Lovebirds and the like threatend by a BIG BLACK CROW. This is why the film virtually passed into oblivion due to racial implications. Something like Little Black Sambo. I loved the movie when it came out and saw it in school in the first grade. but now I know why so many things that were "proper" in those days, and not today and I agree !
17 Reviews
great film, pure fantasy, sweet (maybe a little syrupy) but over all an enthralling film.
sgyetkobear14 June 2004
A great film. Truly an overlooked gem. An 'All Bird' movie. And, it's not just for 'bird people'. It's got action, adventure, love and comedy. A film for everyone, although I myself would not let anyone under the age of 8 see it alone. The scene where to hotel's on fire and you can see all these birds flapping around through the windows, looking very convincingly panic stricken, is very real. It might be a good idea to be there just to assure the child that 'no, they're not going to hurt the birds, it looks like they're in danger but it's just 'acting'. Outside of that, it's a great film. Maybe kids are tougher these days, maybe I'm a bit 'out of touch', but it is something to consider. However, don't let that one little bit deter you from seeing this great movie. My wife and I catch it two or three times a year. We taped it when it was broadcast late at night by WLIW-Ch. 21, Garden City, New York. Good IL' PBS!
An interesting one-of-a-kind film...but hard to watch for the full 60 minutes
planktonrules24 September 2016
Technically, "Bill and Coo" is a pretty amazing film. After all, the picture stars a whole lot of adorable birds (mostly lovebirds but some parakeets and other birds) doing a lot of adorable tricks...and making the film must have been very slow and difficult because of this. But, it also reminds me of a bird show at the zoo...interesting but not something you'd want to see for an hour. Additionally, the narration is often a bit heavy-handed and I am sure calling the villain 'The Black Menace' won't go over very well in this more politically correct world. The bottom line is that the film is cute to see...at least clips of the film. If you can actually hold on for the hour without losing interest, I applaud you. For me, the novelty quickly wore off--much like those god- awful shorts they made back in the 1930s with dogs dressed as people and with terrible voice-overs. A little bit goes a long, long way.
If you are curious about seeing the film, it can be downloaded for free from archive.org--a site often linked to many of the films on IMDb.
If you are curious about seeing the film, it can be downloaded for free from archive.org--a site often linked to many of the films on IMDb.
Don't make'um like this anymore--in fact, save for this one, they never did!
irvingwarner6 October 2000
I first saw this in a theater when I was small. I remembered it always, and when I taught a "movie sleepers" class, I finally acquired it in 16 mm. It stars mostly birds, but other animals as well, all trained for "Bill and Coo", a unique love story. You must still retain a very young soul to really get into this. "Charming" is often a sticky, say-nothing word, but not in the case of "Bill and Coo". It charms the viewer, and astounds--how DID they get all those birds to do those things?! A person must see this to believe it, but children beware: Adults should not be allowed to view this unless in the presence of children.
Enthralling
jernie13 December 2001
I saw this at the age of 4 and never forgot it, and for the longest time thought I had dreamed it until I heard someone discussing it at a movie one night. It's unlike anything you've ever seen before, and deserves wider screening. Think Claymation with live animals.
Just Lovely
NJCult10 July 1999
Definitely not a movie for everyone, but this movie is a treasure. Cast with lovely birds, kittens, puppies and a crow who makes the town of Chirpendale a living heck, Bill and Coo is an accomplishment. The tricks that the birds perform in the circus scene alone are great and storyline is engaging even for those who are young at heart. After watching this movie on late night public TV, I became enamored with it and feel it should be seen more rather than lay on the wayside of cinema history.
Unforgettable experience
kathym-330 November 2000
I saw this movie for the first time in a Spanish translation in Cuba, circa 1950. It was such memorable film that I never forgot it. I was about 10 years old at the time.
The trainers of the parakeets, love birds, and other creatures must have spent years to make this film! Bill and Coo, hero and heroine, are endearing. But the evil crow is the most wonderful villain a child could ever wish for. And the village idiot who saves the day is a real warm character.
In fact, each and every character seems to share human traits and personalities, thanks to the great editing, music, and narration of this charming movie. It should return to the video stores for new generations to enjoy.
The trainers of the parakeets, love birds, and other creatures must have spent years to make this film! Bill and Coo, hero and heroine, are endearing. But the evil crow is the most wonderful villain a child could ever wish for. And the village idiot who saves the day is a real warm character.
In fact, each and every character seems to share human traits and personalities, thanks to the great editing, music, and narration of this charming movie. It should return to the video stores for new generations to enjoy.
