Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons TV intro (1967-68)

A literally unkillable agent leads an international intelligence agency's fight against an extra-terrestrial terror campaign.

[@andrewf1145]

Holy crap. I just remembered how much Captain Black used to scare me as a kid.

[@KILLER9676]

Captain black was the bad guy, Colonel white is good... Is there a trend here?

[@deltahalo241]

Steve A The only luietenant in Spectrum had dark skin.

[@sledge56BV]

Steve A Oh no! You're right; the producers and writers should be retrospectively prosecuted for racism!

[@toressm]

+Steve A Lieutenant Green, Melody Angel and Harmony Angel are among the heroes of the series in spite of their African and Asian backgrounds.

[@KILLER9676]

+NYCR Yes, you are right there, thanks for setting me straight, all's good.

[@goldenhitman]

Captain Black looks like hes just back from a heavy weekend sesh.

[@tomsdottir]

Noooooooooooooooooo. He's just been wearing his swimming goggles too tight.

[@darganx]

C'mon it was 1967, the shit was good back then 😂😂

[@neosildrake]

Yeah... black = bad, white = good. Typical standard stereotyping. But it fits and in the New CGI show Black gets to be a bit more directly involved, more talkative and more character than his 67s stick in the mud. But these where the 67s and they did what they could with what they had. I am glad this show exists.

[@neosildrake]

This is camouflage! Darkness, fog, gravestones, black clothes... has to scare away all the other unsavory elements frequenting old cemeterys at night.

[@stephenbyrne2170]

@@neosildrake I don't suppose there's anyway to free him from the control of the Mysterons, is there?

[@miamiviceclips3867]

I was fucking terrified of this intro when I was 3.

[@harrismiller1948]

MiamiViceClips the voice freaked me out at the start

[@Hannah-cf4ev]

MiamiViceClips 34 and still terrified man!

[@jocksmen]

LOL ME2

[@itswillz7222]

MiamiViceClips dude I'm still scarred

[@Utdtom1]

MiamiViceClips I had a radio clock when I was about 5 and it had green led lights and I was terrified the mysterons were trying to kill me

[@gainaxthehorse5362]

I remember watching this when I was young... And the Thunderbirds... Good times...

[@zijihelium1111]

Too good

[@jmcastejon]

I also remember all this in my childhood

[@lonewanderer5515]

Dech Nourtide miss this ties lol

[@staggeringpain6180]

Dech Nourtide

[@Canadian_GuyEh]

My parents showed me those two, and Stingray as well.

[@darksaber2k]

Nice of the bad guys to reveal their plan in the intro. Very sporting.

[@shirosaki97]

They're nice guys really, they give away their plans, make their secret agent look evil and possessed, and they invented holo-cheerios. :D

[@0IIIIII]

It’s hardly a secret

[@neosildrake]

Like a good Columbo eposide. You know who the murder is right from the start, but the Inspector has to prove it. You know the goal, but the rest... and it's not as if knowing the goal has always helped SPECTRUm. They lost some times too, despite their knowledge. Not to mention the characters are rather well developed. Too bad both shows, the old and the new ended too soon. This could have gone on for a lot longer.

[@neosildrake]

Every supervillain worth their salt and pepper raves and rants about their goals and plans. That makes them all the more menacing, when the good guys still lose, despite their knowledge.

[@peterhunter483]

DarkSaber2k It actually resonates as the actual over all plan and agenda is for complete control over the host, Humans. So really, they are telling us and we are sub consciously absorbing that information into our conscious. Thus allowing better manipulation and control over the masses to accept the lie which is exactly how you control a species. Come on, keep up.

[@teletubetodd]

I loved watching Captain Scarlet when I was a kid. The intricate realism of the sets and the ultra-modernism of Spectrum base especially awed me. I also loved the theme song, the sexiness of the "angels" (following in Star Trek's footsteps, an early example of giving women high status in an organization), the businesslike tone of the officers' speech, and the scary unpredictability of Captain Black as the Mysterons' double agent (they killed him in the first episode for firing on their Mars city and assumed his likeness). All in all, a great sci-fi viewing experience. Thanks for bringing this back.

