45th Anniversary of Popeye (1980 Film)!

Welcome to a SPECIAL EDITION of the Piece of Advice Newsletter!

Good morning! Today we are taking a deep dive into the 45th Anniversary of one of the weirdest and most fun movies ever made, 1980’s “Popeye”! I even got to ask Paul Dooley, who plays “Wimpy” in the film a couple of questions! Fun fact: Paul is also the voice of “Sarge” in Pixar’s “Cars” franchise!

When “Popeye” hit theaters in 1980, it brought one of America’s most iconic cartoon characters to life in a way fans had never seen before. Directed by Robert Altman and starring Robin Williams in his first major film role, the live-action musical was a bold, quirky take on the beloved spinach-loving sailor. Based on the comic strip character created by E.C. Segar in 1929, Popeye had long been a staple of American pop culture through animated shorts. The film set out to reintroduce him to a new generation; with plenty of musical numbers, slapstick antics, and heart.

The idea to adapt Popeye into a movie came during a time when studios were racing to turn comic characters into box office hits. Scripted by Jules Feiffer with songs by Harry Nilsson, the film leaned into the cartoon’s offbeat charm. Robin Williams, with his rapid-fire energy and physical comedy, was a perfect fit for the mumbling but lovable sailor. Shelley Duvall’s portrayal of Olive Oyl was equally spot-on, and veteran actor Paul Dooley added extra flavor to the cast as the gruff and greedy Wimpy, famous for his love of hamburgers and unforgettable line, “I’ll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today.”

The production aimed for an authentic, whimsical look; and found the perfect setting in the tiny bay of Anchor Bay, Malta, where an elaborate seaside village set was built from scratch. That film set, known today as “Popeye Village,” still stands and has been transformed into one of Malta’s top tourist attractions. Visitors can explore the colorful buildings used in the movie, enjoy live shows, boat rides, and even meet Popeye himself. What was once a temporary film location has become a permanent homage to the character, drawing fans from around the world and keeping the spirit of the film alive long after the cameras stopped rolling.

Upon release, “Popeye” received mixed reviews; some praised its charm and performances, while others were puzzled by its unusual tone. Over time, however, it has gained cult status for its uniqueness, catchy music, and its early glimpse of Robin Williams’ star power. While it may not have been a traditional blockbuster, “Popeye” remains a one-of-a-kind film that captured the heart of a classic character and built a real-world legacy that continues to delight families to this day!

Bonus Question:

Giancarlo: Did you enjoy working on “Popeye”?

Paul Dooley: Loved it! “Wimpy” is my favorite role.

Piece Of Advice:

Giancarlo: What is this best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Paul Dooley: Trust your director and fellow actors.

You can check out “Popeye Village” here!: https://popeyemalta.com/

Thank you for reading! Have an amazing day and we will catch you again on Monday!

-Giancarlo