Ready to fly away with the rest of the flock, little gray neck, a female duckling, sees her rabbit friend in danger and comes to the rescue. The encounter between her and the fox leaves gray neck with a disability. She will have to battle the Winter season,the fox, and build confidence in herself. This endearing 20 minute Russian animated film not only deals with confidence, but with loss(gray neck's Mother thinks she is dead), the power of friendship, and the harshness of Nature. Even though there is dialogue the visuals are enough to tell the story. The English language version sometimes translates inaccurately but conveys the same message. There is a mistake, though. One character is referred to as a wood cock in the English version. The Russian version correctly refers to him as a grouse. Another minor difference is the American release has additional opening narration and deletes a still scene of marsh land. Appropriate music adds to what must be one of the most circulated Russian toons in the United States as it was released in 16mm, 8mm, VHS and DVD here!
