(Fleischer Studios, 1939) Wonderful original concept drawing of Popeye, Olive Oyl, and Bluto from Wotta Nitemare, the 71st Popeye cartoon, which originally aired on May 19, 1939. The drawing humorously depicts Popeye acting out a bad dream he is having: Bluto, dressed as a devil figure, choking him as the angelic Olive looks on. In his dream, Popeye is desperately trying to eat some spinach; in reality, he’s on his bed, choking himself with a sheet, and set to swallow the filling he’s torn from his mattress. Accomplished in graphite on 10 x 13 animation paper, which is matted and framed to an overall size of 19 x 22. The upper image measures 8.75 x 5.75, and the lower image measures 9.5 x 8.25. In fine condition, with a central horizontal fold and some light creasing. A magnificent scene of Popeye the sleepwalking sailor.
