Wild and Woolly Hare

This time, Bugs Bunny and Yosemite Sam (the rootin'est, tootin'est, shootin'est person east, west, north and south of the Pecos) have a shootout in an Old West town; guess who prevails? As a hint, the "take ten paces" game gets reversed. And then there's the train that Sam wants to rob. Will Sam ever get that fur-bearin' varmint?! It's just always great to see how the guys behind the Looney Tunes cartoons weren't afraid to do anything that they wanted. True, the Indian character is a stereotype, but as long as we understand that, then we can accept the cartoon for what it is: pure, unadulterated fun. A really hilarious cartoon.

In the filmography of Yosemite Sam--Bugs' ultimate patsy--this film is a rather humble effort, but more than just delivers the goods comedically. Timing on all the gags is sharp as ever (no surprise, given the director), and the backgrounds are a neat parody of UPA-style graphics.

For you Warner fans keen for good "inside jokes" and caricatures, check out the very beginning of the cartoon: that's Mel Blanc with the beer, who says he understands Yosemite Sam's in town. Then we cut to the two card-playing cowboys: they are Chuck Jones (poker face, no mustache) and Robert McKimson (the guy who speaks, with mustache). Possibly THE funniest thing in the whole cartoon.

The story may be a tad routine, but everything else is wonderful. The animation looks really lovely with beautiful colours and landscapes and both Bugs Bunny and Yosemite Sam are well drawn. The music is rousing and playful, and the sight gags are great. Even better is the dialogue, very often it is absolutely hilarious, Yosemite gets all the best lines such as "I hate that rabbit" and "ya stupid horse". The pacing is fast and furious allowing the gags to come thick and fast. Both Bugs and Yosemite are on top form, and both are superbly voiced as consistently as ever by the one and only Mel Blanc. Overall, a really great cartoon that delivers especially on the dialogue. 9/10 Bethany Cox