The late Flerischer Popeyes -- still done in black and white in 1942 -- are just as gag-filled as the early ones, but they lack something: the dirt of the earlier ones, derived from the Thimble Theater. The new lines are clean and unencumbered, but somehow the grit of the early ones -- along with the muttered, coarse comments of Popeye -- lent the early Popeyes a richness that was unique.
Of course, it was, undoubtedly, far more expensive to add in those ugly details, and given the precarious nature of the Fleischer studios at this point -- the operations would collapse in bickering between producer Max and director brother Dave within a year, and Paramount would demand repayment of notes that led to the end of the 25-year-old cartoon factory.
The gags here are still good and perhaps you prefer the cleaner versions. It's worth your time in either case.
Of course, it was, undoubtedly, far more expensive to add in those ugly details, and given the precarious nature of the Fleischer studios at this point -- the operations would collapse in bickering between producer Max and director brother Dave within a year, and Paramount would demand repayment of notes that led to the end of the 25-year-old cartoon factory.
The gags here are still good and perhaps you prefer the cleaner versions. It's worth your time in either case.