FILMED IN SUPERMARIONATION: The Rocket Powered Story Behind Thunderbirds (Film Documentary)

Brilliant documentary. I feel sorry for children today that don't have the fabulous children's programming that we had back in the 1960s. It truly was a golden time for British television, music and fashion. My favourite part of this documentary was where Lew Grade pretended to leave the room but he actually just went into a cupboard. I wonder how many times he played that trick?

[@williesmith3903]

Thunderbirds was one of the first TV programs I saw as a child when television started in South Africa in 1976. Thunderbirds was dubbed into Afrikaans and as a child, I would watch it every Saturday at 6pm. I would sit with paper and pencil and draw copies of every piece of equipment that Brains developed for International Rescue. I would put those drawings in a file because I was going to start a real-life International Rescue when I was grown up!!! Sadly that childhood dream of mine never materialized. I just retired at 60 and I still love watching Thunderbirds on my DVD collection. Thank you Gerry & Sylvia Anderson and everyone else involved in the creation of Thunderbirds!! THUNDERBIRDS ARE GO!!!!!!

[@johnHAMMOND-l3u]

thanks for the memories i am 66 and i still watch Thunderbirds

[@grahamhume5953]

I am 62 and I still fly my Thunderbird 2 around when I watch Thunderbirds.

[@johnHAMMOND-l3u]

@@grahamhume5953 thunderbird 2 was my favourite

[@steveadams96]

Same

[@100SteveB]

I have said it before, but must say it again - Thank you to all involved in the making of these shows - especially Thunderbirds, which for me was the most memorable, and enjoyable tv series from my childhood. What you all produced was, and still is an amazing achievement. Quality second to none. The fact that 30 years later my own children would get exactly the same enjoyment from the series says it all. So to all of the remaining crew - thank you.

[@BrianPayne-ef6kn]

I didn't discover these magnificent shows until the last few years. They're absolutely wonderful! I'm a 49 year old divorced skateboarding grandpa and shows like Thunderbirds and Captain Scarlet are just as entertaining as any live action series in my opinion. I for one am eternally grateful for all of the work put into these timeless classics!!! Thank you!!

[@gbrading]

Wonderful that this is available on KZbin! It was a great watch when I saw it a few years ago.

[@stephenmcavoy9925]

What I love about this documentary is that it celebrates everyone who was involved in the production of these series. The use of the original music and appropriate clips and new puppet scenes with Parker and Lady P to frame it all. Brilliant. A thrill to watch again.

[@toucan221]

For what its worth, Here's a Big thank from myself to all of you who worked in sets at Century 21. Where we would be without Supermarionation and all the wonderful and fantastic stories, rescues and other life saving episodes, Thank you so much, bless you all ✔✔😀😀❤❤🌞🌞👍👍

[@moreheff]

The story of mine and many tens of thousands of others childhood. Truly ground breaking. I had very vague memories of reruns (had to be reruns as I was born in 1960) of Twizzle and Supercar. Grew up with Stingray, Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlett & Joe 90. It was not until many many years later that I discovered the early black & white shows I could barely remember were made by the same people! We will never see the like again. I showed DVD's of most of these to my own Step children. They loved it. Their favourite? Joe 90! I still watch Thunderbirds and Captain Scarlett now. Thank you Gerry, Sylvia and everybody else involved, for everything. And thanks to Century 21 for this ❤

[@gilescosgrove3933]

My evening just became sorted!

[@gregfolland6569]

And mine! … 👍 … 😁

[@deadalready7467]

Absolutely loved the Thunderbirds as a kid, 64 now. Ah memories. Couldn’t get enough of them. Thank you so much 🙏🇺🇸

[@ralphconroy3696]

Barry Gray really epitomised each sequence with resounding scores which underpinned every scene of perfectly. But he left a very important mark on every episode for new generations to enjoy.

[@marcbrasse747]

Only half way through: There are only so many ways you can keep repeating the same story but this is truly a work of art in itself. Especially the addition of all these people who where not yet in your earlier video’s really give it a definitive touch. Also great to get an ever clearer picture of the circumstances under which the programs were made and the strengths and weaknesses of certain persons. For instance: I always assumed Provis and Leigh would have a certain accord which made them go off in another direction. And then that Provis remark! Magnificent stuff.

[@eddiejones.redvees]

The Studios would have made a great museum to the history of early special effects

[@physicswithpark3r-x3x]

_early?_ how's this: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Trip_to_the_Moon

[@grahamhume5953]

I just cannot understand why the sets and models were destroyed.

[@physicswithpark3r-x3x]

@@grahamhume5953 (1) much of it was made to look good on camera, not to last (2) cost of storage space is really a significant factor (3) props and sets find their way to folks who make exploitation films on the cheap, and the original production hates seeing their own stuff in these bottom of the barrel movies. (4) I do agree that it is a great shame. (5) In our age of digital assets, matters have become much different.

