Rio Hayward
All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.
Bessie Smyth
Great story, amazing characters, superb action, enthralling cinematography. Yes, this is something I am glad I spent money on.
Lucia Ayala
It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.
Philippa
All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.
TheLittleSongbird
Have always been a huge fan of Bugs Bunny, so would see anything with him in. Not all his cartoons are great, with a few of his later efforts being quite bad, but his best cartoons are masterpieces and some of the best cartoons ever made.'A Hare Grows in Manhattan' may not be among his best, Manhattan itself could have been used more and same with the premise of Bugs being a film star which began the cartoon so promisingly. While the whole stuff with the bulldog is clever and lots of fun it is somewhat typical of a chase cartoon and not hugely surprising or innovative story-wise and just seemed a tad disconnected.Because 'A Hare Grows in Manhattan' is so much fun throughout the length, any reservations about the story and Manhattan and the film star premise not quite living to their full potential don't feel like huge problems. The animation is truly beautiful here, the painterly buildings and landscapes are particularly striking while the colours are gorgeously vibrant, the backgrounds meticulous in detail and the drawing crisp and smooth.Carl Stalling's music score shines as bright as a twinkling star as always, no other Looney Tunes/Merry Melodies wrote music so consistently great without putting a foot wrong. Orchestration is lush, rhythms are rich in character and energy and it not only adds to everything so well the impact of scenes are enhanced to a greater level by Stalling's music. It is especially fitting agreed in the Egyptian billboard, the ascending elevator ride and Bugs' hopping on all fours.The writing is razor sharp, fresh and deliciously witty, and the gags are beautifully timed, clever and at their best hilarious. Hard to pick a favourite line or gag because there isn't a clunky line or misfiring gag among them. Pacing never gets dull or chaotic, Bugs has everything that makes him such a great character in the first place and the bulldog is good fun with strong chemistry with Bugs. Mel Blanc can be counted on to give great, or even better than that, voice work and be a large part of a cartoon's success, no disappointments here, he's superb.In conclusion, hugely enjoyable cartoon if not among Bugs' best. 9/10 Bethany Cox
J. Spurlin
The sycophantic newsreel reporter Lola Beverly wants Bugs Bunny's life story. The great Hollywood star tells of his humble beginnings in the tenements of Manhattan. We see poor Bugs terrorized by a gang of canine toughs led by a bullying bulldog who smokes a cigar and wears a derby and a turtleneck sweater. He's subjected to a cruel "dog pile on the rabbit," but our wily Bugs soon turns the tables on these toughs. Bugs subjects his main tormenter to pies in his face; a confusing performance in front of an Egyptian cigarette billboard; a fall from the top of a building; and an embarrassing entanglement in a series of clotheslines. Bugs Bunny finds his real saviors are Betty Smith and a book title calculated to win the heart of any New York bow-wow.Bugs Bunny sings "The Daughter of Rosie O'Grady" and Carl Stalling provides memorable music for the Egyptian billboard scene in this fine short from Friz Freleng and his team. My favorite gag: the bulldog's method for getting through his gang after they've blocked the alleyway from Bugs. The renowned rabbit relates his life story again in "What's Up Doc?" (1950).This cartoon is available on the "Looney Tunes Golden Collection, Volume Three," Disc 1.
bob the moo
Now a big star living in the wealthy suburbs of LA with the other movie stars, Bugs is approached by the press to print his autobiography. Bugs tells the story of how he was born in humble surroundings in the Lower East Side, in particular an interaction with a group of dogs when he was a young man.This film opens well, with a knowing star expose of Bugs in his `real life ` personae as film star, having been in so many cartoons. We take the chance to hear his life story, although in reality this only serves to set up a scene between Bugs and a big rough East Side bulldog. The action is typical for Bugs cartoons and is pretty enjoyable, the film never really makes great use of it being in New York only really using general buildings as opposed to landmarks but this isn't a real problem.Bugs is his usual self and is funny for it. The bulldog is not one of his strongest foils but is a strong character and works well with Bugs to create funny scenes throughout the film. The film has plenty of nice jokes; including one about dogs and `A tree grows in Brooklyn' which I've seen before in a Pepe Le Phew film!Overall an enjoyable short that Bugs fans will like as it delivers all that we love him for!
smicalef
One of the ways to make a character a 'hero' is to make trouble find the character, instead of the character looking for trouble.In this short, Bugs is encountered by a group of New York 'toughs' who just happen to be dogs.This short is most noticeable for one of the early introductions of Spike, the big dog wearing the derby and sweater, later paired up with Chester in their own couple of shorts. This is a fun short, so if you get the chance, definitely watch it. 8/10.