Have somewhat of a fondness for the Popeye cartoons, especially the mid-late-30s ones. On the other hand, while still perfectly watchable the late Famous Studios Popeye cartoons (well actually most of their output during that period) were inferior and showed budget and time constraints that were not present with Fleischer. The Popeye cartoons featuring Swee'Pea are worth the watch, though it is dependent somewhat on your stance on Swee'Pea.
'The Football Toucher Downer' is one of their best and wildest (in a good way) pairings. The presence of Olive and Bluto is always more than welcome as well and the football setting is hardly squandered, taken full advantage of actually. Also consider it among the better Popeye cartoons during this particular period, which was the overall best period for the Popeye series in one of the studio's most consistent (again in a good way) years. Popeye's appeal is more than understandable and 'The Football Toucher Downer' is a cartoon where you can see why.
Story-wise, it is pretty formulaic and wouldn't have said no to more Olive with a little stronger material. If there has been a frequent criticism of mine it is that Olive is not as strong a character as Popeye and Bluto and her material nowhere near as funny.
Rest of the characters are on point however. Popeye is amusing and likeable as always with his as ever hilarious asides and mumblings, and Bluto is an even funnier and imposing foil. Love their chemistry, which was always a strength even in their lesser efforts. Not making Swee'Pea sugary sweet and obnoxious would have not been easy, but 'The Football Towner Downer' just about achieves not doing it/either and Swee'Pea was a scene stealer in a way.
Animation is drawn beautifully with some nice detail, not looking cluttered or static. Neither does the music underwhelm in any way, lots of merry energy and lush orchestration, adding a lot to the action and making the impact even better without being too cartoonish. Fleischer's direction is always accomplished and his style is all over it.
Loved everything with the characters' younger selves, but it was agreed the signal calling where 'The Football Toucher Downer' was at its cleverest and funniest. Especially Bluto's. Gags are plentiful and all range from humorous to hilarious. Jack Mercer is especially good of the voice actors, his vocal delivery being why the asides and mumblings make as much impact as they do.
Whoever knew football could be so wild or fun? 'The Football Toucher Downer' is one of the strongest examples of cartoons that do that brilliantly. 9/10
