popeye’s unwavering dedication to Olive make it a memorable entry in the series. Plus, the short’s humor is timeless, ensuring that even decades later, audiences can laugh along.
Commentary Highlights:
In our commentary, we dive into the humor and charm of this classic, sharing our personal reactions and celebrating the artistry of Fleischer Studios. We also discuss the subtle details that make this short stand out, from Olive’s slapstick antics to Popeye’s epic spinach-fueled finale.
If you’re a fan of animation history or just love Popeye, you won’t want to miss this one. Check out the full commentary now on our website and YouTube channel!
Let us know what you think! What’s your favorite Popeye short? Leave a comment below and join the conversation!