Despite preferring Fleischer Studios' output when it comes to the Popeye series, that doesn't mean that Famous Studios' output should be dismissed. Little of Famous Studios' Popeye output is quite on the same level as the best of Fleischer Studios' and the late-50s was particularly hit and miss (true of the studio's overall output too), but there were still some great outings of theirs and, with some disappointments aside, most of it was above average and more.
'Jitterbug Jive' is certainly above average. Actually think it is pretty great and among the best of the early-50s Popeye cartoons, and of the 50s cartoons for the series overall. Also faring quite favourably amongst the overall work of Famous Studios. Of the 50s Popeye cartoons, 'Jitterbug Jive' is one of the cartoons closest to evoking fond memories of when Fleischer Studios' Popeye output was on good, great even, form. Which is very high praise.
Although the story may lack originality, or at least in terms of structure, and is quite formulaic, the constant infectious energy, that increases as the cartoon goes on, more than makes up for that. Likewise with the wildly exciting final third and the gags, lots of them and all wholly successful in entertainment value so a big smile was on my face by the cartoon's end.
The animation is filled with vibrant colour, meticulous background detail and drawing and character designs that look as though a lot of care and effort went into it. 'Jitterbug Jive' is one of the cartoons in the series where the music is like a character of its own and quite a lot of the cartoon's energy derived from it, fitting perfectly within the cartoon and a superb score in its own right.
Popeye is made memorable by Jack Mercer's ever priceless delivery of his asides and mumblings and the way he emoted and moved. Bluto is a funny and formidable adversary, the two sparkle together and the chemistry between the three characters is integrated beautifully, and this is a cartoon where Olive is not underused and her material is not drastically inferior to the other two. The voice acting is reliably good, Mercer's delivery of Popeye's dialogue was always one of the series' biggest pleasures. It must have been hard following on from Gus Wickie but Jackson Beck does a more than worthy job.
In conclusion, great. 9/10