Tex Avery, cartoonist and director, was famous for producing animated cartoons during the “Golden Age of Hollywood.” He directed the first Warner Bros.’ cartoons introducing Daffy Duck and Bugs Bunny. He also created Droopy, Screwy Squirrel and Red Hot Riding Hood for MGM. Tex’s influence can be found in almost every animated cartoon series by the major studios in the 1940’s and 1950’s. Avery’s style of directing broke the mold of strict realism established by Walt Disney Studio. He encouraged animators to stretch the boundaries of the medium. “In a cartoon you can do anything,” an often-quoted line about Avery’s style; and his cartoons often did just that.

A Wild Hare – 1940, Directed by Fred “Tex” Avery

Elmer, dressed as a hunter, turns to the audience and says, “Be vew-wy quiet -- I’m hunting wabbits.” As Elmer comes upon the wabbit, the saucy Bugs Bunny says for the first time his famous tag line, “Eh, What’s up, Doc?” Bugs quickly ties Elmer’s rifle into a bowknot, then gives him a flamboyant kiss.

Hunting gags abound, until Elmer believes he’s actually killed Bugs. Then Bugs plays out his dramatic death scene, “I can’t hold out much longer,” he gasps, “Everything’s getting dark!” This sends Elmer into a sobbing fit. He is mortified that he killed the cute ”wittle bunny wabbit.” Naturally, it’s all a ruse and Bugs has the last laugh when he sneaks up on Elmer and kicks him soundly in the rear. “Wabbits!” Elmer cries. “Wabbits! Guns. Wabbit twaps!” Elmer wanders off in total defeat leaving Bugs to return to the peace and quiet of his rabbit hole.