Category: Merrie Melodies

Cartoons that were labeled as such.

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Holiday for Shoestrings

“Unintelligible squeaking!”

Direction: I. Freleng; Story by Michael Maltese, Tedd Pierce; Animation by Gerry Chiniquy, Manuel Perez, Ken Champin, and Virgil Ross; Layouts and Backgrounds by Paul Julian, Hawley Pratt; Musical Direction by Carl Stalling. Released in 1946 Direction: I. Freleng; Story by Michael Maltese, Tedd Pierce; Animation by Gerry Chiniquy, Manuel Perez, Ken Champin, and Virgil Ross; Layouts and Backgrounds by Paul Julian, Hawley Pratt; Musical Direction by Carl Stalling. Released in 1946

A fairy tale that everyone seems to know but no one talks about is “The shoemaker and the Elves” Here’s Warner Bros. take on the tale. (Their first one anyway)

Help is wanted at “Jake’s Shoe Repairs.” (These places don’t exist anymore do they?) But no one is coming by and poor old Jake is stuck lying in bed, sick. But wait! Elves seem to be popping out of every possible hiding place. (To “The dance of the sugarplum fairy”) They immediately get to work. One elf nails a sole onto a shoe, but it comes back to hit him and knocks all of the nails out of his mouth and just barely missing another. Other elves are using a waffle iron to make golf shoes. (I think that’s what they are. I know fish, not shoes. I can tell you about soles, but not soles) Another uses a jack to lift up a rejected 4F shoe to a beautiful 1A. All the while, Jake is watching in amazement. A Stan Laurel elf paints some shoe tongues red. (And accidentally paints the tongue of an Oliver Hardy elf.) Then, to Strauss’s “Tales from the Vienna woods,” (which we heard previously in “Corny Concerto”) a bunch of big elves (big for elves anyway) all hammer a nail while taking the occasional break to let a little elf feel like he’s helping with his tiny hammer. They eventually end up flattening him. And two moronic elves try to hit a nail into a shoe, but the one with the hammer hits his partner’s foot and ends up hitting himself in the head. Another tries to button up a boot, (to the “Chinese Dance” from “The Nutrcracker.”) but keeps finding one button left over. (I always hated that kind of thing as a kid) He does it many times and the only difference is that the extra button seems to end up on different sides of the boot. Eventually he gives up and cuts the extra off. Many elves work on an ugly old boot. (To Chopin’s “Minute Waltz”) and transform it into barely a shoe. (At least it looks pretty) And the two elf idiots are still trying to get the nail in with no success. One elf uses a pair of razor blades like skates to cut out some insoles. (Another tale form my childhood: as a kid, I always would take those out if I found any. No idea why) He ends up falling through the (leather?) into the water below. (There was a mop and bucket underneath) And then an Indian looking elf charms a shoelace to lace itself up to The Nutcracker’s Arabian Dance. (And this part was cut when shown on TV. That’s pathetic) Back to the idiot elves, they finally have an idea. The one with the hammer aims for his partner’s foot this time. He ends up finally hitting the nail much to their joy. And to Strauss’s “Voices of Spring” an elf punches out a design in a shoe. (The “Eat at Joe’s sign is a nice touch) And then we get my favorite part from “The Nutcracker,” the Russian dance. (So lively.) A big elf hits a nail into a shoe and a little one hits it back. They go back and forth a bit before the little one hammers the nail’s sharp end down and hits the big one’s head. Some more hit nails to the music while a couple dance in boots. (That’s not really helping guys) Seeing the elves have it all under control, Jake picks up his golf clubs and prepares to leave. (I can’t tell if he was faking it all along or not, but I choose to think he was. It’s funnier that way.) Unfortunately for him, the elves catch sight as he tries to leave. They pick him up and tuck him back into bed, hammering his sheets down so he can’t leave. As they leave, one little elf takes his clubs and hat as payment.

Personal Rating: 3

Don’t expect a new post on the 15th. I’m going on one last trip before summer vacation ends. And my work schedule has changed, so updates will once again be on Tuesdays

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Foney Fables

“The bad boy of the fairy tales: The boy who cried wolf.”

