Greetings, Boils & Ghouls...
... and welcome to 'Day Four' of "Abnor Mal's Guide To Creepy Cartoon Classics on Roku" where I aim to bring you another creepy cartoon classic from the plethora of spooky animated short films that have been released throughout the course of animation history - any of which can be streamed on TV via the magic of Roku media players - so let's dim down the lights, for some more fun & frights! :-O
If you read my special hallowe'en blogathon preview - FOUND HERE - which I published four days ago, you'll know that I plan to post a Hallowe'en / Horror related article every day, throughout the month of October, featuring one vintage cartoon classic with spooky overtones each and every day. With recommendations for thirty-one of the most spook-tacular shorts I can find, by the end of the month, this means you'll have plenty of great choices for your creepy cartoon viewing as we count down the days to Hallowe'en... as well as ensuring lots of laughs & screams come October 31st! :-D
Likewise... if you read my post from 'Day Three' of this month-long blogathon, you might recall a brief reference to the 'Stay Puft Marshmallow Man' from the "Boogaloo's Back In Town" sequence to "The Halloween Door" episode of 'The Real Ghostbusters', by way of an homage to the original 1984 "Ghostbusters" movie. Those of you who remember that film will know that the character portraying "Mr. Stay Puft" was dressed-up as a sailor... a fact re-inforced by this quote from 'Dr. Venkman' who, upon seeing the Marshmallow Man, states: "This Mr. Stay Puft is okay. He's a sailor; in New York". Now, in animation terms, probably the most well-known sailor of them all was 'Popeye the Sailor'... and, tenuous though the link may be, it's 'Popeye' who is the subject of today's creepy classic! :-D
While many will remember 'Popeye' for his never-ending series of battles with 'Bluto' there were, from time-to-time, other adversaries who would find themselves on the receiving-end of the sailor's spinach-fuelled punches... and, in this particular episode, it was the ghosts, ghouls, and other strange paranormal critters that fell foul of the one-eyed, pipe-smoking sea dog in a tale that'll make you say:
The story begins with 'Popeye' arriving at a deserted beach for a picnic with his beloved 'Olive Oyl', and burger-loving friend 'Wimpy', when they chance upon an old shipwreck which looks beaten and battered, as well as being weathered over time, with tattered sails, just lying there in a rather decrepit condition. In fact, all the signs pointed to this being a ghost ship - even the one on the side of it! :-O
Despite all of the warning signs, 'Popeye' decides that he wants to "investigates" the wreck, because he doesn't believe in ghosts. However, no sooner have the trio climbed aboard the abandoned vessel, the ghost ship rights itself and heads-out to sea... while the "stowaway" spooks do their best to scare the new passengers. At first, the spirits are playful and tease 'Popeye' with a game of what can only be described as "musical planks" but then things start to get cruel... when they begin tormenting 'Wimpy' with food that he is unable to eat which, for him, must be worse than walking the plank! :-(
While exploring the ship, 'Olive Oyl' falls into a barrell of flour and comes out looking like a ghost - yes, that old chestnut - only she looks so convincing that both 'Popeye' and 'Wimpy' mistake her for being another of the spooks that are out to get them. Rather disturbingly, 'Popeye' lays into the spirit he gives chase to, and beats-up 'Olive Oyl' by mistake, before suddenly realising what happened and easing-off. Instead of apologising (as he should) the sailor simply exclaims: "I told ya' there ain't no ghosts!” but, as it turns-out, he would have more ghastly foes than 'Olive Oyl' to contend with! :-O
After that, 'Popeye' and his cohorts must endure all manner of supernatural onslaughts but, with this being the world of animated film, they are able to come-up with a number of ingenious ways to fight back against the tide of terror. One of my personal favourites is when 'Popeye' manages to lure some ghosts into an "ice box" (aka a "walk-in freezer", to you and me), with the end result being that they are turned to "ice", which was a pretty "cool" way to get rid of them! :-P ;-) Needless to say, however, it was not enough to rely on cunning tricks to get the better of the remaining ghastly ghouls... and, eventually, 'Popeye' resorts to eating some of his trusty spinach just so he can get the added strength he needs. This helps him defeat a drudge* of skeletons, whom he easily dispatches by turning them into dice - way to roll those bones, Popeye... get it!?!! :-P ;-) :-D As if that wasn't enough, at one point, 'Popeye' even manages to beat the ocean into submission - pretty impressive stuff, eh!?! :-D
[*collective noun taken from this source of supernatural nouns of assembly]
