| Elmer's Pet Rabbit | |
| Director: | Charles M. Jones |
| Story: | Rich Hogan |
| Animator: | |
| Layout Artist: | John McGrew |
| Background Artist: | Paul Julian |
| Editing: | Treg Brown |
| Music: | Carl W. Stalling |
| Producer: | Leon Schlesinger |
| Studio: | Leon Schlesinger Productions |
| Distributor: | Warner Bros. Pictures |
| Color Process: | Technicolor |
| Language: | English |
Elmer's Pet Rabbit is a 1941 Warner Bros. Merrie Melodies cartoon directed by Chuck Jones.[1] The short was released on January 4, 1941, and features Elmer Fudd and Bugs Bunny.[2]
Elmer Fudd acquires Bugs Bunny from a pet emporium for a nominal sum. Upon their return home, Elmer constructs a confinement area for Bugs, demonstrating a conscientious regard for the welfare of his new companion. Subsequent scenes depict Elmer endeavoring to accommodate Bugs' dietary preferences, presenting a bowl of vegetables, which elicits an irate response from the tempestuous hare.
As night descends, tensions escalate as Bugs, exhibiting a rebellious streak, usurps Elmer's sleeping quarters. Through a series of disruptive antics, ranging from impromptu dances to thwarted attempts at personal grooming, Bugs exacerbates Elmer's exasperation, culminating in a climactic confrontation.
In a darkened room illuminated by whimsical pyrotechnics, Elmer, driven to frustration, launches a retaliatory assault against Bugs. However, despite Elmer's efforts to expel Bugs from the domicile, the indomitable hare orchestrates a triumphant return, reclaiming dominion over Elmer's sleeping quarters. The battle concludes with a symbolic gesture as Elmer extinguishes the light, signifying the persistence of Bugs' presence within the household despite Elmer's efforts to assert control.
This is the first cartoon in which the name Bugs Bunny is given (on a title card, edited onto the end of the opening title following the success of 1940's A Wild Hare), but the rabbit is similar to the prototype version of him seen and heard in Elmer's Candid Camera (though his voice is different) and other prototype-Bugs Bunny shorts. This is Chuck Jones' first cartoon featuring the recognizable Bugs Bunny, and it was written by Rich Hogan. Voices are provided by Mel Blanc and Arthur Q. Bryan. It was produced by Leon Schlesinger.
The music in the cartoon includes a variation on "While Strolling Through the Park One Day," arranged by Carl Stalling, performed by Elmer and the rabbit. Elmer, of course, has trouble with many of the words, due to his "rounded L and R" speech impediment.
Although the short was included on three VHS compilations in 1985, 1990 and 1999, as well as a 1992 Golden Age of Looney Tunes LaserDisc release, it was not issued again until 2020, when HBO Max included the cartoon in its collection of other Looney Tunes shorts.
It was released on the Looney Tunes Collector's Choice Volume 3 Blu-Ray disc in 2024.