@@grahamhume5953 Probably afraid they might be used in other programming.

[@DamoBloggs]

After watching for a while, I became aware that I had a big grin on my face. This was wonderful to watch, and brought back so many wonderful childhood memories. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@danieldehart3320]

A big ❤ for this documentary and all people involved. 55 years young here, and I get depressed by watching movie trailers from the last 30 years. But this...brings warm feelings to my heart. Thanks for sharing this goodness ❤

[@dragondaveltd1992]

I've recently bought this amazing documentary on DVD this year, and I'm now working on collecting these Supermarionation shows on DVDs for both rewatch and watched for the first time. A huge thanks for uploading this on KZbin and I'll be looking forward to the newly complete Thunderbirds with new extras and 50th Anniversary Specials in one big package next year from you guys from Century 21 Films team.

[@vincentl.9469]

i think this was shown on the bbc some years back

[@dragondaveltd1992]

​​@@vincentl.9469you mean on BBC Two back in 1991?

[@mybachhertzbaud3074]

The modeling work on these is beyond fantastic.😁

[@happi-bollox]

All my early childhood wrapped up in this beautiful documentary... Thanks for the memories and great times!

[@juliemunro1]

What a great programme. I loved all the puppet series, it was a wonderful part of my childhood

[@FelixRigg]

Thanks so much for posting this. Fascinating.

[@davejones6130]

Childhood memories galore ! Many little dinky toy models of the ships and cars and planes and rockets grace my collection of miniatures in a marvellous way. Congrats to the filmmakers on this epic documentary!

[@mondomacabromajor5731]

Brilliant documentary - outstanding...

[@ClassicTrialsChannel]

Stingrays music was amazing to hear and still is to this day.

All of the music was great especially Fireball-XL5 and Stingray.

[@Boxcar808]

Superb from start to end, thankyou thankyou thankyou

[@YourreelmemoriesAu]

I’m a product of the 60’s in NZ & these shows were a huge part of my childhood. Awesome documentary thanks.

[@physicswithpark3r-x3x]

Penelope's sudden cold cruelty in Alan's dream deeply disturbed me when I saw the movie as a child.

[@leighdurrant9116]

Such a shame so much stuff was destroyed or lost, great vid as always

[@glenjones6980]

It's a rollercoaster of a ride watching this. The pride and affection with which the memories are recounted alongside the sense of mourning when it came to an end. Each and every show stood out which given the superior quality of programmes back then really is an achievement.

[@nigeldewallens1115]

I can promise you! Here was one lad that just loved the film! I am now 66 years of age and have never forgotten the fun it gave me! I can well imagine how you all felt! Whilst our family firm did not have the exposure yours did! Ours was started in 1948 by my grandfather and died in the early eighties! that broke my heart so I can all imagine how you all felt! sigh! 😑😓

[@Neskafait67]

Thanks for sharing. I never missed an episode when I was a kid and I still enjoy these series just as much. I'm 58 years old.

[@jpfransen]

Thunderbirds was one of the happiest memories of my childhood and it still is today. I have the complete series on dvd but also all the toy vehicles figures and Tracy island. I,m a fan forever.

[@simonlunt353]

I do like the new Thunderbirds BUT the first Thunderbirds is still the best and even at the age of 61 I still enjoy watching them even though I have seen them lots of times the music the action you can’t beat it thank you everyone who was involved 😊👍

[@mikecane]

Captured my attention yet again. A magnificent document of a fantastic time. Thank you again.

[@filipematias5127]

Thank you very much for so many great shows, I loved them all, unforgettable childhood memories... 👏👍

[@tubewatanabe]

I thought you would have kept this back for whatever else you might be planning for the 60th, so this is a wonderful surprise.

[@Le_Corse_Belge]

I wasn't born in the 60's, but I stil watch some episodes when they are on TV or even if I find some on YT Thank you!

[@ndofilms]

Que maravilla !!... Desde chile recordando los sábados ver este programa y alucinada con los decorados las historias y las aventuras en que yo era un personaje más.

[@vincentl.9469]

I don't think Barry Gray got the full recognition for his music for the Anderson productions ..esp. Thunderbirds

[@pipcopur]

I quite agree, for me the highlight was Barry’s music and also the unsung hero’s who produced some great sound effects.

[@physicswithpark3r-x3x]

I always hum the launch march when I'm flying, particularly as the plane taxis up to the runway.

[@simonbuxton7202]

Recognition from whom?

After each Fireball-XL5 episode, I would be singing the tune till the following week.

[@vincentl.9469]

for a whole week ? No one complained?

