Where was Popeye filmed?
1980
City Locations
Mellieha, Kalkara, Anchor Bay (Malta)
Location Types
Film Studio
Location Styles
Colonial, Foreign, Dated/50's-60's-70's, Building Dated/Retro, Mediterranean, Retreat
About Popeye
Step aboard on a captivating journey with Popeye, Olive Oyl, and Swee'Pea, and relive the magic of this 1980 classic! Under the skillful direction of renowned Robert Altman and produced by the giants Paramount Pictures and Walt Disney Productions, the film presents the timeless character Popeye the Sailor Man, brought to life by the inimitable Robin Williams. Shelley Duvall, equally captivating, embodies Olive Oyl, setting the stage for a film filled with humor, love, and adventure, released on December 6, 1980.
The storyline takes you through Popeye's fascinating journey to the town of Sweethaven in search of his long-lost father. Along the way, he crosses paths with Olive Oyl, and together, they venture into the realm of parenthood, adopting a cherubic baby named Swee'Pea. They combat the town bully, Bluto, while setting their hearts on the discovery of a hidden treasure. It marks the beginning of an adventure that’s as amusing as thrilling.
Although initially met with negative reviews, the film defied the odds, garnering a more favorable standing in retrospect. It generated a remarkable gross revenue of $49.8 million worldwide against a production budget of $20 million, representing its unforeseen success.
A fascinating note in its glittering crown is the film's recognition through awards. It was humorously dubbed the "Worst Picture" at the Stinkers Bad Movie Awards. Additionally, Popeye earned a significant accolade with the Saturn Award nomination for Best Fantasy Film.
Popeye Locations
The 1980 musical production Popeye left an enduring legacy on the silver screen and in the tangible world, with its film set in Malta becoming a significant tourist attraction. This film set, known as "Popeye Village Malta" or "Popeye Village," was painstakingly constructed in Anchor Bay over seven months in 1979. The ambitious project involved the transportation of tree trunk logs from Holland and wood shingles from Canada to create an authentic wooden village.
The village stands as a remarkable testament to the diligent efforts of a multinational construction crew. Its creation, comprising nineteen exquisite wooden buildings, required an astounding eight tons of nails and two thousand gallons of paint. The dedication and craftsmanship poured into every detail are a vivid reminder of the immense talent and perseverance that brought this vision to life.
Most scenes came to life amidst the rustic charm of Popeye Village, nestled in Anchor Bay, a mere three kilometers from the village of Mellieha. The landscape is marked by the azure Mediterranean Sea and the traditional Maltese architecture, offering a picturesque backdrop that perfectly complements the whimsical nature of Popeye. A handful of interior scenes were also captured at Malta Film Studios in Kalkara, further showcasing the island's contribution to the film.
A trip to the filming locations of Popeye would be worthwhile for film buffs and casual tourists. The captivating beauty of Malta, combined with the unique opportunity to step into the world of Popeye at the preserved film set, offers a travel experience like no other. Whether exploring the quaint wooden structures of Popeye Village or wandering through the streets of Kalkara, the spirit of the beloved sailor comes alive around every corner.
Popeye arrives at the Sweethaven village scene in Popeye
Popeye Village, Triq Tal-Prajjet, Il-Mellieħa, Malta
Popeye (Robin Williams) finds himself in the charming yet guarded coastal town of Sweethaven as he searches for his estranged father. The arrival of this stranger stirs unease among the simple townsfolk. His quest guides him to the Oyl family's boarding house, where he secures lodgings. Here, he crosses paths with Olive (Shelley Duvall), who is busily preparing for her impending engagement party.
This memorable scene, along with most of the movie, was filmed at what is now known as Popeye Village in Malta. The idyllic location of Anchor Bay, not far from the village of Mellieħa, was transformed to embody the fictional coastal setting of Sweethaven. This detailed set left intact post-production, is a rare gem in filmmaking. Now, it serves as a unique tourist attraction, complete with a cinema that plays clips and behind-the-scenes footage from the film. There's also a building where visitors can watch the entire movie.
To visit this iconic film location, take a bus to Mellieħa from anywhere in Malta. Though the bus doesn't directly stop at Popeye Village, you can take a second bus that will get you closer. The ticket purchased on the bus remains valid for 2 hours, providing ample time to reach your destination. Alternatively, you could opt for a 20-minute walk from Mellieħa to Popeye Village, allowing you to soak in the scenic beauty of Malta along the way.
The studio scene in Popeye
Malta Film Studios, St. Rocco Street, Kalkara KKR 9062, Malta
Popeye (Robin Williams) bravely storms a ship to confront the Commodore, who he soon realizes is his long-lost father, Poopdeck Pappy (Ray Walston). Despite the hopeful reunion, Pappy initially denies any familial ties with Popeye. Pappy presents Popeye with canned spinach to prove his lineage, claiming it to be the source of their family's extraordinary strength. This moment becomes iconic as Popeye, known for his aversion to spinach, staunchly refuses to consume it.
Like several others in the movie, the Malta Film Studios provided the backdrop for this scene. The studio, near Fort Rinella, was established as the Malta Film Facilities in 1963 by British special effects specialist Jim Hole and Maltese construction manager Paul Avellino. In 1978, a rebranding effort transformed it into the Mediterranean Film Studios. Today, the Malta Film Studios is globally recognized for its exceptional facilities, boasting an expansive indoor tank and two large exterior water tanks. These state-of-the-art amenities have solidified its position as a prominent filming destination, captivating filmmakers worldwide.
You can use public transportation or a taxi to visit this historic site and reach Fort Rinella. From Malta International Airport, it's a 20-minute drive by car and a 50-minute drive by bus. However, please note that the site may not be accessible to tourists. Therefore, fans should contact the administration for further information.
Conclusion
Popeye is a film that takes a comic strip's seemingly simple art form and elevates it into a world teeming with life and high spirits. Altman's gift for creating immersive environments shines through in this musical comedy as he builds a universe where the lives and stories extend beyond the screen's edges. The meticulously constructed 'Popeye Village Malta' in Anchor Bay, where much of the filming occurred, is an apt testament to this remarkable world-building.
The performances are noteworthy, particularly Shelley Duvall's portrayal of Olive Oyl. Duvall, a frequent collaborator with Altman, embodies Olive with an exceptional blend of dignity and fearlessness, making her an endearing character who stands her ground even in the face of her terrifying fiancé, Bluto. Robin Williams, as Popeye, delivers his songs, especially the anthem "I Yam What I Yam," with a stubbornness befitting an old sea dog, further enhancing his character's authenticity.
Harry Nilsson's songs are woven seamlessly into the narrative, enhancing the story rather than interrupting it. This integration showcases Altman's unique approach to musicals, making the songs feel like an organic part of the film's fabric.
Popeye is a movie that respects its source material and treats it with affection, avoiding any hint of condescension that could have potentially derailed it. It delves into the heart of the beloved sailor man, even revealing the truth about his opinion on spinach.
Popeye is a film that takes viewers through the beautifully constructed 'Popeye Village Malta,' amidst high comedy, high spirits, and unforgettable performances. It's a film worth watching for its unique blend of artistry, musicality, and respect for its source material. It's an experience that transcends the comic strip origins to deliver a movie that is engaging, entertaining, and endearing in equal measure.