From Hare to Heir

From Hare to Heir is a 1960 Warner Bros. Merrie Melodies theatrical cartoon short directed and written by Friz Freleng.^[1] The short was released on September 3, 1960, and stars Bugs Bunny and Yosemite Sam.^[2]

In the confines of Bedlam Manor, Yosemite Sam, Duke of Yosemite, discovers his dire financial situation, attributed to his uncle, the King, discontinuing his allowance due to frequent displays of anger. Sam punishes his servant for not having the books balanced. In a twist of fate, Bugs Bunny arrives at Sam's doorstep, offering a substantial sum of £1 million under a peculiar condition: Sam must maintain composure continuously to retain the entirety of the gift. Any lapse in temper results in a deduction, the severity determined by Bugs.

Bugs assumes the role of an irritating guest, testing Sam's patience through various antics. Despite initial tolerance, Sam succumbs to frustration, incurring deductions. His attempts to alleviate stress only exacerbate the situation, prompting him to seek solace outdoors. The provocation persists, with Bugs disrupting Sam's rest with raucous piano playing and relentless demands.

In a bid to rid himself of Bugs, Sam devises a scheme, inadvertently falling victim to his own trap. Despite repeated setbacks, Sam ultimately demonstrates restraint, subjecting himself to further indignities to prove his newfound temperance. Bugs, amused by Sam's efforts, reveals Sam had blown all of the promised reward, leaving Sam to confront his folly.

This cartoon was included in the 1983 compilation film Daffy Duck's Movie: Fantastic Island as Sam's wish.

From Hare to Heir is available, uncensored and uncut, on the Looney Tunes Super Stars DVD. However, it was cropped to widescreen.^[3]

In 2020, the cartoon was remastered and restored to full screen in the Bugs Bunny 80th Anniversary Collection Blu-Ray.

• List of American films of 1960
• List of Bugs Bunny cartoons
• List of Yosemite Sam cartoons

• From Hare to Heir at IMDb