The two biggest stars of the Warner Bros. studio both had humble beginnings as hunted prey. Their early existence (and much of their later life) comprised of finding new and improved ways to avoid being served up on a plate. As we indulge in our store bought food, easily attained and prepared, let us not forget about the time honored tradtion of hunting for one's food, and the great length these two will go to avoid being brought home for dinner.
The Wabbit who came to Supper 3.1
1942 directed by Friz Freleng
Featuring Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd.
The title of the short is a reference to the 1942 Warner Brothers film version of the 1939 George S. Kaufman Broadway comedy The Man Who Came to Dinner, in which an overbearing house-guest threatens to take over the lives of a small-town family. While out on the hunt for rabbits, Elmer receives a telegram saying his Uncle Louie will leave him $3 million in his will, as long as he doesn't harm any animals — especially rabbits. Bugs takes full advantage of the situation by moving in with Elmer and attempting to goad him into violence.
Trivia
- When Elmer gets his first letter, a song from the film Gold Diggers of 1933 plays in the underscore. The Gold Diggers Song (We're in the Money) was used repeatedly in cartoon shorts and films as a standard for success and riches.
- The July calendar depicted to debunk Bugs' celebration of the new year would not have been current for 1942, when July began on a Wednesday. July began on a Sunday in 1928, 1934, and 1945.
- As he showers and shaves, Bugs sings Angel in Disguise from the 1940 Warner Brothers film It All Came True (which, like The Man Who Came to Dinner, starred Ann Sheridan).
- Bugs references a running gag from the radio show Fibber McGee and Molly when he threatens to call Uncle Louie: "Operator, give me Walnut three three fifty-. . ., Ohhh, that you, Myrt? How's every little thing?" (Arthur Q. Bryan, the voice of Elmer Fudd, also played Doc Gamble on the Fibber McGee show.)
- In going over the deductions as listed in the special delivery letter, the math is wrong. Elmer is actually left with a final balance of $902,932.04.
Earworms
- You don’t get the dough, eh butterball?
The Wise Quacking Duck 5.3
1943 directed by Bob Clampett
Featuring Daffy Duck and Mr. Meeks
An exceedingly mild-mannered man is sent out to kill a duck for dinner by his wife. Unfortunately for him, he picks Daffy Duck as his victim. The two face off and do battle for the remainder of the cartoon.
Trivia
- The line "he cwushed my widdle head" is a reference to Red Skelton's Mean Widdle Kid character.
- When dressed as a fortune-teller, Daffy is imitating comedian Jerry Colonna. He even begins with one of Colonna's signature lines, "Greetings, Gate. Let's osculate."
- After sliding down the banister, Daffy turns a statue so that its spear will hit Mr. Meek, who is sliding after him. As he does, you can briefly see that the shield the statue is holding has the words Buy Bonds on it.