| French Rarebit | |
| Director: | Robert McKimson |
| Story: | Tedd Pierce |
| Animator: | Phil DeLara Emery Hawkins Charles McKimson Rod Scribner |
| Layout Artist: | Cornett Wood |
| Background Artist: | Richard H. Thomas |
| Starring: | Mel Blanc (all other voices) Tedd Pierce (Louis)[1] |
| Music: | Eugene Poddany Milt Franklyn |
| Editing: | Treg Brown |
| Producer: | Edward Selzer John W. Burton |
| Studio: | Warner Bros. Cartoons |
| Distributor: | Warner Bros. Pictures |
| Color Process: | Technicolor |
| Runtime: | 7 minutes (one reel) |
| Language: | English |
French Rarebit is a 1951 Warner Bros. Merrie Melodies animated short, directed by Robert McKimson and written by Tedd Pierce.[2] Released June 30, 1951, the cartoon features Bugs Bunny.[3] The title is a play on "Welsh rarebit", which is also known as "Welsh rabbit".[4]
In Paris, France, Bugs Bunny finds himself amidst a culinary quandary after a delivery mishap lands him in the bustling streets. Two competing French chefs, Louis and François, both set their sights on turning Bugs into a gourmet delicacy for their respective restaurants.
Amidst the chaos of their culinary rivalry, Bugs cleverly manipulates the situation to his advantage, inciting a humorous conflict between the chefs as they vie for ownership of the unwitting rabbit. Employing wit and cunning, Bugs navigates the escalating fracas with ease, ultimately orchestrating a comical showdown in the kitchen.
As Bugs cunningly evades his would-be captors, he playfully suggests tantalizing recipes and culinary techniques, leaving the chefs bewildered and bemused. In a final act of culinary whimsy, Bugs concocts a daring plan to outwit the chefs, culminating in a comedic explosion that leaves both Louis and François unscathed but humbled.
Amidst the chaos and laughter, Bugs delivers his trademark quip, expressing a preference for a simpler fare than the culinary escapades of Parisian cuisine.
Bugs came into his own in A Wild Hare,a short released in 1940. In that short, Bugs asked “What’s up, doc?” for the very first time, with Mel Blanc debuting as the rabbit’s iconic voice.[5]
The short can be found (uncut) on the . This short was also included as a bonus feature on the Blu-ray release of Gay Purr-ee.[6]