THUNDERBIRDS ARE GO! (PART 1)

This is Assembly Control calling all Zero X units.

Assembly Phase One - go!

- Glenn Field Control

If you are a fan of  Gerry and Sylvia Anderson's TV's puppet show series, THUNDERBIRDS, today's your lucky day! Shown here are some behind-the-scenes shots during the making of the 1966 feature movie THUNDERBIRDS ARE GO! filmed in "Supermarionation". While not as popular in the States as it was in its native UK, the original TV series and spinoff movies (distributed here by United Artists) have nevertheless maintained a cult following throughout the years. While I don't know whether or not it was syndicated here, one or two of the series was packaged for US TV under different titles.

None of the characters appearing in this photoplay intentionally resemble any persons living or dead... SINCE THEY DO NOT YET EXIST!

- From the film credits

Mainly a science-fiction/adventure series, the 'Birds fought an occasional monster as well. Writer Gerry Anderson got the idea from a real-life rescue operation and developed it as a futuristic story of a group of gallant individuals who take on various missions to save the day. Gerry's wife, Sylvia, was the producer and voice actor. For over a decade they thrilled audiences with their fantastic stories, marvelous puppetry, special effects and detailed sets.

Behind-the-scenes with Gerry and Sylvia.

More behind-the-scenes production shots.

THUNDERBIRDS ARE GO! UK movie posters.

Key photo used as a reference for promotion and advertising.

Here are the two THUNDERBIRDS ARE GO! "Technical Manuals" from 1995 that were given free with the first two issues of the comic book series. Intended as a "field manual for agents", they're full of facts and figures about "the world's foremost rescue organization", including detailed information and cut-away views about the agency's crafts and other vehicles.

Here's a 30-minute documentary on the genesis of the series: