Einmal ein Star sein

Daffy Duck is in a vaudeville act with Bugs Bunny which he detests because of all the accolades that Bugs gets, and the lack of them that he gets. Which leads him to drastic measures to win the audience over. Some re-used famous gags cause this short to be less than what it could have been, but using the old saying that "any Looney Tunes is Good Looney Tunes", I can't really dislike this one either. This animated short can be seen on Disc 4 of the Looney Tunes Golden Collection Volume 2 and also features an optional commentary by Greg Ford (as well as vintage sound clips and unused musical scores)

My Grade: B-

In spite of the late-1950s atmosphere of shrinking budgets and apathy toward theatrical shorts, Friz Freleng pulled off a comedy masterwork here. Yes, some of the gags have been used before, but like other old masters who rework favorite themes during their autumn years, Freleng and Co. distill and focus on the essentials to make this film a highlight of the entire Looney Tunes series. Set in the theatrical milieu Freleng used repeatedly during his Warners tenure, Show Biz Friz responds with a Bugs-Daffy outing that for sheer enjoyment can take its place alongside the Chuck Jones "trilogy" of B&D epics. Note also the animation in the wabbit and duck's "Tea for Two"; such elegance would soon be sacrificed at the altar of Hanna-Barbera and other Saturday morning TV fodder factories.

Daffy Duck has an oversized opinion of himself. He is incensed that Bugs Bunny has the top billing over him. He intends to prove his stardom over Bugs in their performance. The applause says otherwise. Daffy challenges Bugs and he tries so very hard to no avail. He tries attempted murder and finally the ultimate stunt.

The xylophone gag is a classic although it is the second time used against Bugs. Looney Tunes keeps going back to this iconic gag over and over again. Bugs is basically playing this one straight while Daffy is going all out Daffy. That is what sells this. Daffy being so Daffy is so fun.

Fun Bugs and Daffy short directed by Friz Freleng. This one has Bugs and Daffy both performing at a theater, where Daffy is upset to learn that Bugs is getting top billing. When he's told this is because Bugs is the bigger star, Daffy sets out to upstage his rival. A very funny series of gags follows as Daffy tries one thing after another to get over with the crowd. The animation is good, with bright colors and nicely-drawn characters and backgrounds (although the backgrounds are of that slightly sketchy, slightly off-kilter style that was becoming popular in the mid-to-late '50s). Excellent voice work from the great Mel Blanc. The music is bouncy and lively. This is a fun short that any fan of Bugs or especially Daffy will like. The Bugs/Daffy rivalry was rarely funnier than it is here.

Although Bugs plays the title role, Daffy is the real star of this show and gets the most screen time. Bugs fans, of course are happy because once again Bugs outsmarts Daffy. But Daffy fans will enjoy the true genius of the Duck. Bugs may have more charisma but Daffy has more heart. Daffy is more like a human being, flawed yet lovable while Bugs seems to be too much of an ideal character.