Haredevil Hare

"Scientists Set To Launch First Rocket To Moon," screams the newspaper headlines. "Heroic Rabbit Volunteers As First Passenger," reads another.

The next scene shows Bugs being literally dragged by a couple of big men, and yelling, "I don't want to go; I'm too young to fly! Stop. I've got a wife and kids. Millions of kids. Help! I don't want to be a hero. You ain't getting me in that flying cigar!" (So much for "heroic.")

When they load the rocket with carrots, Bugs quickly changes his mind....and off he goes! He crash-lands on Mars, is soon joined by Marvin the Martian (who isn't named that yet being this is is first time on screen) who attempts to blow up Earth). The Martian is joined by his "helper" K -9. Bugs, of course, tries to stop Earth from being destroyed.

This is very silly and designed strictly for tiny tots but still is interesting enough for adults to watch.

This is the first cartoon featuring Marvin the Martian and his sidekick, K-9. Marvin has become even more popular today than he was when Warner Bros. was making those fabulous shorts in the 40's and 50's., much like Taz (although why the adoration for that simple character is beyond my comprehension - but that is a comment for another section). Marvin is trying to blow up the Earth and of course Bugs tries to stop him, because everyone he knows is there. This is a great cartoon, not my favorite with the Martian, but a very good beginning for him. Of note is that Mel Blanc would change the voice for him in subsequent cartoons, and the later interpretation is an improvement, but the one he has in this one takes nothing away from it.

In "Haredevil Hare" Bugs Bunny is the less than willing first rabbit shot into space. However, he's tricked and soon is sent hurtling towards the moon. There he soon meets Marvin the Martian (he's not called Marvin and looks and sounds a bit different in this, his first appearance). Unfortunately, Marvin is intent on blowing up the Earth and it's up to Bugs to stop him. But Marvin has help in the form of a green space dog. Can Bugs save the day?

Like the rest of the Bugs cartoons of the era, this one has exquisite animation and is quite entertaining. While I have never adored the Marvin character as much as many, it is enjoyable and worth seeing.

In this notable short we first see Marvin the Martian when Bugs Bunny lured by NASA with a cargo load of carrots, gets into a rocket ship destined for the moon. Once there it's up to Bugs to foil Marvin's mission to destroy Earth. This is yet another classic Looney Tunes short. Perhaps my judgment is shewed as I like the Marvin character and his alien-dog side-kick. However all the jokes worked for me, even if there were a few less of them than usual. I would definitely put this one up there with the best Bugs Bunny-based looney Tunes shorts. This cartoon is on Disk 3 of the "Looney Tunes Golden Collection Volume 1" It also has an optional commentary

My Grade: A-

Classic Bugs Bunny cartoon from the team of Chuck Jones and Michael Maltese. This one is the first appearance of Marvin the Martian. Bugs is launched into space and becomes the first rabbit on the moon. Quickly following his historic accomplishment, another spaceship lands on the moon. Out steps Marvin the Martian and his dog K-9. Marvin intends to blow up Earth with a "Uranium PU-36 Explosive Space Modulator" but Bugs has other ideas. It's a fresh and very funny short that gave us terrific characters in Marvin and K-9. Marvin's voice here is a little different as Mel Blanc hadn't perfected it yet. Aside from that minor distraction, this is a perfect cartoon. A real classic with great animation, writing, music, and voice work.