¿Que Hay De Nuevo, Viejo?

The Disassociated Press wants Bugs Bunny's life story. Got a pencil? "First," says Bugs, "I was born." He quickly learns he is different from the other children: he's a "rabbit in a human world." He grows up to accept repetitive chorus boy jobs in such Broadway revues as "Girl of the Golden Vest," "Wearing of the Grin" and "Rosie's Cheeks." His career hits the skids and he's living on a park bench before he's discovered by that great vaudeville star, Elmer Fudd. Their dual comedy act is a hit, which leads to film roles. Will Bugs Bunny ever have to look back?

The director of this picture, Robert McKimson, is rated low among cartoon fans, and I think rightly so. But this film is a delight, especially Bugs's and Elmer's swinging musical number, "What's Up, Doc?" Here is McKimson at his rare best.

Other treats include caricatures of Al Jolson, Jack Benny, Eddie Cantor and Bing Crosby, (and Elmer's crack at their expense); and funny bits from Bugs's and Elmer's comedy act.

This cartoon is included in the "Looney Tunes Golden Collection, Volume One," Disc 1.

Before Hollywood biographies centered on drug abuse and such things, "What's Up Doc?" portrayed Bugs Bunny telling his life story from childhood - "I knew I was different, and then it hit me: I was a rabbit in a human world." - up to his career in entertainment. However, it seems like there's a little less in this cartoon than the Looney Tunes cartoons usually showed. But I'd say that it's strength lies in its portrayal of the lack of employment in Hollywood (which I've heard is actually around 95%), and how it forces individuals into self-degrading work. I always get the feeling that whenever the Termite Terrace crowd made cartoons spoofing Tinseltown, they were probably basing the cartoons on their personal experiences. Maybe I can't prove that, but I just get that feeling.

So, it's not the greatest cartoon, but worth seeing. I don't know whether or not you're rooting for me, so now I have to go.

I saw hardly anything wrong with this short - apart from the fact that it felt too short. I thought it was sweet, funny and had a good storyline. I thought it good that after less than ten years of Bugs Bunny, the WB studios were ready to make a history episode of Bugs Bunny's life. That is what the plot-line is. It may not be how other people see it, but it's just a cartoon. "What's Up Doc" may not have the humour right for everybody, but it can appeal to a wide range of people, many who might even say they do not like Looney Tunes. This is one of my favourite Bugs Bunny shorts and there are many other people out there with similar tastes as me, who will enjoy it even more, or just as much.

In this episode, Bugs Bunny, sunbathing beside his swimming pool, receives a call from a reporter who wants to know about his life. Bugs gives an account of his days from babyhood to the now and we see him performing in familiar and unfamiliar episodes and it is a delight to watch...

I recommend this to anybody who is bored of the slapstick and farce in Looney Tunes and prefers different sorts of this WB cartoon series. Enjoy "What's Up Doc?" :-)

What's Up Doc has Bugs Bunny in Hollywood. Hard to fathom? Well, Bugs himself refers to this in the beginning, while he is conversing on the telephone with the press. He narrates his life story by saying how 'different' he was from others when he was born. Not only was he a bunny, but he was also a prodigy, playing the toddler piano like Mozart and then stepping it to Broadway. His 'meteoric' rise involves repetition of performances in various shows, which brings him fame and the moment he tries a one-act performance, his career takes a wrong turn. He becomes depressed and aloof till Elmer Fudd notices him and the two form an alliance.

'What's Up Doc?' has some sparkling moments- the 'talk, it's your nickel' joke, the 'first I was born' opening, the desperate attempts made the other struggling actors when Elmer enters and the ironic ending. 'Singin' in the Rain' may have been inspired by this short- however the film is a masterpiece. This short's main problem is that it's a short, so it does not really justify its title to a great extent. It tries to cover too much in its short run length- which proves to be a double edged sword for WUD?.

The animation however is quite superior, and the production is commendable. 'Duck Amuck's' animation is comparatively inferior, however the plot was apt for a short. A thirty minute film for What's up Doc? would do it more justice.

I read a number of reviews that found the film to be boring and unfunny; I found the film to be a brave and somewhat visionary attempt considering the year it was made. And Bugs Bunny is just adorable. My Rating: 8/10

For my money, the penultimate of Bugs Bunny's career.

Bugs tells his life story over the phone to the Disassociated Press (a clue for what we're in for.) We follow the trace of his career from dancing school, vaudeville, unemployment, a break from "big vaudeville star" Elmer Fudd (!), a twist in the act that's a hit with the audience and puts them in the big time.

And finally, Hollywood. The bit where they sing the title song does it for me. But even then, they still have a joke on him at the end. See it yourself.