Big Bird and his companion, Barkley, travel across China in search of the legendary Feng Huang, the Phoenix Bird.Big Bird and his companion, Barkley, travel across China in search of the legendary Feng Huang, the Phoenix Bird.Big Bird and his companion, Barkley, travel across China in search of the legendary Feng Huang, the Phoenix Bird.
- Won 1 Primetime Emmy
- 1 win & 1 nomination total
Caroll Spinney
- Big Bird
- (voice)
- …
Brian Meehl
- Barkley
- (voice)
- (as Brian Muehl)
- …
Lianzi Ouyang
- Xiao Foo
- (as Lien-Tze Quyang)
Cheryl Blaylock
- Additional Muppet Performer
- (voice)
- (as Cheryl Blalock)
Edward G. Christie
- Additional Muppet Performer
- (voice)
- (as Ed Christie)
Jim Henson
- Ernie
- (voice)
Ziu Ping Hua
- The Storyteller
- (as Hua Zhi-Ping)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaAccording to 'Carroll Spinney' in his autobiography, he created the concept after working on Bob Hope on the Road to China (1979). But Spinney does not get a writing credit.
- GoofsWhen Barkley sniffs the hand-cart, he has the sand-glass around his neck a full 19 minutes before Xiao Foo places it around his neck.
- Alternate versionsBrian Meehl originally provided the voice of Telly when this special originally aired. But on the DVD release, Muehl's voice was replaced with Martin P. Robinson's.
- ConnectionsFeatured in The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson (1990)
Featured review
This movie was a childhood favorite for my friend's and I. It contains a solid introduction to Chinese landmarks and culture for kids (after all, it is a kid's film).
I watched it for the first time since the 1980s recently and still enjoyed it.
For kids, it is packed with mystery, adventure, and the desire to learn other languages/cultures.
I recommend that any parent get this movie for their child. It is classy, clean, and educational-- in a fun way. Kid's love finding 'clues' in movies, and this does that in an exciting way.
I watched it for the first time since the 1980s recently and still enjoyed it.
For kids, it is packed with mystery, adventure, and the desire to learn other languages/cultures.
I recommend that any parent get this movie for their child. It is classy, clean, and educational-- in a fun way. Kid's love finding 'clues' in movies, and this does that in an exciting way.
Details
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content