Bugs im Bau

When Bugs Bunny accidentally tunnels into Sing Sing prison, gard Yosemite Sam mistakes him for a prisoner and wacky hijinks ensue. A lot of humorous gags are in this 7 minute short, such as Bugs tricking Sam into locking himself up, as well as numerous others. This short is further proof (as if we needed any) that Robert McKimson was so very mediocre as both this and 'Big Top Bunny' were written by Tedd Peirce, however this short was directed by Fritz Freleng and the difference really shows. As this short is infinitely more funny.The interaction between Bugs and Sam is great as well. This funny cartoon is on Disk 1 of the "Looney Tunes Golden Collection Volume 1"

My Grade: A

Big House Bunny (1950)

**** (out of 4)

Hilarious Looney Tunes short has Bugs Bunny accidentally digging into a prison where guard (Yosemite) Sam Schultz plans on keeping him. The hard trying Sam doesn't know who he's up against though. This here is one of my favorite shorts as it contains non-stop action, rather violent scenes and one hilarious moment after another. I think this is one short where every sequence could be considered classic and that's saying a whole lot considering how great the series was. There are countless great moments here but I'd have to say my favorite is the scene where Bugs dresses up like Sam's boss and of course this goes badly for Sam in two ways. Another great sequence is Bug's first prison escape.

Friz Freleng's 'Big House Bunny' benefits greatly from a good script by Tedd Pierce. Despite a couple of nonsensical jokes (hey, how'd he get out of there? And how did that noose get round his neck?), Pierce's writing takes the action in some unpredictable directions and punctuates it with some amusing wisecracks. Running away from some hunters who are distinctly more threatening than Elmer Fudd, Bugs Bunny takes refuge in Sing Song prison where he is immediately victimised by Sam Schulz (Yosemite Sam). Inevitably, Bugs turns the tables on Sam resulting in prisoner and free man switching places. Particularly memorable in the barrage of gags are the ball and chain in the cannon joke and the highly unusual climactic visual pun. While these old-rivalry-in-a-new-setting cartoons can sometimes prove tedious, Tedd Pierce's inventive writing ensures 'Big House Bunny' rises above the average efforts.

Of course, Bugs is one of the few characters who manages to always win in the end. To escape hunters, he tunnels his way out of danger, right into a prison year where Yosemite Sam (Schultz) is waiting for him. Soon he is unfairly incarcerated. What transpires are a series of tricks played on the guard as our bunny remains aloof. Quite good, actually.

Big House Bunny is not among the best but I enjoyed it a lot. Bugs is still witty and likable, but he is somewhat predictable at the same time. Yosemite Sam works really well with him and utters some of the best lines, and the warden is a great surprise with an even bigger temper than Sam! The animation once again is crisp, colourful and lively. All the characters are drawn more than adequately, the jail is a suitably foreboding setting and the use of colours and backgrounds make Big House Bunny a pleasure for the senses. The music is energetic and rousing, the dialogue is fresh with a lot of wit, the sight gags all work with some hilarious and some surprisingly morbid(not a bad thing) and the story while simple doesn't fall into the predictability area too much. Mel Blanc does a wonderful job once again with the voices.

Overall, a great cartoon. 9/10 Bethany Cox