In his first major starring role, Robin Williams portrays the title character in the 1980 Walt Disney/Paramount live-action comedy, Popeye. Hollywood icon Robert Altman directed.
Based on the ever-popular comic strip by E.C. Segar, Popeye focuses on the buffed sailor man's origins. Upon his arrival in Sweet Haven, Popeye meets the hamburger-loving Wimpy (Paul Dooley) and the eventual love of his life, Olive Oyl (Shelley Duvall). He also encounters Bluto (Paul L. Smith), soon to become his arch-enemy and rival for Olive Oyl's affection.
Between battling Bluto, clearing out a burger joint of destructive punks, setting an evil tax man straight, Popeye also manages to rescue Sweet Pea, discover his long-lost Pappy (Ray Walston), and continue to woo Olive Oyl.
It's difficult to imagine any other actor as Popeye, and Williams utilizes his frequently manic style to create a character that literally jumps off the comic page onto the big screen.
