. . . the always-ahead-of-its-time Warner Bros. film studio calls upon a person of color to portray Elmer Fudd in the animated short ALL THIS AND RABBIT STEW. This landmark offering in racial sensitivity came out 20 YEARS before attention-seeker John Howard Griffin's 1961 bogus publicity stunt, BLACK LIKE ME. Unlike that deceptive book and subsequent flick, ALL THIS AND RABBIT STEW stars an authentic person of color (Danny Webb, nee David Weberman from the African nation of Hungary) as the voice of the Black Elmer Fudd. (Mr. Webb went on to help Gen. "I-like-Ike" Eisenhower defeat Hitler and win World War Two in the 1900s, as Ike's right-hand "Commando of Comedy.") Had the current Academy Awards Oscars Czarina been in charge of things in the 1940s, Mr. Webb would have most likely been nominated and possibly won the Gelded Statuette for Best Supporting Actor, given his Tour De Force in ALL THIS AND RABBIT STEW. Only the Thickest-Skulled bleeding-heart liberals (such as one-time Turner Honcho "Hanoi Jane" Fonda) could possibly construe anything in RABBIT STEW as objectionable.
22 Reviews
The last Tex Avery-directed Bugs Bunny cartoon, and while problematic it's better than what was heard
TheLittleSongbird15 March 2016
All This and Rabbit Stew' has historical interest for being the last Bugs Bunny cartoon directed by Tex Avery. It has also gone down in history as one of the Censored 11 cartoons withheld from syndication, and over 70 years ago is still met with controversy.
Seeing it for myself, being a big fan of Bugs Bunny and as one of many who considers Avery a giant in animation, it is very easy to see why people will dislike it and there are issues with it, so it is never going to be a favourite. However, because 'All This and Rabbit Stew' also to me had a lot of things that make it a quite decent cartoon in spite of its flaws this viewer just can't bring herself to give it a low score. It is lesser Tex Avery, and it is not a Bugs Bunny classic, but at least Avery's style is detectable and both Bugs and Looney Tunes have done far worse than this.
The cartoon's biggest problem is the character of the hunter. That the character is a stereotypical caricature is not a problem as such, but people have taken issue with the way the stereotype is portrayed here and while I am not one to scream racism or anything like that it didn't sit well with me either. Even when judging it for back then, the hunter is ill-conceived from the get-go. The design is rather ugly, his dialogue is both unfunny and forgettable, his lazy personality and posture are taken to extremes, the voice really grates on the nerves- both the pitch and speed of it- and while one may say the character is like Elmer Fudd (with the dim-wittedness and the easily-fooled characteristics it is easy to see why) the chemistry between Bugs and the hunter lacks the same spark and the character really is more annoying than amusing , endearing or easy to empathise with, at least Elmer didn't speak like he was stupid and while dim-witted one cannot accuse him of being lazy.
As said, the hunter and Bugs together in chemistry are somewhat bland and the story does feel a touch thin and predictable to begin with. 'All This and Rabbit Stew' has several funny moments, but one gag does not work and that is the climactic dice gag. It is partly because the gags preceding it are all much funnier, and it is partly also because it is by far the most stereotypical of the gags, the depiction of the activity not being for the faint-hearted in both 1941 and now. It is mostly however because of timing, all the other gags before were becoming increasingly wild pacing and humour- wise, which was making for great entertainment, so it was a shame when the cartoon felt like it had ground to a halt and the comic timing lost its sharpness because it felt very at odds with everything else that had happened before.
On the other hand, with the exception of the hunter's character design the animation is very good, the old Looney Tunes and Avery styles unmistakable. The backgrounds are beautifully drawn and crisp, practically bursting with detail, Bugs is well designed (while mostly his first design, with more elongated features, there are small signs of evolution) and there are some gorgeously lush and atmospheric colours and enjoyably big, wacky expressions from Bugs and the bullets. Another truly excellent asset is the music score from Carl Stalling, my personal favourite of the regular Looney Tunes composers by a large margin. The music here has non-stop character and energy, it is sumptuously orchestrated and brilliantly in sync with the action, not just adding to the effectiveness of the physical comedy and the gags but making them even better as well.
Despite the controversial reputation 'All This and Rabbit Stew' now holds, it is very entertaining and its best bits are incredibly funny. Bugs' dialogue is as witty as can be and the log and bullet gags are not only perfectly timed, both of them getting increasingly and thrillingly wild, but they are also hilarious and clever. With the former it could have been quickly repetitive, but was very clever and varied in execution even if the outcome is not surprising. The bullet gag is the one that is the most wild in nature and it is entirely down to the animation, which is at its cleverest and wackiest here. The cartoon is inventively paced throughout, Avery's visual and directorial style genuinely shines, the cartoon shows all the qualities that make Bugs an all-time favourite and includes everything that makes him such a great character in the first place and Mel Blanc's voice work for Bugs is fabulous.