Supervision by I. Freleng; Animation by Richard Bickenback; Story by Michael Maltese; Musical Direction by Carl W. Stalling. Released in 1942

Disney had already parodied Fairy tales with “Mother Goose in Hollywood.”, so why wouldn’t W.B. give it a shot?
This short consists of nothing but gags, so I hope you weren’t expecting any story. We begin with Sleeping Beauty (which isn’t a fable by the way) the prince shakes her awake. Tom Thumb has grown huge thanks to taking Vitamin B-1. The grasshopper and the ant is next. (which is a fable by the way) The ant tells the grasshopper that he’ll starve since he didn’t work, (The ant meanwhile will probably work itself to death) but the grasshopper has bought war bonds. Then a boy cries wolf and laughs at the poor schmuck who tries to save him. Jack runs from a two headed giant, who nearly captures him but has to take a breather because his other head has been sick. A wolf disguises himself with a sheepskin but only finds another disguised wolf, and Aladdin (who really isn’t a fairy tale) calls for his genie but finds him on strike. The boy is still crying wolf and the narrator tells him to give it a rest. The boy won’t listen. A goose is said to lay golden eggs, but now lays aluminum eggs for the war effort. (And is obviously Daffy. Listen to that voice and tell me it’s not Daffy.) Mother Hubbard goes to get her dog a bone, but finds it bare. The dog finds her hidden stash and lets the whole town know she is a hoarder. Then we are treated to “This little piggy.” (which isn’t even a story!) A thick accented mother plays the game with her infant. (And you know how I point out very tiny errors? Well, this one is barely unnoticeable. One of the baby’s leg’s disappears! How’d anyone miss that?) Oh yeah, the joke is that the mom accidentally hurts the baby by touching his corn. (Sorry, but I’m not forgetting that leg.) We are about to hear a variation on Cinderella, when the boy starts calling wolf again. The man comes to see (you’d think he would have given up after try #2) but is too late and only finds a wolf picking his teeth and laughing like the boy.

Personal Rating: 3

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The Bear’s Tale

“Isn’t this where the three bears live?”

Supervision by Fred Avery; Story by J.B. Hardaway; Animation by Rod Scribner; Musical Direction by Carl W. Stalling. Released in 1940 Supervision by Fred Avery; Story by J.B. Hardaway; Animation by Rod Scribner; Musical Direction by Carl W. Stalling. Released in 1940

This short begins by showing us the cast. Papa is played by Papa Bear, Mama is played by Mama Bear, etc. The only exception being that Goldilocks is playing herself. In the beautiful, green, forest, there is a cottage where three bears live. They sit down to their porridge but find it too hot. Papa tries to cool his mouth down with a gulp of water, but drinks from the hot tap. (I just want to point out that I love this guy. He won’t stop cracking jokes and laughing heartily at them. It’s Tex Avery voicing the bear, and he’s loving every moment of it.) Deciding to let it cool, the family goes for a rid on a tandem bike for three. (The little bear being forced to do all the pedaling.) While they’re gone, someone else is waltzing through the beautiful, green, forest. It’s little Goldilocks. (Is that her real name?) She comes to a cottage and enters. Whoops! Wrong story. There’s a wolf in there who lets her know that she’s at the wrong place. He sends her on her way, but figures that she is no different from Little Red Riding Hood, and so he takes a taxi to the Bears place to surprise her. (The bears in question, are still biking. Papa is having a grand time pretending to be a siren. Have I mentioned I love this guy?) Goldilocks gets to the cottage and begins eating. At the same time, Red gets to her location and finds a note from the wolf. Seems he got tired of waiting and went to find food elsewhere. Red phones Goldie, (on her way to the bedroom) and lets her know of the plan. Goldie leaves just as the family returns. They are sad to find their food gone. The wolf sneezes and the trio panics, thinking there is a robber in the premises. Papa tells the two to stay put and he’ll go get the crook. As he climbs the stairs, he laughs once more and tells us he knows full well that there is no robber. He read this story in Reader’s Digest and is prepared to find Goldie. (Okay, it’s official. If I was a gay cartoon bear, I would marry this magnificent creature.) Imagine his surprise when he finds an angry wolf in the bed instead. (Well, you don’t really have to. I’m guessing you already saw the image at the top of the screen.) Scared, he takes his family and they run off into the sunset. Papa, Mama, and the little bear’s bare behind, behind. (Yes, they end on a butt joke. But I’ll forgive it for the spectacular wonder that is Papa. It’s a shame he never got his own series.)

