Fresh Hare

"Fresh Hare" is one of several Warner Brothers cartoons that has been pulled from the market because of its racial insensitivities. While offensive, the company sure made worse (such as "Coal Black and de Sebben Dwarfs"--which would probably give the politically correct out there heart attacks if they see it). Now I am not excusing the ending--it was pretty offensive and I could see why the powers that be decided to yank this from the market.

The cartoon finds Elmer Fudd as a Mountie out to get his man....I mean, rabbit. It seems that the screwy rabbit has crossed the line too many times and he's wanted by the authorities. What follows is generally quite funny and is well animated. However, completely out of left field comes a final weird and not very funny joke--one that leads to Bugs, Elmer and the rest of the Mounties putting on an impromptu minstrel show. Overall, much of the cartoon is cute and enjoyable and the ending is just plain odd and rather offensive.

In "Fresh Hare", an obese Elmer Fudd is a Mountie and out to get Bugs Bunny. Needless to say, Bugs isn't going to get trapped so easily. This is just one of many cartoons showing why the Looney Tunes outdid the Disney stuff easily. The scene where Bugs "drops" Elmer out of the service is enough to make anyone die laughing, as is the scene where they run through the ice. There is, however, one scene likely to make us nervous - and possibly doubt the whole cartoon - in the 21st century: at the end, they do a minstrel show, complete with black-face. But other than that, the whole thing's a hoot. Truly classic.

Like Michael Moore reminds us: Canada is the greatest place on Earth.

Fresh Hare (1942)

*** (out of 4)

Elmer Fudd is a Mountie who comes across Bugs Bunny who is breaking several laws. Elmer goes to arrest the rabbit but you just know Bugs isn't going to be easy to take in.

Here's another extremely fast and fun short from the fine folks at Warner. Once again you've got two great characters doing some funny work and of course the animation is wonderful throughout. There are a lot of great fun to be had here as poor Elmer gets abused in countless ways. This includes him being disgraced by his "higher officer" and it eventually leads to tears. This film has become best remembered for its ending, which is one reason why the cartoon was pulled by the studio. It's certainly not very PC-friendly but instead of being offended it should just lead to an open discussion on how things were back in this era.

Elmer Fudd is a mountie on Bugs Bunny hunt (what else, really), as Bugs is wanted for several 'crimes' in the area. He finally finds and cuffs him but somehow Bugs switches himself with a bomb so poor Elmer is blown up... yet again.

Several chases follow, and this is a very funny part. They both crash in and out snow-walls, leaving funny figures. See it for yourself, very amusing.

The ending is a bit weird, as Bugs feels sorry for Elmer and turns himself in. While standing for a death-squad he is asked if he has one last wish. He has, and it somehow includes dressing up and singing a song, but I didn't really get that.

Some nice chases and a fun cartoon: 7/10.

Most of this is vintage Bugs. Elmer is a mounty and there is a price on Bugs' head. Of course, there is never a chance that he will be brought in in a conventional way. Bugs torments our guy over and over. At the end, Bugs is ready to give up his freedom (and his life) to appease Elmer. Then comes a really offensive ending.