Seein' Red, White 'n' Blue (1943)** 1/2 (out of 4)Popeye is a member of the draft board when Bluto comes in trying to fake an illness so he can stay out of the military. Before all of that can happen some Japanese soldiers attack.Obviously there are some racial stereotypes on display in this short but it's fair to remember that this was made during WWII when Japan was our enemy so seeing exaggerations of them was something that American crowds would find entertaining and funny. As far as the actual film goes, it's pretty good for what it is but there's no question that it's not in the upper tier of the series. The highlight is when Bluto is faking his illness and a "woman" comes in. The animation is good throughout but the film could have used some more laughs.

On Google Video, this is listed among "banned cartoons" and I truly hope this really isn't the case. That's because not only is it one of Popeye's best cartoons but we can't toss cartoons just because they are no longer timely or might offend people--after all, this WAS WWII and it's a very important part of our history. Plus, the Japanese stereotypes in the cartoon aren't that offensive unless you are a 100% HUMORLESS lover of political correctness! Bluto receives his draft notice and when he shows up, he spends a lot of energy trying to convince Popeye that he should be given an exemption, as he's "too sick" to fight. When this doesn't work, the cartoon gets really silly and fun when Bluto tries to get himself hurt so he doesn't have to serve. All this fun is interrupted when Popeye stumbles into a nest of Japanese spies--at which point, Bluto comes to the rescue.The bottom line is that this is very well-written, original (which most Popeye cartoons are not) and great viewing even today. If you have a chance, give it a watch.

Of all the propaganda cartoons made during the WWII, those made by Paramount always seemed to me the most childish and offensive, and with this one is no exception. Recorded one year after the nip-away extravaganza "You're a sap, Mr. Jap, this one shows Bluto ,the once world most extra ordinary fellow as the brave Sinbad, trying at any cost to escape from drafting. Just like on those shorts where him and Popeye wants to get broken to be hospitalized by Olive, here he tries to get horribly injuried and not get drafted.He eventually succeeds on that, but as usual the Patriotism hits him in the heart when he sees Pop being slaughtered by five stereotypical japs. Here the good minutes of the short begins. Popeye wakes up, chomps his spinach, makes Bluto swallow the can and they transform into the Fist of Justice, butchers the nips, give Mr. Hirohito his last waltz, then obviously go sock Adolf"Peeeeeeeee-yooooooooooo" Hitler (the most ridiculous Adolf caricature ever made). At the ending Bluto agrees with being drafted. After all the caricatures and the unimaginative plot, this one is somewhat cool to see, even being a little childish at times.7 outta 10.

This sort of cartoon was made during World War II by most, if not all, the studios as a form of propaganda. The major studios were turning out training films for the military, doing live-action propaganda and the animation departments did their share of work in that vein as well. Some had merely passing references and others, like this short, were all-out propaganda. These wartime propaganda cartoons are all too rarely seen because they often contain images that are now not considered acceptable. While I can understand the desire to not show these to children, they were never actually aimed at children in the first place. They deserve to be seen and remembered as part of our history. This one is just as well animated as the rest of the Paramount Famous Studios cartoons and is fascinating to watch. An excellent cartoon and one of the few times Popeye and Bluto worked together. Well worth seeking out and getting. Recommended.