A Wild Hare (1940)
A Wild Hare Review
A Wild Hare is a 1940 animated short film from the Merry Melodies series. It is a groundbreaking cartoon on all fronts.
Yes, finally we get to see Bugs Bunny, at least close to his most familiar form as the previous iterations differed both in look and in personality. This one, however, establishes him properly and he immediately became a star. He is not only screwy, but also incredibly smart and manipulative. The way he constantly tricks and makes fool of Elmer is bound to make anyone laugh.
Speaking of Elmer, he is also perfectly established here for future films. He is insecure, foolish and definitely quite dumb and the contrast between the two is so well played for laughs. The animation is terrific along with the two character designs; and the use of score during some of the action is great. I liked, albeit not loved, its ending and the highlight for me was their first encounter and his signature line “What’s up, Doc?” The short is definitely quite funny, but not as hilarious as later Bugs Bunny entries will be.
A Wild Hare is a highly important Warner Bros. cartoon that establishes both Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd and sets the entire series on the right track.