[@warrioroftheworld01]

I don't think Captain Black actually died. I think he was just taken over and possessed by the Mysterons. Every other Mysteron comes back as a duplicate of themselves with normal voice and everything.

[@teletubetodd]

Simon Edwards Good point, which makes it even scarier - a loyal Spectrum officer undergoing an identity change and defecting to the enemy, so his comrades don't recognize him anymore!

[@alexdavies1662]

I still rate "Captain Scarlet" as being the most original puppet programme from Gerry Anderson. There is something rather unsettling and eerie about this series. I love it!!

[@buddcarcook4655]

It was rather dark, yep! I loved it!

[@Gabrieljoseph129]

Yes well when you have a Captain Black doll that tells kids "everyone will die" it is kind of dark for the kiddies

[@MythicSuns]

​@@gw7636 Other way around; history has shown us plenty of examples of cultures attacking other cultures in retaliation, all Gerry had to do in that respect was translate such an event into Sci Fi. The fact that it reflects what's going on today is purely coincidental.

[@revelarget]

@@gw7636 God put it into our psyche to prepare us.

[@gw7636]

@@revelarget god put what into our psyche?

[@OwenAdams]

This intro is burned in my mind from childhood. I was born in 87 so I caught the show in those 90s repeats and I wore out my VHS. I'd been through Thunderbirds and Stingray but Captain Scarlet still blew me away. To this day it's my favourite of Gerry Anderson's shows.

[@M1ggins]

haha, whever I knock on someone's door I always use 7 knocks in the rhythym of Captain Scarlet's timpani. And, it was the best of the Anderson's 'marionette' shows, though it'd be hard for me to choose between CS and Space 1999 for their all out best.

[@tonylouisvisionvideography3469]

I WAS BORN IN 1061 LOL THIS AND THUNDERBIRDS WERE MY FAVOURITE

[@neosildrake]

As I grew up in east germany before the wall came down, I only got to watch this in the 90s. Still love it. Definitely my favorite of the 60s puppet shows. I really love the characters and the puppets look much more refined than in Stingray, Fireball or Thunderbirds. Also, after rewatching the New CGI Captainn Scarlet, I rewatched the old show. I like both and think both shows ended way too early.

[@The_gaming_archaeologist]

Same here. Born in 87 and watched it on repeats.

[@The_gaming_archaeologist]

@@tdtdqwerty it certainly is.

[@MrClassicDoctorWho]

It was like the Horror version of Thunderbirds haha

[@DarkAnomaly]

The Mysterons: A race consisting of a mysterious deep voice and 2 rings moving over the people they were talking to :D

[@shathriel]

***** The Mysterons were just using their perv view specs and telephone voice, with their best agent dressed all in black gear.Damn those kinky Martians.

[@MythicSuns]

+Latiran the mysterons, the only aliens from the 60s that manage to look cheaper than the daleks

[@244logan5]

shit

[@neosildrake]

At least they where more effective than the old bucketbolts.

[@nightsampler]

RIP Francis Matthews...The Voice of Captain Scarlet

[@Simon-bv2bp]

oh nooooo

[@rias-xx6cx]

And Ed Bishop, Blue and Straker in UFO RIP

[@bonniestar4707]

But... he's meant to be indestructible.

[@davidhall2141]

I remember thinking that captain Black looked the spit of my uncle on a Sunday morning. When possessed with a hangover (as opposed to martians), he was a grumpy bugger!

[@wendyeyles3560]

Haha brilliant!

[@Kasamoto91]

I've not seen this for 18 years... what an amazing show for its time.

[@daughterofolaf]

I just discovered this show a couple days ago and I absolutely LOVE it. The sets are so awesome and detailed. And somehow the show is relaxing even though there is suspense and explosions and gunplay.

[@user-ns3lb8ky5l]

Captain Black scared the shit outta me as a kid.

[@itsconnorstime]

Live action version. Henry Cavill as Scarlet. Tom Hardy as Black.

