Wings: A Tale of Two Chickens

Winnie hates reading and prefers rules to get in her way, so when a smooth, foxy stranger shows up and whisks her into the air, everything changes fast. Harriet, the sensible one, won't let her friend go without trying every trick she can think of. She gathers energy, quick thinking, and a few improvised tools, following the stranger across familiar streets and open fields, meeting small obstacles and surprises along the way. The film keeps the action compact and often playful, tracking Harriet's clever problem solving against Winnie's impulsive curiosity, and it stays focused on the immediate rescue without giving away any big surprises at the end.

Directed by Gene Deitch and based on characters created by James Marshall, Wings: A Tale of Two Chickens was released in 1991. The short animated piece shows Deitch's economical storytelling and hand-drawn character work.

The picture didn't rack up major awards or high-profile nominations. There are no records of Academy Award or Golden Globe recognition, and it hasn't been a fixture on major prize lists.

Though not a household name, the film has a modest following among animation enthusiasts and people who collect lesser-seen work from established animators. Fans of Deitch sometimes point to it when surveying his later output, and it occasionally turns up in small retrospectives of offbeat 1990s animation.

Critical response is limited, reflected in a very small sample score of 6.0/10. Viewers who remember it mention clear themes of responsibility, curiosity, and loyalty, along with a preference for simple, well-timed humor and brisk pacing. The contrast between Winnie's impulse and Harriet's steadiness gives the short its emotional core, and the animation style helps keep the tone light.