Dave Fleischer was responsible for many gems. Ones that were amusing and charming, 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.
1934's 'A Dream Walking' is agreed among the best Popeye cartoons. Making something creative and entertaining out of sleepwalking (not always easy to make interesting) and never less than very funny, its best parts being hilarious. Have 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 Popeye, Olive Oyl and Bluto. 'A Dream Walking' has everything that makes the Popeye series so appealing in its prime era and does nothing to waste the characters or make them less interesting.
The story is an interesting and beautifully paced one, never being dull, if formulaic (not uncommon with the Popeye cartoons). The humour and gags make it even more entertaining, 'A Dream Walking' makes sleepwalking fun to watch, imaginative and interesting, avoiding the trap of repetition. The part with Popeye and Bluto's temporary dizziness is the highlight, very funny, very imaginative and with some very clever visuals.
All the characters are great, though Olive Oyl's material not as great as Popeye and Bluto's (she is well used though). Those two are spot on and their chemistry drives 'A Dream Walking' and has so much energy. Popeye is always amusing and likeable but for me Bluto is here the funnier and more interesting character.
Furthermore, the animation is beautifully drawn and with enough visual detail to not make it cluttered or static and lively and smooth movement. 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. Fleischer's direction is always accomplished and his style is all over it.
Voice acting is dynamic and of very good quality, Mae Questel is a good fit for Olive Oyl, the voice that most sticks in my mind for the character and who voiced her the best, but William Costello (have a preference for Jack Mercer though, who made much more of Popeye's mumblings and asides) and especially William Pennell are even better and give Popeye and Bluto so much life.
Overall, classic Popeye. 9/10 Bethany Cox
