Plot SynopsisThe opening sequence involves a flaming factory, a missing foreman, and an accused worker.Originally however, the Rank Organisation studio thought hat it was an artistic over-indulgence and denied the film proper financial backing and publicity, since it was already over-budget and presumed a failure.J.King: (to Bill Sr.) Is that - Steamboat Bill, Junior?Bill Sr.leads his son away a third time to try another make-over, this time to outfit him in the clothing store with "working clothes for the boat." Gardner approached Chris with a picture of his girlfriend Lucy Jean: "She""s he one for me, all right.Hundreds of birds (gulls, ravens, and crows) were trained for use in some of the scenes, while mechanical birds and animations were employed for others.