The previous two 1946 Popeye cartoons ('House Tricks?' and 'Service with a Guile'), the first two made and released after the war, were very enjoyable and well-made, particularly 'House Tricks?' Both comparing favourably when it comes to the output of Famous Studios when they took over from Fleischer Studios and continued the Popeye cartoons from 1942 to 1957. None though being one of the best or my favourites of the Popeye cartoons, which to me is generally a good series.
'Klondike Casanova' is also a good Popeye cartoon, but at the same time it was a touch disappointing. The previous 1946 cartoons having fresher material and more of the surprise factor. It is recommended certainly and worth a look at least once, but it is not a patch on particularly the late-30s Popeye cartoons from the Fleischer period of the series (to me the prime period of the series, the best of them being excellent and near-classic).
Its strengths and flaws are very similar to before. To me, as is common with the series Olive has very little to do, and her material and her character are not near as funny or as interesting as Popeye and Bluto. The surprises and freshness are present more in other Popeye cartoons, especially previous ones but even some since too, with an outcome that is easily predicted too soon
Jack Mercer, on temporary military duty at the time, not voicing Popeye takes getting used to and personally never properly did. Harry Welch is not bad, he does amuse and Popeye is as likeable as ever, but Mercer relished the asides and mumblings (which are hardly unfunny still) more and did more with them.
Popeye though is as amusing and likeable, while Bluto on villain duty (not unsurprisingly) is even funnier and even more interesting. Their chemistry really carries 'Klondike Casanova' and has considerable energy and sees a lot of amusing if not hilarious moments between them. When it comes to the gags, they are numerous and none of them misfire, just that there isn't really anything hilarious and they can be predictable. While the story may be a somewhat formulaic one, it is elevated by the chemistry between Popeye and Bluto.
Moreover, there is enough visual detail in the animation to not make it cluttered or static and lively and smooth movement. The music is also outstanding, lots of merry energy and lush orchestration, adding a lot to the action and making the impact even better without being too cartoonish. Mae Questel and especially Jackson Beck come over very well voicing Olive and Bluto.
Altogether, nice enough but not great. 7/10
