This August, we’re revisiting a true masterpiece of animation with the 1953 Warner Bros. Looney Tunes classic, Bully for Bugs starring Bugs Bunny.

Directed by the legendary Chuck Jones and penned by the masterful Michael Maltese, the animated short Bully for Bugs is a dazzling showcase of Bugs’ unmatched wit and charm, delivered with impeccable comedic timing.

In Bully for Bugs, the ever-clever Bugs Bunny finds himself hilariously tangled in the world of bullfighting. Going head-to-head with the formidable Toro, Bugs uses his signature cleverness to outsmart his opponent in a series of side-splitting gags. Chuck Jones’s expert direction and storytelling shine brightly here, making this cartoon a standout example of his remarkable skills.

The creation of Bully for Bugs was nothing short of an adventure. Eddie Selzer, the head of Warner Bros. Animation at the time, famously declared, “I don’t want any gags about bullfights. Bullfights aren’t funny!”

Far from being deterred, Chuck Jones and Michael Maltese took this as a personal challenge. They plunged into research, devouring Hemingway’s Death in the Afternoon and The Brave Bulls, and even journeyed to Mexico City to see a bullfight firsthand. Their dedication transformed into a vibrant, engaging short that proved bullfights could indeed be uproariously funny.

The film’s matador character is a playful homage to the legendary Spanish bullfighter Juan Belmonte, while Toro’s design accentuates his immense weight and strength, adding to the comedic brilliance. Chuck Jones’s meticulous attention to detail makes every gag land perfectly, enhancing the bull’s believability and humor.

Darrell Van Citters, an acclaimed director-animator, praised the film’s direction and timing, saying, “This film hits squarely in director Chuck Jones’ sweet spot … Jones was a master of timing and the expressive hold. His timing revealed character, making the moment all the funnier.” This endorsement underscores the lasting appeal of Bully for Bugs, a testament to the genius of Chuck Jones and his creative team.

Whether you’re revisiting this classic or experiencing it for the first time, Bully for Bugs promises to entertain and delight with its clever humor and timeless charm.