The Oily Bird 1928
In this zany 1928 animated short from Otto Messmer, the legendary Felix the Cat stumbles into a tail-chasing escapade when a high-strung chicken swallows his owner's precious jewels.
Director: Otto Messmer
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Oily Bird (1928) about?
Felix the Cat finds himself framed for jewel theft after a greedy chicken swallows the gems. To clear his name, he tracks the bird down and uncovers a comedic oil strike in the process. The short blends mystery, slapstick, and a dash of surrealism.
Who directed The Oily Bird?
The Oily Bird was directed by Otto Messmer, a pioneer of early animation best known for creating Felix the Cat.
Who stars in The Oily Bird?
The film stars Felix the Cat as the determined hero, alongside an unknown chicken playing the titular thief.
Is The Oily Bird (1928) worth watching?
While it lacks an IMDb rating, its eight-minute runtime and classic animation style make it a fun watch for fans of vintage cartoons. The film's clever gags and quick pace deliver solid entertainment for early cinema enthusiasts.
How long is The Oily Bird?
The Oily Bird runs for 8 minutes.
About The Oily Bird (1928) — Felix the Cat's Wild Goose Chase Turns Oily Gold
In this zany 1928 animated short from Otto Messmer, the legendary Felix the Cat stumbles into a tail-chasing escapade when a high-strung chicken swallows his owner's precious jewels. Wrongly accused of the theft, Felix sets out to solve the mystery himself, hot on the bird's trail. The chase leads to a surprising twist—literally—when the duo strikes oil in a slapstick finale that mixes mischief, adventure, and classic cartoon chaos.
The Oily Bird (1928) drips with the playful anarchism of early animation, blending sharp wit and physical comedy in just eight minutes. Messmer's direction leans into the surreal, turning a simple misunderstanding into a visual feast of gags and unpredictable turns. The film's charm lies in its economy—every second crackles with energy, from the chicken's nervous greed to Felix's clever detective work and the absurd payoff that gives the story its name.