To Duck or Not to Duck is a classic “Merrie Melodies” animated short from Warner Bros., notable for being the first time Daffy Duck and Elmer Fudd squared off under the direction of animation legend Chuck Jones.
The Plot
The story opens during hunting season, with Elmer Fudd out in the marshes looking for game. He manages to shoot down Daffy Duck, but the resilient (and indignant) duck survives. Rather than fleeing, Daffy uses his “victim” status to guilt-trip Elmer, eventually challenging the hunter to a “fair fight” to settle their differences once and for all.
The two retreat to a boxing ring nestled in the woods, where a crowd of various ducks gathers to cheer on their kin. What follows is a wildly one-sided boxing match governed by the “Duckbury Rules.” While Elmer tries to fight with traditional sportsmanship, he finds himself at the mercy of a crooked referee and Daffy’s manic, unpredictable ringside antics. It is a quintessential battle of wits versus weaponry, highlighting the absurdity of “fair play” in the wild.
Key Cast and Crew
As with most Golden Age shorts, the “actors” are the legendary voice talents who defined these characters for generations.
| Role | Voice Actor |
| Daffy Duck | Mel Blanc |
| Elmer Fudd | Arthur Q. Bryan |
| Lisping Duck Referee | Mel Blanc |
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Director: Charles M. (Chuck) Jones
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Producer: Leon Schlesinger
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Story: Tedd Pierce
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Musical Direction: Carl W. Stalling
Why It’s a Classic
This short is a fantastic example of the early evolution of Daffy Duck. In 1943, he wasn’t yet the greedy, self-centered loser he would become in the 1950s; here, he is “screwball” Daffy—wildly energetic, bouncy, and brilliantly manipulative. The film is also a showcase for Carl Stalling’s score, which perfectly syncs with the frantic physical comedy of the boxing match.
