Chuck Jones' brilliant condensation of all of Wagner into a 7-minute cartoon. A comic tour-de-force with Elmer as Siegfried (Kill the wabbit!!) and Bugs as Brunhilde. The background illustrations were absolute incredible, invoking a true Wagnerian atmosphere. If you only see one cartoon in your life, make it this one.
61 Reviews
Looney Tunes at their best
dimadick1 March 2002
This short has always been one of my favorites.It combines humor,excelent music and feelings.Seing Mr.Fudd's love, wrath and sadness in what is probably his best performance makes it very memorable.Less silly visual jokes than most Looney Tunes and making comedy out of Elmer's and Bugs' interaction with each other realy makes it even better than the oftenly over-rated "Rabbit of Seville".Nice introduction to Wagner by the way.
A Cartoon Classic
gavin694222 September 2015
Elmer Fudd is again hunting rabbits - only this time it is an opera. Richard Wagner's Siegfried with Elmer as the titular hero and Bugs as Brunnhilde. They sing, they dance, they eat the scenery.
"What's Opera, Doc?" required about six times as much work and expense as any of the other six-minute cartoons his production unit was turning out at the time. Jones has admitted as much, having described a surreptitious re-allocation of production time to complete the short.
There are a handful of cartoons that people will remember forever. This is one of them. Is there another Bugs and Fudd short that stands out more? Not that I can think of.
"What's Opera, Doc?" required about six times as much work and expense as any of the other six-minute cartoons his production unit was turning out at the time. Jones has admitted as much, having described a surreptitious re-allocation of production time to complete the short.
There are a handful of cartoons that people will remember forever. This is one of them. Is there another Bugs and Fudd short that stands out more? Not that I can think of.
This cartoon got me hooked on Opera!
bigsleepj15 March 2002
With my speaw and Magic Hewmut! Magic Hewmut! Kiww the wabbit! Kiww the wabbit!
Immortal lines. Like those other famous lines: "Here's looking at you, kid." "Put your lips together and blow!" "I'm Woodrow Wilson, go to bed!" "How do you split a car in half!"
This little cartoon got me hooked on opera in general and is certainly the best Bugs Bunny around! There are no other!
And, if you never see it, look out for that horse! It takes a lot not to enjoy the sure absurdity of this story! If they ever give a DVD with just this ONE cartoon on, I will probably buy it.
Consider yourself exceptionally lucky if you lay eyes upon this cartoon! It's the crown jewel of classic animation! None of todays sci-fi recycled trash a la Pokemon-Digimon things come near the Wagnerian majesty of WHATS OPERA, DOC?
Immortal lines. Like those other famous lines: "Here's looking at you, kid." "Put your lips together and blow!" "I'm Woodrow Wilson, go to bed!" "How do you split a car in half!"
This little cartoon got me hooked on opera in general and is certainly the best Bugs Bunny around! There are no other!
And, if you never see it, look out for that horse! It takes a lot not to enjoy the sure absurdity of this story! If they ever give a DVD with just this ONE cartoon on, I will probably buy it.
Consider yourself exceptionally lucky if you lay eyes upon this cartoon! It's the crown jewel of classic animation! None of todays sci-fi recycled trash a la Pokemon-Digimon things come near the Wagnerian majesty of WHATS OPERA, DOC?
Kill the Wabbit... Kill the Wabbit...
marcslope26 February 2002
There's a tender Bugs-Elmer duet, set to Wagner, that goes like so:
Elmer: Oh, Bwunhilde. You're so wuvwy.
Bugs (in drag): Yes, I know it. I can't help it.
Elmer: Oh, Bwunhilde, be my WUV...
Scholars may detect actual commentary in this seven-minute masterpiece on the seeds of Nazism as sown by Wagner, the absurdity of the opera music-theater construct, or the multiple ironies of anthropomorphic cross-dressing. The rest of us just find it deadpan-knockout funny, musically glorious, and enacted on the greatest Wagnerian set ever built. Bravo tutti, and a deep, grateful bow to the late, great Chuck Jones; we shall never see his like again.
Elmer: Oh, Bwunhilde. You're so wuvwy.
