Hives, also known as Urticaria, is a kind of skin rash notable for pale red, raised, itchy bumps. Hives may cause a burning or stinging sensation. They are frequently caused by allergic reactions; however, there are many nonallergic causes. Most cases of hives lasting less than six weeks (acute urticaria) are the result of an allergic trigger. Chronic urticaria (hives lasting longer than six weeks) is rarely due to an allergy.
Animal Crackers[]
Hives is the name of a fictional servant and a supporting character featured in the 1930 Marx Brothers comedy film Animal Crackers. He was played by actor Robert Greig in the movie.
Hives worked as a butler to wealthy socialite Mrs. Rittenhouse in Long Island, New York. He had previously been in the employ of neighbor Mrs. Whitehead. In 1930, Mrs. Rittenhouse hosted a gala event at Rittenhouse Manor in which she showcased a painting by Beauregard called "After the Hunt", which was valued at more than $100,000. Hives was charged with guarding the painting. Mrs. Whitehead, and her friend Grace Carpenter, embarked upon a scheme to ruin Mrs. Rittenhouse's social standing, and tried to bribe Hives into helping them replace the real painting with a fake duplicate.