Released 27th July 1934 (but thoroughly deserving of "Hallowe'en in July" status in any given year) this spook-tastic animated short was directed by Dave Fleischer, with Willard Bowsky as animator, and featured William Costello as (the voice of) 'Popeye', alongside Mae Questel as (the voice of) his love interest, 'Olive Oyl', though both were uncredited for their work in this cartoon at the time. It's a wonderfully atmospheric s(p)lice of "horror" animation that deserves to be seen by all - so here it is:-
As with the creepy cartoon classics shared for 'Day One' and 'Day Two' of this month-long blogathon in honour of the Hallowe'en season, this "Shiver Me Timbers!" episode of 'Popeye the Sailor' is free to stream on this blog, courtesy of the 'YouTube' website. Of course... in addition to this embedded version of the cartoon included here, you can also choose to stream it on your big screen television by using the "cast" function built-in to the 'YouTube' app(s) for mobile devices on both the iOS (Apple) plus Android platforms. For those who may have missed my special hallowe'en blogathon preview posted four days ago, to "cast" the video to your Roku player and/or NowTV device(s), you will first need to have the Roku channel (app) for 'YouTube' installed to act as a receiver for the stream you are casting. If you're not sure how to cast from your mobile device to your Roku there's a help article by 'Roku Support', found on the Roku website, that can walk you through the process step-by-step! ;-)
YOUTUBE..........................................................................COST: FREE [Roku Guide Review]
***FILED UNDER: "WEB VIDEO" in Roku UK Channel Store WHEN FIRST RELEASED***
On whichever platform you decide to watch this video, watch-out for the scene where 'Olive Oyl' has her feet tickled while she is restrained on the deck of the ghost ship - it's another shining example of inspired cartoon genius! Aside from the lush animation, which offers the kind of gorgeous visuals that are good enough to rival anything you might see in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" film series, an incredible soundtrack was assembled for this animated short film. Naturally things kick-off with the very well-known "I'm Popeye the Sailor Man", used for the theme tune to this and many other shorts featuring our spinach-fuelled cartoon hero, but listen carefully and you'll also notice a brief clip of the "Laurel & Hardy" theme tune, "Dance of the Cuckoos", as they venture towards the ghost ship before climbing the rope ladder. Then as they ascend the ladder, and later-on when the skeletons are dancing, you will hear "Sing, You Sinners" by W. Franke Harling and Sam Coslow. Also featured in this short are "The Flying Dutchman" (Overture) by Richard Wagner, in addition to "Mysterioso Pizzicato" (aka "The Villain's Theme"), and a (brief) snippet of "Blow the Man Down", all crammed-in to the middle portion of the cartoon. In the closing stages we get "The Stars and Stripes Forever" by John Philip Sousa, plus the "William Tell Overture" (Introduction) by Gioachino Rossini. The well-trained ear might also pick-up on "The Hearse Song" (aka "The Worms Crawl In") which is actually featured twice very early on (during both the 2nd and 3rd minute of this animated short) as part of what I believe to be a real "treasure" of a cartoon (if you'll pardon one last pirate-related pun)! ;-) :-)
This much-loved 'Popeye the Sailor' adventure was even the subject of a painting, which was created by the very talented Shawn Dickinson from California, that featured in a tribute art show celebrating 85-years of 'Popeye' held at the Hero Complex Gallery. Both the poster for that event, plus an image depicting the incredible painting which featured as part of that exhibition, are shown below:-
Meanwhile, here's another fan poster I came across while searching 'Google Images' for this post:-
Although technically inaccurate... since this particular cartoon does not feature 'Bluto', as mentioned earlier in the post, I still liked the look of it enough to include it here - hopefully you do, too!?! :-D
Anyhow, that's all I've got time for today... but do remember to come back again tomorrow, for my next creepy cartoon recommendation from the archives of animated film history, when I will suggest another spooky short for 'Day Five' of "Abnor Mal's Guide To Creepy Cartoon Classics on Roku" you can stream right here on this blog - as well as through the equivalent channel on your Roku player(s). Meanwhile... please be sure to visit the "Countdown To Hallowe'en" website & show your support for this annual online Hallowe'en extravaganza PLUS don't forget to use the links you find there and check out all the other 'Cryptkeepers' taking part this year. I know they'll appreciate it, if you visit their blogs and share your thoughts on the contribution(s) they've made.
ONE LAST THING, BEFORE I GO: Don't forget that, aside from the Hallowe'en / Horror-themed ghastliness going on around these parts for the next month, you can also keep up with the UK Roku action (as it happens) by checking-out my regular 'Weekly RoundUp' posts each weekend where you will find up-to-the-minute info on all things Roku-related is posted on a weekly basis (well, almost).
