THUNDERBIRDS - Supermarionation part 4

By 1965, Gerry and Sylvia Anderson had built a reputation for themselves for making highly-rated television series loved by both children and adults. The newest show, again using puppets as its stars was called Thunderbirds. It zoomed into living rooms and saved Thursday afternoons from September 30, 1965 until December 25, 1966. The basic  premise of the series was that Jeff Tracy and his five adult sons formed International Rescue (IR),  a secret organization dedicated to saving human life. They were aided in their missions by technologically advanced land, sea, air and space vehicles, which were called into service when conventional rescue techniques proved ineffective. There were five amazing Thunderbird units, which were run by each of the diversely different and talented brothers.

Thunderbirds

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Most of the 32 episodes filmed were 50 minutes long as compared to the 25 minutes of the previous series (Supercar, Fireball XL5 and Stingray). The increased length allowed for better stories and better character development. In response to Gerry Anderson's request that the theme music have a military feel, composer Barry Gray created "5-4-3-2-1: Thunderbirds Are Go" and "The Thunderbirds March."  The latter piece has been described as one of the best TV themes ever written, perfect for the show and catchy when heard alone.

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Interesting fact:
​The Thunderbirds special-effects department were praised for their flair with keeping an overall futuristic look to the characters and surroundings. Even with the use of advanced puppetry and innovative camera techniques, the wires that controlled movement were a constant distraction. As filming progressed, the crew started to dispense with the wires and instead manipulate the puppets from the studio floor using rods.

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Another Interesting fact:
​The five Tracy brothers were named after the Mercury Seven astronauts: Scott Carpenter, John Glenn, Virgil "Gus" Grissom, Gordon Cooper and Alan Shepard.

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The natural looking faces of the puppets probably looked more than familiar because most were based on actors and other popular performers of the 1960s. I'm certain you'll recognize most of them.

Jeff Tracy

The character, Jeff Tracy (father), was fashioned after the actor Lorne Greene from the TV series Bonanza.

Lorne Greene

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Scott Tracy

Scott Tracy was fashioned after actor Sean Connery during his new-found fame as secret agent 007 James Bond.

Sean Connery

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Alan Tracy

Alan Tracy face was built on actor Robert Reed who during the 1960s was famous for the TV. Reed is most known for his portrayal as the father on The Brady Bunch. series The Defenders.

Robert Reed

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Brains

The character Brains was fashioned after the actor Anthony Perkins, star of stage and screen. He was best known for his portrayal of the serial killer Norman Bates in the Psycho movies.

Anthony Perkins

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John Tracy

John Tracy was fashioned after rock singer Adam Faith and actor Charleston Heston from the film Ben Hur.

Adam Faith

Charleston Heston

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Virgil Tracy

The characters of Virgil and Gordon Tracy were seemingly not based on any known actors or performers but what is known is that Virgil is an older looking Alan and Gordon is a younger version of John.

Gordon Tracy

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Lastly, the likeness of Lady Penelope was fashioned after the co-creator of the series, Sylvia Anderson (wife of Gerry Anderson). Ms. Anderson's voice was also used to bring the secret agent to life. And why shouldn't the creator have to last word?

Sylvia Anderson and Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward

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Want more Supermarionation? Check out:

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SUPERCAR

FIREBALL XL5

STINGRAY

CAPTAIN SCARLET

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