Bill and Coo, conceived by producer-comedian Ken Murray as a showcase for George Burton’s trained birds, had previously been featured in Murray’s Los Angeles stage review “Blackouts.” The 1947 film, which won a Special Oscar, is set in the mythical all-bird community of Chippendale.
Bill and Coo received a Special Oscar Award. The Academy’s citation read: “for a film directed by Dean Riesner and narrated by Ken Murray, in which the cast consisted of birds.”
All the characters are birds, which, not suprisingly, display the most human emotions, instincts, and impulses.
The plot unfolds as a love story: The romance between lovebirds Bill and Coo is threatened by the evil Jimmy the Crow. Bill latee rescues Coo from a burning building.
The featured players sing, dance and play musical instruments.
Oscar Awards: 1
Special Award for a film directed by Dean Riesner and narrated by Ken Murray, in which the cast consisted of birds.
Credits
Running time: 61 Minutes
Directed by Dean Riesner
Released: March 28, 1948.
