Popeye
The Frida Cinema's seating is first-come, first-serve. For our Midnight Screenings, please plan on arriving by 11:30pm to ensure ample time for parking, picking up concessions, and securing optimal seats. Screening will begin promptly at midnight.
Director: Robert Altman Run Time: 114 min. Rating: PG Release Year: 1980
Starring: Paul Dooley, Paul L. Smith, Ray Walston, Robin Williams, Shelley Duvall
Celebrate the late, great Shelley Duvall with her iconic role as Olive Oyl in Robert Altman’s Popeye!
*Singer-songwriter Alyssandra Nighswonger joins us for our August 14th 7:45pm screening of a short musical performance before the show! More info below!*
A musical comedy film that brings the beloved comic strip character to life, Popeye stars Robin Williams in his feature film debut as the spinach-loving sailor who arrives in the seaside town of Sweethaven searching for his missing father. Taken in by the town’s community of quirky townsfolk, including the alluring Olive Oyl (a perfectly-cast Shelley Duvall) and abandoned baby Swee’ Pee, Popeye’s adventures lead him to uncover hidden strengths, confront the brutish Bluto, and eventually discover the importance of family and friendship.
In the decades since its 1980 release, Popeye has gained a cult following over the years from audiences entranced by its whimsical sets, catchy musical numbers by legendary songwriter Harry Nilsson, Williams’ and Duvall’s committed performances, and Altman’s unique directorial style. The film’s production design, overseen by renowned designer Wolf Kroeger, recreated the cartoonish, surreal world of Sweethaven with remarkable detail, adding to the charm and creative ambition that has made Popeye a nostalgic favorite for generations.
—–
Alyssandra Nighswonger joins us for on Wednesday, August 14th to open our 7:45pm screening with song!
Alyssandra is a Long Beach recording artist whose 2020 release, Nighswonger Sings Nilsson – a tribute album celebrating the songs of singer-songwriter Harry Nilsson – features a delightful cover of Popeye’s iconic ballad sung by Shelley Duvall’s Olive Oyl, “He Needs Me.” Alyssandra is a 2024 Professional Artist Fellow, supported by the Arts Council for Long Beach. She is currently producing a new album of original songs, currently under the working title, Travel + Movement.
Alyssandra will be opening our Wednesday, August 14th 7:30pm screening with three of her songs — including, of course, “He Needs Me” — in shared tribute to the wonderful Shelley Duvall.