Popeye (film)

Popeye
Theatrical release poster
Directed byRobert Altman
Screenplay byJules Feiffer
Based onPopeye
by E. C. Segar
Produced byRobert Evans
Starring
CinematographyGiuseppe Rotunno
Edited byJohn W. Holmes
David A. Simmons
Music byHarry Nilsson
Production
companies
Distributed by
Release dates
  • December 6, 1980 (1980-12-06) (Los Angeles)
  • December 12, 1980 (1980-12-12) (United States)
Running time
114 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$20 million
Box office$60 million

Popeye is a 1980 American musical comedy film directed by Robert Altman and produced by Paramount Pictures and Walt Disney Productions. It is based on E. C. Segar's Popeye comics character. The script was written by Jules Feiffer, and stars Robin Williams as Popeye the Sailor Man and Shelley Duvall as Olive Oyl. Its story follows Popeye's adventures as he arrives in the town of Sweethaven.

Popeye premiered December 6, 1980, in Los Angeles, California, and opened in the rest of the United States the following week, distributed by Paramount, with Disney handling international distribution through Buena Vista International. During opening weekend, the film grossed $6.3 million, ultimately taking in $60 million worldwide, against a budget of $20 million. When originally released, Popeye received negative reviews from critics, though its reception has improved over time.