Bunnicula, the Vampire Rabbit

Specs

• Title: Bunnicula, the Vampire Rabbit

• Genre: Animation

• Series: ABC Weekend Specials (1977-1995)

• Season 5, Episode 3

• Director: Charles A. Nichols

• Writers: Mark Evanier, Deborah Howe

• Release date: 1982 (January 9)

• Production company: Ruby-Spears Productions, Taft Entertainment Company

• Country: U.S.A.

• Characters: Harold (dog), Chester (cat), Bunnicula (rabbit), Mr. and Mrs. Monroe, Toby, Pete, boss, townspeople

• Setting: an American town

Outline/synopsis:

Strange accidents happen at the factory where Mr. Monroe works, which leads his boss to decide on closing the plant. Soon after the Monroe kids, Toby and Pete, find a box with a rabbit in it, along with a note which reveals the name of the bunny. After they adopt him, strange things begin to happen. Most of the vegetables in town turn white as if someone drained all their juice and color, which later on leads the townspeople to chase the rabbit around town.

Personal view:

• The letter found in the rabbit’s box—the writing’s actually in Russian, but the dog claims it is Romanian: confusion between Eastern countries. They’re both considered one and the same.

• Dracula figure: is Bunnicula Dracula’s pet?

• Transylvania/Romania is the country of vampires. Vampires bring fear, are scary. They also bring misfortune.

• Bunnicula saves the day: behind the mask is a caring person.

Tropes:

• The vampire;

• Beneath the mask;

• Devotion;

• Crazed mob.

#MariaTirica #Dracula #Transylvania #vampire #bunny