1940 was a much better year than expected for the Popeye series. Am saying this because in the early 40s Fleischer Studios went through a drastic decline, with a lot of average at best and even weak cartoons. On the most part though, for this period the Popeye cartoons were surprisingly good and the best quite impressive. While there wasn't really anything in 1940 on the same level as the best of the 30s efforts but it is a good example of the Popeye series being the best of the studio's theatrical series during its worst period.
'Wimmin is a Myskery' is another immensely enjoyable Popeye cartoon, and don't let the title put you off if you find it dubious. Is it one of Popeye's overall best? No, it's not quite on par with the best of the late-30s period where the series was ats best. To me though, 'Wimmin is a Myskery' is towards being one of the better cartoons of what was a pretty solid year for the series in the only halfway watchable theatrical series of when Fleischer Studios' quality declined.
Is 'Wimmin is a Myskery' a flawless cartoon? No, and there are very few if any Popeye cartoons that fit under that distinction. Did think that Popeye was a little too underused.
Have also always found it quite odd when somebody else other than Mae Questel voices Olive and never properly got used to it. Of the other voice actresses, Margie Hines is the better of the two, being closer to the girlish tone of Quetel's voice (Bonnie Poe for my tastes was too mature) but still doesn't fit the character design as seamlessly and Questel has always had more energy.
On the other hand, 'Wimmin is a Myskery' has so many great things. The animation is neatly and expressively drawn (especially in the dream) and still very much like the work that goes into the backgrounds. The music, appropriately like its own character, is as beautifully orchestrated and characterful as ever.
The story, while simple, is also not as predictable as other Popeye cartoons, was not expecting the ending and not many Popeye cartoons have a dream sequence like the one here. The gags are numerous and they are often very funny and timed beautifully. Pace wise, there is a lot of energy throughout. While Olive carries 'Wimmin is a Myskery' well, it's the kids (later to be Popeye's nephews in succeeding cartoons) that steal the show. They are amusing and are not annoying, the brattiness not overdone too much.
Summing up, very well done. 8/10