Directed by Friz Freleng, "Hyde and Hare" is virtually a one-gag cartoon. Bugs Bunny is adopted by a kindly scientist appropriately named Dr. Jekyll, who repeatedly transforms into a hideous green, long-armed, long-haired, red-eyed monster simply because of a formula that Jekyll cannot resist drinking. The brilliant Carl Stalling's musical accompaniment greatly enhances the back-and-forth transformation between Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. I actually find it quite astonishing that the usually sharp Bugs Bunny just can't seem to figure out that Jekyll and Hyde are one and the same.
Some of the funnier gags in this short include the following (don't read on until after you have seen it): One particular Jekyll/Hyde transformation occurs while Bugs and Jekyll are hiding inside a dark closet; the sight of Jekyll's eyes turning red is hilarious. Bugs plays Chopin's Minute Waltz on the piano, adapting a Liberace voice saying, "I wish my brother George was here" (this Liberace gag also appeared in other Warner Bros. cartoons such as "Wideo Wabbit" [1956] and "Three Little Bops" [1957]); when Hyde then approaches Bugs from behind, Bugs' terrified facial expression and distorted piano playing are quite amusing. And the ending gag is also very funny, as Bugs himself transforms into a hideous green monster (presumably from taking a swig of Jekyll's formula) and becomes puzzled at everyone being frightened of him.
Some folks might complain that the constant Jekyll/Hyde makeover wears thin after awhile, but "Hyde and Hare" is still a fine Bugs Bunny cartoon with ample humor.
Some of the funnier gags in this short include the following (don't read on until after you have seen it): One particular Jekyll/Hyde transformation occurs while Bugs and Jekyll are hiding inside a dark closet; the sight of Jekyll's eyes turning red is hilarious. Bugs plays Chopin's Minute Waltz on the piano, adapting a Liberace voice saying, "I wish my brother George was here" (this Liberace gag also appeared in other Warner Bros. cartoons such as "Wideo Wabbit" [1956] and "Three Little Bops" [1957]); when Hyde then approaches Bugs from behind, Bugs' terrified facial expression and distorted piano playing are quite amusing. And the ending gag is also very funny, as Bugs himself transforms into a hideous green monster (presumably from taking a swig of Jekyll's formula) and becomes puzzled at everyone being frightened of him.
Some folks might complain that the constant Jekyll/Hyde makeover wears thin after awhile, but "Hyde and Hare" is still a fine Bugs Bunny cartoon with ample humor.