Sterling Holloway who previously appeared with his super-computer Mr. Kelso, now has a bird, Skyler. He uses the bird as the depository for a formula. He has been working on a substance that gives flavor to postage stamps: roast beef, liver and onions, lamb stew, etc. Strangely, when the stamp is pounded on, it explodes with incredible force. When Clark realizes this, he decides it needs to be reported to the government. Of course, who should appear but some spies who now want the formula, but, of course, the bird has part of it in his bird brain. The sequence of events leads to the bad guys kidnapping Jimmy and the professor's niece. The bird only responds to a bell, but these guys don't know this and threatens to kill the kids if he doesn't comply. We all know what will ultimately happen. But the whole thing is so weird. First of all, the formula that the bird knows, is three or four chemicals you could get off a store shelf. Secondly, perhaps a piece paper hidden somewhere to back up the bird wouldn't be a bad idea. I know the ultra-eccentric Holloway would be expected to do things in this insane way, but it's quite a stretch. I did like the stuff about an exploding postage stamp, and this is entertaining.
Review of The Whistling Bird
