The January 31, 1984 draft (labeled as "First Draft") for the Sesame Street film, Follow That Bird.
Script[]
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Differences from script to screen[]
- The original script featured an opening credit sequence that would have followed Miss Finch heading to Sesame Street after the Board of Birds scene. As she walked through New York City, credits would have appeared along the way, on walls, advertisements or, as the script specifies, "artful graffiti." No opening credit sequence exists in the final film.[1]
- Actors Danny DeVito or Ron Carey (Officer Levitt on Barney Miller) are suggested for the role of Sid Sleaze, and Bill Murray for Sam Sleaze. The roles ultimately went to Dave Thomas and Joe Flaherty.[1]
- Bill McCutcheon, who had previously appeared on Sesame Street in the initial one-shot role of Uncle Wally, was mentioned in an early draft of the script to play a recurring gas station attendant.[2]
- Dan Rather was originally scripted as the newscaster breaking Big Bird's story instead of Chevy Chase.[2]
- Several celebrities were initially suggested for the truck driver who gives Big Bird a ride, including Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson, and Cher. The role ultimately went to Waylon Jennings.[1]
- The Grouch waitress, played in the film by Sandra Bernhard, is suggested in the first draft of the script as being played by Jane Curtin.[1]
- Director Ken Kwapis wanted the Grouch diner to have a piano player. The producers asked Randy Newman but he was not available.[3]
- Early drafts of the script included a running subplot with Mr. Snuffleupagus taking all of Bird's things from his nest for safekeeping and Luis (unaware of Snuffy's existence) scrambling to find and replace them.[1]
- The Sleaze Brothers' Fun Fair was originally scripted to have a tent advertising a "man-eating fish." The patrons are disappointed to see that's just a man named Ed eating a fish. The role of Ed was suggested to be played by Lou Ferrigno.[1]
- Early scripts feature the residents of Sesame Street at the airport wishing Big Bird farewell. Oscar has organized a Grouch Brassband who would have played a song entitled "We're Glad to See You Go."[1]
- Several driving gags with the Dodo Family were cut from the original script. As the family leaves the airport, Daddy Dodo pays the toll operator, but drives forward and smashes through the gate before it is lifted. He later smashes through the garage door when they reach their house. The storybook Big Bird Visits the Dodos retains the garage bit.[1]
- The original script includes a gag where the Dodos talk about how it's important to "always eat with a knife and fork." Then, holding their utensils, they peck at their plates like birds. This gag is also included in Big Bird Visits the Dodos, while the Dodos' poor table manners are depicted in Count All the Way to Sesame Street.[1]
- A scripted gag included Mommy Dodo filling the Dodos' washing machine (rather than their dishwasher) with dirty dishes. The dishes all break when the machine is turned on. The script also mentions another gag with Mommy Dodo knitting a sock with two feet and no opening (a gag that also was included in Big Bird Visits the Dodos).[1]
- A deleted gag shows the Count stopped at a traffic light, counting the number of times it turns green, and counting the increasing number of angry drivers behind him.[1]
- Kermit the Frog, reporting for Sesame Street News, was originally scripted to appear in other newscasts throughout the film. In one scripted scene, Ruthie and Floyd go to ask their parents if Big Bird can stay with them. The parents are watching the news and Kermit is giving an update after following a tip that the bird might be in the jungle (with a cameo by Tarzan). Ruthie and Floyd's parents express hope that the bird is found and returned to the Dodos, so Ruthie and Floyd decide to just hide Big Bird in the barn instead.[1]
- The initial script ended on a more comedic note with Kermit the Frog. In Hooper's Store, everyone watches the news where Kermit is reporting again this time from inside a space shuttle - following a tip that Big Bird is in outer space. He receives the news live on air that Big Bird is back on Sesame Street as the final countdown reaches zero and he is shot into space.[1]
- At one point while being pursued by Miss Finch, the script included Big Bird finding a horse. He tries to climb on and after a good deal of schtick trying (and failing) to mount the horse, he succeeds just as Miss Finch closes in. Big Bird then realizes he doesn't know how to ride a horse. However, Miss Finch accidentally spooks it, sending the horse galloping off with Big Bird on his back.[1]
- In the original script, when looking for Big Bird with their net, the Sleaze Brothers encounter Miss Finch and for a second, consider trying to catch her, but a single icy stare from her makes them lose any confidence in the idea and they sheepishly say they're hunting butterflies and slink off.[1]
- The original script featured Oscar getting a flat tire and Maria needing to go change it. Oscar observes how dirty and angry she looks and becomes smitten, which would have led to a love song titled "You've Never Looked Lovelier." The verses included such lines as "that dirt on your face, that frown on your brow, you've never looked lovelier than you do now."[1]
- The climax of the chase did not originally culminate in a parade in the City of Toadstool, but rather with Big Bird encountering a rock band (scripted to have been played by a real-life band) in Rock City. The musicians, who are about to go on and play their big gig recognize Big Bird as the runaway from the news. They tell him they're playing a gig tonight, but they're heading to New York the next day, and would be happy to give him a ride. Shortly after, the band begins playing, Miss Finch arrives, and a wild chase ensues with the band continuing to play and the crowd assuming it's part of the show. Just like in the final movie, Big Bird ultimately finds himself tricked into a cage by the Sleaze brothers.[1]
- Originally when Miss Finch returns to Sesame Street at the end of the film, she has the entire board of birds with her. After hearing the speech about how everyone on Sesame Street lives together happily, regardless of species, it is the owl member of the board who points out how much everyone clearly loves Big Bird. He elects to let Big Bird stay and the other birds agree, with Miss Finch begrudgingly being the last one on board.[1]