Chuck Jones's 'Long Haired Hare' is a much loved semi-classic largely thanks to its final few minutes. Pitting Bugs against opera singer Giovanni Jones, 'Long Haired Hare' is a typical example of how Warner cartoons set out to prick pomposity and expose those with lofty aspirations as just as ludicrous as the rest of us. As was usually the case with Jones's take on Bugs, he is presented as an easy going, likable character who is driven to extremes by the unforgiving nature of others. In the superb set up, Bugs' jolly attempts to have a good old-fashioned sing-song are interrupted by the rotund opera singer who is attempting to practice nearby. Despite his violent reactions and destruction of Bugs' instruments, the rabbit generously gives him a three-strikes-and-you're-out chance. When he exceeds this, however, Bugs unleashes the full force of his revenge. The middle of the cartoon sags slightly while Bugs indulges in some pretty standard heckling (prime example: substituting a stick of dynamite for a pen) but its quickly compensated for by the unforgettable ending in which Bugs assumes the role of conductor and takes Giovanni Jones through a vocal tour de force which results in the collapse of the building. 2/3 of 'Long Haired Hare' stands up against Jones's (Chuck, not Giovanni) very best work and the remaining 1/3 is an enjoyable enough romp ensuring that the cartoon has comfortably and deservedly passed into legend.
Review of Long-Haired Hare
