Many gems came fron Dave Fleischer and Fleischer Studios. Ones that amused and charmed, though over-cuteness did come through in some efforts and the stories were always pretty thin, with appealing characters, outstanding music and visuals that were inventive and with innovative animation techniques.
Will admit to having always enjoyed many of the Popeye cartoons a good deal and like Popeye very much, Fleischer's efforts were always well animated and scored with lots of entertainment value and great chemistry between the characters. That can be seen here in 'Cops is Always Right', but other Popeye cartoons do it better. 'Cops is Always Right' is enjoyable solid fun with so much done right, albeit it's not one of the best Popeye cartoons, something missing. Didn't mind the absence of Bluto at all and feel that with the premise it was the right decision to not have him.
The story is an interesting and beautifully paced one, never being dull, if slightly formulaic, not uncommon with the Popeye cartoons). 'Cops is Always Right' is more humorous than hilarious, and doesn't have the wildness of other Popeye cartoons (by Popeye standards this is relatively subdued). The gags though are well-timed and funny, the mumblings and asides even funnier helped quite a bit by Jack Mercer's voice work, though laughs could have been more, with the running gag not being repetitive or running its course too soon, potential dangers. The highlight is agreed the contents being wrapped into the rug part, it is very clever and a great example of visual ingenuity.
Popeye is always amusing and likeable, with all the abuse he gets one can't help feeling sorry for him here. Olive Oyl is fine enough, but the character would have fared better if voiced by Mae Questel, whose voice work fitted much better and was more endearing. The character interplay is good and really liked the cop character.
Furthermore, the animation in 'Cops is Always Right' is great (have actually never had a problem with the animation in the Fleischer Popeye cartoons, it became more uneven though in the late Famous Studios ones). Beautifully drawn and with enough visual detail to not make it cluttered or static and lively if not always smooth movement, particularly good are the cityscapes and the imaginative overhead shots. The music is also outstanding, lots of merry energy and lush orchestration, adding a lot to the action and making the impact even better without being too cartoonish.
Direction by Fleischer is always accomplished and his distinctive style is as ever distinctive. Jack Mercer is spot on as Popeye, his mumblings and asides impecably delivered and timed as well as very funny.
In conclusion, solid cartoon if missing the extra something. 8/10 Bethany Cox
