In 1985, long before Elmo ever went to Grouchland, Warner Brothers released the film “Follow That Bird”. Follow that Bird was the first Sesame Street movie ever, and remains one of my personal favorite children’s movies ever made.
In the live action movie a social worker comes to Big Bird’s nest and suggests that he belongs with a “real bird” family rather than his family on Sesame Street. Curious about his bird roots Big bird packs his bags, says goodbye to his friends, and heads off the live with the Dodo’s. The Dodo’s live far away from Sesame Street and Big Bird quickly tires of the Dodo’s antics. They are after all, Dodos.
The Dodo’s make fun of Big Bird for having a Snuffy as his best friend, and loving his Sesame Street family, because they aren’t birds. How could a bird be friends’ with anyone but other birds?
So upset by his situation, Big Bird decides to run away from the Dodos and set off on foot back home to Sesame Street. His Sesame Street family, including Super Grover then goes on a search to find him and bring him back home to Sesame Street where he belongs.
Big Bird runs into a trucker, played by Waylon Jennings and hitches a ride, and gets bird napped by the circus who paint him blue, cage him, and make him a singing blue bird.
The movie has tons of action and several great songs.
You can catch appearances in the movie by not only Waylon Jennings but also Sandra Bernhard, John Candy, Chevy Chase and Dave Thomas.
This is a wonderful movie for the whole family to watch. While the film is kid oriented, adults can enjoy watching the big screen Sesame Street antics as well.
The movie may also be a good stepping stone to discuss friendships with your children. Indirectly the movie gives the message that your best friends can be people who look and maybe act differently.
The movie was re-released on DVD in 2002, and is available to purchase from
Target, and Amazon.