Bugs (in drag): Yes, I know it. I can't help it.
Elmer: Oh, Bwunhilde, be my WUV...
Scholars may detect actual commentary in this seven-minute masterpiece on the seeds of Nazism as sown by Wagner, the absurdity of the opera music-theater construct, or the multiple ironies of anthropomorphic cross-dressing. The rest of us just find it deadpan-knockout funny, musically glorious, and enacted on the greatest Wagnerian set ever built. Bravo tutti, and a deep, grateful bow to the late, great Chuck Jones; we shall never see his like again.
Artwork, Direction & Voices About As Good As It Gets
ccthemovieman-128 April 2007
Every aspect of this cartoon is outstanding, and that's coming from someone who hates opera! The illustrations in this are fantastic, the direction super and the dialog in this "opera" is hilarious.
Kudos, too, to Mel Blanc (Bugs Bunny) and Arthur Q. Bryant (Elmer Fudd) for their outstanding voice-work having those two characters sing and talk in this opera. I appreciated their work in here more than about anything, although the direction by Chuck Jones and that artwork is really tremendous. All of them outshine the story in here.
No, I still don't enjoy the "opera" but I will always enjoy this stunning-looking cartoon, which is part of Volume Two on the Looney Tunes Golden Collection.
Kudos, too, to Mel Blanc (Bugs Bunny) and Arthur Q. Bryant (Elmer Fudd) for their outstanding voice-work having those two characters sing and talk in this opera. I appreciated their work in here more than about anything, although the direction by Chuck Jones and that artwork is really tremendous. All of them outshine the story in here.
No, I still don't enjoy the "opera" but I will always enjoy this stunning-looking cartoon, which is part of Volume Two on the Looney Tunes Golden Collection.
Among the best animated shorts of all time
movieman_kev1 November 2005
Elmer Fudd as the demigod Siegfried & Bugs Bunny as the Valkyrie Brunhilde, star in this classic cartoon masterpiece that will not only stand the test of time, but seemingly gets all the better with age. Brilliantly voiced, expertly animated, and amazingly greatly scored. This is Looney Tunes at the top of it's form. Funny and a tad bit sad, but always exhilarating. This short singly handedly got me interested in classical music, when countless music teachers could not. This animated short can be seen on Disc 4 of the Looney Tunes Golden Collection Volume 2 and also features an optional commentary by Chuck Jones, Micheal Maltese and Maurice Noble, a second Commentary track by Daniel Goldmark, as well as a music only track, a voice over only track, and a short featurette. If any cartoon warranted that any extras, this would be the one.
My Grade: A+
My Grade: A+
The classic Bugs Bunny cartoon
llltdesq4 October 2000
This is probably the best opera parody I have ever seen. The only other cartoon I've seen that comes close is "Rabbit of Seville" and the lyrics are funnier here (although the sight gags are better in "Seville") and besides, Bugs and Elme do an aria together. What else do you want? This is also where Elmer sings, "Kill the wabbit!". One piece of advice-you may not want sneer at a man with a spear when he says he has a magic helmet. At least I wouldn't. I don't have Wile E. Coyote's constitution!
A brilliant cartoon
Mike864 December 1998
This is just a brilliant cartoon. It is a real masterpiece. The animation, the music, the lyrics (I love "Return My Love"--written by Chuck Jones and Mike Maltese, by the way)....and the voices. Mel Blanc and Arthur Q. Bryan do a wonderful job in this cartoon. It's a pity Bryan's "Smog!" was dubbed over, but, still, I think this is Bryan's crowning achievement at Warner's, and certainly one of Blanc's best jobs. This film should have won the Best Animated Short Oscar. It's criminal that it didn't. A true classic.
one of the best cartoons
hbs3 December 2001
This is one of my favorite Bugs Bunny cartoons. It's a very clever send-up of Wagnerian operas. (There is also one where Bugs and Elmer perform the Barber of Seville, but my recollection is that that opera was done better by Woody Woodpecker.) The fact that I'm not a big fan of Wagner may have something to do with my enjoyment, but I recommend watching this if you get a chance. We have it in a tape that contains several Bugs Bunny cartoons.