Worthy Oscar Winner
skallisjr30 March 2005
This film received a special Oscar for "patience and persistence." Not so remarkable in these days of CGI, but astonishing back then. There must have been bushels of outtakes, but the final story works fine with its many avian actors. The town of Chirpendale is rife with puns (such as a burlesque theater that features "beautiful gulls"), and some of the action seems a bit strange, but the story flows. The reason to see the film is to behold the "acting" of the incredibly trained birds.
Later animal films, such as "The Adventures of Milo and Otis" are more realistic, but the fantasy world of Chirpendale is internally consistent, and a lot of fun to visit.
Later animal films, such as "The Adventures of Milo and Otis" are more realistic, but the fantasy world of Chirpendale is internally consistent, and a lot of fun to visit.
Such a good film
PUDDlN26 July 2001
Like the review I gave for the other "lost gem", I think this movie is great! It's very weird and may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it is highly entertaining and very fun to watch! If you are looking to find this film, it's available through the little link, or on odd sites -
definitely worth looking as they don't make movies like this anymore! If you ever get a chance to see this film, don't pass it up.
definitely worth looking as they don't make movies like this anymore! If you ever get a chance to see this film, don't pass it up.
Genuinely surreal
n_r_koch31 October 2006
Unshackled insanity. It's as if Hitchcock had cast birds in all the roles in "The Birds". And while Hollywood loves a remake, it's safe to say that nothing like this will ever be made again.
Like other films made for children, B&C is quite a bit more surreal than anything the Surrealists ever came up with. Not even they ever quite got as far as the sequence in which live birds-- dressed up in little waistcoats-- tow a pair of caged cats through a miniature town, or in which a crow the size of King Kong terrorizes the night.
The explanatory narrative is merely annoying; try this one silent, or with the music of your choice.
Like other films made for children, B&C is quite a bit more surreal than anything the Surrealists ever came up with. Not even they ever quite got as far as the sequence in which live birds-- dressed up in little waistcoats-- tow a pair of caged cats through a miniature town, or in which a crow the size of King Kong terrorizes the night.
The explanatory narrative is merely annoying; try this one silent, or with the music of your choice.
Great classic!
Movie Nuttball27 July 2005
Warning: Spoilers
An amazing little adventure is the film Bill and Coo! In this underrated classic you see so many birds doing so many things its unbelievable! Its really incredible seeing these little animals do all of these activities. There are many different kinds of species of birds here like the Ravens and Parakeets and among many other kinds. What is really good about this little film is that each bird has a character! The little guys are just adorable nd so cute in My opinion. If you like to see movies that focus on animals that do all kinds of thing that'll make you laugh and would love to see a film that doesn't even touch CGI then I strongly recommend that you watch this classic today!
amazing work
jomorris28 February 2006
A movie for pet bird owners and animal lovers. This is an amazing movie where birds are the actors. The effort and skill to make this movie was something else. Its doesn't have a complex plot. If you are looking for something deep and moving then go some where else, after all you are watching birds. Young children and bird lovers will really enjoy this. It's refreshing to see a movie that doesn't rely on CGI or camera tricks. The movie is a sort of melodrama about Bill and Coo and their town which is menaced by a evil crow. The is an older movie and does not seem to be available on DVD, which is a shame because it is very unique.
A Charming Oddity
dougdoepke20 October 2018
For me, it's hard to attach a rating onto a genuine oddity like B&C. In my many years of movie viewing, the flick remains a true one-of-a-kind. I don't know how the producers did it, but the birds manage a whole array of intricate tricks and self-control. The amazing results don't look like animation. Yet, I wonder whether ordinary looking birds can truly be trained for sliding down wires or standing on their heads. I wish IMDB had more info on this key matter.
Anyway, the story is about young feathered lovers Bill and Coo and their bird town Chirpendale. Much of the charm and amusement comes from converting people-talk into birdie-talk, like Chirpendale. Most screen time is taken up with the Starling Circus where the acrobats do their people-like stuff. Then too, viewers never know what trick is coming next. Intruding now and again, however, is the looming menace of the big crow, but instead of a black moustache to twirl, he struts around in domineering fashion. So it's good guy Bill against bad guy Crow. It seems some Hollywood cliches never change even in bird land.
Anyway, I can see today's kids being entertained by the oddity just as my generation was many years ago. But viewing it again as a geezer, I think many adults could also happily catch a novelty that somehow escaped the Hollywood assembly line. Meanwhile, I'm off to happily double the goodies in my patio birdfeeder.
