Popeye – Assault and Flattery (1956) Bluto takes Popeye to court, claiming he was unfairly attacked—but Judge Wimpy isn’t easily fooled. Director: Izzy Sparber, Al Eugster, Thomas Johnson Screenplay by: Isadore Klein Produced by: Famous Studios Starring: Jackson Beck as Bluto (voice) Jack Mercer as Popeye (voice) Gilbert Mack as Judge Wimpy (voice) Mae Questel as Olive Oyl (voice) Production Company: Famous Studios Distributed by: Paramount Pictures Release Date: July 6, 1956 Runtime: Approximately 6 minutes Country: United States Language: English Genres: Animation, Comedy, Family ------------------------------------------------------------ Synopsis - Bluto, wrapped in bandages and sitting in a wheelchair, sues Popeye for assault in Judge Wimpy’s courtroom. - He dramatically recounts how Popeye supposedly attacked him without provocation, showing clips from past cartoons to support his case. - Popeye, given a chance to defend himself, presents his own version of events, revealing that Bluto was the true instigator. - Judge Wimpy, while enjoying his signature hamburgers, listens to both sides before declaring Popeye not guilty. - Furious at the verdict, Bluto removes his fake bandages and traps Popeye in his wheelchair—only for Popeye to break free after eating his spinach and paint Bluto’s sailor suit to resemble prison stripes. ------------------------------------------------------------ Key Themes & Highlights - Courtroom Comedy The cartoon humorously plays with legal drama, turning a trial into a battle of exaggerated storytelling. - Classic Popeye vs. Bluto Rivalry Bluto’s deception and Popeye’s spinach-fueled justice are central to the plot. - Recycled Footage The cartoon reuses scenes from earlier Popeye shorts, including *A Balmy Swami (1949)*. - Public Domain Status *Assault and Flattery* is widely available due to its public domain status. ------------------------------------------------------------ Trivia - Judge Wimpy continues his obsession with hamburgers, eating them throughout the trial. - The cartoon heavily relies on footage from *A Balmy Swami (1949)*, making it a “clip show” episode. - Some public domain versions replace the original Paramount logo with the a.a.p. logo. - The courtroom setting is a rare departure from Popeye’s usual action-packed adventures. ------------------------------------------------------------ Hashtags #PopeyeCartoon #AssaultAndFlattery #ClassicAnimation #BlutoVsPopeye #OliveOyl #PublicDomainCartoon #FamousStudios #TechnicolorAnimation #ParamountPictures #VintageCartoons