In conclusion, has historical value but despite some missteps, mainly with one character and one gag, has more to it than just that. 6/10 Bethany Cox
Seeing it for myself, being a big fan of Bugs Bunny and as one of many who considers Avery a giant in animation, it is very easy to see why people will dislike it and there are issues with it, so it is never going to be a favourite. However, because 'All This and Rabbit Stew' also to me had a lot of things that make it a quite decent cartoon in spite of its flaws this viewer just can't bring herself to give it a low score. It is lesser Tex Avery, and it is not a Bugs Bunny classic, but at least Avery's style is detectable and both Bugs and Looney Tunes have done far worse than this.
The cartoon's biggest problem is the character of the hunter. That the character is a stereotypical caricature is not a problem as such, but people have taken issue with the way the stereotype is portrayed here and while I am not one to scream racism or anything like that it didn't sit well with me either. Even when judging it for back then, the hunter is ill-conceived from the get-go. The design is rather ugly, his dialogue is both unfunny and forgettable, his lazy personality and posture are taken to extremes, the voice really grates on the nerves- both the pitch and speed of it- and while one may say the character is like Elmer Fudd (with the dim-wittedness and the easily-fooled characteristics it is easy to see why) the chemistry between Bugs and the hunter lacks the same spark and the character really is more annoying than amusing , endearing or easy to empathise with, at least Elmer didn't speak like he was stupid and while dim-witted one cannot accuse him of being lazy.
As said, the hunter and Bugs together in chemistry are somewhat bland and the story does feel a touch thin and predictable to begin with. 'All This and Rabbit Stew' has several funny moments, but one gag does not work and that is the climactic dice gag. It is partly because the gags preceding it are all much funnier, and it is partly also because it is by far the most stereotypical of the gags, the depiction of the activity not being for the faint-hearted in both 1941 and now. It is mostly however because of timing, all the other gags before were becoming increasingly wild pacing and humour- wise, which was making for great entertainment, so it was a shame when the cartoon felt like it had ground to a halt and the comic timing lost its sharpness because it felt very at odds with everything else that had happened before.
On the other hand, with the exception of the hunter's character design the animation is very good, the old Looney Tunes and Avery styles unmistakable. The backgrounds are beautifully drawn and crisp, practically bursting with detail, Bugs is well designed (while mostly his first design, with more elongated features, there are small signs of evolution) and there are some gorgeously lush and atmospheric colours and enjoyably big, wacky expressions from Bugs and the bullets. Another truly excellent asset is the music score from Carl Stalling, my personal favourite of the regular Looney Tunes composers by a large margin. The music here has non-stop character and energy, it is sumptuously orchestrated and brilliantly in sync with the action, not just adding to the effectiveness of the physical comedy and the gags but making them even better as well.
Despite the controversial reputation 'All This and Rabbit Stew' now holds, it is very entertaining and its best bits are incredibly funny. Bugs' dialogue is as witty as can be and the log and bullet gags are not only perfectly timed, both of them getting increasingly and thrillingly wild, but they are also hilarious and clever. With the former it could have been quickly repetitive, but was very clever and varied in execution even if the outcome is not surprising. The bullet gag is the one that is the most wild in nature and it is entirely down to the animation, which is at its cleverest and wackiest here. The cartoon is inventively paced throughout, Avery's visual and directorial style genuinely shines, the cartoon shows all the qualities that make Bugs an all-time favourite and includes everything that makes him such a great character in the first place and Mel Blanc's voice work for Bugs is fabulous.
In conclusion, has historical value but despite some missteps, mainly with one character and one gag, has more to it than just that. 6/10 Bethany Cox
Racist? Yes. Wonderful and part of our history? Yes. On DVD? YES!
tbush-223 October 2006
I admit, I spent part of this aghast and yet delighted. I've seen "Coal Black and the sebben little dudes" and others but had never seen this -- or a character depicted like this.
This is not just a wee bit stereotyped, this is BIG stereotype. From the drawl, jumbled language, slouched posture, slow, awkward gait.. this is bad.
Yes, some of the hijinks are EXACTLY what is done with/to Elmer in other cartoons (including the classic, "through the log and over the cliff"), I've yet to see a cartoon where Bugs gets out of what looks like Sure Death by rattling.. dice.
