Written By Ken Hulsey
Get ready for a delightful nostalgia trip as we dive into the universally adored animated short, *Hair-Raising Hare*, a true Halloween classic from 1946 featuring the one and only Bugs Bunny. Honestly, it’s about time we dusted this gem off and showcased it, especially with Halloween upon us!
Now, let’s be real—how many of you out there haven’t seen this iconic short? But just in case you need a quick refresher (or if you're one of the few who haven't had the pleasure), let’s set the stage. Our charismatic hero, Bugs Bunny, finds himself lured to a creepy castle by a sultry female rabbit robot—sounds like a typical day in the life of Bugs, right? This castle just so happens to belong to a mad scientist who bears a striking resemblance to the actor Peter Lorre. The unfortunate plan? To turn Bugs into a delicious meal for an ominous monster lurking nearby.
But, ah yes, it’s Bugs we’re talking about! Of course, he doesn’t just waltz into the situation without a plan. Unfazed by the mad scientist’s antics, Bugs quickly turns the tables when the monster—a gigantic, fuzzy orange creature named Gossamer (who looks like a hilarious mash-up between Bigfoot, Elmo, and your favorite decorative pillow)—is unleashed. Spoiler alert: Gossamer stands absolutely no chance against our clever rabbit, who cleverly tricks him into running away by pointing out the theater full of audience members enjoying the show. In a twist, it turns out that the real monsters weren’t lurking in the shadows after all—it was us, the viewers, all along!
*Hair-Raising Hare* is a Warner Bros. Merrie Melodies classic released on May 25, 1946, and was brilliantly directed by the legendary Chuck Jones, with a script crafted by Tedd Pierce. The short marks the first appearance of that unforgettable orange monster, who, in later cartoons, gets some proper names—first “Rudolph” and later “Gossamer.”
Animation director J. J. Sedelmaier once pointed out how distinct Bugs’ character is in this film compared to his later portrayals, like the smooth and collected Bugs we see in *Rabbit Seasoning* (1952). In *Hair-Raising Hare*, he leans more toward a Groucho Marx style—think witty one-liners and that iconic Groucho walk. It's not just Bugs, though; the monster design is equally captivating! I mean, where do his arms disappear to when we can't see them? And why on earth is he wearing sneakers? It’s those quirky details that remind us why we love great cartoons: we’re just here for the laughs and the fun!
Chuck Jones considered *Hair-Raising Hare* one of his prime creations, often reflecting on that era at Warner Bros. as the moment he truly connected with Bugs Bunny. It’s as if he allowed Bugs to take the reins of the short, give himself cues, and chat with the audience directly—such a clever way to break the fourth wall!
So, grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and prepare for a hearty chuckle as we celebrate this animated classic. Happy Halloween, everyone!
"Listen, Dracula... Have you ever had the feeling you were being watched? Like the eyes of strange things are upon you? Look, out there in the audience."
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