Show Biz Bugs

Daffy Duck is in a vaudeville act with Bugs Bunny which he detests because of all the accolades that Bugs gets, and the lack of them that he gets. Which leads him to drastic measures to win the audience over. Some re-used famous gags cause this short to be less than what it could have been, but using the old saying that "any Looney Tunes is Good Looney Tunes", I can't really dislike this one either. This animated short can be seen on Disc 4 of the Looney Tunes Golden Collection Volume 2 and also features an optional commentary by Greg Ford (as well as vintage sound clips and unused musical scores)

My Grade: B-

In spite of the late-1950s atmosphere of shrinking budgets and apathy toward theatrical shorts, Friz Freleng pulled off a comedy masterwork here. Yes, some of the gags have been used before, but like other old masters who rework favorite themes during their autumn years, Freleng and Co. distill and focus on the essentials to make this film a highlight of the entire Looney Tunes series. Set in the theatrical milieu Freleng used repeatedly during his Warners tenure, Show Biz Friz responds with a Bugs-Daffy outing that for sheer enjoyment can take its place alongside the Chuck Jones "trilogy" of B&D epics. Note also the animation in the wabbit and duck's "Tea for Two"; such elegance would soon be sacrificed at the altar of Hanna-Barbera and other Saturday morning TV fodder factories.

Although Bugs plays the title role, Daffy is the real star of this show and gets the most screen time. Bugs fans, of course are happy because once again Bugs outsmarts Daffy. But Daffy fans will enjoy the true genius of the Duck. Bugs may have more charisma but Daffy has more heart. Daffy is more like a human being, flawed yet lovable while Bugs seems to be too much of an ideal character.

It's the battle of egos and who is the real show business star: Bugs Bunny or Daffy Duck. The marquee bills Bugs as the star but Daffy will have none of that. He confronts the manager, who says Bugs has "more drawing power." Daffy replies, "Oh, yeah? That rabbit couldn't draw flies if he was covered with syrup. Okay, this performance will show I am the star!"

With that, the two go on stage with their vaudeville act, beginning with the tap dance duo number, complete with the top hat, tails and canes. By the way, the artwork in this cartoon is exceptional: great drawings and startling color.

Daffy's solo tap dance is terrific and I also laughed at his trained "pigeon act." Mostly though, it's just the duck's comments that evoke the most laughter. I was amazed how straight Bugs played it in this cartoon. It's really not his but Daffy's cartoon. Bugs actually plays a low-key, nice guy. I think this would have been better had Bugs had a little more of his spark to him, although obviously it was smarter to just say little and let the egotist duck make a fool of himself.

. . . or element of entertainment naturally, while others are doomed to fail miserably no matter how hard they try. One can think of Harold Hill or the yoyo salesman, or the red-faced buffoon and the geriatric debate opponent, or Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck. The first mentioned in each of the above pairings seems to be the inevitable winner, while the latter member of these duos appear to be eternally cursed. Mr. Hill can sell bassoons to igloo builders as he turns the librarian into a sadder but wiser gal, and transforms the school board into a barbershop quartet. On the other hand, he who rhymes with "T" stands for fool. Daffy usually falls into this category, as well.