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Follow That Bird

Follow That Bird 1985

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Follow That Bird Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Follow That Bird (1985). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.


The movie kicks off with a charming ensemble of birds involved in an organization known as ‘The Feathered Friends.’ The central focus of their discussion revolves around Big Bird, a character they believe should be relocated to a family of birds, given his status as an orphan. Hence, they appoint their representative, Miss Finch, to assist Big Bird in finding a new home.

Upon her arrival on Sesame Street, Miss Finch successfully persuades Big Bird that joining a bird family is in his best interest. This decision leads to a heart-wrenching farewell for Big Bird and his friends, who have come to see themselves as his true family. Shortly thereafter, Big Bird finds himself in Ocean View, Illinois, where he is introduced to his new avian relatives, the Do-Do’s. Although he attempts to fit in with them, Big Bird can’t shake off the feeling of homesickness that lingers in his heart.

One day, Big Bird receives a large postcard from Mr. Snuffleupagus, expressing his desire to visit. However, the Do-Do’s scoff at the idea that Big Bird could have friends outside of their kind, which deeply hurts him. Upset by their dismissiveness, Big Bird decides to embark on a journey back to Sesame Street to reunite with his true friends.

The news of Big Bird’s ill-fated ‘flight’ travels through a television broadcast, catching the attention of his friends who resolve to take action. They set off on an adventurous quest, utilizing both cars and planes in their search for him. Along his journey, Big Bird grows weary from walking and unexpectedly hitches a ride with a friendly turkey farmer. Eventually, he arrives at a nurturing farm, forging a bond with a couple of children. They spend a cozy night together in the barn, but the following day, his world shakes again as Miss Finch makes an appearance, prompting Big Bird to run away once more.

Big Bird’s travels lead him to a town called Toadstool, but he soon realizes that Miss Finch is hot on his trail. To evade capture, he finds himself on the outskirts of the town, where he encounters two shady characters known as the Sleaze Brothers. These brothers claim they can hide him from Miss Finch, but Big Bird quickly discovers that he has fallen into their trap. They scheme to turn him into a spectacle, painting him blue and marketing him as ‘The Bluebird of Happiness.’ Despite the upbeat title, Big Bird’s heart-wrenching performance speaks to his true longing for home and the company of his friends.

After the show, when two children find him backstage, Big Bird passionately explains that they should contact Sesame Street to let them know where he can be found. The next day, his loyal friends courageously infiltrate the circus tent to rescue him. However, as the Sleaze Brothers attempt to make their getaway, Gordon and Olivia spring into action, ultimately facilitating Big Bird’s release just before the brothers are apprehended for a slew of illegal activities.

In a heartwarming climax, Big Bird returns to Sesame Street to thunderous cheers from his friends. Yet, a shadow looms over this joyful reunion when Miss Finch reappears, expressing her intentions to relocate him with another bird family. Maria passionately defends Big Bird, championing the diversity and happiness found within their community on Sesame Street, a place where difference is celebrated rather than shunned. Moved by her words and the lengths to which his friends went to rescue him, Miss Finch ultimately concedes that Big Bird can remain where he is happiest.

Finally back in his cozy nest, Big Bird greets Mr. Snuffleupagus, who had been waiting patiently for his return, signifying the end of an arduous journey and the triumph of love and friendship where they truly belong.

Follow That Bird Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Follow That Bird (1985) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.


The Feathered Friends Meeting

The film begins with a gathering of 'The Feathered Friends,' where the topic of the day is Big Bird. The organization discusses the importance of finding a family for Big Bird since they believe he is an orphan.

Miss Finch Arrives

Miss Finch is dispatched to Sesame Street to help Big Bird. She soon convinces him that he should live with a bird family, leading to a bittersweet farewell with his friends.

Sesame Street

Big Bird's New Family

Big Bird arrives in Ocean View, Illinois, eager but nervous to meet his new family, the Do-Do's. Despite their warm welcome, Big Bird feels a deep sense of homesickness as he longs for his friends back on Sesame Street.

Ocean View, Illinois

The Postcard from Mr. Snuffleupagus

One day, Big Bird receives a large postcard from Mr. Snuffleupagus, expressing his desire to visit. However, when the Do-Do's dismiss Big Bird's friendships with non-birds, he becomes disheartened and decides to run away.

