Oily Hare

About This Movie

Oily Hare is a curious little short that combines the absurd with the mundane. You've got this Texas oilman, whose personality is just as overblown as the oil wells he’s obsessed with, squaring off against Bugs Bunny, who, of course, has no intention of relinquishing his rabbit hole. The animation is classic Warner Bros., with that distinctive blend of humor and slight chaos. The pacing is brisk, typical of the era, and while the plot is simple, it cleverly highlights themes of greed and property rights. The vocal performances add a layer of charm, especially Bugs’ nonchalant wit. It’s one of those shorts where the visual gags and clever dialogue mesh perfectly, leaving you with a light-hearted yet thoughtful reflection on ownership and entitlement.

Oily Hare was released during a prolific time for Warner Bros. animation, and while it may not be as widely circulated as some other Bugs shorts, it holds a unique place in the collection for its themes and style. Finding it on original 16mm prints can be a bit of a hunt, but it's not overly scarce, making it an interesting piece for those who appreciate the nuances of the era's animation. Collectors often note its clever writing and the character dynamics, which reflect both the humor and cultural attitudes of the early '50s.