"O mighty warrior of great fighting stock. Might I inquire to ask, ehh, what's up, Doc?"
ackstasis29 April 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Disney animation legend Chuck Jones' 'Merrie Melodies' short, 'What's Opera, Doc?,' is a pleasant and enjoyable cartoon tribute to the classic operas that have inspired audiences for generations. However, not particularly being a fan of opera nor, indeed, having even seen many I'm afraid that much of the film's charm might have been lost of me. The film features the voice talents of Mel Blanc and Arthur Q. Bryan, voicing the classic Disney characters of Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd, respectively (though Blanc did independently voice one of Elmer's lines - "SMOG!"). As we all know, Elmer's primary preoccupation is "hunting wabbits," and, in this film, he plans to do so as the demigod Siegfried, using the mighty powers of his "spear and magic helmet."
The seven-minute film is essentially an operatic parody of Richard Wagner's operas, particularly 'Der Ring des Nibelungen / The Ring of the Nibelung.' Several pieces of Wagner's music are used in the film, to great effect, as both characters sing their lines in tune to the classic score: the overture from 'The Flying Dutchman' is used in the opening storm scene; Elmer memorably sings "Kill the wabbit!" to the tune of 'Ride of the Valkyries;' Siegfried's horn call from 'Siegfried' ("O mighty warrior of great fighting stock"); the overture and Pilgrim's Chorus from 'Tannhäuser' ("O Bwünnhilde, you'w so wuvwy," "Return my love").
Quite surprisingly, the film ends with the death of Bugs Bunny, and with Elmer instantly regretful for the death he has caused, marking one of those rare occasions when Elmer has actually succeeded in "killing the wabbit!" Luckily, however, I am happy to report that, despite the unavoidable tragic opera conclusion, good old Bugs eases our worries by raising his head in the final seconds to declare, "Well, what did you expect in an opera? A happy ending?" This is an endearing Chuck Jones classic.
The seven-minute film is essentially an operatic parody of Richard Wagner's operas, particularly 'Der Ring des Nibelungen / The Ring of the Nibelung.' Several pieces of Wagner's music are used in the film, to great effect, as both characters sing their lines in tune to the classic score: the overture from 'The Flying Dutchman' is used in the opening storm scene; Elmer memorably sings "Kill the wabbit!" to the tune of 'Ride of the Valkyries;' Siegfried's horn call from 'Siegfried' ("O mighty warrior of great fighting stock"); the overture and Pilgrim's Chorus from 'Tannhäuser' ("O Bwünnhilde, you'w so wuvwy," "Return my love").
Quite surprisingly, the film ends with the death of Bugs Bunny, and with Elmer instantly regretful for the death he has caused, marking one of those rare occasions when Elmer has actually succeeded in "killing the wabbit!" Luckily, however, I am happy to report that, despite the unavoidable tragic opera conclusion, good old Bugs eases our worries by raising his head in the final seconds to declare, "Well, what did you expect in an opera? A happy ending?" This is an endearing Chuck Jones classic.
Bugs and Elmer, for the ages
Robert-86 August 2001
This may not be the funniest Bugs Bunny cartoon; it relies on your knowledge of the dozens of Bugs-vs.-Elmer cartoons that precede it (if you're new to WB cartoons, start with "A Wild Hare") and a smidgen of Wagner knowledge doesn't hurt. But for an animation fan, "What's Opera, Doc?" may be the best seven minutes you're liable to spend. It'll take you several viewings to take in the vast attention to detail by Chuck Jones, Maurice Noble and their team. The singing by Blanc and Arthur Q. Bryan is first-rate, and the character animation yields some great moments, including a surprisingly touching death scene from the wabbit. If you haven't watched this cartoon since you were a kid, take another look.
"Kill the Wabbit!" in operatic terms...
Doylenf25 March 2009
Another hilarious spin on opera as Bugs and Elmer (Siegfried and Brunhilde) go through their paces with bursts of operatic grandeur until they reach the tragic conclusion. Nevertheless, Bugs raises his head and says to the audience, "What did you expect in an opera?" Dazzling combination of music and animation, it's definitely high on the chart of best animated Chuck Jones films.