Anyway, the story is about young feathered lovers Bill and Coo and their bird town Chirpendale. Much of the charm and amusement comes from converting people-talk into birdie-talk, like Chirpendale. Most screen time is taken up with the Starling Circus where the acrobats do their people-like stuff. Then too, viewers never know what trick is coming next. Intruding now and again, however, is the looming menace of the big crow, but instead of a black moustache to twirl, he struts around in domineering fashion. So it's good guy Bill against bad guy Crow. It seems some Hollywood cliches never change even in bird land.
Anyway, I can see today's kids being entertained by the oddity just as my generation was many years ago. But viewing it again as a geezer, I think many adults could also happily catch a novelty that somehow escaped the Hollywood assembly line. Meanwhile, I'm off to happily double the goodies in my patio birdfeeder.
273 real love birds!
JohnHowardReid27 April 2018
Warning: Spoilers
STARS: George Burton's love birds (273 of them!), Curley Twiford's Jimmy the Crow.
In the original print as released, Elizabeth Walters and trainer George Burton appeared in a Prologue which has possibly now been removed.
Director: DEAN RIESNER. Screenplay: Royal Foster and Dean Riesner. Based on an idea from the stage show, "Ken Murray's Blackouts". Photographed in Trucolor by Jack Malta. Film editor: Harold Minter. Music score: David Buttolph. Music director: Lionel Newman. Songs: "Hum a Little Tune" (chorus) and "Off to the Circus" (chorus), both music by David Buttolph and Lionel Newman, lyrics by Royal Foster; "Tweet-Tweet" (chorus) by Buddy De Sylva, Lew Brown and Ray Henderson. Sets: Fred Malatesta. Backgrounds: Imagineering. Sound: Harold Wilson and T.A. Carman. RCA Sound System. Producer: Ken Murray. Copyright 17 February 1948 by Republic Pictures Corp. New York opening at the Gotham: 28 March 1948. U.S. release: 28 March 1948. U.K. release: December 1948. Australian release through British Empire Films: 24 February 1949. 5,624 feet. 62½ minutes.
SYNOPSIS: Bill saves the village of Chirpendale from "The Black Menace".
COMMENT: Easily the most fascinating feature-film novelty ever produced by a Hollywood studio, Bill and Coo received a Special Academy Award citing the "artistry and patience" which resulted in this "novel and entertaining" picture. Very true. The "actors" are to say the least remarkably accomplished. Some of their feats are just so astonishing as to defy all sense of logic or possibility. As if all this amazing dexterity were not enough to hold the interest, it has been employed in a cleverly witty script which offers an abundance of dramatic and comic opportunities. A round of applause to the producer, the trainers, the director, the writers, the musicians and all concerned with this most enjoyable and highly delightful, truly unique production!
In the original print as released, Elizabeth Walters and trainer George Burton appeared in a Prologue which has possibly now been removed.
Director: DEAN RIESNER. Screenplay: Royal Foster and Dean Riesner. Based on an idea from the stage show, "Ken Murray's Blackouts". Photographed in Trucolor by Jack Malta. Film editor: Harold Minter. Music score: David Buttolph. Music director: Lionel Newman. Songs: "Hum a Little Tune" (chorus) and "Off to the Circus" (chorus), both music by David Buttolph and Lionel Newman, lyrics by Royal Foster; "Tweet-Tweet" (chorus) by Buddy De Sylva, Lew Brown and Ray Henderson. Sets: Fred Malatesta. Backgrounds: Imagineering. Sound: Harold Wilson and T.A. Carman. RCA Sound System. Producer: Ken Murray. Copyright 17 February 1948 by Republic Pictures Corp. New York opening at the Gotham: 28 March 1948. U.S. release: 28 March 1948. U.K. release: December 1948. Australian release through British Empire Films: 24 February 1949. 5,624 feet. 62½ minutes.
SYNOPSIS: Bill saves the village of Chirpendale from "The Black Menace".
COMMENT: Easily the most fascinating feature-film novelty ever produced by a Hollywood studio, Bill and Coo received a Special Academy Award citing the "artistry and patience" which resulted in this "novel and entertaining" picture. Very true. The "actors" are to say the least remarkably accomplished. Some of their feats are just so astonishing as to defy all sense of logic or possibility. As if all this amazing dexterity were not enough to hold the interest, it has been employed in a cleverly witty script which offers an abundance of dramatic and comic opportunities. A round of applause to the producer, the trainers, the director, the writers, the musicians and all concerned with this most enjoyable and highly delightful, truly unique production!
