Thunderbirds (1965–1966)

In the 21st century, the Tracy family operate a unique private mechanized emergency response service.

Creators:

Gerry Anderson, Sylvia Anderson

Stars:

Peter Dyneley, Shane Rimmer, David Graham

Cast

Series cast summary:
Peter Dyneley	...	Jeff Tracy (32 episodes, 1965-1966)
Shane Rimmer	...	Scott Tracy (32 episodes, 1965-1966)
David Graham	...	Brains (32 episodes, 1965-1966)
Ray Barrett	...	John Tracy (30 episodes, 1965-1966)
Christine Finn	...	Tin-Tin Kyrano (30 episodes, 1965-1966)
Matt Zimmerman	...	Alan Tracy (29 episodes, 1965-1966)
David Holliday	...	Virgil Tracy (26 episodes, 1965-1966)
Sylvia Anderson	...	Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward (24 episodes, 1965-1966)

Storyline

In the 21st century, Jeff Tracy, a former astronaut, amasses a colossal fortune and decides that he must use it to benefit others. His answer to this desire is to create International Rescue, a unique private emergency response service equipped with customed designed vehicles and equipment that enable the organization to react to any crisis whether it be in sea, air, land, or space. Jeff's five sons volunteer to operate as the pilots and field agents, as well "Brains" (alias Hiram B. Hackenbaker) as the team engineer. In addition, Jeff's friend, Kyrano and his daughter Tin Tin agree to be the support staff. In addition to the field team, IR also maintains an intelligence network with Lady Penelope and her ex-con chauffer, Parker as the chief agents in this arm. The series depicts this team as they answer various calls for help around and beyond the world while they prevent enemies like the Hood from learning and exploiting their secrets

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Plot Keywords:

rescue | disaster | early warning system | secret identity | rescue team | 

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Genres:

Animation | Action | Family | Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

TV-G

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 September 1965 (Netherlands)

Also Known As:

Donnervögel

Company Credits

Production Co:

AP Films (APF), Associated Television (ATV)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

50 min 50 min (32 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Color (Videcolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The series was released on Blu-Ray in 2008, but this release quickly came under fire for cropping the shows to a 16:9 aspect ratio, so as to "enhance" the episodes for widescreen televisions.

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Goofs

The large digit "3" at the rear of Thunderbird 3 always reads left-to-right, regardless of whether the spaceship is flying towards the left or towards the right. It is assumed that 2 different models were used, since when the spaceship is rising vertically with 2 of the 3 sides visible, the "3" digit may appear in either orientation.

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Quotes

Virgil Tracy: Thunderbird Two to Thunderbird One, do you read me?
[Thunderbird One does not answer]
John Tracy: He's got to have made it, he's GOT to.
Virgil Tracy: Thunderbird Two to Thunderbird One, do you read me?
[static]
Scott Tracy: Loud and clear.

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Crazy Credits

The opening credits include scenes from that week's episode. Gerry Anderson would later reuse this gimmick in "Space: 1999" (1975) and "Space Precinct" (1995).

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Connections

Referenced in Best Ever Spitting Image (2006)

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Soundtracks

"Dangerous Game"
Sung by Lady Penelope (singing voice provided by Sylvia Anderson)
Episode: {"Cham-Cham, The" (1964) (ep. #25)}

User Reviews

Another British Innovation

This is one of the most innovative shows to ever come out of Britain. I really loved the idea of marionettes being the main characters and all the cool ships (Thunderbird 2 will always be my favorite). The only flaw I could see with the show is that you never actually saw the puppets move, as in walking. They were either sitting down or standing still. Too bad that the Sci-Fi Channel isn't showing this wonderful series. Not all of us have Tech T.V..