Synchronization of music and animation is spectacular, and the voices of Mel Blanc and Arthur Q. Bryan do much to lift the cartoon into the highest category for this sort of thing.
Fun to watch, fun to listen to. Another essential from Chuck Jones.
Synchronization of music and animation is spectacular, and the voices of Mel Blanc and Arthur Q. Bryan do much to lift the cartoon into the highest category for this sort of thing.
Fun to watch, fun to listen to. Another essential from Chuck Jones.
Great animation and backgrounds, but just not funny!
Mario6791 May 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Now, I know people may disagree with me, but this cartoon just isn't funny in my opinion! It is well designed, however. I would recommend this cartoon for opera lovers and classic cartoon buffs, but it just doesn't suit my tastes. The only thing that made me chuckle was when Bugs said "Bye!", but that wasn't enough to make it funny for me. Overall, it was a disappointment.
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Not hilarious, but stylish, intelligent, funny and very well put to the music
bob the moo7 March 2004
In the style of a classic opera, Elmer Fudd, resplendent with magic helmet, seeks to kill the rabbit Bugs Bunny. However, dressing as an opera dame, Bugs attempts to outsmart and avoid Fudd the best he can. However, can he make the ruse last.
In terms of laughs, this is by no means Bugs's funniest cartoon. However it is easily one of my favourites of his simply because it is not a basic chase-em-up style comedy that relies on physical gags. In fact the reason I love this cartoon is part of the reason it isn't funny - simply because it is almost too clever to waste time making me roar with easy laughs. The plot is perfectly set to the music and it is surprisingly emotional for it. Bugs does his usual dressing up stuff but the music gives it all an edge it hasn't had before - and it is very interesting.
My favourite thing about this short is the style with which it is delivered. Look at some of the WB cartoons of the mid-sixties and you'd never believe those same drab animations could come from the same studio as this. Visually it is imaginative, style and very impressive - it easily matches the epic feel of the music. So much care has been put into it that it is difficult not to feel impressed by the look of the whole cartoon.
Fudd is a good character and here merges his usual meek personae with the epic operatic warrior to good effect. Bugs is his usual tricky self but he is down played a little bit as the cartoon seems less concerned about hilarity than about a witty, quality product. The two of them are adapted perfectly to the music and the cartoon is great with them.
Overall this is not the funniest of Bugs' shorts but it is easily my favourite. The cartoon is perfectly set to the music and it is intelligent and quite amusing. The look of the film is rich and well designed and fits the music really well - visually it is impressive, but then so is the whole cartoon.
In terms of laughs, this is by no means Bugs's funniest cartoon. However it is easily one of my favourites of his simply because it is not a basic chase-em-up style comedy that relies on physical gags. In fact the reason I love this cartoon is part of the reason it isn't funny - simply because it is almost too clever to waste time making me roar with easy laughs. The plot is perfectly set to the music and it is surprisingly emotional for it. Bugs does his usual dressing up stuff but the music gives it all an edge it hasn't had before - and it is very interesting.
My favourite thing about this short is the style with which it is delivered. Look at some of the WB cartoons of the mid-sixties and you'd never believe those same drab animations could come from the same studio as this. Visually it is imaginative, style and very impressive - it easily matches the epic feel of the music. So much care has been put into it that it is difficult not to feel impressed by the look of the whole cartoon.
Fudd is a good character and here merges his usual meek personae with the epic operatic warrior to good effect. Bugs is his usual tricky self but he is down played a little bit as the cartoon seems less concerned about hilarity than about a witty, quality product. The two of them are adapted perfectly to the music and the cartoon is great with them.
Overall this is not the funniest of Bugs' shorts but it is easily my favourite. The cartoon is perfectly set to the music and it is intelligent and quite amusing. The look of the film is rich and well designed and fits the music really well - visually it is impressive, but then so is the whole cartoon.
