Category Archives: Every Bugs Bunny Ever

Every Bugs Bunny Ever: Hiawatha’s Rabbit Hunt (1941)

Posted on by

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.

Hiawatha’s Rabbit Hunt (1941)
Directed by Friz Freleng
Written by Michael Maltese
Music by Carl W. Stalling
Animation by Gil Turner

Again, there’s a golden rule behind the dynamic of Bugs Bunny in that he works so much better when he’s the defender and not the bully. Earlier Bugs shorts pegged him as being something of an antagonist who pushes Elmer Fudd (and a few others) around. Here, Bugs Bunny is relying on his classic trope that would become a trademark of his. In “Hiawatha’s Rabbit Hunt,” he’s merely hanging out, minding his business, and goes on the defensive when troubles comes banging at his door. “Hiawatha’s Rabbit Hunt” delves in to the troublesome territory that would become somewhat recurring in future Bugs Bunny episodes.

Continue reading →

Every Bugs Bunny Ever: Tortoise Beats Hare (1941)

Posted on by

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.

Tortoise Beats Hare (1941)
Directed by Tex Avery
Produced by Leon Schlesinger
Music by Carl W. Stalling
Animation by Charles McKimson

In “Tortoise Beats Hare,” Bugs is a bit of a bully once again. Maybe not so much a bully, but he does have a bone to pick which makes him kind of antagonistic. This time he kind of has a reason to be. Here, he’s forced in to taking part of the classic Aesop fable of “The Hare & The Tortoise.” And by the laws of the original short story, he has to lose. This, of course, doesn’t sit well with Bugs Bunny (now donning his white gloves), and he’s hell bent on beating Cecil the Tortoise. This is the first time we meet Cecil, a very unassuming and slow witted tortoise who is so much cleverer than Bugs assumes.

Continue reading →

Every Bugs Bunny Ever: Elmer’s Pet Rabbit (1941)

Posted on by

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.

Elmer’s Pet Rabbit (1941)
Directed by Charles M. Jones
Produced by Leon Schlesinger
Music by Carl W. Stalling
Animation by Rudy Larriva

I hate to say it, but “Elmer’s Pet Rabbit” is one of my least favorite shorts from Bugs massive library. While it’s not the worst of its kind, it really is weak in both its execution and premise. Bugs goes from wacky taunter, to inadvertent hero, right back to wacky taunter all over again. It’s almost like he takes a step back in his development here, even with Elmer Fudd playing the protagonist to Bugs. He’s basically the foil, but he’s also the more innocent of the pairing, playing a basic bachelor in a derby, who simply buys a wabbit one day.

Continue reading →

Every Bugs Bunny Ever: A Wild Hare (1940)

Posted on by

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.

A Wild Hare (1940)
Directed by Tex Avery
Produced by Rich Hogan
Music by Carl W. Stalling
Animation by Virgil Ross

“What’s Up, Doc?”

Finally! Here we are that the final turning of the screwball. Bugs Bunny is here and he brings in all of his signature quirks and trademark personality. Everything is present from chomping down on his carrot, to outwitting the bad guy, to his iconic “What’s Up, Doc?” The character has evolved now with no black tipped ears, or black nose. Now he has his great punctuated ears, his pink nose, buck teeth, and sharp puffy tail.

Continue reading →

Every Bugs Bunny Ever: Elmer’s Candid Camera (1940)

Posted on by

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.

Elmer’s Candid Camera (1940)
Directed by Charles Jones
Produced by Leon Schlesinger
Music by Carl W. Stalling
Animation by Bob McKimson

I was surprised doing my research for “Elmer’s Candid Camera” that the crew behind this didn’t think much of the short after completion. In fact, Chuck Jones considered it a guide on “what NOT to do, and how NOT to do it,” when it applies to Bugs and Elmer Fudd. It’s surprising because while “Elmer’s Candid Camera” isn’t a masterpiece by any stretch, it’s still pretty good in its own right.

Continue reading →

Every Bugs Bunny Ever: Hare-um Scare-um (1939)

Posted on by

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-um Scare-um (1939)
Directed by: Ben Hardaway, Cal Dalton
Produced by: Leon Schlesinger
Music by: Carl W. Stalling
Animation by: Gil Turner

We’re back once again with Happy Rabbit making his evolution in to Bugs Bunny, We’re reaching the point where he’s officially Bugs in “Hare-Um Scare-Um” as he’s in Technicolor once again, and yet again the hero of the piece fighting against a wicked hunter and his loyal dog. What’s interesting about “Hare-um Scare-um” is that the hunter also seems to be a proto-Elmer Fudd (apparently named John Sourpuss) who spends his time doing battle with Happy Rabbit.

Continue reading →

Every Bugs Bunny Ever: Prest-O Change-O (1939)

Posted on by

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.

Prest-O Change-O (1939)
Directed by Charles Jones
Produced by Leon Schlesinger
Music by Carl W. Stalling
Animation by  Rudy Larriva 

The Two Curious Puppies is easily my least favorite series of Merrie Melodies shorts, as it’s basically more of a series derived on being cute. I’m not against cute, but the Two Curious Puppies are almost too saccharine for me. Sure, the animation from Rudy Larriva is fantastic, but there’s only so much you can do with two mischievous puppies that get in to all sorts of misadventures. They’re thankfully not the sole stars of “Prest-O Change-O” as they’re complimented by one naughty rabbit. Yes, Happy Rabbit is back! But this time he’s in Technicolor! It’s the wave of the future!

Continue reading →