Let's be realistic.

Excellent, Without a doubt!!

It's fun, it's light, [but] it has a hard time when its tries to get heavy.

There's a more than satisfactory amount of boom-boom in the movie's trim running time.

The Schlesinger Studio had established itself by the late 30's by making cartoons easily distinguishable from Disney. Daffy Duck, created by Tex Avery's unit, made an impression on audiences with his zany antics and attitude. Ben Hardaway, a writer for Daffy's second short, became a director and decided to create a rabbit character with Daffy's sensibility. When the rabbit also made an impression, other directors got into the act.When the rabbit character got around to Tex Avery, he gave him a distinctive personality very different from Daffy. This rabbit was cool-headed in the most dangerous situations and a wise-guy. He would be named after Hardaway, whose nickname was Bugs. Coincidentally, Bugs had a parallel evolution with an Avery creation known as Elmer. Both characters would be crystallized (Bugs in personality; Elmer in design) in this short. Avery was not known for character development, but for having a greater interest in gags and comic timing. This is probably the only time he actually developed a well-rounded character. A WILD HARE has the same set up as PORKY'S DUCK HUNT and DAFFY DUCK & EGGHEAD, but with less emphasis on gags. Here the hunter/prey relationship is established between Bugs and Elmer. While not in the dramatic style of Jones' shorts from this time-frame, there is a bit of dramatic atmosphere in the climax, but it serves as a build-up to Bugs' payoff.On the eve of America's involvement in WWII, Bugs' cool, streetwise persona no doubt resonated well with audiences.

A Wild Hare (1940) *** 1/2 (out of 4)This is where it all started as the dimwitted Elmer Fudd travels to the woods hunting rabbit and comes across Bugs Bunny who is just too smart. A WILD HARE was actually the third film that Bugs appeared in but this here is the official first as the rabbit we all love. It's funny watching this first short because what's here is what we'd see for the next several decades as Bugs was just so appealing and he was often put up against rather dumb characters. There are several very funny moments here but the highlight has to be poor Elmer not realizing that while his digging for the rabbit that he's actually sitting there talking to him. Another highlight is the scene where Bugs pretends to die just so he can pull one more prank.

A Wild Hare is a true masterpiece at Leon Schlesinger Productions. Bugs Bunny makes his on screen debut as a street smart Brooklyn/Bronx talking rabbit in this outstanding Tex Avery picture. It opens up with Elmer Fudd saying "Shh, Be vewy vewy quit I'n hunting wabbits" and his usual lines. then he gives Bugs a carrot. Bugs later sticks his hand out to catch the carrot then Elmer tires multiple ways to get that wascally wabbit out. Bugs finally pops out saying What's Up Doc. then the chase continues with fake death gags and everything Bugs is outstanding even a guess who game with celebrities from back then. and even a skunk who repeats a line from a earlier part of the episode. bugs at the end of picture chews a carrot saying "can you imagine anybody acting like that you know I think the poor guy's screwy. so I think this a great cartoon to watch . Available at Dailymotion.com

Here is Tex Avery's magnificent film in which we are first introduced to a brownish-gray colored hare named Bugs, although we really don't hear his name spoken in this film. Yet that immortal phrase, "What's Up Doc???" is here, and Bugs is a sly, bold, incredibly smart woodland creature outfoxing that "wovable" hunter, Elmer Fudd. No more wacky prototypes. Bugs is at last fleshed out the way he should be. I appreciate his "Dad" and "Grandpa" very much. Someone's dream wouldn't have come true without them and our star might never have been born without them. Nevertheless, the star is Bugs Bunny!!! And after this film, he was well on his way to becoming what he is today.Thank you Tex Avery!!!