Daffy Duck & Egghead

Isn't "The Merry-Go-Round Broke Down" the theme song to the Loony Tunes? Tex Avery was probably aware of this, which would make it an inside joke, adding to the countless gags which the gang at Termite Terrace used, to make each other laugh. I was watching this cartoon recently from their Golden Collection Vol. 3. This one didn't have a commentary, so I thought I'd put that out there, but I suppose most die-hard fans noticed it right away. (I wish there were commentaries for all of them.)

Also, Mel Blanc voiced the turtle referee, and he did a brilliant impersonation of Chico Marx.

While this cartoon is very good for its time (with Tex Avery to boot), I vastly prefer the 40's and 50's versions, which is why I only gave it a 7. Personal preference.

'Daffy Duck and Egghead' is very early Daffy Duck and does show him still evolving, not just in his barely recognisable character design but to a lesser extent in personality. It is still a great cartoon though, and one of his better early ones if not quite up there with the masterpieces he would be involved in later.

Make no mistake, Daffy is still very funny, especially in the musical number and the rifle gag, and while still evolving the wacky, manic energy is certainly evident even in early stages. Egghead, later to become Elmer, is a great foil and entertainingly nutty. Their chemistry is hugely enjoyable throughout. Plus there is a scene-stealing turtle and a suitably annoying audience member.

Production values are very high, with Tex Avery's unique and deliciously wild style unmistakable and very well suited to the cartoon with plenty of visually inventive moments. The animation is richly detailed, carefully drawn and bursting with vibrant colour, with some really gorgeous and clever shots. Carl Stalling's music score as well as synchronising brilliantly adds so much to the action and enhances it, with luscious orchestration and constant high-voltage energy.

'Daffy Duck and Egghead' is hugely entertaining, and often hilarious. A definite highlight is Daffy's musical number, a perfect example of Stalling's fabulous ability of putting his own spin on pre-existing material and delivered with delicious gusto by Mel Blanc. The rifle gag and Egghead's interaction with the audience member are also great. Everything is paced and told incredibly well and everything comes together beautifully. Mel Blanc as always does a bravura job and Danny Webb is effective as Egghead.

All in all, great cartoon and while not quite up there with the masterpieces it is one of the better early-era Daffy cartoons, showing that even when he is still evolving he can still shine. 9/10 Bethany Cox

This short features a very early version of Daffy Duck (call it Daffy 1.0) and also Egghead, who would evolve into Elmer Fudd a bit later on. This features one of the zaniest duels of all time! The turtle almost steals the show here! Typical Tex Avery sight gags. A bit more talky than the aerage Avery short, but very good. Well worth seeing. Recommended.

Tex Avery's 'Daffy Duck and Egghead' was the second cartoon ever to feature Daffy Duck and his first appearance in colour. Opening with an inventively surreal shot in which the two characters are established as literally nuts, the cartoon then segues (via a very funny caption) into a sumptuous scenic shot which sets the standard for the film's handsome look. An extension on Daffy's first appearance, 'Porky's Duck Hunt', 'Daffy Duck and Egghead' keeps the hunting scenario but significantly extends the duck's role, giving him top billing and throwing the spotlight on him as the undoubted star. Avery's masterstroke here is to remove the straight man from the picture. Whereas Porky had been the straight man in Daffy's previous picture, Egghead is a nuttier character and by cartoon's end he is leaping and whooping like Daffy. The gags are all exceptionally original and very funny and the obligatory musical number, often the weakest element in these early Merrie Melodies, is actually a highlight. Daffy performs the iconic Looney Tunes theme 'The Merry-go-round Broke Down' with enormous gusto and it's so entertaining that his reflection emerges from the water to congratulate him at the song's end! 'Daffy Duck and Egghead' is classic Avery and a must see for any lover of animation. It looks gorgeous, it will make you laugh out loud and even sing along and it played a significant part in elevating the greatest ever cartoon character (in my opinion) to superstar status. A landmark of animation history and American film-making in general.

Directed by Tex Avery this is an early Looney Tunes cartoon which features a lot of hilarious Avery trademark gags. And stars Daffy Duck and The Pre-pubescent Elmer Fudd. It's a great cartoon with the Looney/Cock-eyed first draft Daffy Duck.

3(***)out of 4(****)stars