From Hare to Heir

Bedlam Manor, 17th-century England. Sam, the Duke of Yosemite, learns that the King has cut off his allowance and takes his frustrations out on his servant by slamming his large nose in the book. Just as he’s complaining about where to get more funds, Bugs Bunny comes to the door. The bunny offers 1 million pounds to a mild-tempered person – he picks Sam – then provides an anger-management catch: If Sam loses his temper for any reason, Bugs gets to subtract from the balance. Sam, anxious for the cash, quickly becomes mild-tempered and welcomes Bugs into his palace. The rest of the cartoon depicts Bugs playing the role of annoying house guest, seemingly to test Sam’s temper and patience. Sam loses every time, as he blows his cool when he’s asked repeatedly to pass the salt, pepper and ketchup; Bugs hears Sam grumble under his breath and deducts from his cash account; Sam can’t even go outside to vent his anger without Bugs knowing about it. That night, Bugs keeps Sam awake with an …