| Gorilla My Dreams | |
| Director: | Robert McKimson |
| Story: | Warren Foster |
| Animator: | Charles McKimson Manny Gould John Carey[1] |
| Layout Artist: | Cornett Wood |
| Background Artist: | Richard H. Thomas |
| Starring: | Mel Blanc |
| Music: | Carl Stalling |
| Producer: | Edward Selzer |
| Distributor: | Warner Bros. Pictures |
| Color Process: | Technicolor |
| Runtime: | 7:25 |
| Language: | English |
Gorilla My Dreams is a Warner Bros. Looney Tunes theatrical animated short directed by Robert McKimson and written by Warren Foster.[2] The short was released on January 3, 1948, and stars Bugs Bunny.[3]
The story is a parody of the many jungle films that were prominent in the 1930s and 1940s which often featured gorillas extensively (though not always behaviorally accurately), most notably the Tarzan films. The title is a play on the expression "Girl o' My Dreams". The short featured Gruesome Gorilla, who reappeared in Hurdy-Gurdy Hare and as a boss in Bugs Bunny and Taz Time Busters.
The cartoon was remade in 1959 as Apes of Wrath.[4] The Gorillas later make their appearance in Looney Tunes Cartoons Valentine’s Extwavaganza!, only this time in their most substantial role to date where they are voiced by Fred Tatasciore while still being anthropomorphic as usual.
Bugs Bunny becomes stranded at sea inside a barrel, where he remains calm while entertaining himself with reading and singing. He then encounters an anthropomorphic society of gorillas in Bingzi-Bangzi, where they exhibit human-like behaviors including family structures, language use, and cultural activities such as reading literature.
Mrs. Gruesome Gorilla, feeling sorrowful about her lack of children and her indifferent husband, finds hope in Bugs Bunny, whom she sees as a substitute offspring. Believing Bugs to be her "baby gorilla," she takes him to their treehouse, leading to comedic situations as Bugs goes along with her maternal fantasies. When introduced to Mr. Gruesome, Bugs tries to fit in by imitating gorilla behavior, resulting in humorous conflicts with the patriarch.
Through a series of adventures, Bugs retaliates against Mr. Gruesome's harsh treatment, leading to a frantic chase. Despite temporary setbacks, Bugs uses his wit and agility to outsmart Mr. Gruesome, ultimately winning the day by swinging from a branch.
Gorilla My Dreams is available, uncut and restored, on (Disc 1).
Gorilla My Dreams is available on (Disc 1).