Personal Rating: 4

Don’t expect a post next week. I will be on a trip. I’ll resume the week after next.

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You were never Duckier

“Brother, could I use 5,000 sthmackereenies!”

Directed by Charles M. Jones; Story by Tedd Pierce; Animation by Ken Harris, Phil Monroe, Ben Washam, and Lloyd Vaughan; Layourts by Robert Gribborek; Backgrounds by Peter Alvarado; Boice Characterization by Mel Blanc; Musical Direction by Carl W. Stalling. Released in 1948 Directed by Charles M. Jones; Story by Tedd Pierce; Animation by Ken Harris, Phil Monroe, Ben Washam, and Lloyd Vaughan; Layourts by Robert Gribborek; Backgrounds by Peter Alvarado; Boice Characterization by Mel Blanc; Musical Direction by Carl W. Stalling. Released in 1948

Well, it looks like it’s happened again. Just like me saying that McKimson only ever did one short with Speedy, I’ve gone on record saying that Jones only ever did one short with Henery. (“Scarlet Pumpernickel” cameo aside.) Appears I was once more incorrect.

Daffy is at a Poultry judging. The best rooster wins $5,000, and the best duck wins $5.00. (Sorry duck farmers, but best ducks are just food.) Daffy is angry but figures that all he has to do is disguise himself as a chicken and he’s on the road to cash. He dons what all non-chicken birds don to get a comb, a red rubber glove. (“Wallace and Gromit” showed that penguins do this too.) He then grabs some cock tail. (And by that, I mean he takes the tail feathers off of one of the cockerels there, thank you very much.) His disguise complete, Daffy goes to snooze while he waits for the judging. Up in a tree meanwhile, a little chicken hawk (we’ve been over this remember? Red-tailed hawk.) is going to bed himself. His dad is reading him his favorite bedtime story, “The book with pictures of various different breeds of chickens and no words.” (I hear it’s getting a movie soon) It’s Henery and his dad, George. (For once in my blogging career I have to come up with a middle name for a character rather than a first one. His middle initial is K, so the only logical name is Ketuckyfried) Henery is just amazed at how much his dad knows about chickens. He’d love to get him one. So he heads off to the show. Finding a sleeping Daffy, he tries to take him home for dinner. When Daffy demands an explanation, Henery tells him that he’s being taken to his dad: the greatest judge of chicken flesh. Well, Daffy wants to be judged right? He happily comes with. Once at home, he finds out the name of his would be judge: George K. (entuckyfried) Chickenhawk. (Red-tailed) In a refreshing twist, Daffy doesn’t do the ‘ole “repeat the name and then realize what’s been said. He realizes that he’s pretty much a goner. While George prepares the pot, Daffy tries to prove that he is really a duck. (Both are tasty) But giving a swimming demonstration doesn’t cut it, and he can’t get his disguise off. When he tries to just flee, George grabs hold of his “comb” and when it snaps back, George now has it on. (So you can’t really blame Henery for accidentally hitting his old man with a hammer in the ensuing chase.) Daffy leaves and remembers that he still has a contest to win. Donning a new glove he gets to the podium with dollar signs in his eyes. But he loses to George of all birds. (Still wearing the comb) Well, 5.00 is five bucks and Daffy strips down to try and win something. (with cent signs in his eyes.) He loses once more, this time to Henery in duck disguise.

Personal Rating: 3

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Hollywood Daffy

“The sthity of the sthinema at lastht!”