[@hankjwimbleton8043]

itsconnorstime liam hemsworth as blue

[@gw7636]

Sounds like a plan to me bring it on love to see that lol

[@harvey9352]

Henry Cavill

[@crimsondynamo615]

Who would be Colonel White or Lieutenant Green

[@jhentai0316]

nice!

[@Harvester236]

I forgot how shit scary this was.

[@dawnfinch8232]

JJ H yes especially captain black and the voices of the mysterons loved the angels

[@stephenbyrne2170]

You call this scary?

[@stephenbyrne2170]

@killwill83 Well then it ain't my problem, 'cause I wasn't 5 or 8 when I started watching this. Although the fact that the Mysterons don't have a physical form did trigger my curiosity.

[@paulmoxam4033]

@@stephenbyrne2170 Have to remember that this was a kids programme and that in each episode somebody had to die for the Mysteron to regenerate in their place. Scary stuff indeed for kids,

[@stephenmilroy7041]

I think if the mysterions kept their plans a secret from Captain Scarlett instead of just giving him a 'play by play' of everything they were going to do each episode their plans would not have turned to mush...

[@stephenmilroy7041]

***** I know this is a bit late but 'whoops'... I stand corrected.

[@GiratinaofFury]

They wage a war of nerves. It's something about human nature that when we know what's coming, we least expect it.

[@aceyspud551]

Mysterion is the name of the superhero alter-ego of South Parks character Kenny. Who also... Cannot die... Dundundun dundundundun!!!

[@nightmaretomb5294]

They succeeded often enough that you never knew if the good guys would win or not.

[@Signerdragon123]

Ironically, they never announced their plans in New Captain Scarlet and only scored 2 victories (1 offscreen).

[@victorhernandez8723]

Happy 50th anniversary to Captain Scarlet!

[@carlj1964]

RIP Frances Matthews, the voice of Scarlet

[@ninjastah]

Quite a deep storyline when you think about it. Quite dark, anyone get what I mean? Used to watch it with a different mindset as a child.

[@satoterror]

To be fair to the Mysterons The American human explorers simply open fired on them without warning! No change there then! Always thought Captain Black was a bit of legend, drink whisky all night, shagged about a lot, smoked his weight in fags and generally had the better deal than Scarlet who did what he was told like a good boy!

[@massivley]

One of my favourite programmes of al time but the intro used to scare the shit out of me

[@animelovers000]

50 years old but im only 25 but this still remains one of my all time favourite shows remember watching it when it was being rerun on bbc 2 during the 90s watching this and thunderbirds with my late dad who was a huge fan of both i cherish those precious memories close not in my mind but in my heart

[@EverChangingShadow]

Oh yeah, that's right. Captain Scarlet always scared me, now I remember why...

[@nviouzcs]

glad i grew up to this and not filtered down shit that they have for kids now

[@waynelovell1958]

Captain Black scared the shit out of me as a kid!

[@frankthelion]

I always thought captain black was cool. He just hung out in graveyards, waiting for his next mission from the mysterons. I wanted to be him. In my head, I thought he was smoking too, but my memory must have confused that with the mist in the graveyard. Still, when I was older enough to buy cigarettes at 16, I bought some, dressed all in black, and went to a graveyard and smoked!!!

[@MrTuftynut]

Captain Scarlet, my hero as a boy - the man I wanted to be !

[@markwilliams7054]

Martin Davies me too but then i found out he wasn't a rapist

[@gw7636]

I loved this when I was kid in the mid 70s....imagine them trying to make this today for the kid/adult cross over...Aliens committing acts of violence and terrorism it just wouldn't happen! Lol I think they should make this in a 24 style show...just for adults...I'd watch even if no one else would! Lol :-)

[@robinamos2281]

I grew up in the 1990's and Thunderbirds/Captain Scarlett were my favourite TV programmes. I think that goes to show these are timeless classics which haven't been matched in terms of character.

[@johninrome]

I showed this video to one of my foreign student. He didn't know anything about this, but he loved it!

