Der Hase, der zum Essen kam

When Elmer Fudd's Uncle Louie bequeaths him 3 million dollars on the condition that he doesn't hurt any living creatures, Bugs Bunny exploit's the situation by moving into his house and taking over his life. Friz Freleng's 'The Wabbit Who Came to Supper' is a fun take on a classic, much used storyline which was probably best realised in the Tom and Jerry classic 'The Million Dollar Cat'. Freleng's take on the tale is also very fine, overcoming the odd pacing problems with some very funny moments. My favourite bit is Bugs's petty duping of Elmer out of a nickel. Also notable is the famous premature New Year routine and the early take on the "Don't go down there, it's dark" gag (perfected in 'Hair Raising Hare'). This is a very early Bugs Bunny cartoon and you can occasionally tell by the odd look of the characters. Aside from the obese version of Elmer (an early experiment that was quickly abandoned), Bugs occasionally looks extremely weird, never more so than in the scene when he examines his teeth in a mirror. Nevertheless, it's a joy to watch Bugs and Elmer alternately turn the tables on each other resulting in a great climactic chase. The closing gag is a little weak but by that time 'The Wabbit Who Came to Supper' has done more than enough to endear itself to the viewer. While it falls short of classic, 'The Wabbit Who Came to Supper' never fails to entertain with its fast paced, well-timed antics.

"The Wabbit Who Came to Supper" is a play on the title of another Warner Brothers film, "The Man Who Came to Dinner", which was also made in 1942.

The story is good but for some reason the animation quality and style is really odd...like they hired all new animators for this film. Now this could be because it was made during the war and MANY animators were drafted...many of which remained in Hollywood and made government sponsored cartoons.

All I know is that it's odd to see Elmer Fudd hunting in a hot pink shirt and chartreuse necktie. But it goes beyond the color. Elmer is oddly drawn...very rubbery and poor quality...like it was drawn by someone who wasn't ready for professional work.

The story itself, fortunately IS good...and fun to watch. Apparently Elmer's 'Uncle Wouie' is dying and is leaving Elmer $3,000,000...but only if he doesn't harm any animals. Bugs hears this and, naturally, this means he'll drive Elmer mad since there's nothing Elmer can do to stop him...provided he wants this inheritance.

Overall, this is still worth watching because it's funny...but the art is just cheap looking.

An 8? Come on. This one deserves a ten. Friz Freleng did a wonderful job. Elmer inherits $1,000,000 from his uncle, but he doesn't get the money if he harms Bugs who makes this concept just about impossible. Classic scene when Bugs is outside Elmer's door pretending to freeze to death? Bugs: You know, this scene ought to get me the academy award.

When an enormous original Elmer Fudd, who is hunting Bugs at the time, gets a telegram that he has inherited three million dollars but may harm no animals, he thinks he's in heaven. Unfortunately, Bugs sees the telegram and begins to make the big guy's life miserable. He moves into his house and takes advantage of every perk there is. As a viewer, it is hard to watch because Bugs is a nasty figure.

"The Wabbit Who Came to Supper" gives one the idea of milking a situation to the nth degree. When Elmer Fudd - looking like a walking heart attack (they were making him fat at this time so as to resemble his voice artist Arthur Q. Bryan) - receives a letter telling him that he'll inherit $3 million as long as he doesn't harm any animals, especially rabbits, Bugs Bunny (who overheard Elmer reading the telegram) promptly invades Elmer's house and does everything possible to annoy Elmer. How I would love to try that! It just goes to show why these cartoons were so great: they were never afraid to pull any wacky gag that they could think of. And this one has some great gags! So check it out. You're sure to love it.

And remember: don't go down there; it's dark!