The Marriage of Classic Cartoons to the Classics in Music
Hitchcoc22 December 2015
Elmer Fudd becomes the hero of Siegfried as he woos Brunhilde (played by Bugs Bunny in drag--if a rabbit can be in drag). This is a classic animated feature with full orchestration. It integrates the eternal effort of Elmer to kill the wabbit while repeatedly falling for the smart alecky rodent. The singing, of course, is quite horrible, but great credit to Mel Blanc for carrying on and staying in tune. What a remarkable talent Blanc was, carrying on the careers of all those Warner Brothers figures, from Yosemite Sam to Daffy Duck. Anyway, this is a gem of a cartoon. As a kid, I hated this use of classical music. Now, we can see the ingenious melding of the two forms.
Operatic animation
Tweekums15 July 2009
Warning: Spoilers
While I'm not usually a fan of Elmer Fudd, this was one of my favourite Warner Brothers' cartoons when I was a child even though at the time I had no idea that it was based on the music of Wagner.
It is great seeing Elmer Fudd singing about how he is going to kill the wabbit with his spear and magic helmet before falling in love with Bugs after the latter slips into a disguise as an operatic heroine. Of course the disguise slips and Elmer summons lightning bolts to strike down the fleeing Bugs.
Here Chuck Jones has given us one of the best cartoon shorts that I've seen, they certainly don't make them like this any more sadly.
It is great seeing Elmer Fudd singing about how he is going to kill the wabbit with his spear and magic helmet before falling in love with Bugs after the latter slips into a disguise as an operatic heroine. Of course the disguise slips and Elmer summons lightning bolts to strike down the fleeing Bugs.
Here Chuck Jones has given us one of the best cartoon shorts that I've seen, they certainly don't make them like this any more sadly.
Underrated in its day, now appreciated for the classic it is
phantom_tollbooth1 October 2008
The very fact that you've come to this page suggests to me that you are already aware of everything I am about to tell you about Chuck Jones's 'What's Opera, Doc?' Nevertheless, it's all worth saying again since this is undoubtedly one of the high points in animation history and thus warrants as much discussion as possible, even if it is just reiteration of old points. An ingenious double parody of both Wagner's "Ring" cycle and the standard Bugs Bunny/Elmer Fudd cartoon as epitomized by Tex Avery's 'A Wild Hare'. It's instantly apparent from the opening moments that 'What's Opera, Doc?' is an extraordinarily beautiful cartoon. What also becomes quickly apparent is that 'What's Opera, Doc?' is far less crammed with traditional Warner Bros. gags than the average short. The luscious look and stunning vocal work and music is far more important than gags here and so, instead of joke after joke, we get lengthy operatic routines including the longest and most emotionally charged drag act Bugs has ever done.
It's all still very funny but 'What's Opera, Doc?' has so much more to offer. Mel Blanc and Arthur Q. Bryan (as Bugs and Elmer respectively) give the performances of their careers, summoning up genuine emotion from their astonishing work. The pair had been working on Bugs and Elmer cartoon for years by this point and had the characters and their relationship down to a tee but they exert themselves even harder here and the result is an explosive chemistry that provides 'What's Opera, Doc?' with its emotional core. This is key in making the jaw-droppingly tragic ending even more effective as we see the murdered Bugs lying vulnerable beneath a weeping flower. The glorious final wisecrack alleviates some of the sadness but not so much that it spoils the mood. You come away from watching 'What's Opera, Doc?' with a real sense of melancholy alongside the invigorating swell of having seen something truly brilliant.
It's unsurprising to learn that Jones swapped round his schedule, finishing other cartoons more quickly in order to give this masterful cartoon the extra attention it deserves. What is perhaps more surprising is the fact that 'What's Opera, Doc?' went virtually unrecognised in its time, not even being nominated for an Oscar in a year that Robert McKimson's Speedy Gonzalez picture 'Tabasco Road' was! (Incidentally, Friz Freleng's great Sylvester and Tweety short 'Birds Anonymous' won the Oscar). Thankfully, 'What's Opera, Doc?' has been retrospectively re-evaluated and has since been hailed as the classic it so blatantly is. Today, it is perhaps the most famous Warner Bros. cartoon of them all.
