Looney Tunes is an American animated comedy series produced by Warner Bros. from 1930 to 1969 during the golden age of American animation alongside its sister series Merrie Melodies. It was known for introducing Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Elmer Fudd, Tweety Bird, Sylvester the Cat, Granny, Yosemite Sam, Foghorn Leghorn, Marvin the Martain, Pepé Le Pew, Speedy Gonzales, Tasmanian Devil, Wile E. Coyote, the Road Runner, and many other cartoon characters. Looney Tunes' name was inspired by Walt Disney's musical series Silly Symphonies. They initially showcased musical compositions whose rights were held by Warner's music publishing interests through the adventures of cartoon characters such as Bosko, and after losing him, Buddy. The animation studio gained a higher profile, however, following their addition of directors Tex Avery and Chuck Jones and voice actor Mel Blanc. From 1942 to 1964, Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies were the most popular animated shorts in movie theaters. Looney Tunes has since become a worldwide media franchise, spawning several television series (such as Tiny Toon Adventures and Taz-Mania), feature films, comic books, music albums, video games, and amusement park rides, as well as serving as Warner Bros.' flagship franchise. Many of the characters have made and continue to make cameo appearances in various other television shows, films, and advertisements.
History with the Macy's Parade[]
Looney Tunes Birthday Celebration (1989)[]
In preparation for the upcoming 50th anniversary for flagship character Bugs Bunny, Warner Bros. partnered with Macy's to create a balloon and float that would help kick off the celebration for the 1989 Parade. The finalized float was composed of several film reels and strips showcasing some of the best moments of the shorts' history. Stationed on some of the reels were costumed variants of the Looney Tunes characters; Wile E. Coyote pursuing a prop Road Runner, Yosemite Sam peering out of a saloon door, and Sylvester trying to catch Tweety in a net. The back of the float featured a gigantic camera, while the front featured a cake, with Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck alongside it. Intended to appear in front of it was a colossal balloon replica of Bugs; however, wind and snow prevented the balloon from flying that year.
Tiny Toon Adventures (1990)[]
For the float's second appearance in 1990, the float was reworked to promote the new series Tiny Toons Adventures; school decorations were put in place to represent the classroom theme, while many of the original Looney Tunes characters were dropped in favor of Buster and Babs Bunny, Plucky Duck, and Dizzy Devil. Bugs stuck around, however, to serve as headmaster of the funny freshmen. The Bugs Bunny balloon, meanwhile, successfully flew behind it; a feat it would repeat the next year.
Taz-Mania! (1991)[]
The float was given its third theme in three years in 1991, this time made to represent the new Taz-Mania series featuring the Tasmanian Devil. Appearing alongside Taz was company from his home country - Bull and Axl Gator, and Digeri Dingo. Once again, the Bugs Bunny balloon flew behind the float. Following this appearance, the float would be retired outright.
Throughout the next several years, the float was reused several more times; as the Salute to Movie Musicals float in 1994 to 1996, Barney's Great Adventure in 1997, and M&M's Network from 1998 to 2003.