I wasn't aware that in '41, Blacks were considered avid gamblers, but I'm sure if we searched, we'd find SOMETHING alluding to it (beyond this cartoon, I mean).
I wrote this, though, to let interested parties know that I found this cartoon on a DVD-for-a-dollar at *shudder* Wal-Mart! It was on a bugs bunny disc titled, "Falling Hare" (alluding to the classic episode with Bugs and the gremlin in the airplane). Also included is another wonderful Bugs where Elmer is a mounty. THIS, TOO, ends with blackface singalong -- even bugs goes blackface.
Well worth a dollar. I'm off to see if there are other gems hidden among other cheapie $1 discs!
This is not just a wee bit stereotyped, this is BIG stereotype. From the drawl, jumbled language, slouched posture, slow, awkward gait.. this is bad.
Yes, some of the hijinks are EXACTLY what is done with/to Elmer in other cartoons (including the classic, "through the log and over the cliff"), I've yet to see a cartoon where Bugs gets out of what looks like Sure Death by rattling.. dice.
I wasn't aware that in '41, Blacks were considered avid gamblers, but I'm sure if we searched, we'd find SOMETHING alluding to it (beyond this cartoon, I mean).
I wrote this, though, to let interested parties know that I found this cartoon on a DVD-for-a-dollar at *shudder* Wal-Mart! It was on a bugs bunny disc titled, "Falling Hare" (alluding to the classic episode with Bugs and the gremlin in the airplane). Also included is another wonderful Bugs where Elmer is a mounty. THIS, TOO, ends with blackface singalong -- even bugs goes blackface.
Well worth a dollar. I'm off to see if there are other gems hidden among other cheapie $1 discs!
Well, shut my mouth! Rabbit tracks!
jesse_barboza19 August 2004
Warning: Spoilers
This cartoon is truly a momentous one - it's the last Bugs Bunny cartoon released to theaters that was directed by Tex Avery, the man who essentially created the rabbit we all know and love. Due to a skirmish with executive producer Leon Schlesinger over an edit made to one of his previous cartoons, Avery was fired and his name was removed from this film's credits, but it's still widely recognized as one of his best works.
Regrettably, Bugs Bunny's antagonist in this film is a stereotypical black hunter (often called Sambo by the Warner animation followers) and as a result of this, "All This and Rabbit Stew" was forced to join the ranks of such masterpieces as "Tin Pan Alley Cats" and "Coal Black and de Sebben Dwarfs" on the infamous Censored 11 list (and it's the only Bugs Bunny cartoon on that list). But that doesn't make it any less of a cartoon. It has numerous hilarious gags that feature Avery's trademark impossibility (these could be spoilers to those who haven't seen the film) - Bugs moves his rabbit hole across the ground and up the side of a tree, Sambo runs out a hollow log and right off a cliff but still manages to run back, and the side-splitting wild take where Bugs' arms, legs, tail, and head all pop off as he screams. The cartoon's conclusion, the result of a high-stakes dice game, is just as funny as the rest of it, if not more so - but I won't reveal it here. I'll just say that not even the trademark Warner Bros. iris out stops Bugs from getting in one last prank on his antagonist!
Despite its racial stereotypes, this film is not racist - for back in the 1940s, such caricature was done without any mean-spiritedness at the Warner animation studio. Rather, it's just a very funny Bugs cartoon in which Bugs' predator happens to be black. As Sambo says during his dice game with Bugs, "What's the matter with that?"
Regrettably, Bugs Bunny's antagonist in this film is a stereotypical black hunter (often called Sambo by the Warner animation followers) and as a result of this, "All This and Rabbit Stew" was forced to join the ranks of such masterpieces as "Tin Pan Alley Cats" and "Coal Black and de Sebben Dwarfs" on the infamous Censored 11 list (and it's the only Bugs Bunny cartoon on that list). But that doesn't make it any less of a cartoon. It has numerous hilarious gags that feature Avery's trademark impossibility (these could be spoilers to those who haven't seen the film) - Bugs moves his rabbit hole across the ground and up the side of a tree, Sambo runs out a hollow log and right off a cliff but still manages to run back, and the side-splitting wild take where Bugs' arms, legs, tail, and head all pop off as he screams. The cartoon's conclusion, the result of a high-stakes dice game, is just as funny as the rest of it, if not more so - but I won't reveal it here. I'll just say that not even the trademark Warner Bros. iris out stops Bugs from getting in one last prank on his antagonist!
