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A Mutt in a Rut

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Not to be confused with the 1949 cartoon of the same name made by Famous Studios.
A Mutt in a Rut
Title screen featuring "Rover"
Directed byRobert McKimson
Story byTedd Pierce
Produced byJohn Burton, Sr.
StarringMel Blanc
Arthur Q. Bryan
(uncredited)
Music byMilt Franklyn
Animation byWarren Batchelder
Ted Bonnicksen
George Grandpré
Tom Ray
Layouts byRobert Gribbroek
Backgrounds byWilliam Butler
Color processTechnicolor
Production
company
Distributed byWarner Bros. Pictures
The Vitaphone Corporation
Release date
  • May 23, 1959 (1959-05-23) (USA)
Running time
6 minutes
LanguageEnglish

A Mutt in a Rut is a 1959 Warner Bros. Looney Tunes animated short directed by Robert McKimson.[1] The short was released on May 23, 1959 and features Elmer Fudd.[2]

The story concerns Elmer's dog, "Rover", who, after watching a television show about dogs, is determined to protest how he is treated, but after going hunting, every intention to hurt or kill Elmer backfires on him...in a good way. This is one of only a few storylines featuring Elmer Fudd wherein nothing disastrous happens to Elmer.

Plot

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During Elmer's absence for work, Rover indulges in his favorite TV show, The Dog Lovers Hour, where host Carlton Canine discusses the bond between dogs and their masters. Disturbed by the show's portrayal of mistreated dogs and the ominous notion of hunting outings resulting in only one returning, Rover reacts with fury. He defaces Elmer's photo, displays defiance by trashing his slippers, and growls at Elmer when confronted.

Elmer, attributing Rover's behavior to neglect, resolves to take him hunting. However, Rover, fearing the hunting trip's outcome, plots to ensure his own safety by orchestrating accidents to harm Elmer. In a series of misadventures, Rover inadvertently saves Elmer's life by dispatching a bear and enduring an attack from a wild cat meant for Elmer. Despite Rover's attempts to eliminate Elmer, Elmer interprets each incident as acts of heroism, oblivious to Rover's true intentions. Rover's final scheme involving dynamite backfires, leading to his injury. Nevertheless, Elmer praises Rover for his bravery, promising him a medal.

Realizing his wrongdoing, Rover abandons his hostile actions. Upon returning home, Elmer tends to Rover's injuries with compassion. However, upon seeing The Dog Lovers Hour again, Rover, incensed by Canine's rhetoric, attacks him on live television.

Home media

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A Mutt in a Rut is available on the 2010 DVD Looney Tunes Super Stars' Foghorn Leghorn & Friends: Barnyard Bigmouth.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Beck, Jerry; Friedwald, Will (1989). Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies: A Complete Illustrated Guide to the Warner Bros. Cartoons. Henry Holt and Co. p. 316. ISBN 0-8050-0894-2.
  2. ^ Lenburg, Jeff (1999). The Encyclopedia of Animated Cartoons. Checkmark Books. pp. 77–79. ISBN 0-8160-3831-7. Retrieved 6 June 2020.
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