Directed by I. Freleng; Story by Michael Maltese; Animation by Ken Champin, Virgil Ross, Gerry Chiniquy, and Manuel Perez; Layouts and Backgrounds by Hawley Pratt and Paul Julian; Voice Characterization by Mel Blanc; Musical Direction by Carl W. Stalling. Released in 1945 Directed by I. Freleng; Story by Michael Maltese; Animation by Ken Champin, Virgil Ross, Gerry Chiniquy, and Manuel Perez; Layouts and Backgrounds by Hawley Pratt and Paul Julian; Voice Characterization by Mel Blanc; Musical Direction by Carl W. Stalling. Released in 1945

Well folks, a new job is going to make it difficult for me to post on Wednesdays anymore. So the only logical thing to do is move to Mondays. (Which my previous job prevented me from doing)

Our story today takes place in Hollywood. (Naturally) There are plenty of wolves here as it’s a perfect environment for them. (Plenty of hot babes, nice climate, and delicious toons to eat) Daffy has just arrived and much like his Disney counterpart did in “The autograph hound” he wants to see some celebrities. Despite the fact there are plenty of signs saying he can’t, he waltzes into the studio anyway. He is thrown out by a studio guard dressed like a klassic keystone kop (Or a kkk member for short.) Considering Daffy is a black duck, that could be part of the reason why Rolly, there (that’s what I’m calling him) refuses to let him in. The chubby cop (portrayed hysterically by Mel) may be fat enough to snack on two popsicles at once, but he isn’t a total idiot. He does his job well. (You know Daffy’s apprentice, Plucky, would also have a hard time getting past Ralph the guard in Tiny Toons to get in the studio years later. Ralph was actually competent then. Then came the warners…) Daffy tries various disguises. Charlie Chaplin, Jimmy Durante, and Bing Crosby don’t get him in. But he is able to slip by as an Oscar. Even though Rolly can’t tell what he’s supposed to be, he does have a button that is to be pressed when gatecrashers disguised as Oscars come in. His disguise revealed, Daffy flees into the lot. He pretends to be a tour guide and shows Rolly some of the stars dressing rooms. (Abbot and Costello’s are fat and skinny, and Durante’s has extra space for his nose) He even shows off the studio guard and shows that his head is so thick, you can repeatedly hit it with a stick and he won’t feel anything. (Physically, mentally he will feel angry) He chases once more as they run past Jack Benny trying and failing to get an Oscar out of a claw machine. “I’ll never get one of those.” (and he didn’t) Daffy pretends to be a director and flatters Rolly into being in his film. He gets him to jump off a cliff. The chase continues (and Daffy is saying his trademark laugh, strangely quietly) and the cop tries to stop him with a painted backdrop of a path. (Daffy runs into it, and Rolly runs through it) The duck thinks he’s finally rid of him, but Rolly grabs him anyway. Daffy says that he is not leaving because he wants to see stars. Rolly asks why he didn’t say so. He can show him stars. He beats him on the head and tosses him out. But Daffy is happy. He’s seeing many stars now.

Personal Rating: 3

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Oily Hare

“No doggone, long-eared rabbits’ a’gonna stop me from dynamiting no oil drillin’ hole!””

Directed by Robert McKimson; Story by Tedd Pierce; Animation by Rod Scribner, Phil DeLara, Charles McKimson, and Herman Cohen; Layouts by Peter Alvarado; Backgrounds by Richard H. Thomas; Voice Characterization by Mel Blanc; Musical Direction by Carl W. Stalling. Released in 1952 Directed by Robert McKimson; Story by Tedd Pierce; Animation by Rod Scribner, Phil DeLara, Charles McKimson, and Herman Cohen; Layouts by Peter Alvarado; Backgrounds by Richard H. Thomas; Voice Characterization by Mel Blanc; Musical Direction by Carl W. Stalling. Released in 1952