Until the next time, then...
That's all folks !!
If you read my special hallowe'en blogathon preview - FOUND HERE - which I published four days ago, you'll know that I plan to post a Hallowe'en / Horror related article every day, throughout the month of October, featuring one vintage cartoon classic with spooky overtones each and every day. With recommendations for thirty-one of the most spook-tacular shorts I can find, by the end of the month, this means you'll have plenty of great choices for your creepy cartoon viewing as we count down the days to Hallowe'en... as well as ensuring lots of laughs & screams come October 31st! :-D
Likewise... if you read my post from 'Day Three' of this month-long blogathon, you might recall a brief reference to the 'Stay Puft Marshmallow Man' from the "Boogaloo's Back In Town" sequence to "The Halloween Door" episode of 'The Real Ghostbusters', by way of an homage to the original 1984 "Ghostbusters" movie. Those of you who remember that film will know that the character portraying "Mr. Stay Puft" was dressed-up as a sailor... a fact re-inforced by this quote from 'Dr. Venkman' who, upon seeing the Marshmallow Man, states: "This Mr. Stay Puft is okay. He's a sailor; in New York". Now, in animation terms, probably the most well-known sailor of them all was 'Popeye the Sailor'... and, tenuous though the link may be, it's 'Popeye' who is the subject of today's creepy classic! :-D
While many will remember 'Popeye' for his never-ending series of battles with 'Bluto' there were, from time-to-time, other adversaries who would find themselves on the receiving-end of the sailor's spinach-fuelled punches... and, in this particular episode, it was the ghosts, ghouls, and other strange paranormal critters that fell foul of the one-eyed, pipe-smoking sea dog in a tale that'll make you say:
The story begins with 'Popeye' arriving at a deserted beach for a picnic with his beloved 'Olive Oyl', and burger-loving friend 'Wimpy', when they chance upon an old shipwreck which looks beaten and battered, as well as being weathered over time, with tattered sails, just lying there in a rather decrepit condition. In fact, all the signs pointed to this being a ghost ship - even the one on the side of it! :-O
Despite all of the warning signs, 'Popeye' decides that he wants to "investigates" the wreck, because he doesn't believe in ghosts. However, no sooner have the trio climbed aboard the abandoned vessel, the ghost ship rights itself and heads-out to sea... while the "stowaway" spooks do their best to scare the new passengers. At first, the spirits are playful and tease 'Popeye' with a game of what can only be described as "musical planks" but then things start to get cruel... when they begin tormenting 'Wimpy' with food that he is unable to eat which, for him, must be worse than walking the plank! :-(
While exploring the ship, 'Olive Oyl' falls into a barrell of flour and comes out looking like a ghost - yes, that old chestnut - only she looks so convincing that both 'Popeye' and 'Wimpy' mistake her for being another of the spooks that are out to get them. Rather disturbingly, 'Popeye' lays into the spirit he gives chase to, and beats-up 'Olive Oyl' by mistake, before suddenly realising what happened and easing-off. Instead of apologising (as he should) the sailor simply exclaims: "I told ya' there ain't no ghosts!” but, as it turns-out, he would have more ghastly foes than 'Olive Oyl' to contend with! :-O
After that, 'Popeye' and his cohorts must endure all manner of supernatural onslaughts but, with this being the world of animated film, they are able to come-up with a number of ingenious ways to fight back against the tide of terror. One of my personal favourites is when 'Popeye' manages to lure some ghosts into an "ice box" (aka a "walk-in freezer", to you and me), with the end result being that they are turned to "ice", which was a pretty "cool" way to get rid of them! :-P ;-) Needless to say, however, it was not enough to rely on cunning tricks to get the better of the remaining ghastly ghouls... and, eventually, 'Popeye' resorts to eating some of his trusty spinach just so he can get the added strength he needs. This helps him defeat a drudge* of skeletons, whom he easily dispatches by turning them into dice - way to roll those bones, Popeye... get it!?!! :-P ;-) :-D As if that wasn't enough, at one point, 'Popeye' even manages to beat the ocean into submission - pretty impressive stuff, eh!?! :-D
[*collective noun taken from this source of supernatural nouns of assembly]
Released 27th July 1934 (but thoroughly deserving of "Hallowe'en in July" status in any given year) this spook-tastic animated short was directed by Dave Fleischer, with Willard Bowsky as animator, and featured William Costello as (the voice of) 'Popeye', alongside Mae Questel as (the voice of) his love interest, 'Olive Oyl', though both were uncredited for their work in this cartoon at the time. It's a wonderfully atmospheric s(p)lice of "horror" animation that deserves to be seen by all - so here it is:-
