Thunderbirds is a (the?) classic British science-fiction television series, created by Gerry Anderson and Sylvia Anderson. First broadcast in 1965, the show follows the adventures of International Rescue, a secret organization dedicated to saving lives using advanced technology. Led by the Tracy family, the team operates a fleet of futuristic rescue vehicles called the Thunderbirds, each designed for different types of emergencies.
The series was probably the peak example of the “Supermarionation” style which Gerry Anderson pioneered, which uses highly detailed puppets, lip synced with the a recording of the voice artist via an electrical wire, combined with elaborate miniature sets and special effects. Main characters include Jeff Tracy and his sons—Scott, Virgil, Alan, Gordon, and John —along with their ally Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward and engineering genius Brains.
Renowned for its exciting rescues, imaginative technology, and memorable theme music by Barry Gray, Thunderbirds became one of the most iconic science-fiction shows of the 1960s and remains a beloved family adventure series today.
Thunderbirds proved to be the ideal subject for a crossover episode with the Official Talking Pictures TV podcast, a series longer term readers will remember has featured prominently in my creative life. It was the series which got me into podcasting as a writer and presenter, back when it was originally founded by Adam Roche. I still contribute reviews regularly. This time it was hosts Mel Byron, Scott Phipps and Daniel Reifferscheid joining my show. Thunderbirds had recently been repeated on Talking Pictures TV. It was great to have a proper conversation with this talented trio after years of emails. Thanks to their rapport and experience, the recording was a breeze.
Together we focused on three different episodes: the pilot and classic disaster movie plot Trapped in the Sky, the creature feature Attack of the Alligators, and crime caper Alias Mr Hackenbacker. As you’ll hear we were all struck by how glossy, colourful and cinematic this sixty year old show still looks.
You can listen to Very British Futures on your favourite podcast app, such as Apple Podcasts. You can also hear me regularly on the Official Talking Pictures TV podcast. Thanks as ever for your support.
The Phantom Frame 