[@theking-nz1ut]

I use to love captain scarlet as a kid. Better then thunderbirds. 👍 💜

[@britishadamantine5670]

So, I guess 75 Mysterons watched this?

[@bethwallace8616]

151 now

[@royandrew9468]

Barry Gray brillient unsung hero from the Gerry Anderson stable. unforgettable Melodies. Thunderbirds ,Stingray,Joe 90 & Many Others. 4ME They were an integral part of the programmes. they became part of my Childhood Soundtrack. they still bring back fond memories!

[@sugaryawroc]

I have never forgot this intro thankyou for this ! When i was a child Captain Scarlet was my best hero besides Batman. Brilliant

[@DiecastMovies]

Love this - I got the Spectrum Car - the red one, great to find this on KZbin

[@jiggermast]

AHHH! But do you have the Dinky SPV? and is the scarlet man himself still sitting in the spring loaded door?

[@DiecastMovies]

jiggermast no - but I had the Max Security Vehicle - the square white one - but some how it got lost over the years.... shame - they fetch big money now. Lesson to all kids ot there - keep your old toys safe ( and their boxes)

[@jiggermast]

***** There, There, There!! don't take on so, you don't realise it, but you are in fact a blameless victim of and suffering from, that well known condition of FBS (forgotten battery syndrome) a not uncommon parental Christmas and birthday phenomenon. But I really do feel your pain! (How about a a battery-less Moon Lander Christmas 1971, Mon 7 am Whitehaven, it was raining and I was wearing blue and white pyjamas and holding a half eaten Bandit biscuit and my left index finger was bandaged at the time, but I think I'm over it now).There's only one way to heal that terrible lasting damage and bring final closure to the terrible harm done all those years ago, you badly need to acquire one on ebay! and at any price!! and display it in your home in full view and in pride of place.

[@MrSlitskirts]

For those of you wondering why Capt. Scarlet didn't die when he was shot (in the opening sequence), he's meant to be indestructible; to a point. The Mysterion "shooter" didn't miss...

[@stanssoapbox]

Film & TV As I'm sure you know, in reality Captain Scarlet was always injured and often died when he was shot. His Mysterion powers of Retro-Metabolism always allowed him to be revived and reconstructed. This scene was symbolic and metaphoric, allowing the viewer to decide if the shots missed or not. But as you say this introduction was designed to make a point, introducing the viewer to the fact that he is indestructible.

[@MrSlitskirts]

***** Hi, yes I totally agree. I only meant my bit for those who may be confused that he didn't "go down" when shot; etc. Kind regards (I have the DVD series and I enjoy the show, etc).

[@paulmoxam4033]

Electricity could kill Captain Scarlet.

[@mrc302]

Would run home from school every day to watch this.

[@Beamshipcaptain]

Spectrum Is Greeen. SIG I used to watch this on Channel 11 in New York afterschool every day from 1968-69. What a hoot. Now all the toys and DVDs are here. These are the best of times...

[@hyperfoxx1351]

Captain Scarlet kills a guy in the first 50 seconds! T.V was violent back in the old days :D

[@neosildrake]

Yeah. Try to get that by for a kids TV show today.

[@MegaMick56]

was there a cat squealing down the alley .

[@yardlet6]

RIP Francis Matthews.

[@DaveTerrasidio]

Excellent, also I love how the Mysterons always told us their plan before hand.

[@barvida]

I was born 64, this intro used to scare me shitless!

[@TheGnomeCity]

How old must Captain Scarlet be now? He's probably in a care home somewhere praying for the Grim Reaper to finish him off. A modern-day Dr Faustus.

[@Jagdtoq]

He does't age, he is already dead but animated by an unknown factor encountered on Mars.

[@annmitchell4663]

An urban explorer Unless they cut his strings..😆

[@FingerBreakerWu]

Dun dun dun da da da dun!

[@acdcrock93]

It never stopped being re-run between its creation and sometime in the mid 2000's. Its a timeless classic. Sure the effects were outdated in the 90's but kids still enjoyed it. Thats saying something...

[@davidroberts9361]

Loved this as a kid in the 70's.My fave Andersons TV.

