Of Rice and Hen 1953

In this charming animated story, we are introduced to a lively community of hens living in a charming suburban setting where family life appears idyllic. The hens are depicted taking their chicks for walks, proudly showing off their parenting skills, and engaging in lively conversations about their daily exploits. Among them is Miss Prissy, who is often the subject of teasing and ribbing by her fellow hens. One humorous remark from a hen suggests that Miss Prissy is “lucky not to have chicks to look after,” to which others agree, implying she hasn’t yet found her match.

However, this teasing soon turns to more personal criticism. A group of hens dismiss her romantic prospects by calling her “too much of a D-R-I-P,” which deeply wounds her feelings. Overwhelmed by her sorrow and feeling unworthy of love, Miss Prissy climbs to the top of the barn in a moment of despair, contemplating ending her life. Her emotional turmoil is a stark and heartfelt moment in the story, highlighting her vulnerability.

At the same time, Foghorn Leghorn [Mel Blanc] / [mel-blanc] is busy with his usual antics. He is seen preparing to play a trick on the dog, attempting to attack him with a fence picket, but his attentions are interrupted when he witnesses Miss Prissy jump from the barn’s roof. In an act of reflex, Foghorn leaps to catch her, perceiving her as in distress. To Miss Prissy, Foghorn appears as a “savior” and perhaps a “potential husband,” though Foghorn quickly dismisses this idea, rejecting any romantic notions.

Foghorn then resumes his typical antics, grabbing a fence board and engaging in a slapstick chase with the dog, whom he playfully lifts by the tail before whacking him repeatedly, causing the dog to chase him in retaliation. In a humorous, if mischievous, attempt to rid himself of the dog for good, Foghorn tries to sneak a lit stick of dynamite into the dog’s house, but the plan backfires, showcasing the comedic tone of the story. Later, Foghorn is seen enjoying a picnic filled with food prepared by Miss Prissy, but he firmly reiterates that he is not interested in pursuing any relationship with her.

Seeing Foghorn’s rejection, the dog, who has observed Miss Prissy’s attempts at courtship, offers a clever piece of advice. The dog suggests she is approaching her romantic pursuit the wrong way and volunteers to help her. In a playful scheme, the dog disguises himself as a rival rooster who wants to marry Miss Prissy, aiming to make Foghorn jealous. The plan works perfectly, provoking Foghorn to attack the disguised dog in a jealous frenzy, knocking him out cold.

The climax unfolds in a humorous church scene where Foghorn, overwhelmed by his feelings, dramatically declares, “I won, I won!” as he and Miss Prissy are married. However, moments afterward, he recalls the earlier rejection and admits to the audience, “Hey, there must have been some way I could have lost.” The cartoon ends on a funny, self-deprecating note with Foghorn slapping himself, wrapping up the story with classic slapstick humor.

This playful animated tale combines humor, heart, and lighthearted romance, with a cast of lively characters including the wisecracking [Mel Blanc] / [mel-blanc] Foghorn Leghorn and the endearing Miss Prissy. It offers a delightful look at themes of love, rejection, and personal growth, all wrapped in engaging animation and memorable comedy.