Despite its racial stereotypes, this film is not racist - for back in the 1940s, such caricature was done without any mean-spiritedness at the Warner animation studio. Rather, it's just a very funny Bugs cartoon in which Bugs' predator happens to be black. As Sambo says during his dice game with Bugs, "What's the matter with that?"
Racist.
Mightyzebra17 September 2008
This Bugs Bunny short is very racist, in the way that Bugs BUnny is being hunted by a black man who is depicted as being stupid and slow. At the time this was being made, it is almost certain that this short was an insult to black people and the only reason this episode is excusable nowadays is because at the time, many people did not realize that this insulting is horrid.
The only reason I watched it is because I am a Looney Tunes fan and I am interested in racist episodes because they are like nothing nowadays (which is a good thing). I give this quite a high rating because the jokes are very good in "humour" rather than "insulting" terms and the animation is good. That is the only reason I like this short.
As I have said before, here a black man is hunting Bugs Bunny. Here Bugs goes through the same things that he usually does with Elmer (running away, playing tricks and the like).
I recommend this only to Looney Tunes fans who do not mind rascism too much and for cartoon historians. For most of the modern world, it is an excruciating thing to watch - which is a good thing. :-)
6 and a half out of ten.
The only reason I watched it is because I am a Looney Tunes fan and I am interested in racist episodes because they are like nothing nowadays (which is a good thing). I give this quite a high rating because the jokes are very good in "humour" rather than "insulting" terms and the animation is good. That is the only reason I like this short.
As I have said before, here a black man is hunting Bugs Bunny. Here Bugs goes through the same things that he usually does with Elmer (running away, playing tricks and the like).
I recommend this only to Looney Tunes fans who do not mind rascism too much and for cartoon historians. For most of the modern world, it is an excruciating thing to watch - which is a good thing. :-)
6 and a half out of ten.
I can actually see why Time-Warner pulled this out of circulation
planktonrules18 October 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I have recently enjoyed watching some cartoons that have been pulled from circulation because they offend modern sensibilities. Some of them are actually pretty good cartoons with material that only offends annoyingly politically correct people (you know, the ones who think all humor is somehow evil and offensive). However, even with my love of free speech and hatred of things "p.c.", I certainly do understand why this film was yanked from general viewing. Bugs Bunny's nemesis in this film is a very, very offensively drawn and voiced Black character. And while almost all the film he really acted no different from Elmer Fudd, at the very end, Bugs tricked the guy by getting him to 'shoot dice'--a typically sad and obnoxious stereotype from the 1940s that claimed Black people were lazy and all they wanted to do was gamble!! This is just awful and considering that this isn't a wonderful cartoon apart from that, it is no great loss to the world that it can only be found by combing the internet. Even if this film had NOT been banned by Time-Warner, it would still be very skipable, as it's far from the best material from the era.
You can call him Adam
dimadick5 September 2001
The most hilarious Bugs Bunny short I have ever seen.Bugs Bunny versus a not quite inteligent hunter.The sadistic rabbit gives a grand show,even stripping the poor man.No repetitions.You have to see it.(By the way the hunter is not caucasian but I fail to see what is the point mentioning it against this short).
Typical Bugs Bunny
TheOtherFool24 June 2004
Your typical Bugs Bunny chase cartoon, although he doesn't dress up in this one and Elmer Fudd's place been taken by a black hunter, which probably is the reason why it was banned in the first place.
The hunter tries to catch Bunny in which he obviously doesn't succeed, as he has an encounter with a huge bear and falls from a mountain a number of times. When in the end he finally does catch him, Bugs persuades him into a game of dice which the black hunter loses, and Bugs is leaving him without his gun and clothes.
Maybe a bit racist (though the hunter basicaly does the same things as Elmer Fudd), this cartoon isn't the best Bugs Bunny has offered the world. 5/10.
The hunter tries to catch Bunny in which he obviously doesn't succeed, as he has an encounter with a huge bear and falls from a mountain a number of times. When in the end he finally does catch him, Bugs persuades him into a game of dice which the black hunter loses, and Bugs is leaving him without his gun and clothes.
Maybe a bit racist (though the hunter basicaly does the same things as Elmer Fudd), this cartoon isn't the best Bugs Bunny has offered the world. 5/10.
Good last Avery/Bugs adventure
catradhtem25 March 2001
Tex Avery's last Bugs-starred cartoon is actually pretty funny. Unfortunately though, few will be able to see it because of the black stereotype that has been used on this new hunter.
If one ignores the racial slur, the jokes throughout the film are hilarious (including one in which a group of bullets takes on a life of its own) and only makes one wonder what future Avery Bugs cartoons would have been like.
