8/10
Any Bonds Today? is one of the most fascinating of early Bugs Bunny rarities
11 May 2008
I have recently discovered the blog for the new Matinée at the Bijou that PBS had revived after an absence of about 20 years. So on their listings of previous episodes, there was one devoted to propaganda shorts encouraging participation in the armed forces of World War II. One of those was a nearly 2-minute musical short cartoon from Leon Schlesinger called Any Bonds Today? that had Bugs Bunny singing the title song recently written by Irving Berlin "asking you to buy your share of freedom today-y-y-y". The wabbit also briefly changes into Jolson with black-face before being joined by Elmer and Porky for the finale. As directed by Bob Clampett, this was pretty entertaining and still provides some pleasure at seeing an emerging popular cartoon character displayed in an important Public Service spot for mass audiences at the time. For any offended by the few seconds of burnt cork on Bugs' face, be aware that this was accepted public humor at the time with no malice whatsoever. So for anyone interested in World War II history or that of Warner Bros. cartoon rarities, I highly recommend Any Bonds Today?
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