On July 27, 1940, animation history was made with the release of the Warner Bros. Merrie Melodies short, A Wild Hare. Directed by Tex Avery, this cartoon marked the very first official appearance of Bugs Bunny alongside his perennial foil, Elmer Fudd.
While prototype rabbits had appeared in earlier shorts, this was the exact moment Bugs emerged fully formed, delivering his iconic, nonchalant catchphrase, “What’s up, doc?” while chewing a carrot. The short was an instant hit, earning an Academy Award nomination and transforming the wisecracking rabbit into a global cultural icon.
Photo Source: Historic military nose art featuring “What’s Up Doc?” on a B-52 bomber via Wikimedia Commons.