It's all still very funny but 'What's Opera, Doc?' has so much more to offer. Mel Blanc and Arthur Q. Bryan (as Bugs and Elmer respectively) give the performances of their careers, summoning up genuine emotion from their astonishing work. The pair had been working on Bugs and Elmer cartoon for years by this point and had the characters and their relationship down to a tee but they exert themselves even harder here and the result is an explosive chemistry that provides 'What's Opera, Doc?' with its emotional core. This is key in making the jaw-droppingly tragic ending even more effective as we see the murdered Bugs lying vulnerable beneath a weeping flower. The glorious final wisecrack alleviates some of the sadness but not so much that it spoils the mood. You come away from watching 'What's Opera, Doc?' with a real sense of melancholy alongside the invigorating swell of having seen something truly brilliant.
It's unsurprising to learn that Jones swapped round his schedule, finishing other cartoons more quickly in order to give this masterful cartoon the extra attention it deserves. What is perhaps more surprising is the fact that 'What's Opera, Doc?' went virtually unrecognised in its time, not even being nominated for an Oscar in a year that Robert McKimson's Speedy Gonzalez picture 'Tabasco Road' was! (Incidentally, Friz Freleng's great Sylvester and Tweety short 'Birds Anonymous' won the Oscar). Thankfully, 'What's Opera, Doc?' has been retrospectively re-evaluated and has since been hailed as the classic it so blatantly is. Today, it is perhaps the most famous Warner Bros. cartoon of them all.
Great, great, great
Hairy_Lime12 February 2004
This is one of the best examples of Chuck Jones's art. The mixing of animation and opera here is better than Rabbit of Seville, the Wagner is great....
So how many of us got our first earful of opera from this? And how many of us, the first time we saw the Robert Duvall-led helicopter attack scene in Apocalypse Now! began mentally singing - or even sang out loud - "Kill the wabbit! Kill the wabbit..."
Yeah. Me too.
So how many of us got our first earful of opera from this? And how many of us, the first time we saw the Robert Duvall-led helicopter attack scene in Apocalypse Now! began mentally singing - or even sang out loud - "Kill the wabbit! Kill the wabbit..."
Yeah. Me too.
Kill the Wabbit!
js32548231 May 2005
Warning: Spoilers
(contains spoilers) "Kill the Wabbit! Kill the Wabbit! Kill the Wabbit!" Still one of the funniest line ever from one of the funniest shorts ever. Ever since I was little, I would quote from this short and watch it over and over again on a tape I had of several shorts.
I always loved the Bounhilda scene where Elmer sang to her on the stairway. Elmer isn't a bad singer, and Bugs just steals the show with his humor.
The scene that always gets to me is when Elmer thinks that he did "kill the wabbit" and walks off into the distance, carrying the "Poor little wabbit" while crying...
and Bugs awakens and remarks to the audience "Well, what did you expect in a opera: a happy ending?", showing us fans that he is alright and that the chase will still continue.
A classic comedy with great music. 10/10
I always loved the Bounhilda scene where Elmer sang to her on the stairway. Elmer isn't a bad singer, and Bugs just steals the show with his humor.
The scene that always gets to me is when Elmer thinks that he did "kill the wabbit" and walks off into the distance, carrying the "Poor little wabbit" while crying...
and Bugs awakens and remarks to the audience "Well, what did you expect in a opera: a happy ending?", showing us fans that he is alright and that the chase will still continue.
A classic comedy with great music. 10/10
Not only one of the best Bugs Bunny cartoons, but one of the greatest cartoons ever.
CartoonKing214 June 2011
"What's Opera Doc?" is considered by most animation fans as the greatest Bugs Bunny cartoon. Some also say it's the best cartoon short of all time. Chuck Jones has always been my favorite Looney is definitely one of the greatest cartoon directors of all time. He gave us so many classics, and this is truly Chuck at his best.
You've all most likely seen this short before. It's set-up like an opera. Elmer Fudd singing "Kill the wabbit!" is probably one of the most memorable scenes in cartoon history. And we all remember when Bugs was dressed like a woman and Elmer actually fell for him. This short is classic Bugs Bunny stuff, but the opera setting made it even better.
