In this scene, Elmer Fudd runs behind a tree. But it isn’t just a zip and a stop. Tex goes for some cinematic stuff by having Elmer run into the shadows, then do a 360-degree turn to make it more visually interesting. There’s some perspective, too. Some frames.
There’s some good acting a few scenes later. Elmer thinks he’s caught the wabbit. Instead of just yap-yap-yap, static dialogue, Fudd pulls his hunter’s hat up from over his eyes, gives Bugs an eye when talking to him. Bugs nods in facetious affirmation as Elmer brags about the capture.
Then the take. Not a crazy one like Avery would put on the screen a few years later at MGM, but certainly outrageous for its time at Warners.
Bugs reacts with another “thanks for being a patsy” kiss.
Cut to a close-up with the skunk (Mel Blanc) spouting a variation of Mischa Auer’s “confidentially, it stinks” line in the 1938 Frank Capra Columbia feature You Can’t Take It with You. I guess the line was parodied so much on radio and in cartoons by then, all the skunk needs to say is “Confidentally, uh, you know.”
Cut to the next scene with an interesting directorial choice by Avery. Fudd puts down the skunk with his right hand, but then uses his left hand, crossing over his body, to lower the skunk’s tail.
Treg Brown contributes by employing a rusty hinge sound effect as the tail is lowered. Earlier, Carl Stalling adds something extra by arranging a blinking effect with strings and woodwinds to match the flashing light of the “Carrots” sign.
All these little things add up.
I’m not going to get into the argument about Bugs’ birthday. I will mention that A Wild Hare appeared in more than one theatre before July 27, 1940. Patrons of the Strand in Berwick, Pa., could view it on July 23 (along with the Western musical short Corraling a School Marm; see ad to the right). Feel free to celebrate Bugs’ birthday when you want.
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