This short takes place in Texas. (In the future I’m guessing. Dallas had been renamed to Dalla$) Bugs is residing in Deepinahola, Texas. (Just a little bit past Deepinaharta) He enjoys his life. Outside a very long car drives by. “How long is it?” It’s so long, that not only does the passenger need a phone to call the driver, but it’s a long distance call! This guy is pretty much McKimson’s Yosemite Sam. Since he’s not given a name, I’ll give him an extremely clever and original one. Nah, I’ll just call him Tex. His driver does have a name, Maverick. And I may sound weird but, Maverick is kinda adorable. With his hat that covers his face, a shirt that covers his entire body and the fact he doesn’t talk… I dunno. I just want a plush toy of him. Back to our story: Tex is angered to see that one of the holes on his property is not gushing oil. He and Maverick start setting up an oil derrick, when Bugs pops up to see what’s going on. Despite his claims that the hole is his home and lacks fossil fuels, Tex still continues his work. He sets some dynamite into the hole as well, to keep Bugs away. Happy to find “party decorations”, Bugs makes a cake and decorates it with the “candles.” Tex is surprised that someone remembered his birthday was today. Especially because it’s not. (Speaking of birthdays, I have one.) Bugs urges him to make a wish. My wish is that we got to hear what he was going to wish for. All we know is that it’s not money. (He’s got plenty of that.) After the explosion, he tries to just shoot Bugs. The rabbit puts up a funnel and some pipe that lead the bullets back to Tex’s rear. Time for some grunt work. He orders Maverick to go get Bugs, but the silent cutie comes back empty handed. Tex goes in himself and asks for plenty of TNT. Guess what? Bugs stole Maverick’s clothes and hands sticks upon sticks of explosives. (Tex doesn’t seem to realize that there is a Maverick in the hole and out of the hole) Soon, there’s so much dynamite that the earth is near bursting at the seams! Bugs is pretty cool with the destruction of his home after all, since he tells Tex where his lighter is. After another explosion, we see that Bug’s hole was not on top of an oil gusher; but instead a carrot one. Catching our disbelieving looks, he reminds us that anything is possible in Texas. (There you go. Toontown and Texas. The only two places on the planet where anything can and will happen.)

Personal Rating: 3

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Transylvania 6-5000

“Rest is good for the blood.”

Directed by Chuck Jones; Co-Director: Maurice Noble; Story by John Dunn; Animation by Bob Bransford, Tom Ray, Ken Harris, and Richard Thompson; Layouts by Bob Givens; Backgrounds by Philip DeGuard; Film Editor: Treg Brown; Voice Characterization by Mel Blanc, Ben Frommer, and Julie Bennet; Musical Direction by Bill Lava. Released in 1963 Directed by Chuck Jones; Co-Director: Maurice Noble; Story by John Dunn; Animation by Bob Bransford, Tom Ray, Ken Harris, and Richard Thompson; Layouts by Bob Givens; Backgrounds by Philip DeGuard; Film Editor: Treg Brown; Voice Characterization by Mel Blanc, Ben Frommer, and Julie Bennet; Musical Direction by Bill Lava. Released in 1963

