Haredevil Hare

Haredevil Hare is a 1948 Looney Tunes cartoon directed by Chuck Jones. It stars Bugs Bunny and it is the debut for Marvin the Martian &mdash; although he is unnamed in this film&mdash;along with his Martian dog, K-9. Marvin's nasal voice for this first film is different from the later one he is most known for. This is also the last pre-August 1948 Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies cartoon whose copyright was sold to Associated Artists Productions.

Plot
A prominent newspaper headlines heralding Bugs Bunny's purported enthusiasm to partake as the inaugural passenger on a historic lunar expedition. Contrarily, Bugs vehemently protests this endeavor as he is forcibly conveyed toward the awaiting rocket, only acquiescing upon discovering the presence of his beloved carrots amongst the cargo. With a thunderous roar, the rocket propels into the celestial expanse, ensnaring Bugs within its confines as he futilely endeavors to abort the mission.

Upon lunar touchdown, Bug's initial panic dissipates, replaced by a sense of awe as he navigates the desolate lunar landscape, cognizant of his unprecedented status as the first terrestrial being to tread upon its surface. Encountering an enigmatic Martian, later identified as Marvin the Martian, Bugs is compelled to inquire about the Martian's clandestine machinations aimed at Earth's annihilation. In a display of cunning, Bugs absconds with the Martian's weapon, the purportedly formidable Uranium PU-36 Explosive Space Modulator, only to unveil its mundane essence as a mere stick of dynamite. Amidst ensuing confrontations with Marvin's loyal canine companion, K-9, Bugs employs his trademark wit and flattery to outmaneuver the Martian's machinations and reclaim the modulator.

Subterfuge ensues as Bugs, assuming a Martian guise, orchestrates a ruse culminating in the detonation of the dynamite-laden modulator, resulting in a cataclysmic lunar upheaval. Amidst the chaos, Bug's precarious predicament prompts a plea for rescue, epitomizing his signature blend of resourcefulness and levity in the face of adversity.

Reception
Animation producer Paul Dini writes, "Before director Chuck Jones cast Bugs Bunny in the more or less permanent role of unflappable hero, the director and his animators seemed to delight in emotionally challenging their long-eared star. Nowhere is that more gleefully apparent than in 1948's Haredevil Hare, wherein the reluctant space-going rabbit is called upon to display terror, greed, nonchalance, innocence, and frustration, with side trips to wise-guy confidence and doe-eyed flirtation. Ben Washam's brilliant animation of Bugs' extended post-crash jitters is reason enough to place this cartoon among the Warner Bros. greats."

Home media
This cartoon is included on disc 3 of the Looney Tunes Golden Collection: Volume 1 DVD set and also included on disc 2 of the Looney Tunes Platinum Collection: Volume 1 Blu-ray box set with the cartoon restored and in high definition. This short is also available on disc 1 of The Essential Bugs Bunny.