The Phoenix (1978)

The Phoenix Poster
Original Title: 無字天書

With the clash of steel from his mighty magic sword and the beat of the wings of the giant Phoenix, Ty sets forth on his quest to regain his Magic Bronze Pot and thwart the evil intentions of Flower Fox and her villainous companion Grasshopper. A warrior conjured out of stone, a massive tidal wave — one after another, Ty has to overcome the obstacles which Flower Fox throws in his path until he reaches her secret island sanctuary. And then the real battle begins. With the tide of the battle running first one way and then the other, courageous Ty risks his life in a last attempt to save the world from destruction.

Film Overview


"The Phoenix" is a 1978 American television series that was very first aired by the American Broadcasting Company between September 27 and December 26th. The series included 5 episodes, including a television movie pilot, and checked out mythical, science-fiction themes. The pilot centers around an Egyptian archaeology exploration led by Dr. David Ward, who discovers an ancient burial place belonging to an Egyptian god, Bennu.

Plot Summary


The series starts with a historical group led by Dr. David Ward finding an approximately 12000-year-old burial place that belonged to Bennu, an Egyptian Prince dimmed to be the "Sun God". However, mysteriously, Bennu's sarcophagus is empty. Sometime later, the team finds a box that, when accidentally exposed to light, breaks down the body of an employee who was too curious and ventured too close. After that, an unidentified body appears and is revealed to be the personification of Bennu of the Golden Light, a figure resurrected from ancient times.

Main Character


Bennu, played by Judson Scott, is the main character of the series who is talented with the ability of celestial forecast and can also manage heat and light, thereby producing pyrotechnic displays. He is essentially a mild and pacifistic character, although he can not resist battling versus oppression and wickedness. Bennu is guided by a mystical amulet called the 'ankh,' which offers him the power to come back to life and create plasmic energy.

Return to Ancient Times


In the series, Bennu wanders around looking for his long-lost fan, Mira, who need to have been reincarnated like himself. Nevertheless, Bennu also has a bane, Yago, who sends his agents to catch or kill Bennu throughout the series. The series highlights the struggle of the Bennu to get used to the modern-day world while using his powers to fight the evil agents.

The Phoenix's Theme


The main style of the series explores the binary of good versus evil, reincarnation, and the age-old expression of light triumphing over darkness. It presents an archaic god who fights versus the wickedness of the modern-day world while seeking his lost love. The narrative flawlessly includes aspects of Egyptian folklore, humanizing a god-like figure and including a layer of depth to the show.

Crucial Reception & Legacy


"The Phoenix", in spite of having a special and ingenious property, unfortunately, didn't last long. The series, though rooted in an appealing idea with potential for deep mythological expedition, faced bad ratings and was canceled after just five episodes. Though fairly short-lived, "The Phoenix" remains a fascinating footnote in the record of science fiction television, offering an unique take on the meshing of ancient cultures with modern concerns.

In conclusion, "The Phoenix" is a 1978 American television series that tells the story of an ancient Egyptian god named Bennu who is resuscitated in the modern world. Bennu fights versus dark forces, start a mission to find his reincarnated fan, and makes every effort to adjust to the truths of contemporary life. Regardless of its bad ratings and early cancellation, "The Phoenix" is fondly kept in mind by fans for its special symbiosis of mythological themes with modern stories.

Top Cast

  • Tse-Ming Chou
  • Hsiu-shen Liang (small)
    Hsiu-shen Liang
    Ty
  • Terry Hu (small)
    Terry Hu
    Violet
  • Chin Feng
  • Betty Pei Ti (small)
    Betty Pei Ti
    Flower Fox
  • Ho Hse-bing
    Hyacinth
  • Tsui Fu-Sheng (small)
    Tsui Fu-Sheng
  • Richard Kiel (small)
    Richard Kiel
    Grasshopper