SPACE Presents: Popeye

Film preceded by a special performance by Jimmy Dority and Friends playing the music of Harry Nilsson, Van Dyke Parks, and more.

Come to Congress Sq. Park for a special 40th Anniversary Restoration screening of Robert Altman’s one-of-a-kind big budget musical oddity. This is Robin Williams’ big screen debut. Shelley Duvall starred in Popeye after completing production of The Shining, and yes the films came out the same year as each other, in 1980. The production is famous for going wildly over-budget as the Popeye team built a town in Malta from scratch to create the set for Sweethaven- the set still stands and has become a tourist attraction. Of the film’s many strange rewards, perhaps most enduring are the songs constructed by Harry Nilsson and Van Dyke Parks. Robert Altman struggled to find funding for his work throughout the 1980’s as a result of Popeye’s mixed reception, but the film has endured and deservedly become somewhat of a cult-classic. If nothing else Popeye is an unforgettable time-stamp and convergence of talents, with elaborate set pieces, scene-chewing performances and an oddly gentle touch from one of cinema’s great directors. The Old Port wishes it was Sweethaven. Film starts at 8pm.

Popeye (free screening in Congress Sq Park) with Jimmy Dority and Friends