Rock-A-Doodle

Chanticleer is a bold but headstrong farm rooster who believes his crow can summon the sunrise. When dawn arrives without his signal, he feels humiliated and heads off to chase rock star fame. In his absence a sunshy owl hatches a plan to plunge the land into shadow. The farm crew must cope with a day that stays dim while Chanticleer pursues a new life on the road, only to discover that home and responsibility are part of any real sunrise.

Directed by Don Bluth, Rock-a-Doodle arrived in 1991 as an original story from David N Weiss, Gary Goldman and T J Kuenster. The film blends hand drawn animation with live action sequences and features Glen Campbell voicing Chanticleer.

Critics gave mixed notices, with praise for its energy and music and criticism of uneven tone. The film looks at fame and responsibility, suggesting that following your dream must sit alongside duties to family and the everyday world.

Rock-a-Doodle has developed a small cult following among animation fans who appreciate Bluth's bold visual mix and the soundtrack. It cost 18,000,000 to make and grossed 11,657,385, a modest return that has not stopped discussions of its audacious approach.