Hopefully all fans of animated cartoons will be able to see it one day in the proper historical context. When they do, they'll be in for a treat.
If one ignores the racial slur, the jokes throughout the film are hilarious (including one in which a group of bullets takes on a life of its own) and only makes one wonder what future Avery Bugs cartoons would have been like.
Hopefully all fans of animated cartoons will be able to see it one day in the proper historical context. When they do, they'll be in for a treat.
Banned Bugs!!
Tweekums15 July 2009
Warning: Spoilers
While I'm not a fan of censorship I'm not surprised that Warner Brothers dropped this like a hot potato as the black hunter featured in the cartoon manages to make Elmer Fudd look like the epitome of intelligence.
There is not much of a plot to this story, it just features a black hunter trying and failing to catch Bugs Bunny who out wits him at every turn; luring him into a bear's cave, over a cliff and finally having a game of dice with the poor chap and winning the clothes off his back.
If you like Bugs Bunny I can understand one having a chuckle at this although I wouldn't recommend it to youngsters unless it is to demonstrate how attitudes to race have changed over the years.
There is not much of a plot to this story, it just features a black hunter trying and failing to catch Bugs Bunny who out wits him at every turn; luring him into a bear's cave, over a cliff and finally having a game of dice with the poor chap and winning the clothes off his back.
If you like Bugs Bunny I can understand one having a chuckle at this although I wouldn't recommend it to youngsters unless it is to demonstrate how attitudes to race have changed over the years.
Mixed Feelings
forman-726 July 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I have mixed feelings about this one. Now me being African American, first glance makes me say this is racist, which it is. Other reviewers say that it isn't and nothing's wrong with it. That's wrong because you're basically looking at it as a black Elmer, which it is. But that isn't the racist part.
It more or less stereotypical. First the design of the hunter. Real dark face and over-sized lips are the parts that anger me. I would say the anger would upset others too, but it doesn't bother me because Elmer had a different way of speaking too. Also I just found out that Warner Bros. named the character "Sambo" which doesn't sit with me comfortably either. And I'm not sure if this counts but did anyone notice that he had over-sized feet? Now this does have it's funny moments. The bullets was very good piece. And the craps game is stereotypical, but when they were playing and Bugs and the hunter were screaming made me crack a smile.
Now maybe if they had brought in more hunters in other cartoons, this one particular one wouldn't be so bad. The most offensive part is the design of the character, which is why it's in the "Censored 11"
It more or less stereotypical. First the design of the hunter. Real dark face and over-sized lips are the parts that anger me. I would say the anger would upset others too, but it doesn't bother me because Elmer had a different way of speaking too. Also I just found out that Warner Bros. named the character "Sambo" which doesn't sit with me comfortably either. And I'm not sure if this counts but did anyone notice that he had over-sized feet? Now this does have it's funny moments. The bullets was very good piece. And the craps game is stereotypical, but when they were playing and Bugs and the hunter were screaming made me crack a smile.
Now maybe if they had brought in more hunters in other cartoons, this one particular one wouldn't be so bad. The most offensive part is the design of the character, which is why it's in the "Censored 11"
racist yes (but still worth seeing)
lee_eisenberg3 July 2007
Obviously, it's hard to laugh at "All This and Rabbit Stew" nowadays, given the blatantly racist caricature. The cartoon features Bugs Bunny teasing an African-American hunter. I have to admit that some scenes are quite funny - that whole sequence with the bullets was a real hoot - but how can we judge the rest?
As long as we understand what the cartoon portrays, it's possible to...well, I don't know whether I can say enjoy it. As the cartoon is almost certain to offend African-Americans, I don't know what more I can say. I do recommend seeing it just to understand stereotypical characterizations.
As long as we understand what the cartoon portrays, it's possible to...well, I don't know whether I can say enjoy it. As the cartoon is almost certain to offend African-Americans, I don't know what more I can say. I do recommend seeing it just to understand stereotypical characterizations.
Part of our history
chuckamania6929 January 2007
When cartoons and movies were made in the 1930's, 40's and 50's the racial attitudes in America were different. Jim Crow laws discriminated against people of color in the south, the Army and pro sports were segregated until after World War II. Many of the ideas, laws and attitudes were wrong.
This cartoon has racial stereotypes and I cannot and will not speak for the cartoonists who produced it as to what their feelings and reasons were for making cartoons like this.
To ignore cartoons like All This and Rabbit Stew is to ignore our past, both good and bad. In order to understand the history of our great land, we must never hide from our past, but rather confront our past in an honest way.