Like I said earlier, this is perhaps Chuck Jones's best work. The animation looks great, like it always does, the dialog is hilarious, and so are the actions. This short is a classic. It's one of the most memorable, unforgettable cartoons ever. Not only is it one of the best Bugs Bunny shorts, or one of Chuck Jones's best shorts, or one of the best cartoons of the '50s, but also one of the greatest cartoons of all time. It's a classic.
Rating: 10/10 "Amazing"
You've all most likely seen this short before. It's set-up like an opera. Elmer Fudd singing "Kill the wabbit!" is probably one of the most memorable scenes in cartoon history. And we all remember when Bugs was dressed like a woman and Elmer actually fell for him. This short is classic Bugs Bunny stuff, but the opera setting made it even better.
Like I said earlier, this is perhaps Chuck Jones's best work. The animation looks great, like it always does, the dialog is hilarious, and so are the actions. This short is a classic. It's one of the most memorable, unforgettable cartoons ever. Not only is it one of the best Bugs Bunny shorts, or one of Chuck Jones's best shorts, or one of the best cartoons of the '50s, but also one of the greatest cartoons of all time. It's a classic.
Rating: 10/10 "Amazing"
You'll love this if you loved THE RABBIT OF SEVILLE,....
planktonrules14 June 2006
Warning: Spoilers
The problem for me is that I did NOT like THE RABBIT OF SEVILLE very much. Both that and this short are opera-based Bugs Bunny cartoons that are scored extremely high on IMDb despite the fact that most kids probably hate these toons. When I was a kid watching the Bugs Bunny Show, I often went to the bathroom or got something to eat when they came on. They are definitely marketed for a more adult and opera-loving audience. And, as an adult I still don't particularly like these cartoons. The basic problem is that these cartoons so fundamentally mess with the Bugs Bunny formula. Yes, Elmer Fudd is here trying to "kill the wabbit", but putting all this violence to opera and then having Bugs seemingly die at the end is just plain wrong! To me, this seems like a cartoon geared towards Niles and Frasier Crane, not the average bloke!
Just as the Good Book says that it's wicked to put a wolf . . .
tadpole-596-91825629 July 2021
Warning: Spoilers
. . . into sheep's clothing, if you read between-the-lines, it is equally abhorrent to the Almighty to stuff Bugs Bunny into the stout lady's singing costume. As one might expect, Bugs is sorely punished for his temerity. The Norse deity Thor strikes down the heedless hare with a lightning bolt, then the Exxon Mobil Mob finishes him off with an overdose of Smog. Time to gas up!
Just overrated
maxschoby1 August 2023
I can't stand the amount of praise and coverage this short gets. Greatest cartoon ever? Greatest Bugs Bunny? Greatest Looney Tune? Completely overblown. It's a subpar short. The backgrounds are the only real thing worthy of praise here. They are beautiful, and Maurice Noble hits it out of the park again with the abstract layouts and designs. Everything else about this short is subpar. Bugs and Elmer's opera style cartoon was perfected in Rabbit of Seville, but here it's just worse. There are practically no gags at all. It's not funny. Rabbit of Seville )the cartoon I'll be comparing it too) has many gags taking advantage of the opera style and the contents of the play it's a parody of. This cartoon has no gags and it suffers. Some cartoons have no gags, but are entertaining because of the story. This story is essentially the story of A Wild Hare. Elmer is trying to hunt and kill Bugs Bunny. That's almost cartoons with them. The actual animation isn't very good either. It's obviously gotten worse since some of the cartoons just a year or two before. Elmer and Bugs singing just isn't very good either. Mel Blanc and Arthur Q. Bryan are very talented, but Bugs and Elmer's singing voices just annoy me every time in this cartoon. And they've been great before too! I just don't get it. This is a subpar cartoon, and doesn't deserve the praise and glory and respect it gets. Why this cartoon as the best? I don't get it's appeal. To me, this is a overrated subpar cartoon. Why not praise more of the other Looney Tunes? Duck Amuck, One Froggy Evening, Porky in Wackyland, Duck Dodgers, Rabbit Fire, The Scarlet Pumpernickel, and so many more cartoons are way more deserving than this bland mess of a short. It's just overrated and bad.
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