A pretty late entry for Bugs, and the last time he’d be directed by Chuck Jones. (In the golden age at least.) Said bunny is burrowing through what he thinks is Pennsylvania. Obviously enough; by the title we can tell he’s on the other side of the world. (Tough luck on his part. Vampire pencils aren’t nearly as dangerous as humanoid ones.) He pops up and asks directions from someone who I think is the most unusual specimen (and that’s saying a lot) of all Looney Tunes. This is Agatha and Emily. (Voiced by Julie Bennet. Who was well known for voicing Cindy Bear)  I’ve read that they are supposed to be a two-headed vulture. Okay. (Vultures have BALD heads, but their necks don’t really lend itself to any other species I can think of. Vultures it is.) They don’t really have much of a point in this short. They don’t even help Bugs, they just go on talking about eating him I think. (They talk like he’s not even in front of them.) Bugs opts to go ask for help at a building he mistakes for an motel. They don’t even follow him. But they’ll be back. (Seriously, why two headed?) It’s really a castle and the sole occupant is one by the name of Count Bloodcount. (Nice name, but a little redundant don’t you think, nice name?) I like how his pupils can travel in between eyes. I bet that’s useful. He welcomes Bugs in. (He’s voiced by Ben Frommer, who you might remember as the Hitchcockian narrator in “The Last Hungry Cat.”) It’s a nice place. Complete with piano from “Super Mario 64” pictures of his relatives, (bats) and even a time when he was a leader of some Ghoul Scouts. (I hear they sell great cookies) Despite Bug’s clearly stating that he just wants a telephone, the Count shepherds him into a room saying he can do that tomorrow. Bugs eventually agrees and tries to get some sleep. But it’s no use, he just can’t fall asleep in an unfamiliar bed. (I’ve been there.) He decides to try some reading. Selecting a book that contains magic spells. He doesn’t notice the vampire just behind him. (Who doesn’t really have teeth, just teeth shaped lips. Just like Hassan. Mr. Jones, what is going on?) Apparently “Abracadabra” is indeed a magic phrase. (Even though Bugs says it as “Abacadabra” Close enough I suppose) The word changes the vampire into his bat form, which Bugs mistakes for a mosquito. (And swats.) The dazed bat flies out of the window to escape, but Bugs tries another phrase: “Hocus Pocus.” This turns him back to normal and he plummets into the moat. Bugs goes for a walk and the Count reveals his true self. Using his new tricks, Bugs turns himself into an umpire. Not wanting to be one-upped (I think that’s the reason) Bloodcount turns into a bat. Bugs does too. A baseball bat. (And he has no qualms about hitting a bat wearing glasses) The count slips under a stone and changes back to human shape. Now he has a weapon to crush Bugs with-Bugs turns him back into a bat and he is crushed. This goes on for a few more times. (At one point, the Count looks angry until he reverts to full height, at which point he just looks dizzy. Repeated crushings can’t be healthy for someone who can’t even be killed that way) Bugs then switches things up and trys out “Abakapocus.” This turns the count into a vampire with a bat’s head. Turning it around and saying “Hocuskadabra” makes him a head with Bat wings. And Newport News, (wait, that’s magical too?) Turns him into Witch Hazel. (Nice cameo. And that counts as an appearance. So she makes my five appearances rule) And it turns out Walla walla is also magical. (That must be a fun place to live.) This turns the count into… a two headed vulture. (what is wrong with one head?) Remember the female one/s? Bugs calls them over and it’s love at first sight. For the girls. The count/s is terrified (and I guess speechless now) and takes off with the lovebird/s in tow. (Ugh. It’s confusing) Bugs meanwhile has finally found a phone. He calls for his travel agent and hums the song “It’s magic” to himself. Only he puts one of those magic phrases into it. And since there’s no one there but him, the magic turns his ears into wings. (Seeing as he’s a mammal, he gets mammal wings. And seeing as how the mammal that can fly is a bat, he gets that model) He’s not bothered though. He tells the operator to cancel his call and flies home instead.

Personal Rating: 3

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A Pest in the House

“Poor fella. Sthure is sthleepy.”

There is a labor shortage, and this means anyone will be hired. And that includes Daffy. At Elmer’s hotel a guest is checking into Suite 666. There’s just one thing to keep in mind. This man (voiced by Arthur Q. Bryan; Fudd’s voice actor; speaking in his regular voice) has quite the temper. He’s tired and demands peace and quiet. If he’s disturbed, he’ll pound Elmer. (A-hole. You paid to stay here. If it’s not comfortable enough, leave) Bellhop Daffy loads the guest up with his own luggage, and leads him to his room. All the way, yelling about how much peace they have. He then picks through the keys one by one as the man (who I’m naming Duffy) strains. Daffy finds the right key and if you pay attention, you’ll see the door was already unlocked. Inside, he tells Duffy to just drop the bags and gives him a tip. Only outside does he remember HE’S the guest. He angrily storms in to find Daffy trying on his clothes. (It’s not disturbing him while he’s sleeping, so Elmer wouldn’t be hurt in this case) But he calms down as he see’s the bed inviting him to rest awhile. He leaps in and Daffy takes his leave. But he is considerate enough to nail a “Do not disturb sign” on the door as loudly as possible. Elmer is punched. (In tune to “Pop goes the Weasel”) Later Daffy feels the room could use some fresh air and opens a window. The sound of traffic has Duffy leaping out of bed. (And getting a mild case of white ear.) To add to his problems, some drunk has starting loudly singing in the next door room. Daffy assures him, he’ll take care of it. Daffy gets drunk and joins in. Elmer is punched. Later Daffy is cleaning a window. There’s a speck on it though. (I hate when these kind of things happen) He tries scratching it off which continues to disturb his exhausted guess. (He punches Elmer through the phone this time) Some time later, Daffy hears a great joke and just has to tell it to somebody. He chooses Duffy. (I love his face as he sits up in bed. That’s the same face I wore many times in High School.) While Daffy continues to try and spit out the humor while still laughing, Duffy goes to hit Fudd again. Even Elmer’s knight helmet doesn’t protect him and Duffy goes back to his room to find Daffy finishing the joke. Too bad he forgot the punchline. (At least Duffy can supply plenty if needed) Daffy then feels the room is too cold and tries to turn the heat up. Fudd, not wanting to be hit again, muffles the radiator with pillows. It still whistles though and it looks like he’ll be punched again. But he removes the whistling part and hides it under the pillows. Safe right? Not quite. Daffy heard the whistle and busts in yelling and berating his boss for disturbing their guest.  Duffy wakes and Elmer flees for his life. He’s got a plan though. He makes it to the front desk and rings for Daffy. (Who is obviously practicing his ventriloquism. I didn’t see his beak move) Elmer is promoting him to manager and takes his place as the bellhop. Duffy arrives and makes straight for the manager. He still ends up punching Elmer in the face. (A-hole.)

