Do have a preference for the Fleischer era Popeye cartoons, that are generally funnier, more imaginative and of higher quality. Many of the Famous Studio offerings entertain still, just inferior in quality especially the later ones with tighter and lower budgets and less time. This is coming from someone who likes to loves many of the Popeye cartoons, if more Fleischer's than Famous Studio's, and likes the character himself very much.
'Jolly Good Furlough', another Famous Studios offering made during the wartime, is really not one of the best Popeye cartoons to me. Actually consider 'Jolly Good Furlough' a lesser effort, of the Famous Studios Popeyes (both the early and late ones, certainly the earlier ones) and even overall. Also one of the weaker wartime Popeye cartoons. Just felt that others are funnier, more interesting and better made and that is including most of the other wartime Popeye cartoons (none classics themselves), 'Jolly Good Furlough' is one of the Famous Studios cartoons that shows why the Fleischer cartoons are held in higher regard and why there is a personal preference for them.
Here are the plus points. Although nowhere near up to Fleischer's level and the finesse in the character designs is not quite there in spots especially with the odd looking pigeon, the animation is decent enough with some nice detailed backgrounds. The best thing though is the music, which was always a strength in the Popeye cartoons even in the lesser ones, and is very characterful, lush and adds a good deal to the action.
Some amusing moments, with the invisible paint coming off best. In 'Jolly Good Furlough', the nephews actually are the most interesting characters and steal the show from under Popeye, while the character one feels the most for is the pigeon. Jack Mercer does a fine job as always.
On the other hand, mostly 'Jolly Good Furlough' is disappointingly not particularly funny. Gags are too few and only the invisible paint stands out properly. Didn't find it particularly interesting either, there are no surprises, the material is generally thin and the pace doesn't come to life enough. Or educational, not much illuminating here, a danger with wartime cartoons, and even some films then, is heavy-handedness and it felt that way here.
Parts are not for the easily offended, really do try to judge cartoons on their own terms and take into account when they were made but a few parts won't fly today. Did find myself cringing at some of the impersonations and the nephews and Popeye exchange mentioned elsewhere. Most of the characters don't work. Olive Oyl is underused and pointless (plus Mae Questel fits better far more than Margie Hines does), the stereotypes are not subtle or interesting but most disappointing is that Popeye is neither amusing or likeable, even getting mean-spirited at the end.
In conclusion, interesting for Popeye cartoon completests but far from an essential. 5/10 Bethany Cox