“What’s Up Doc ?” Happy Birthday Bugs Bunny !

It is hard to believe that cartoons used to be shown at the movie theater after the coming attractions and before the featured attraction.  One of those cartoon "superstars " was Bugs Bunny.  Bugs made his first appearance on this date in 1940.  So today Bugs Bunny turns 75.(not sure how that translates into rabbit years)

Bugs was the Warner Brothers movie studios answer to Mickey Mouse.  He was a "wascally wabbit" as described by his nemesis, hunter Elmer Fudd.  He made his big screen debut in the cartoon "A Wild Hare"  and has been part of the history of animated entertainment ever since.  The "voice" of the rabbit was the legendary Mel Blanc who also used his vocal talent for other Warner Bros cartoon characters as well.

Television introduced new cartoon characters,  but gave some like Bugs Bunny a second life where he was on Saturday morning for over 40 years.

Bugs Bunny was the first cartoon character awarded a stamp by the United States Postal Service in 1997, even before his chief rival Mickey Mouse.

CNN featured a report on how some of Bugs Bunny's cartoons wouldn't be acceptable in todays politically correct society and the examples given bear merit, but you have to remember it was the writers who put Bugs Bunny in these scenarios and most of those cartoons don't hold the test of time.

From someone who grew up and laughed at Bugs Bunny and friends I wish him a Happy 75th.