What's Up, Doc? (1950 film)

Did You Know?

• The cartoon was released on the Looney Tunes Golden Collection: Volume 1 DVD set.
• It was also included on the Bugs Bunny 80th Anniversary Collection Blu-ray set.
• The cartoon appeared as a bonus feature on the Cats Don't Dance Blu-ray released by Warner Archive in September 2023.

Plot

While relaxing poolside, Bugs Bunny participates in a phone interview about his ascent to fame. He traces his journey from early artistic endeavors to his eventual breakthrough in the entertainment industry. Bugs, a rabbit in a human-dominated world, shows early aptitude in piano and ballet and pursues professional stardom, initially landing only chorus roles on Broadway. A turning point comes when he is offered a leading role due to the sudden illness of the star, but his performance falls short and he is dismissed.

Disenchanted with returning to chorus work, Bugs withdraws from the limelight. During a winter spent with struggling actors in Central Park, he meets Elmer Fudd, who recognizes his potential and offers him a role as his sidekick in a vaudeville act. They tour nationwide, with Fudd delivering punchlines to Bugs's antics. Bugs grows tired of being the joke's target and begins delivering the punchlines himself, which audiences receive enthusiastically.

This leads to widespread acclaim and an invitation from Warner Bros. for screen tests. After a successful audition with Fudd, Bugs secures a contract and transitions to film. As he reflects on his journey, he realizes he is late for his first film role, which casts him as a chorus boy again, and he performs with a sour expression.