Tortoise Beats Hare is a 1941 American animated comedy short film directed by Fred Avery. It was released on March 15, 1941. It is part of the Merrie Melodies series and the seventh cartoon to feature Bugs Bunny. The short is a parody of Aesop's fable The Tortoise and the Hare. Cecil Turtle is introduced as a recurring rival to Bugs.
Plot Bugs Bunny comes upon the title card, attempting to read the credits with mispronunciations while eating a carrot. Realizing the film's title, Bugs destroys the credits and searches for the tortoise. His attention soon turns to Cecil Turtle, with whom he enters into a high-stakes wager of ten dollars on a race (equivalent to $226.54 in 2026). Cecil, employing cunning strategy, enlists the aid of his turtle cousins to impersonate him at various points along the racecourse, thus maintaining a deceptive lead over Bugs. Despite Bugs' initial confidence and commanding lead, he finds himself outwitted by Cecil's clever ploy. Convinced of his victory as he crosses the finish line, Bugs is surprised to find Cecil awaiting him as the apparent winner.
Grudgingly conceding defeat, Bugs pays Cecil his wager, reflecting a mixture of anger and bewilderment. However, a sudden realization dawns upon Bugs as he ponders the possibility of being duped. Turning back, he is met with Cecil and his cousins, each holding a share of the winnings, who respond, "Ehhh, it's a possibility!" (a line popularized by Artie Auerbach on the Al Pearce radio show) before simultaneously smooching Bugs as the cartoon irises out.
See also Tortoise Wins by a Hare Rabbit Transit
Home media DVD - Looney Tunes Golden Collection: Volume 2, Disc One Blu-ray/DVD - Looney Tunes Platinum Collection: Volume 2, Disc Two
References
External links