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.
Follow us on this massive journey where we discover and re-discover Every Bugs Bunny Ever.
Hare Force (1944)
Directed by Friz Freleng
Written by Tedd Pierce
Music by Carl W. Stalling
Animation by Manuel Perez
What–? Two dog foes in a row? Either Termite Terrace were a fan of the popular trope of Bugs fighting predatory dogs, or they were just out of ideas. In either case, it’s at least a good thing that both dog villains are different. The dog foe in “Hare Force” is funnier and more interesting than the one in “Hare Ribbin’” and that’s mainly because he’s so much less whiny. I also get a kick out of his goofy speech pattern which makes him sound oafish but absolutely hilarious. And he’s at least given a name this time, Sylvester. No relation to the black and white Tom cat, of course.
It’s unusual that this is called “Hare Force” since this short has absolutely nothing to do with the military or the air force. It’s a rabbit pun, granted, but there could have been so many more ideas on the board for a title. “Blistering Cold Bunny”? “Bitter Cold Bunny”? “Hypothermic Hare”? I’m just brainstorming. In either case, despite that little discrepancy, “Hare Force” is actually one of the better Bugs Bunny shorts where he faces off, once again, with a one and done nemesis for this outing. Bugs had his gallery of popular super villains and nemeses, but he had a lot more one and done foes that really gave him a hard go of it many times. They’re some of the funniest characters to, but they never really worked out beyond their short time sharing the screen with Bugs Bunny.
Bugs Bunny once again faces off against a dog, but this one is named Sylvester, and he’s a domesticated dog with a less than average intellect. “Hare Force” takes a change of pacing this time around with a set up that’s different than the other hunting and stalking concepts. This set up for this one is set during a big snow storm where we meet the spoiled Sylvester the Dog. Sylvester is preparing to turn in for the night with his owner (Bea Benaderet once again), who would come to be known as Proto-Granny. Granny as many know would bafflingly become one of the most prominent Looney Tunes characters of all time, appearing in everything right down to “Space Jam.”
I’ve never understood the appeal, personally.
The proto-granny is preparing to go to bed until she gets a knock at the door and happens upon a frozen Bugs Bunny. Taking pity on him, she brings him in to nurse him to health despite Sylvester’s jealousy and anger. This quickly prompts a war between the pair both of whom go to war over the territory. Although uneven in some respects, “Hare Force” works because of the hilarious voice work by Kent Rogers as Sylvester, who works beautifully off of Mel Blanc. Sylvester is absolutely hilarious and manages to grab some of the best gags, as well as one of the more controversial moments in Bugs Bunny lore.
After a gag where Bugs molds himself in a snow body double, Sylvester attempts to warm him up and he melts in front of the fire. This prompts Sylvester to moan and weep about killing the poor rabbit while Bugs, standing behind the unwitting dog, proclaims he’ll be getting the “hot chair.” This scene was apparently cut from a lot of syndication airings. While it is a bit out of place as something of a darker gag from Bugs, it’s not at all out of character for Bugs to trick his enemies in to thinking they’d killed him. Despite its short comings, “Hare Force” comes to a fun pay off where Sylvester and Bugs are kicking one another out of the house, only to rush back in and kick the other out.
Eventually Proto-granny emerges ordering them to stop, only for here to bounce out on to the snow, with the door slamming behind her. Cut to Sylvester and Bugs sharing the space in front of the fire. It’s a funny and clever turning of tables ending on one of Bugs’ many classic one liners “Ain’t I a Stinker?”
I give the short credit for giving us something different from the norm. It’s a bit dark in places, but overall it’s very funny and it’s a shame we never got to see Sylvester the dog again.
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