Personal Rating: 4

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Bugs’ Bonnets

“How come every other private in this mans army has a rifle, and you’ve got a gun?”

Directed by Chuck Jones; Story by Tedd Pierce; Animation by Ben Washam, Abe Levitow, Richard Thompson and Ken Harris. Layouts by Robert Gribbroek; Backgrounds by Richard H. Thomas; Voice Characterization by Mel Blanc; Music by Milt Franklyn. Released in 1956 Directed by Chuck Jones; Story by Tedd Pierce; Animation by Ben Washam, Abe Levitow, Richard Thompson and Ken Harris. Layouts by Robert Gribbroek; Backgrounds by Richard H. Thomas; Voice Characterization by Mel Blanc; Music by Milt Franklyn. Released in 1956

As this short begins, we are told that people’s behavior may be changed by their attire. (This is scientifically known as cosplaying) But a full outfit is not exactly necessary. All one needs is a hat. Our example being Elmer. When he puts on a hunting cap, he goes freaking blood hungry. (Seriously. He wants to see Bugs’ blood spray paint the scenery. He’s never been that crazy before.) So it’s no surprise that Bugs is pretty scared. As their chase begins, a truck full of hats’ doors open and spills its contents all over the woods. An army hat falls on Bugs and he has Elmer march into a lake. Elmer sinks but his hat doesn’t and when he comes back up, he has a general’s hat. (Making him act like Douglas MacArthur) Bugs runs from his now commanding officer, but Elmer gets his original hat back and fires. Bugs has dove into a hole and ends up burrowing up under a game warden’s hat. Finding Elmer shooting the army hat, he asks what he’s doing. (Sergeants aren’t in season at the moment) A gust of wind blows Elmer’s hat off and replaces it with a pilgrim hat. (Gotta get Thanksgiving dinner you know.) The wind next gives Bugs a Native American wig and he takes Elmer’s gun and gives chase. They both loose the hats and the tables turn. But as Bugs crosses a busy street, a bonnet falls on Elmer and makes him as feeble and timid as a stereotypical old lady. Good thing a boy scout hat fell on Bugs and he wastes no time in helping Fudd cross. (Reciting the Scout law as well. I hated that. It’s too long and makes one sound like their perfect.) A cardrives by and they lose the hats again. As Bugs flees once more, he ends up with a mobster’s hat and tells Elmer to get out of his territory. But a policeman cap falls on Elmer and he tries arresting Bugs. (Even thinking he’s Rocky. The mobster, not the boxer) Bugs hands him some money as a bribe and even though Elmer doesn’t accept it, the wind replaces Bug’s hat with a Judges (hat? wig? The stereotypical thing they wear on their heads) He is angered to see Elmer holding bribe money, (where did Bugs get that in the first place?) and sentences him to only 45 years and hard labor in prison. (He knows Fudd’s a family man. They might still be alive when he’s free.) As Bug’s leaves Elmer asks him to marry him, as he now wears a bridal veil. (Please don’t tell me people ship these two. That is the worst thing you can do with your life. At least drugs will kill you and keep your evil opinions from spreading) A top hat landing on Bugs has him agreeing and he carries his “bride” home.

