| Director: | Gerry Chiniquy |
| Animator: | Virgil Ross Bob Matz Lee Halpern Art Leonardi |
| Story: | John Dunn |
| Starring: | Mel Blanc (all voices) |
| Music: | Bill Lava |
| Layout Artist: | Bob Givens |
| Background Artist: | Tom O'Loughlin |
| Editing: | Treg Brown |
| Producer: | David H. DePatie William Orcutt |
| Studio: | Warner Bros. Cartoons |
| Distributor: | Warner Bros. Pictures Vitaphone |
| Color Process: | Technicolor[1] |
| Runtime: | 6 minutes |
| Language: | English |
Dumb Patrol is a 1964 Warner Bros. Looney Tunes cartoon short directed by Gerry Chiniquy.[2] It was released on January 18, 1964, and stars Bugs Bunny and Yosemite Sam.[3] Director Gerry Chiniquy was a longtime animator in Friz Freleng's unit. The cartoon is set during World War I opening 'somewhere in France' in 1917, and it also commemorates the 50th anniversary of the war.[4]
Set amidst the backdrop of World War I in France in 1917, the French Air Force convenes to address the threat posed by the formidable German pilot, Baron Sam Von Shpamm. A decision is made through the drawing of straws, with Captain Smedley emerging as the chosen aviator tasked with confronting the enemy. Things take an unexpected turn when Bugs Bunny, disguised as Captain Smedley, incapacitates the real pilot, Porky, to assume his identity. This subterfuge is driven by Bugs' concern for Porky's familial responsibilities.
Meanwhile, in Germany, Baron Sam Von Shpamm expresses disillusionment with his military accolades and yearns for respite. He receives a taunting message from Bugs, further provoking his ire.
As aerial confrontations ensue, Baron Sam's ineptitude is highlighted through a series of mishaps, including failed attempts to engage his aircraft and futile pursuits of Bugs. Despite his persistent efforts, Baron Sam's endeavors are consistently thwarted by Bugs' cunning evasion tactics. Baron Sam ultimately resorts to increasingly desperate measures, culminating in his demise amidst a calamitous explosion.
The title is an allusion to The Dawn Patrol, a 1930 movie by Howard Hawks that also deals with World War I pilots. The same title was also used for an unrelated early Looney Tunes short starring Bosko, released in 1931.
Animation historian Jerry Beck considers Dumb Patrol to be among the worst Bugs Bunny cartoons.[5] [6]