Popular Bugs Bunny lampoon of Warners’ own CAPTAIN HORATIO HORNBLOWER (1951) – though already released on one of their various “Looney Tunes” sets, it makes for an ideal extra on the live-action epic’s DVD edition.
The film is virtually a 7-minute battle of wits between Bugs and his frequent sparring partner, the diminutive but pompous Yosemite Sam – here dubbed “Pirate Sam”. Typically, the former is a stowaway on a ship which is attacked by the latter – singlehandedly! The crew of its targeted vessel abandons ship, and the laidback but wily rabbit is then pushed into assuming command by Sam’s obstinate provocation…at which, naturally, he’s instantly adept (much to the pirate’s chagrin)! Of course, the amount of physical violence – predictably, endured mostly by Sam (being constantly surprised by Bugs’ cannonballs fired virtually at point-blank range) – wouldn’t pass muster in a ‘normal’ film from this era. Incidentally, while the cartoon retains the 19th century setting of the real Hornblower adventures, the script-writers couldn’t help inserting gags involving modern commodities – such as an electric fan (even when put under pressure, Bugs’ resourcefulness never seems to fail him) and an underwater costume (complete with flippers and goggles) for the characteristically underhanded Sam.
The finale, then, sees the two nonchalantly lighting a match – which they throw in the powder room of their respective opponent’s ship, daring one another to pick it up before the inevitable explosion. Of course, Sam’s vessel is blown to “smithereenies” first but, when Bugs’ turn comes, he doesn’t budge – the pirate loses his nerve and jumps overboard, a reaction which baffles the rabbit…given that his “powder” is of an entirely different sort i.e. the make-up variety (which is a classically absurdist “Looney Tunes” twist).