Personal Rating: 3

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Ali Baba Bunny

“It’s mine ya understand? Mine! All mine!”

Directed by Chuck Jones; Story by Michael Maltese; Animation by Richard Thompson, Ken Haris, Abe Levitow, and Ben Washam; Effects Animation by Harry Love; Layouts by Maurice Noble; Backgrounds by Philip DeGuard; Film Editor: Treg Brown; Voice Characterization by Mel Blanc; Musical Direction by Carl Stalling and Milt Franklyn. Released in 1957

This one is a classic. I think it’s Bugs and Daffy’s best known team up, outside of the hunting trilogy. Naturally, it’s one of the 100 greatest Looney Tunes and ranks number 35 on the 50 greatest cartoons.

In (somewhere in the Middle East, I’m sure) a midget seals a cave that is brimming with treasure. He tells the guard there, (Hassan) to guard it with his life. (Because the price is life.) Poor Hassan. I bet he’s really a nice guy who wants no part in this. But seeing as he’s got no alternative, he dutifully stands watch. The midget rides away on his adorably ugly, midget camel. We then see a very familiar burrow coming along. It heads right into the cave. Having noticed this, Hassan tries to enter but can’t seem to remember the magic words. (“Open sarsaparilla? Open Saskatchewan?”) Inside, Bugs announces that they have finally made it to Pismo Beach. Or have they? As he puzzles over things, his travel buddy, Daffy notices the treasure in a way I think we all would act. (Wide eyes, licking lips/beak, and plotting to get rid of the other guy.) He claims it as his own and shoves Bugs back into the hole, before unleashing his inner scrooge. (I remember in middle school seminary class, I got to teach about the seven deadly sins. I used Looney Tunes as examples. This was greed) Hassan meanwhile has finally gotten the phrase correct. (“Open septuagenarian?” No. “Open saddle soap?” Wrong. “Open sesame?” DING!) On his way out, Daffy mistakes him for a red cap and asks for a cab. Hassan slices his cute diamond studded hat in half. (Don’t ask where he got it) Daffy flees back to Bugs asking for his help in exchange for a diamond. Bugs is too cool to care. (This story could be part of the Looney Tunes Bible. “The good su-hare-itan?”) Daffy then tells the angry guard, that Bugs is the one who brought them there and he should get all the blame. Bugs has disguised himself as a genie and offers Hassan a reward if he frees him. He does so, and Bugs grants him the treasure all to himself. (Doing an amusing chant as well) With that taken care of, Bugs heads out and thinks that maybe they’re not at the beach. But his pondering must be put on hold as Daffy has gotten himself in trouble again. Seems he took one of the diamonds that now belong to Hassan. Bugs agrees to help and gets rid of Hassan by having him climb a rope into the clouds. (Here Daffy admits that he can’t help being greedy, it’s his hobby. At least he’s honest) With the guard gone, the treasure is all Daffy’s. He loads up a mine car with all the loot, (don’t ask where he got that either.) and takes one more quick look to make sure he’s got everything. He finds a lamp and rubbing it produces a real genie. Even though, it sounds like he’s going to grant Daffy a wish, the duck’s paranoia has him assuming the genie is after his treasure and tries to shove him back in the lamp. The genie is furious, and Bugs (wisely) decides to leave. Daffy is unafraid of the genie’s wrath, and says one of the best lines in all of ever. (“Consequences, schmonsequences. As long as I’m rich.”) Brilliant. I have the feeling every celebrity ever has said that at least once. (And once Kanye is out of debt, he’ll say it again.) At the beach, Bugs muses about what happened to Daffy as he eats clams. (They must taste like carrots) He finds a pearl in one. (Or they’re oysters.) Just then, and ant-sized Daffy runs out of the hole and claims the pearl as his own. Annoyed, Bugs shuts the bivalve on him. (It’s probably dead now, so at least he won’t be digested.) Daffy doesn’t seem to mind. And why should he? The oyster is his world!

Personal Rating: 5 (If for no other reason than Daffy is probably at his best, here.)