Ducking the Devil (1957) Plot Summary Explained

The news bulletin that Daffy reads specifically notes that Taz becomes docile when exposed to music. This detail is what gives Daffy the idea to use sound as a weapon against the beast. The cartoon doesn't explain the science behind this reaction, but it's presented as an inherent property of the creature that Daffy exploits throughout the chase.

Foreshadowing: The news report about Taz's escape includes this curious detail early, setting up the entire plan.

• tasmanian devil
• music
• docile
• calm
• taz

Daffy learns from a newspaper that there's a $5,000 reward offered by the zoo for capturing Taz and returning him safely. This substantial amount motivates Daffy to pursue the dangerous task despite the obvious risks. His greedy nature drives him to attempt what more cautious animals would avoid.

• daffy duck
• reward
• $5000
• money
• capture

Daffy's first attempt uses a radio to play music and calm Taz, but the extension cord doesn't reach far enough. The radio falls out of range before it can have any effect on the beast. This failure forces Daffy to improvise with other musical instruments.

• radio
• failed attempt
• music
• tasmanian devil

Daffy tries using a trombone to soothe Taz with music, but he accidentally loses the slide during the chaotic scramble. Without the slide, the trombone produces no usable sound, rendering the attempt worthless. This mishap demonstrates the slapstick nature of Daffy's failed plans.

• trombone
• instrument
• failed
• music attempt

When Daffy pulls out bagpipes, they turn out to be the one sound that Taz genuinely dislikes and cannot tolerate. Rather than calming the beast, the raucous sound makes Taz snarl and remain unfazed. This forces Daffy to abandon the instrument approach entirely.

Foreshadowing: The news bulletin mentions Taz becomes docile with music, but not all music works equally.

• bagpipes
• sound
• tasmanian devil
• failed attempt

After conventional instruments fail, Daffy decides to try his own singing voice. He discovers that his singing can soothe Taz where mechanical music failed. This risky plan requires Daffy to maintain the performance continuously while leading the beast toward the cage.

• singing
• daffy voice
• calm taz
• music plan

Daffy uses his singing to keep Taz docile while guiding him along a winding 10-mile path toward the zoo cage. As long as Daffy maintains the serenade, Taz remains calm enough not to attack. The plan requires Daffy to keep singing until they reach the cage door.

Foreshadowing: The news about Taz being calmed by music directly enables this strategy.

• cage
• trapping taz
• serenade
• capture plan

As Daffy's singing nears its end and his voice begins to fade, some of the reward money slips to the ground near the cage. Taz seizes this opportunity to grab the cash, adding a petty theft to the chaos. This moment creates a final obstacle before Daffy can complete his plan.

• money
• theft
• reward
• tasmanian devil
• greed

As Daffy approaches the cage and his singing starts to fade, the spell over Taz weakens. This moment is critical because it forces Daffy to act quickly before the beast fully regains its wild nature. The fading voice adds tension to the final capture attempt.

Foreshadowing: Daffy must maintain the serenade consistently to keep Taz docile, so any interruption risks failure.

• singing ends
• voice fades
• tension
• capture moment

Daffy rushes into the cage the moment the opportunity arises, slamming the door to trap Taz inside. Despite being a coward, his greed for the reward overrides his fear. He shouts his famous line about the money being his as he makes the daring capture.

• cage
• daffy
• capture
• brave
• reward

Once inside the cage with Taz restrained, Daffy delivers a beatdown to the beast and recovers the reward money that Taz had stolen. This aggressive actions emphasizes Daffy's greed and determination to get what's his, even when he's technically already won.

• fight
• daffy
• taz
• victory
• money

In the famous ending line, Daffy acknowledges that he may be a coward, but his greed overrides his fear. He proudly declares himself a "greedy little coward" who will do whatever it takes to claim what's his. The line encapsulates Daffy's character: self-serving, cunning, and unapologetically materialistic.

• greedy little coward
• daffy
• ending
• character
• quote