2023 marks the 85th Anniversary of Bug Bunny’s first animated appearance in 1938’s “Porky’s Hare Hunt.” Debuting originally as Happy Rabbit, Bugs eventually became one of the most iconic animated characters of all time. In honor of the landmark anniversary, we’re discussing every animated appearance by Bugs Bunny. We’re big fans of Bugsy and we hope that you are, too.
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The Hare-Brained Hypnotist (1942)
Directed by Friz Freleng
Written by Michael Maltese
Music by Carl W. Stalling
Animation by Phil Monroe
One of the interesting things about “The Hare-Brained Hypnotist” is that I’ve often confused it for another Bugs Bunny short. Often times whenever I see this, I expect Bugs to eventually take on the clothing of Elmer Fudd, but that’s actually “Hare Brush” which would be released in 1955 (also a short that would be constantly played on “The Bugs and Daffy Show”). Both shorts, to be honest, aren’t very good when all is said and done. I don’t know if it’s the gimmick, or the plot twist or whatnot, but the premise for both shorts are pretty thin in laughs and gags. The latter being the lesser of the pair, but that’s beside the point.
It’s true, though, that we at least return to the classic Elmer Fudd design that would become his dominant design for the rest of the Looney Tunes cinematic universe. Elmer Fudd appears now in full hunter regalia and with his hunting rifle. This time though he’s considering a new way to hunt, that way involving hypnotism. The set up involves Elmer sitting in the woods and reading “Stalking Wild Game,” a book about hypnosis and he manages to demonstrate his skill for it by hypnotizing a wild bear that crosses his path. His powers are so good that, in a funny twist, allows the bear to think it’s a bird, prompting it to fly off.
Elmer then turns his attention to Bugs Bunny who is hiding in his hole innocently. From here on in, the short goes exactly as you’d think it would, but it also has some neat turns here and there. The moment Elmer begins focusing his attention to Bugs, he doesn’t make it easy. There’s a really funny moment where Elmer is in Bugs’ hole sending him commands and Bugs rises up from his hole, only for us to see a balloon in his place. Elmer is so involved in the hypnotic commands that he doesn’t notice he’s floating away with the fake head. I’m also a fan of Bugs’ addressing to the audience: “Heh. Dracula!” as Elmer attempts to put him under his spell.
Elmer eventually loses his temper crying about not able to hypnotize Bugs, and Bugs being a good sport allows Elmer to put him under the spell. But after a duel of stare downs, Bugs hypnotizes Elmer and turns him in to a bunny. Unaware of the results of this reversal, Elmer becomes something of a “pseudo-Bugs” and gets the upper hand. This ends with Bugs becoming victim to Elmer’s gags, including a tug of war with Elmer’s hunting rifle. There’s yet another breaking of the fourth wall where Bugs ponders if Elmer is making of fool of him as he chews on a carrot.
Suddenly two extra hands slowly appear with carrots prompting Bugs to think aloud while his mouth is stuffed with extra carrot. It’s a funny gag that sees something of a role reversal that would eventually be somewhat rare in future Bugs shorts. “Hare Brained Hypnotist” ends on a wacky note as Elmer wanders off after another duel of hypnosis, and assuming to have come out normal, Bugs flies declaring “I’m overdue at the airport! I’m the B-19!” It’s a clever final note on what is just an okay short all around.
“Hare Brained Hypnotist” is thin on plot and thin on the gags, but it still pulls in some solid chuckles, as well as some very good animation from Phil Monroe. Not to mention it’s good to have good old Elmer back in rare form.
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