Most undeservingly overhyped movie of all time??

It's fun, it's light, [but] it has a hard time when its tries to get heavy.

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

It is encouraging that the film ends so strongly.Otherwise, it wouldn't have been a particularly memorable film

Seein' Red, White 'n' Blue (1943)** 1/2 (out of 4)Popeye is a member of the draft board when Bluto comes in trying to fake an illness so he can stay out of the military. Before all of that can happen some Japanese soldiers attack.Obviously there are some racial stereotypes on display in this short but it's fair to remember that this was made during WWII when Japan was our enemy so seeing exaggerations of them was something that American crowds would find entertaining and funny. As far as the actual film goes, it's pretty good for what it is but there's no question that it's not in the upper tier of the series. The highlight is when Bluto is faking his illness and a "woman" comes in. The animation is good throughout but the film could have used some more laughs.

"Seein' Red, White 'n' Blue" was one of many Popeyes filmed during World War II to spoof some aspect of the War. Bluto suggested one, interestingly enough, of many young Americans who, despite the fact that the War WAS morally AND politically supportable, was not willing to fight in it. (Many guys just did not want to be wrenched away from homes, girls, wives, mothers, etc.) While working as a blacksmith, he got a letter from the President, ordering him to report for induction. People DID still earn their livings as blacksmiths in the Forties; apparently, such were not entitled to 2-A, 2-B or other deferment based on occupation. Bluto growled that they can't make me serve, but the letter from the President read OH YES WE CAN! He reported, Popeye being on draft-board duty, claiming medical unfitness (to get a 4-F) but Popeye saw through it. Then Bluto tried to get himself injured; that also backfired. Bluto then declared "I'll never sign up. Never!" So, Popeye and Bluto visited an orphanage. Was Bluto assigned to this instead, as he objected to military service? (When America had a draft, registrants with religious objections WERE assigned to orphanages, old-people's homes, etc. as civilian alternative service.) The five "cute little orphinks" that Popeye saw were really Japanese spies! Popeye and Bluto BOTH ate spinach and made short work of the Japanese, landing them behind bars (after a sign was posted saying "Is there a doctor in the house?" with "doctor" replaced by "undertaker"). Bluto FINALLY agreed to serve. Being a peanut brain, he could not spell his own name, so asked "How do you spell Bluto?", to which the Japs replied in close harmony "B-L-U-T-O!" I do NOT believe that this Popeye was meant to insult Orientals! Some have regarded it as childish; I see it as an AMUSING spoof of a war that DID have to be fought.

On Google Video, this is listed among "banned cartoons" and I truly hope this really isn't the case. That's because not only is it one of Popeye's best cartoons but we can't toss cartoons just because they are no longer timely or might offend people--after all, this WAS WWII and it's a very important part of our history. Plus, the Japanese stereotypes in the cartoon aren't that offensive unless you are a 100% HUMORLESS lover of political correctness! Bluto receives his draft notice and when he shows up, he spends a lot of energy trying to convince Popeye that he should be given an exemption, as he's "too sick" to fight. When this doesn't work, the cartoon gets really silly and fun when Bluto tries to get himself hurt so he doesn't have to serve. All this fun is interrupted when Popeye stumbles into a nest of Japanese spies--at which point, Bluto comes to the rescue.The bottom line is that this is very well-written, original (which most Popeye cartoons are not) and great viewing even today. If you have a chance, give it a watch.

This sort of cartoon was made during World War II by most, if not all, the studios as a form of propaganda. The major studios were turning out training films for the military, doing live-action propaganda and the animation departments did their share of work in that vein as well. Some had merely passing references and others, like this short, were all-out propaganda. These wartime propaganda cartoons are all too rarely seen because they often contain images that are now not considered acceptable. While I can understand the desire to not show these to children, they were never actually aimed at children in the first place. They deserve to be seen and remembered as part of our history. This one is just as well animated as the rest of the Paramount Famous Studios cartoons and is fascinating to watch. An excellent cartoon and one of the few times Popeye and Bluto worked together. Well worth seeking out and getting. Recommended.