As with the creepy cartoon classics shared for 'Day One' and 'Day Two' of this month-long blogathon in honour of the Hallowe'en season, this "Shiver Me Timbers!" episode of 'Popeye the Sailor' is free to stream on this blog, courtesy of the 'YouTube' website. Of course... in addition to this embedded version of the cartoon included here, you can also choose to stream it on your big screen television by using the "cast" function built-in to the 'YouTube' app(s) for mobile devices on both the iOS (Apple) plus Android platforms. For those who may have missed my special hallowe'en blogathon preview posted four days ago, to "cast" the video to your Roku player and/or NowTV device(s), you will first need to have the Roku channel (app) for 'YouTube' installed to act as a receiver for the stream you are casting. If you're not sure how to cast from your mobile device to your Roku there's a help article by 'Roku Support', found on the Roku website, that can walk you through the process step-by-step! ;-)
YOUTUBE..........................................................................COST: FREE [Roku Guide Review]
***FILED UNDER: "WEB VIDEO" in Roku UK Channel Store WHEN FIRST RELEASED***
On whichever platform you decide to watch this video, watch-out for the scene where 'Olive Oyl' has her feet tickled while she is restrained on the deck of the ghost ship - it's another shining example of inspired cartoon genius! Aside from the lush animation, which offers the kind of gorgeous visuals that are good enough to rival anything you might see in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" film series, an incredible soundtrack was assembled for this animated short film. Naturally things kick-off with the very well-known "I'm Popeye the Sailor Man", used for the theme tune to this and many other shorts featuring our spinach-fuelled cartoon hero, but listen carefully and you'll also notice a brief clip of the "Laurel & Hardy" theme tune, "Dance of the Cuckoos", as they venture towards the ghost ship before climbing the rope ladder. Then as they ascend the ladder, and later-on when the skeletons are dancing, you will hear "Sing, You Sinners" by W. Franke Harling and Sam Coslow. Also featured in this short are "The Flying Dutchman" (Overture) by Richard Wagner, in addition to "Mysterioso Pizzicato" (aka "The Villain's Theme"), and a (brief) snippet of "Blow the Man Down", all crammed-in to the middle portion of the cartoon. In the closing stages we get "The Stars and Stripes Forever" by John Philip Sousa, plus the "William Tell Overture" (Introduction) by Gioachino Rossini. The well-trained ear might also pick-up on "The Hearse Song" (aka "The Worms Crawl In") which is actually featured twice very early on (during both the 2nd and 3rd minute of this animated short) as part of what I believe to be a real "treasure" of a cartoon (if you'll pardon one last pirate-related pun)! ;-) :-)
This much-loved 'Popeye the Sailor' adventure was even the subject of a painting, which was created by the very talented Shawn Dickinson from California, that featured in a tribute art show celebrating 85-years of 'Popeye' held at the Hero Complex Gallery. Both the poster for that event, plus an image depicting the incredible painting which featured as part of that exhibition, are shown below:-
Meanwhile, here's another fan poster I came across while searching 'Google Images' for this post:-
Although technically inaccurate... since this particular cartoon does not feature 'Bluto', as mentioned earlier in the post, I still liked the look of it enough to include it here - hopefully you do, too!?! :-D
*********************************************
Anyhow, that's all I've got time for today... but do remember to come back again tomorrow, for my next creepy cartoon recommendation from the archives of animated film history, when I will suggest another spooky short for 'Day Five' of "Abnor Mal's Guide To Creepy Cartoon Classics on Roku" you can stream right here on this blog - as well as through the equivalent channel on your Roku player(s). Meanwhile... please be sure to visit the "Countdown To Hallowe'en" website & show your support for this annual online Hallowe'en extravaganza PLUS don't forget to use the links you find there and check out all the other 'Cryptkeepers' taking part this year. I know they'll appreciate it, if you visit their blogs and share your thoughts on the contribution(s) they've made.
*********************************************
ONE LAST THING, BEFORE I GO: Don't forget that, aside from the Hallowe'en / Horror-themed ghastliness going on around these parts for the next month, you can also keep up with the UK Roku action (as it happens) by checking-out my regular 'Weekly RoundUp' posts each weekend where you will find up-to-the-minute info on all things Roku-related is posted on a weekly basis (well, almost).
Until the next time, then...
That's all folks !!
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