This cartoon has racial stereotypes and I cannot and will not speak for the cartoonists who produced it as to what their feelings and reasons were for making cartoons like this.
To ignore cartoons like All This and Rabbit Stew is to ignore our past, both good and bad. In order to understand the history of our great land, we must never hide from our past, but rather confront our past in an honest way.
All This and Rabbit Stew is one "Censored 11" cartoon that deserves it's fate
tavm2 July 2008
Warning: Spoilers
This is another of the Warner Bros. "Censored 11" cartoons that aren't shown on commercial television anymore and the only one with their star character, Bugs Bunny. In this one, the hunter is not Elmer Fudd but a caricatured black man with the big white lips and the slow drawl that's a carbon copy of the Stepin Fetchit character. It's largely because of this stereotypical characterization that this cartoon is banned and in this case, I don't blame them. While there are still some funny gags typical of Tex Avery (such as when Bugs' various body parts quickly disconnect when he gets scared), the Fetchit character's presence makes the whole thing uncomfortable, especially during the final sequence when he's challenged to a crap game. So unless you're a completist of the Bunny, Avery, and/or Warner cartoons, I don't recommend All This and Rabbit Stew.
The funniest Bugs Bunny you'll never see.
wbhickok16 December 2001
Unless you can find this in a video store that deals in obscure or underground films (which is how I found it) chances are you will never see this short. Too bad, it's damn funny. In place of Elmer Fudd, we have a little black sambo stereotype as Bugs' foil. The kid is, of course put through the same rigors that anybody foolish enough to hunt Bugs, gets put through. It is capped off by Bugs hypnotizing the kid by rattling a pair of dice, and taking all of his possessions in a crap game. Is it wrong to laugh at, I don't think so, if that were then the case, it would be wrong to laugh at Redd Foxx or Richard Pryor, or when they rip on Whitey. (And are hilarious when they do) I doubt Warner Brothers will ever release this, or many other of their cartoons that are on this same level, on DVD. Which in a way, is kind of sad...
Not the worst of the Eleven but close
utgard148 March 2016
Controversial Merrie Melodies short, directed by an uncredited Tex Avery, notable today for being one of the Censored Eleven. For those who don't know, the Censored Eleven are cartoons that were withheld from syndication because they were considered to be too offensive due to their use of racial stereotypes and imagery. The plot to this one is not all that different from many other Bugs Bunny shorts -- Bugs is being pursued by a hunter and easily outwits him at every turn. The difference here is the hunter is not Elmer Fudd but a black Stepin Fetchit-type racist caricature. Not the kind of thing a lot of today's audience, particularly the younger ones, will be able to stomach for very long. I'm picturing some poor Millennial seeing this and blowing a gasket because he doesn't know what hashtag to use to properly convey his outrage.
Anyway, yes it's a product of its time and, yes, it's offensive. It's also particularly unfunny and surprisingly unimaginative, considering it's a Tex Avery cartoon (one of his last at WB before heading to MGM). There's a mean-spiritedness to it that makes it worse than most of the other Censor Eleven, I think. In most of them, the offensive images are not the main focus of the cartoon. Here, though, the only laughs come from making fun of black people through ugly stereotypes. I'm far from a politically correct person but I find that to be pretty gross. Still, it's not quite as bad as Angel Puss. This is a cartoon you might want to take a look at if you're interested in the history behind it, or if you're an Avery or Bugs completist. Outside of that I can't see any reason you might want to watch this.
Anyway, yes it's a product of its time and, yes, it's offensive. It's also particularly unfunny and surprisingly unimaginative, considering it's a Tex Avery cartoon (one of his last at WB before heading to MGM). There's a mean-spiritedness to it that makes it worse than most of the other Censor Eleven, I think. In most of them, the offensive images are not the main focus of the cartoon. Here, though, the only laughs come from making fun of black people through ugly stereotypes. I'm far from a politically correct person but I find that to be pretty gross. Still, it's not quite as bad as Angel Puss. This is a cartoon you might want to take a look at if you're interested in the history behind it, or if you're an Avery or Bugs completist. Outside of that I can't see any reason you might want to watch this.
