The Big Snooze

The Big Snooze

Year: 1946

Runtime: 7 mins

Language: English

Director: Robert Clampett

ComedyAnimation

Elmer Fudd walks out of a typical Bugs cartoon, so Bugs gets back at him by disturbing Elmer’s sleep using “nightmare paint.”

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Big Snooze (1946)

Trace every key event in The Big Snooze (1946) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Bugs and Elmer's Hunting Chase

Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd engage in their usual hunting and chasing scenario. Bugs tricks Elmer into running through a hollow log and off a cliff three times, frustrating Elmer who feels he is not catching Bugs. Elmer, upset, tears up his Warner Bros. contract and storms off to devote himself to fishing.

2

Elmer's Fishing Trip

Elmer goes on a relaxing fishing trip, where he eventually falls asleep. Bugs Bunny notices Elmer's nap and comments that the dream Elmer is having — involving a log and saw, symbolizing snoring — is 'a heavenly dream,' prompting Bugs to take action.

3

Bugs enters Elmer's Dream

Bugs downs a sleeping pill and enters Elmer's dream. Inside the dream, Bugs begins creating surreal and unsettling scenarios to torment Elmer, including modifying Elmer's appearance and setting the stage for chaos.

4

Creating a Dreamscape with Rabbits

Bugs parodies musical and visual sequences, including a parody of 'The Campbells Are Coming' and the Pink Elephants on Parade. He creates tens of thousands of dancing rabbits over Elmer, announcing their coming and multiplying them from an adding machine, adding to Elmer's confusion and distress.

5

Bugs Uses Nightmares from a Book

Bugs looks into 'A Thousand and One Arabian Nightmares,' and despite calling it gruesome, he proceeds to use the nightmares as a weapon. He ties Elmer to railroad tracks while Bugs, dressed as an Indian chief, leads a conga line of baby rabbits across Elmer's path.

6

Elmer Chases Bugs in Surreal Landscape

Elmer pursues Bugs through a bizarre, surreal landscape. Bugs, sensing Elmer's distress, tries to tease him further, asking if he is cold and offering to fix him, escalating the chaos of the dreamscape.

7

Bugs Dresses Elmer in Drag

Bugs transforms Elmer into a woman by dressing him in drag, complete with a wig and lipstick, making him resemble Rita Hayworth. He then inspects his handiwork while mocking Elmer, who is helpless in the surreal dream.

8

Encounter with Literal Wolves and Hollywood Scene

Bugs and Elmer encounter literal wolves dressed in Zoot suits, lounging near Hollywood and Vine. Bugs then crashes Elmer's fantasy with a cliffhanger scene, with Bugs drinking 'Hare Tonic' and stopping mid-air, symbolizing the surreal nature of the dream.

9

Crash Back into Reality

Elmer finally crashes back into reality, waking up from his nightmare with a start. He expresses relief that the nightmare has ended and pieces his Warner Bros. contract back together, deciding to continue pursuing Bugs in the real world.

10

Beginning the Chase Anew

Elmer reaffirms his intent to continue chasing Bugs, and they restart their chase through the log, returning to their original cartoon scenario. Bugs faces the audience directly, ending with his catchphrase, 'Ah love dat man!'

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:14

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The Big Snooze Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Big Snooze

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