The Song of the Birds

Plot

A young boy receives a BB gun as a gift and becomes trigger-happy, shooting at birds and other wildlife in his neighborhood. After killing a small bird, he witnesses the devastating impact on the bird's family as its mate mourns the loss and their young chicks suffer without their parent. Overcome with guilt and remorse, the boy experiences a profound change of heart, understanding the consequences of his cruel actions. The film concludes with the boy dedicating himself to protecting and caring for birds, building birdhouses and feeding them as a form of redemption for his earlier transgressions.

Historical Background

Released in 1935, during the height of the Great Depression, 'The Song of the Birds' reflected a growing American consciousness about conservation and environmental protection. The 1930s saw the establishment of numerous wildlife preservation laws and the founding of organizations dedicated to animal welfare. The film's themes of redemption and responsibility resonated with audiences struggling through economic hardship, offering a message of hope and the possibility of positive change. This period also marked the golden age of theatrical animation, with studios like Fleischer and Disney pushing artistic boundaries and competing for technical and artistic supremacy.

Making Of

The production of 'The Song of the Birds' took place during a particularly creative period at Fleischer Studios, when the company was experimenting with more mature themes in animation. Dave Fleischer personally supervised the emotional sequences, working closely with animators to ensure the bird's death and mourning scenes carried appropriate weight without being too disturbing for young audiences. The studio's innovative Stereoptical process, which used miniature 3D sets photographed with animation cels, created a remarkable depth in the forest scenes. The production team consulted with ornithologists to accurately depict bird behavior and anatomy. The film's score was composed by Sammy Timberg, Fleischer's musical director, who incorporated actual bird song recordings into the orchestral arrangement.

Visual Style

The film employed Fleischer Studios' innovative Stereoptical process, creating a remarkable sense of depth through the use of miniature 3D background sets. The two-strip Technicolor palette emphasized the natural beauty of the forest setting and the vibrant colors of the birds. The cinematography used subtle camera movements and perspective shifts to enhance the emotional impact of key scenes, particularly the bird's death and the boy's redemption. The animators employed rotoscoping techniques for realistic bird movements, combined with traditional character animation for the human figures.

Innovations

The film showcased several of Fleischer Studios' technical innovations, most notably the Stereoptical process which created 3D backgrounds using miniature sets. The integration of actual bird song recordings into the soundtrack was groundbreaking for animated shorts. The film also demonstrated advanced techniques in emotional character animation, particularly in the bird mourning sequence. The use of two-strip Technicolor created a distinctive visual palette that enhanced the natural setting. The animation team developed new techniques for depicting realistic bird flight and movement.

Music

The musical score was composed by Sammy Timberg, Fleischer Studios' longtime musical director. The soundtrack incorporated actual recordings of bird songs, a technical innovation for the time. The music shifted dramatically in tone throughout the film, from playful and jaunty during the boy's initial shooting spree to somber and melancholic during the death scene, and finally to uplifting and hopeful during the redemption sequence. The score featured prominent use of woodwind instruments to mimic bird calls and create a naturalistic atmosphere.

Memorable Scenes

• The emotional sequence where the surviving bird discovers its dead mate and mourns, featuring innovative animation that conveyed genuine grief through subtle movements and expressions. The boy's transformation scene, where he watches the orphaned baby birds and realizes the consequences of his actions, marked by a dramatic shift in lighting and musical tone. The final montage of the boy building birdhouses and feeding birds, showing his complete redemption and dedication to wildlife protection.

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised the film's emotional depth and technical achievements, with The New York Times noting its 'unusual sincerity and artistic merit.' Variety called it 'a standout among animated shorts for its courage in dealing with serious themes.' Modern animation historians regard it as a significant achievement in early environmental messaging in media. The Academy Award nomination reflected industry recognition of its artistic quality, though it ultimately lost to Disney's 'Three Orphan Kittens.' Recent critical analysis has highlighted the film's sophisticated approach to character development and its pioneering role in animated storytelling with social messages.

What Audiences Thought

The film resonated strongly with 1930s audiences, particularly parents who appreciated its moral message about kindness to animals. Children responded to the emotional journey of the young protagonist, though some found the death scene upsetting. The film's redemption arc provided a satisfying conclusion that left viewers with a positive message. Theater owners reported that audiences were unusually attentive during screenings, suggesting the film's emotional impact was effective. The film became popular with school teachers and was sometimes shown in classrooms as an educational tool about wildlife conservation.

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