The Value of You Tube
theowinthrop3 February 2007
Warning: Spoilers
I am not going to give a point selection on this cartoon. While very inventive, the stereotypical treatment of a Black male hunter (circa 1941 image) hurts it a little. No - it hurts it quite a lot. Some of the reviews here are being kind because Tex Avery was such a giant in creative cartooning, and if it were done with Elmer Fudd and without the stereotype it would be amusing. But that is just it - it was an experiment to vary the typical situation of Bugs v. Elmer, and the result is jarring now. I do understand why it is not on television these days - and I'm glad it ended up on YOU TUBE
Whenever Elmer came out dressed for hunting (in an exaggerated dress, but looking like he had gone to the Acme store or the cartoon version of Abercrombie and Fitch) he crept onto the scene stealthily, pausing to ask the audience to "Be vewy, vewy quiet...I'm hunting a wabbit!" His African-American counterpart comes on dragging his gun behind him, and moving as quickly as say Lincoln Perry ("Steppin' Fetchit") would have moved. And he speaks like Perry too.
Yeah, the jokes could easily be done on Elmer - the luring of the hunter into the cave where there is a bear is a familiar one. And the use of the tree trunk joke (the hunter runs through a hollow trunk that Bugs keeps pushing so that the opening is over a deep chasm) is one that would be used against Elmer and other foes of Bugs over the years.
But then the business about the crap game comes up at the end - that is something Elmer would not have been involved in (Elmer actually wasn't greedy or a gambler). And the final joke (Bugs reaching into the encircling darkness that is now covering the all but naked hunter, and pulling off his fig leaf (strategically covering his groin) suggests another aspect of Black stereotyping that I find really in questionable taste.
It probably was really laughed at with no problem by Caucasian American audiences in 1941. I really wonder if it was as equally liked by African - American audiences. Worse, I wonder if the Warners Studio even cared!
Whenever Elmer came out dressed for hunting (in an exaggerated dress, but looking like he had gone to the Acme store or the cartoon version of Abercrombie and Fitch) he crept onto the scene stealthily, pausing to ask the audience to "Be vewy, vewy quiet...I'm hunting a wabbit!" His African-American counterpart comes on dragging his gun behind him, and moving as quickly as say Lincoln Perry ("Steppin' Fetchit") would have moved. And he speaks like Perry too.
Yeah, the jokes could easily be done on Elmer - the luring of the hunter into the cave where there is a bear is a familiar one. And the use of the tree trunk joke (the hunter runs through a hollow trunk that Bugs keeps pushing so that the opening is over a deep chasm) is one that would be used against Elmer and other foes of Bugs over the years.
But then the business about the crap game comes up at the end - that is something Elmer would not have been involved in (Elmer actually wasn't greedy or a gambler). And the final joke (Bugs reaching into the encircling darkness that is now covering the all but naked hunter, and pulling off his fig leaf (strategically covering his groin) suggests another aspect of Black stereotyping that I find really in questionable taste.
It probably was really laughed at with no problem by Caucasian American audiences in 1941. I really wonder if it was as equally liked by African - American audiences. Worse, I wonder if the Warners Studio even cared!
Tex Avery at his best, but this one you'll need to look for to find
llltdesq8 June 2002
This is one of Avery's last with Warner Brothers and he was in fine form, truly magnificent here. But because the hunter is black (to be fair, there are stereotypes as well), the only way you'll find this is on a public domain tape. Despite the fact that Bugs does many of the same tricks on Elmer as he pulls here, this one is frowned on. Public domain tapes vary widely in quality, so buyer beware. there are one or two good quality tapes that I know of, so be prepared to look for this one. It's worth the trouble. Most highly recommended.
An Underrated Masterpiece
Mario67930 April 2014
Warning: Spoilers
This is a great Bugs Bunny cartoon. It is very sad that many will not get to see this. There are great gags in this cartoon! At the end, Bugs even takes the hunter's clothes! The reason it isn't shown is because the hunter is black, but it is a great cartoon! A must see for cartoon fans! Trivia: This was Tex Avery's Last Bugs Bunny Cartoon before he left to go to MGM. I think it is a tragedy that he left. We can only wonder what future Tex Avery Bugs Bunny cartoons would have been like. ............................................................. .,.............................................. .............................
The Black Elmer Short
wgviper139 July 2004
Well, to be fair to the other reviews of this short, the hunter is basically Elmer, except black. But to counter most of the reviews, it not one of the best ones, or one that is a must have. I do think that it is an interesting short to watch, considering the time period in which it was made. Although some would disagree, I don't view this short as portraying the hunter dumb BECAUSE he is black, but it does stereotype him by the accentuated lips and of course, the craps game at the end. A good piece to watch for study, but not for entertainment.
"Sucker"
Kalashnikovin17 August 2022
Tex Avery is one of the best animators that has been in this world, many of his works both in Looney Tunes and in MGM are Fantastic, Honestly he is at the Grade (or even higher) than great animators like Friz Freleng or Bob Clampett, And wow, that is saying a lot!.