Only Disney tried anything like cute, charming Bill & Coo!
adrianovasconcelos4 August 2023
I do not know Director Riesner from Jimmy the Crow or Bubbly the Butterfly, but he is fully worth the Oscar for Patience and Persistence that the Academy awarded this film.
Painstaking, extremely patient work went into this thoughtful, beautiful, and considerate production that must have pleased immensely everyone who watched BILL & COO in a world just emerging from a mammoth war. What is more, the film tells a story of love between two birds in love with each other despite coming from different stations in life (Bill poor, Coo well off - a kind of Romeo and Juliet), a villain (Jimmy the Crow), and life in a small "town" where all birds and aother animals discharge specific functions... minus paying taxes, an evil human invention that thankfully (and intelligently!) supposedly less brainy species do not force upon each other.
Unfortunately, the VHS copy that I watched already suffered the rickets of old age but, despite that, I could tell the gentleness and generous spirit that went into this production.
Congratulations to all involved for an endearing, charming opus that only the great and far richer Disney studio would try to emulate with some wildlife films. 75 years later, I still bow and thank all involved for this work of love. 9/10.
Painstaking, extremely patient work went into this thoughtful, beautiful, and considerate production that must have pleased immensely everyone who watched BILL & COO in a world just emerging from a mammoth war. What is more, the film tells a story of love between two birds in love with each other despite coming from different stations in life (Bill poor, Coo well off - a kind of Romeo and Juliet), a villain (Jimmy the Crow), and life in a small "town" where all birds and aother animals discharge specific functions... minus paying taxes, an evil human invention that thankfully (and intelligently!) supposedly less brainy species do not force upon each other.
Unfortunately, the VHS copy that I watched already suffered the rickets of old age but, despite that, I could tell the gentleness and generous spirit that went into this production.
Congratulations to all involved for an endearing, charming opus that only the great and far richer Disney studio would try to emulate with some wildlife films. 75 years later, I still bow and thank all involved for this work of love. 9/10.
AN underrated classic
gcarras6 September 2010
This is one of the oddest family films ever...not animated, not CGI, not puppets, stop motion, dolls, but birds, with the occasional dubbed in voices. I think the several original choral songs here may have been on the Hit Parade around this time....and yes, it definitely aired on TV years ago! I noted George Burton died on December 8,1955, five years before my b'day.
For us young at heart. (I wish there was a heart icon to insert.:))
I'm listening to a mp3 file of costar Elizabeth Walters-anybody know more on her?-tell the story and did a review on Prelinger Archives last night..
For many years it was the ONLY thing that the name Ken Murray brought to my mind, and not surprisingly...I had forgotten that it was not indepently done as I'd thought but at Republic Studios.
For us young at heart. (I wish there was a heart icon to insert.:))
I'm listening to a mp3 file of costar Elizabeth Walters-anybody know more on her?-tell the story and did a review on Prelinger Archives last night..
For many years it was the ONLY thing that the name Ken Murray brought to my mind, and not surprisingly...I had forgotten that it was not indepently done as I'd thought but at Republic Studios.
Great!
BandSAboutMovies8 April 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Shot on the world's smallest film set, this film only has three humans - producer Ken Murray, bird trainer George Burton and Elizabeth Walters - show up in the opening. The stars are the birds of the town of Chirpendale. It was awarded an honorary Academy Award as it doesn't really fit into the world of normal movies and we're all better for that.
Bill, a cab driver, is trying to save Coo from a crow named the Black Menace. There's also a circus act and man, you know, this movie was exactly what I needed the other day, just a fresh dose of innocence and fun.
Director Dean Riesner started as an actor before writing plenty of TV programs, as well as Dirty Harry, Play Misty for Me, The Enforcer, Fatal Beauty and many more films. He was also married to Maila Nurmi, who we all know better as Vampira.
Today, we may not understand the slang for this movie's title, which means to sit and speak quietly. This movie is none of those things, a wild ride that has bird firemen, bird motorcyclists and no small matter of astounding bird heroics.
Bill, a cab driver, is trying to save Coo from a crow named the Black Menace. There's also a circus act and man, you know, this movie was exactly what I needed the other day, just a fresh dose of innocence and fun.
Director Dean Riesner started as an actor before writing plenty of TV programs, as well as Dirty Harry, Play Misty for Me, The Enforcer, Fatal Beauty and many more films. He was also married to Maila Nurmi, who we all know better as Vampira.
Today, we may not understand the slang for this movie's title, which means to sit and speak quietly. This movie is none of those things, a wild ride that has bird firemen, bird motorcyclists and no small matter of astounding bird heroics.
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