Bill and Coo

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.