Hare Trigger

The debut of Yosemite Sam: the meanest, toughest, rip-roarin'-est, ever-lovin' freight train to ever pack a six-shooter.

"Hare Trigger" is a historic 1945 Merrie Melodies cartoon directed by Friz Freleng, released on May 5 of that year. While it features the iconic Bugs Bunny, its true significance lies in marking the very first appearance of Yosemite Sam. The title itself is a pun on "hair trigger," referencing a sensitive weapon mechanism. This installment established a new, tougher adversary for Bugs, moving away from the softer portrayals of previous villains.

Quick Facts

Director

I. Freleng

Story

Michael Maltese

Animator

Manuel Perez
Ken Champin
Virgil Ross
Gerry Chiniquy

Layout artist

Hawley Pratt

Starring

Mel Blanc

Music

Carl W. Stalling

Released

5 May 1945

Runtime

8 minutes

Lore & Background

Before this short, Friz Freleng felt Elmer Fudd was too soft and needed a smarter, tougher foe for Bugs Bunny. This need birthed Yosemite Sam in "Hare Trigger." The dynamic shifts from simple pursuit to explosive confrontations where Sam is loud, aggressive, and prone to dramatic introspections. In one memorable moment, after being tricked by Bugs, Sam asks with an offended tone, "Why did you pour ink on mah haid?"

Another defining trait established here is Sam's grandiose self-introduction: "I'm Yosemite Sam, the meanest, toughest, rip-roarin'-est, ever-lovin' freight train that ever packed a six-shooter!" This pattern of introducing himself to both Bugs and the audience became a staple for the character. The short also utilized stock footage from the Warner Bros. Western film "The Oklahoma Kid" (1939) to depict a saloon fight, showcasing the studio's resourcefulness in blending live-action clips with animation.

Reader's Guide

Viewers should note the specific musical cues that drive this narrative, such as the use of "Cheyenne" for opening credits and "Erlkönig" during Sam's first attempt to board. The climax subverts expectations when the screen fills with text asking if Bugs will be dashed to bits, only for him to appear unharmed with a bag of gold. Pay attention to the voice acting nuances; Mel Blanc voices both characters, but also provides the narrator's close-to-natural voice for the on-screen text reading.

The short features a unique gag where Bugs impersonates an African-American train porter in a stereotyped voice to persuade Sam to disembark, complete with Sam tipping him a silver coin. This scene leads to Sam being whisked off by a mail-drop hook while Bugs yells, "So long, screwy, see ya in Saint Louie!"—a line later echoed in other cartoons like "Wild and Woolly Hare." The ending iris-out plays a bar of "Kingdom Coming."

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 'Hare Trigger'?

Released in 1945 and directed by Friz Freleng, this Merrie Melodies short is historically significant for introducing Yosemite Sam as Bugs Bunny's first tough adversary. The title itself serves as a pun on the term 'hair trigger,' highlighting the volatile nature of the new cowboy character.

Who are the main characters in this cartoon?

The episode features the iconic rabbit, Bugs Bunny, facing off against his newly introduced rival, Yosemite Sam. This marked the first time Sam appeared as the meanest gun-slinging hombre to ever challenge the bunny.