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

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.

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The Son of The Stars (Fiul Stelelor/Ultima Misiune) (1987)

One of the advantages of boutique physical releases is that American audiences are able to check out films that they wouldn’t have otherwise been able to before. This year, the never before officially released in the U.S. “The Son of the Stars” makes its way to American shores. The animated adventure described as a “wild mid-80s mash-up of The Empire Strikes Back, Alien and Tarzan” was directed by the creative team of Călin Cazan and Mircea Toia, and features a pretty trippy original score by synth-rock pioneer Stefan Elefteriu. I can safely say while you can see the “Star Wars” influences dripping all over it, it’s a wild experience for any animation buff.

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Every Bugs Bunny Ever: A Wild Hare (1940)

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.

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

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.

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DC League of Super-Pets (2022)

I’m surprised it took this long for a super pets movie to be conceived by Warner Bros. It’s always been a recurring theme in DC Comics with superheroes having their own super pets. Hell, even Superman had a Super Horse at one time or another. In either case, “League of Super-Pets” feels like a next interesting step in the DC animated universe that I hope can continue in one way or another. While the movie isn’t perfect, it sure is a fun diversion with a neat narrative.

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

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.

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

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!

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