Operation: Rabbit

In a slight break from protocol, Chuck Jones, Michael Maltese, and Mel Blanc pit Wile E. Coyote - aka Supergenius - against Bugs Bunny. But, sure enough, Bugs has ways of avoiding capture...most of which involve Wile E. getting maimed somehow.

The point is that no matter how hard he tries, Wile E. has no success in any field, whether going after the Road Runner or Bugs Bunny. And they play it to great effect. "Operation: Rabbit" is a classic just like the rest of the Looney Tunes cartoons from that era. Having Wile E. talk doesn't diminish the quality at all.

Mud spelled backwards is dum. Exactly!

Wile E. Coyote just can't catch a break. One of several encounters with Bugs Bunny goes as badly for him as his attempts at catching the Roadrunner do. I feel for his life and accident insurers! It's a pity they only made 5 or 6 of these, because it's a good combination. Wile E. is a good foil for Bugs and most of the shorts are hilarious and all of them are enjoyable. The animators could stretch the characters in ways they couldn't normally. Most recommended

'Operation: Rabbit' is a Merrie Melodies cartoon featuring Bugs Bunny and Wile E. Coyote, both voiced by Mel Blanc. It is the first cartoon where the coyote tells us his real name. He thinks he is a genius and in the first scene he puts a door in front of a rabbit hole, knocks the door and waits for Bugs to open. He then explains how smart and fast he is and that it is better for Bugs to surrender himself to the coyote. It is a great start for a great cartoon.

Of course Bugs will not surrender and so the coyote has to come up with a couple of plans to catch the rabbit. And although we know he will fail with every attempt the gags are not really predictable. Directed by Chuck Jones, who makes almost everything work, this cartoon is definitely worth watching.

Wile E. has more personality here. He is ore than the emaciated walking roadkill that he portrays in the Roadrunner episodes. He actually introduces himself to Bugs and tells him that he will be his supper. Unfortunately, Bugs is the irrepressible, ultimate optimist and as enterprising as any cartoon character. So you can guess there are hard time ahead for our friend.

An over-confident Wile E. Coyote is sure of getting Bugs Bunny. First, he tries to cook Bugs right in his hole. There is a canon. He uses an explosive decoy, a flying saucer, and exploding carrots. He gets run over by a train and finally admits defeat.

This is a very early Wile E. Coyote cartoon. Bugs is his natural nemesis although Road Runner is still his best target. I love trying to cook Bugs right in his home. I do wonder if we should be inside with Bugs as he eats his carrots and relaxes like in a sauna. I think that was a missed opportunity for some good gags. Still, this is a great Wile against Bugs.