[@flybobbie1449]

Would love to see this made as a live action film.Keep the original sets but of course full size.Keep it adult rather than for kiddies, has all the ingredients for a good sci film.

[@douglasgreen437]

His next show was UFO which did have live actors...

[@gw7636]

I'd love to see this done in a 24 style show...just for adults

[@geoorobo1549]

Has anyone noticed that Rhapsody & Harmony angels do fuck all in any of the episodes? They just sit in their seats at the beginning of each episode. If I were the other angels I would be talking to my union rep about this! :)

[@markhartshorn3476]

now this was a show i enjoyed as a kid please bring it back

[@benhasic]

Dude, I'm 17 and i love this show. Just bought the whole series, watch it with my dad. It's such a great show.

[@jocksmen]

CAPTAIN SCARLET AKA ROGER MOORE.!!!!

[@bensmith1689]

Alan Hansen

[@nel1962]

I vaguely remember this. Stingray and Fireball xl5 are fresher in my mind. This is incredibly noirish for a kids show from the 60s.

[@bloodlust1000]

Even thoug i ws born in 92' i still love this show today =] one of the best intros to any show ever =]

[@mrpungyao]

omg. i stumbled across this show by mistake one night @ 3am.. it was this and Terrahawks! i love this show!! thanks for posting.

[@ianwelsh6354]

great 60s show ❤it

[@minilars1990]

captian black... damn he's scary!

[@gagecrawley6223]

I just started watching this series on Tubi, last week. And so far, I’m enjoying this series. I like the marionettes, I love the action, I love the model work, the storytelling, the characters, the suspense, and especially the model destruction. It’s all really good.

[@garyslater1243]

When I was a boy, this was my very, very TV programme ! Very happy days, a long time ago ................

[@TromaDogg]

DUN! DUN! DUN! DUN! DUN! DUN! DUN!

[@bethwallace8616]

i love your profile picture lol

[@JohnCashin]

RIP Francis Matthews

[@ThatGreenSpy]

I just love Donald Gray's booming voice.

[@jmenceladus1332]

the cat screech is the best bit

[@skunkhead2007]

wtf happened to the rest of it? wow that's just took me right back in time I had a captain scarlet out fit as a kid

[@stompinstan0007]

It's a Ken and Barbie Nightmare!!!

[@MythicSuns]

0:38 The only problem I can see with this scene is that it doesn't make Captain Scarlet look indestructible, it just makes the gunman look like a terrible shot.

[@Thunderchief35]

This is my favourite intro for a Gerry Anderson programme of them all. Love the voice of The Mysterons. Thanks for posting.

[@RJM1011]

It's looks like Captain Black been on meth ??

[@CountvonCount33]

+Richard Maunder Yep, he definitely been burning the candle at both ends, he looks right faahooked!

[@1960jackrussell]

I wonder if scarlett ever gave destiny one

[@stanilandgavin4834]

He gave them all one inc that Captain Black Long live Captain Scarlett He's alive and well in a Care home in Tovil Maidstone Kent

[@markrelph8988]

I heard he did and then he shagged the brains out of brains.......

[@OCEpic]

Nahhh the nostalgia is incredible....

[@mastercoc]

Brilliant program and so advanced for it's day. Bring it back we love it.

[@SSG_Ronnie42]

What we learnt from the intro is the bad guys are terrible at aiming at point blank range with machine guns.lol

[@MythicSuns]

turns out the mysterons share their genes with stormtroopers

[@SSG_Ronnie42]

***** I think you're onto something there.

[@waynesimpson2074]

I think the intro is to provve that Cpt. S is indestructable i.e he's just been machine-gunned but is unaffected and unruffled enough to pick his shots in return. Koowel?

[@MythicSuns]

Wayne Simpson well yeah we gathered that but the execution does just make it look like he's being shot by stormtroopers

[@SSG_Ronnie42]

Wayne Simpson Did we watch the same intro?, not a bullet hit him because there terrible shots.lol

[@CooroSnowFox]

Colonel White would be played by Patrick Stewart...

