Based on a story by Hans Christian Anderson (The Sheperdess and the Chimney-Sweep), Mr. Wonderbird (Sir Peter Ustinov) tells the story of two lovers who flee their two dimensional painting and are then hunted by a mean-spirited King. The action takes place in the imaginary kingdom of Takicardia, ruled by the unpopular King - whimsically named `Charles V and three makes eight and eight makes 16. The action is narrated in retrospect by the cheerful, omnipresent Mr Bird, who supports and guides the hero and heroine.