In this Underrated Cartoon that was also a Acceptable End to Avery's Career with Bugs, We see an African American Hunter being Tormented by bugs, there's nothing wrong with that, they do some granny and all, but bugs would do the same with Elmer! Honestly these criticisms and including her in the censored eleven seems absurd to me, a new character who is stereotyped at the same time doesn't seem bad to me, I know there are some jokes like the Exaggerated Voice of the hunter and his Appearance, but honestly when coming from a Latin American country and getting used to this I don't see anything wrong with it.
The Animation, as expected, is brilliant, unfortunately this was only animated by Virgil Ross, although Ross was very talented since he himself managed to draw all that beautiful meadow in the background! The movements are a bit strange, Being animated by a single person, the limitations are noticeable, although yes, the Backgrounds and Characters still look good!.
Carl Stalling's music is unsurprisingly Brilliant, it's always energetic and at the same time it doesn't get boring.
The voice acting is good, Mel Blanc as always is doing what he knows how to do best while the Afro-American gave him a rather exaggerated and stereotyped voice, to some it seems racist but to me it seems the opposite!.
In General, This Cartoon is very underrated, it has great scenes like when the Hunter runs away deceived by bugs and turns into a Palette with the Text "Sucker" although that is honestly somewhat racist it's fun!, also the gag with him Trunk is ingenious and truly original in these moments of the Looney Tunes, The Animation and the brilliant music of Carl Stalling are quite good, the Backgrounds as always are Beautiful and the Animation is Beautiful to see as it is not expected from a Great Animator like It was Virgil Ross.
In itself, an Underestimated cartoon that was an acceptable end to Avery's career with Bugs, who later went to MGM to create other good cartoons, the African-American character sincerely should have been given another chance, despite being a stereotype, is quite funny and has a different personality than Elmer and that gives more Variety to the Subject, in General, a Good Cartoon destroyed by the Bad Critics blaming it for being "Racist" although there is some truth in that, it does not eliminate all the fun that is caricature I offer myself and I hope you also have fun!.
For everything I said above, All This And Rabbit Stew gets an 8.
In this Underrated Cartoon that was also a Acceptable End to Avery's Career with Bugs, We see an African American Hunter being Tormented by bugs, there's nothing wrong with that, they do some granny and all, but bugs would do the same with Elmer! Honestly these criticisms and including her in the censored eleven seems absurd to me, a new character who is stereotyped at the same time doesn't seem bad to me, I know there are some jokes like the Exaggerated Voice of the hunter and his Appearance, but honestly when coming from a Latin American country and getting used to this I don't see anything wrong with it.
The Animation, as expected, is brilliant, unfortunately this was only animated by Virgil Ross, although Ross was very talented since he himself managed to draw all that beautiful meadow in the background! The movements are a bit strange, Being animated by a single person, the limitations are noticeable, although yes, the Backgrounds and Characters still look good!.
Carl Stalling's music is unsurprisingly Brilliant, it's always energetic and at the same time it doesn't get boring.
The voice acting is good, Mel Blanc as always is doing what he knows how to do best while the Afro-American gave him a rather exaggerated and stereotyped voice, to some it seems racist but to me it seems the opposite!.
In General, This Cartoon is very underrated, it has great scenes like when the Hunter runs away deceived by bugs and turns into a Palette with the Text "Sucker" although that is honestly somewhat racist it's fun!, also the gag with him Trunk is ingenious and truly original in these moments of the Looney Tunes, The Animation and the brilliant music of Carl Stalling are quite good, the Backgrounds as always are Beautiful and the Animation is Beautiful to see as it is not expected from a Great Animator like It was Virgil Ross.
In itself, an Underestimated cartoon that was an acceptable end to Avery's career with Bugs, who later went to MGM to create other good cartoons, the African-American character sincerely should have been given another chance, despite being a stereotype, is quite funny and has a different personality than Elmer and that gives more Variety to the Subject, in General, a Good Cartoon destroyed by the Bad Critics blaming it for being "Racist" although there is some truth in that, it does not eliminate all the fun that is caricature I offer myself and I hope you also have fun!.
For everything I said above, All This And Rabbit Stew gets an 8.
Despite it's racism, it's still really funny
MothraLover1325 January 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Now to be fair, the hunter looks like black face, and voice is mocking African American accent, (because the 40's Black people were seen as low-life's by many), but other than the dice gag at the end, the hunter's just a dumb hunter like Elmer, and tha gags are so fast and and sharp, and bugs bunny is charming as always. But I do understand if people are offended by it (I don't support black face either), so if you do watch it, just make sure you don't draw black people like this or make fun of their accent.
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