Bugs Bunny has spent decades dodging, outsmarting, and generally making a fool of the lovable, dim-witted hunter Elmer Fudd. Yet, on rare occasions, Elmer has come incredibly close to turning the tables on the clever rabbit. These moments highlight Elmer’s determination, surprising wit, and how unpredictably hilarious their rivalry can be. Here is the top 10 times Elmer Fudd nearly got the better of Bugs Bunny.
#1: “What’s Opera, Doc?”
Elmer Fudd’s finest moment nearly came during this unforgettable opera spoof. Adorned with Viking armor and a horned helmet, Elmer channels an operatic ferocity as he passionately belts out, “Kill the wabbit!” This theatrical portrayal turns Elmer into a genuinely formidable presence. His dramatic pursuit and striking performance almost catch Bugs off guard, symbolically “slaying” the cunning rabbit with theatrical flourish. Interestingly, the entire cartoon stands out for its operatic grandeur and lavish production, becoming one of Warner Brothers’ most beloved and artistically ambitious shorts. Little-known to many fans, director Chuck Jones crafted this cartoon as a loving parody of Richard Wagner’s epic operas, incorporating lush backgrounds, dramatic lighting, and genuine emotion rarely seen in typical Looney Tunes fare. Despite his ultimate defeat, Elmer’s operatic passion showcases his hidden depths, making him an unexpectedly romantic and tragic figure, deeply compelling even in defeat.
#2: “Rabbit Seasoning”
Elmer Fudd nearly triumphs over Bugs Bunny in this classic hunting trilogy. Armed with his shotgun, Elmer confronts both Bugs and Daffy Duck, caught in their perpetual seasonal squabble. While Bugs typically manipulates the scenario to his advantage, Elmer exhibits unusual clarity and decisiveness. With Daffy continuously shot (due to Bugs’s clever misdirection), Elmer nearly solves Bugs’s tricky deception, showing a rare spark of critical thinking. The cartoon cleverly illustrates Elmer’s potential intelligence, offering audiences glimpses of the capable hunter he could be. Hidden within this hilarious episode is a subtle commentary on manipulation and persuasion, as Bugs expertly twists language and logic. One iconic line, delivered in Elmer’s distinct voice, stands out: “Be vewy, vewy quiet; I’m hunting wabbits.” This catchphrase has become synonymous with Elmer’s character, symbolizing his eternal but comically doomed quest.
#3: “The Rabbit of Seville”
Set against the backdrop of Rossini’s famous opera, Elmer once again comes dangerously close to capturing Bugs. In an intricate dance of barber tools and shaving cream, Elmer maintains surprising composure amidst chaos. Though Bugs orchestrates comedic calamity, Elmer’s dogged perseverance almost leads him to victory. The beautifully synchronized slapstick choreography combined with musical timing is often cited as one of Chuck Jones’s masterpieces. Unbeknownst to casual viewers, Mel Blanc and Arthur Q. Bryan recorded their singing lines separately, creating a seamless vocal harmony that perfectly complements the comedic timing on-screen.
#4: “Hare Tonic”
Disguised as a salesman peddling miracle hair tonic, Elmer cunningly deceives Bugs, trapping him momentarily. Demonstrating unusual wit, Elmer concocts an elaborate scheme—an unexpected departure from his typically straightforward approach. Audiences glimpse an intelligent, almost entrepreneurial side of Elmer that contrasts sharply with his usual persona. Remarkably, this cartoon subtly pokes fun at consumer gullibility and snake-oil salesmen, offering layered humor beneath the slapstick surface.
#5: “Hare Brush”
Here, Bugs finds himself genuinely perplexed when Elmer’s psychiatric confusion leads him to believe he’s actually Bugs Bunny. The switch in identities creates humorous chaos and confusion, nearly allowing Elmer’s genuine misunderstanding to trap Bugs. This clever narrative twist shows Elmer’s vulnerability while also highlighting the genuine comedic potential of identity confusion, an aspect rarely explored in typical shorts.
#6: “Elmer’s Candid Camera”
In one of their earliest encounters, Elmer surprisingly catches Bugs completely off-guard while attempting wildlife photography. The cartoon beautifully captures Elmer’s genuine delight and subtle cunning, providing an early template for their famous rivalry. This episode set the stage for the timeless dynamic that defined their future interactions.
#7: “Rabbit Fire”
Another installment from the hunting trilogy, Elmer comes tantalizingly close to outsmarting Bugs through sheer persistence. His relentless pursuit, despite constant misdirection by Bugs and Daffy, showcases Elmer’s undying determination. Hidden beneath the humor is a message about the dangers of stubbornness and obsession, cleverly depicted through Elmer’s unwavering chase.
#8: “Wabbit Twouble”
Elmer’s vacation turns into a nightmare orchestrated by Bugs, yet Elmer nearly traps Bugs by anticipating his tricks. This cartoon stands out for demonstrating Elmer’s subtle ability to learn from previous mistakes, making him a credible adversary.
#9: “Duck! Rabbit, Duck!”
Completing the hunting trilogy, Elmer almost triumphs by finally mastering Bugs’s linguistic trickery. His growth in discernment, despite eventual comedic defeat, marks a rare moment of true potential victory.
#10: “The Old Grey Hare”
Elmer, depicted as elderly and reflective, nearly defeats an equally aged Bugs Bunny in a poignant look at their rivalry’s distant future. The emotional depth and humor combine to offer an intriguing glimpse of what might have been.
Elmer Fudd may rarely win, but these close encounters prove he’s much more than just a bumbling hunter—he’s a beloved comedic figure whose near-victories are as delightful as his inevitable defeats.