[@stanleycox8643]

Bill Nighy would be better I think.

[@tonyrowe4701]

Mike Pence surely ??!!

[@MegaDeansy]

I remember the 'Captain Scarlet Car' being my very first thing I saved my pocket-money for - sadly, the habit never quite caught on with me but boy, was it a great car !!

[@Stu-SB]

The angels..Destiny, Symphony, Melody, Harmony and Rhapsody...perfect 10/10s

[@RigbyIsTheMan]

caddicurus anyone?

[@digitaltoaster4956]

Yes

[@darkshadow1964]

My mom never had to wake me up for school, i loved this. Hard to believe almost 30 years have passed.

[@martinpatrick1746]

Super puppet animation-i loved this show in the 60s as a kid!!.

[@nordicberserk]

I lived in England for one year, in 94, and I remember these were BIG reruns at the time. I had the entire Thunderbirds island as a playset.

[@Beamshipcaptain]

My fave also when I was 7. I got it on DVD in the early 80s, and now have it on DVD so clear, you can see the wires. We are living inthe best of times...

[@pershing3346]

I have yet to see a Kids show with as much death and destruction. I still can't believe how scary this is even to this day.

[@khaitran43]

Jesus Christ, those doll's death stare will give me nightmare for days

[@gallery7596]

I liked the caution to the kids at home: "Capt. Scarlet is indestructible. You are not. Remember this."

[@baggierols73]

Watched the repeats of this on Sunday morning in the 80s as a kid & must say, even though it was 20yrs old the puppets / sets looked well impressive

[@manweller1]

I so loved this show, it was quite spooky for its time.

[@pamelatapely9593]

This was my era loved all these tv shows and themes

[@miIitaryminded]

so good....i loved this as a kid.....id watch it now if it was still on. it was that good.

[@thejimm2009]

Wow! I've never seen this...i've watched Thunderbirds many times...but i missed this. this is great. just by the intro, i can tell the characters are cool...and i love the names. thanks for the post.

[@destendgem]

Bad things to hear, over a tannoy system:This is the voice of the Mysterons.

[@fdl_2518]

I used to binge this show when I was younger, pretty sure I've seen every single episode at least twice. Looking back now it's pretty shitty though, it's sad and wonderful how drastically things in your life can change.

[@georgeetboom7719]

Im only 18, but watching from a cassette my dad had when i was 5, thoes footsteps still haunt me today

[@dukeofoven]

I have a confession, I grew up in Slough in the 60's & as a kid me & a mate used to get into the back yard area of Century 21 studios which was on the Slough trading estate. We'd sneak over the chain link fence on a sunday when it was quiet & pinch old polystyrene scenery - mountains etc, from around the skips. It was brilliant for playing with toy soldiers. Sorry Mr. Anderson, I'm an upstanding citizen these days. A few of the studio crew had kids at the same school as me.

[@GrahamFreeman]

A cornerstone of my childhood. Thank you Gerry & Sylvia for everything.

[@jazz4]

This was so good, quintessential englishness. Just such hard work, dedication and art. This is masterfull, like joe 90, stingray and thunderbirds.

[@rtmis1]

God dammit, I knew I didn't dream this show. All I remember is that I fucking loved it, even though it scared the shit out of me, and that damn theme song - "Captain Scarlet (Captain Scarlet)" has been randomly popping into my head for the last 20 years. I don't know why I never bothered to look it up until now. Time for a nostalgic binge watch I think

[@TheFrog767]

Now that was a great show.

[@mikecoshan5006]

Rip Gerry Anderson a genius who enthralled a generation of children and the reruns I watched as a parent. Many Condolences to the family

[@Beamshipcaptain]

He did a lot more than that. He singlehandedly gave us the Electrical 20th, century, RADIO, RADAR, Robotics, Radio-Control, wireless transmission of energy, bladeless turbines, plyphase AC transmission and AC motors (the ROTATING magnetic field makes AC power possible), and a host of over 700 fundamental patents.

[@haraya_manawari]

glad to see so many others getting terrified of this intro like I did as a preschooler