Ep 1. Elmer's Candid Camera
- TV-NR
- March 2, 1940
- 7 min
In Looney Tunes season 7 episode 1, titled "Elmer's Candid Camera," we are introduced to the iconic character of Elmer Fudd, a mild-mannered hunter who is constantly in search of Bugs Bunny. In this episode, Elmer decides to try his hand at photography, purchasing a new camera that he believes will capture the perfect shot of his elusive prey.
Elmer's plan is to set up the camera in the woods and wait for Bugs to come by so he can snap a quick photo. However, things don't go quite as planned. Bugs is, of course, a master of disguises and is able to outsmart Elmer time and time again. As Elmer becomes more and more frustrated, we are treated to a hilarious string of gags and mishaps as Bugs does everything in his power to avoid having his picture taken.
One of the most memorable scenes in the episode involves a clever bit of wordplay. Elmer is hiding behind a tree, camera in hand, ready to snap a photo of Bugs as he hops by. Bugs sees the camera and asks, "What's up, doc?" Elmer responds, "Shh, be vewwy vewwy quiet, I'm hunting wabbits!" Of course, Bugs is not fooled and quickly disappears into the brush.
Throughout the episode, we see Elmer constantly attempting to take photos of Bugs, each time with hilarious results. For example, at one point, he sets up a decoy of Bugs, hoping to lure the real rabbit into position. But Bugs is wise to his tricks and quickly outwits the hunter yet again. In another scene, Elmer tries wearing a giant camera on his head, hoping to catch Bugs by surprise. But once again, Bugs is too clever and manages to trick Elmer into taking a photo of himself instead.
One of the great things about this episode is the clever use of sound effects and music. The animators make excellent use of sound to add to the humor of the scenes. For example, when Elmer is hiding behind a tree, we hear the sound of twanging strings, building up suspense. And when Bugs pulls a fast one on Elmer, we hear a snare drum roll, adding to the comedic effect.
Overall, "Elmer's Candid Camera" is a classic Looney Tunes episode that showcases the talents of both Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd. The animators do a fantastic job of keeping the humor and action coming, making for a highly enjoyable viewing experience. Whether you're a lifelong fan of the show or a newcomer looking to get into classic animation, this episode is a great place to start.