Ocean View, Illinois

Big Bird Runs Away

Feeling misunderstood, Big Bird runs away back to Sesame Street. His friends on Sesame Street learn of his departure through a news report, and Miss Finch pledges to find him.

Friends Begin Their Search

Taking initiative, Big Bird's friends embark on a quest to find him, traveling by car and plane. Their determination highlights the depth of their friendship and connection.

Big Bird Hitchhikes

Along his journey, Big Bird tires from walking and hitches a ride with a kind turkey farmer. This moment provides him with a temporary sense of relief and companionship.

A Night on the Farm

Big Bird spends the night at a farm and makes friends with two children. He helps them with chores the following day, but when he spots Miss Finch, he feels compelled to flee again.

Farm

Arrival in Toadstool

Big Bird eventually arrives in the city of Toadstool, where he continues to evade Miss Finch. His journey is fraught with challenges as he tries to remain free.

Toadstool

Meeting the Sleaze Brothers

On the outskirts of Toadstool, Big Bird encounters The Sleaze Brothers who trick him into hiding from Miss Finch. Nevertheless, he soon realizes their intentions are anything but benevolent.

Toadstool

The Bluebird of Happiness

The Sleaze Brothers forcibly paint Big Bird blue and tout him as 'The Bluebird of Happiness' for their profit. Despite his new appearance, Big Bird sings a poignant song expressing his desire to be with his friends.

Circus Tent

Rescue Operation

Big Bird's friends ultimately sneak into the circus tent in a daring attempt to rescue him. However, The Sleaze Brothers escape, prompting a chase by Gordon and Olivia.

Circus Tent

Big Bird's Return

After a successful rescue, Big Bird returns to Sesame Street. His friends shower him with love and support, but complications arise when Miss Finch shows up again with plans to relocate him.

Sesame Street

Miss Finch's Proposal

Miss Finch proposes to find another suitable bird family for Big Bird, which worries his friends. Maria stands up for Big Bird, emphasizing the importance of friendship and diversity in their community.

Sesame Street

Big Bird Stays Home

Realizing how far his friends went to bring him back, Miss Finch ultimately decides that Big Bird can stay on Sesame Street. Content, Big Bird returns to his nest and is enthusiastically welcomed by Mr. Snuffleupagus.

Sesame Street

Follow That Bird Characters

Explore all characters from Follow That Bird (1985). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.


Big Bird

Big Bird is a curious and gentle giant, known for his kindness and desire for companionship. Throughout the film, he displays a sense of longing for his friends and courage in the face of challenges. His innocence shines as he navigates the complexities of finding where he truly belongs.

🕊️ Kindness 🌟 Adventure 💔 Homesickness

Miss Finch

Miss Finch is a well-meaning but misguided representative of 'The Feathered Friends' who believes she is helping Big Bird by placing him with a family of birds. Her character embodies the conflict between societal expectations and the importance of understanding individual needs. Ultimately, her journey leads to a realization of the significance of true friendship.

🐦 Misguided 🌼 Authority 💼 Responsibility

Follow That Bird Settings

Learn where and when Follow That Bird (1985) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.


Time period

The film unfolds in a contemporary setting reflective of children's television during the early 1980s, highlighted by the integration of classic puppetry and live-action dynamics. This era was marked by significant advancements in children's media, fostering inclusivity and friendship themes.

Location

Sesame Street, Ocean View, Illinois, Toadstool

The movie takes place in various locations, including the iconic Sesame Street, known for its vibrant community of diverse characters and educational themes. Ocean View, Illinois, is where Big Bird is temporarily placed with the Do-Do family, representing a suburban setting. Toadstool serves as a more whimsical urban backdrop where Big Bird encounters challenges and adventures.

🏙️ Urban 🌾 Rural

Follow That Bird Themes

Discover the main themes in Follow That Bird (1985). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.


🏠

Belonging

At its core, 'Follow That Bird' explores the theme of belonging, highlighting Big Bird's journey to find his place in the world. The narrative emphasizes the importance of friendships and family bonds, regardless of species. Ultimately, it showcases the notion that true family can extend beyond biological ties.

🚀

Adventure

The film is packed with a sense of adventure, as Big Bird embarks on a quest to return to his friends. His encounters with different characters and settings foster excitement and exploration. This adventure not only serves as a physical journey but also as an emotional one, teaching valuable lessons along the way.

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