Tortoise Beats Hare is a Merrie Melodies short film directed by Tex Avery and released on March 15, 1941.

[2][3] The short, loosely based on Aesop's fable The Tortoise and the Hare, stars Bugs Bunny and, in his first appearance, Cecil Turtle.

Expressing disdain upon encountering the title of the cartoon, Bugs embarks on a furious tirade, dismantling the credits in a fit of frustration.

Cecil, employing cunning strategy, enlists the aid of his turtle cousins to impersonate him at various points along the racecourse, thus maintaining a deceptive lead over Bugs.

Convinced of his victory as he crosses the finish line, Bugs is surprised to find Cecil awaiting him as the apparent winner.