[@steempunk]

Popping this into my playlist for sure 😎

[@ianmangham4570]

I was thunderbird bonkers 70s , especially the fat green ship with the little yellow ship inside 😊❤

[@greatpix]

My favorite too. I think because of the interchangeable cargo holds.

[@ianmangham4570]

@greatpix Yes most definitely 👌

[@OdeeOz]

Supermarionation was an immense Joy for me as a kid in the 1950's to the 70's. 👍👍 10k🌟 to all Episodes, and Series from Anderson Entertainment.

[@n.miller907]

As a very young child, I had a deep curiosity and love for music. So I was very much in love with TV show opening song titles, and Fireball XL5 was a song that gripped me from the moment I first heard it. I also loved theme songs like Dr. Who. Electronic music was still in its infancy and I never forgot the impact it had on me, and still to this day. I live in Canada and really don't remember seeing Thunderbirds or much else after Fireball XL5. But this documentary really made me appreciate the novel approach of these creative artists and how much they immersed themselves in their craft. Wonderful documentary!

[@bonnie43uk]

Excellent documentary, like everyone else who's commented on this video, the production team that bought us Fireball XL5, Stingray, Thunderbirds etc played a big part in my childhood, those shows were incredible to watch as a kid, Thunderbirds was my particular favourite the storylines each week were amazing and the special effects were superb. Thank you to everyone involved.

[@raynarks]

I’m 71, I grew up with these, starting with Twizzel. I never saw Captain Scarlet though. I’ve obviously got some catching up to do. I’ve just tracked it down on ITV, it’s warning me that it contains violence and explosions. That’s my Christmas viewing sorted out.

[@myriaddsystems]

That's my evening's viewing sorted out!

[@davidkrueger2987]

thanks for this enjoyable documentary, i can remember watching most of them in the 60s and 70s loved them all. it was a hoot to see them all again.

[@JohnShields-xx1yk]

I was a 1960's kid and I loved Parker, just his casual attitude, yet very proper, great character

[@muppetsretrofan8873]

As an American who only recently discovered the works of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson, I have to say they are the BEST shows I have ever seen and this documentary was amazing! Thunderbirds is my favorite, though I love almost all of them. Except for Torchy The Battery Boy, that one scares me. I am super excited for 2025, the 60th anniversary of Thunderbirds, and I can't wait to see what cool stuff will happen. Though I really hope that there can be Supermarionation merch over here in the States, I'd ADORE to have a Scott Tracy Funko Pop. Maybe there could even be a Supermarionation themed blind box series and a series of Supermarionation Build A Bears and Build A Bear Mini Beans. I'd buy anything Scott Tracy, Captain Scarlet, Mike Mercury, and Lady Penelope related.

[@ZENmud]

I'm planning a Thunderbirds "International Rescue" Halloween costume ~ the blue turtleneck ought to be the easiest part 😂 The combo belt and shoulder wash might be more difficult 😂

[@ricogo2447]

There never was and never will be another such similar show ever done. It was spectacular and talented all along, and nobody, today would ever come near such perfection. I am glad I grew up with such shows as a child, that, incidentally, also helped me learn English, and dare I say, proper English.

[@ozzbow3507]

Wortherly done. I must say. It was quite therapeutic to watch. An excellent tribute to them all. For what I though was for no reason at all.. I got quite teary and emotional at the point where the scenes of Vergil crashing saving the "fire flash" and when Thun2 just made it home before crashing on landing ... It took a moment to understand that It was kind of like I was re living the feelings I must have felt watching these shows. Like a state of grieving. Back then, small and impressionable. I'ed not experienced death or loss yet, and this was kind of like an eye opener, the closed thing to it! One of my heros was going to die.. And at a time when " Big boys don't cry!". Watching this, I think opened the flood gates as it were and brought it all back to me and what I must have felt as a small child..

[@Thunder0010]

what a great 2 hour documentary this was thank you very much for this :)

[@WoBlink1961]

Born in 1961, I grew up watching all of these from Fireball XL5 onwards - especially Stingray and Thunderbirds. They instilled in me a huge interest in engineering and modelmaking. So I want to thank the APF/Century 21 crews - especially the model makers - for my 45 year career as an Engineer and a fantastic hobby lasting over half a century and counting......

[@AntonioCastilloezj2006]

Mi serie favorita en los 60s en mi niñez, la señal de la tv canal 5 México era muy débil en mi zona, borrosa y con lluvia, pero con suerte había horas en que mejoraba, tiempos que nunca se van.....

[@lyntedrockley7295]

I just realised that Four Feather Falls was itself an allegory of what the Andersons and their team acheived. Making the Horse talk WAS Supermarionation. I've also just realised that Masterspy was a caricature of Lew!

[@DelightLovesMovies]

This is so cool. I love these kinds of documentaries.

[@papainoelindaialeblumenaus2869]

I was born in 1956 and I love Kellogg's corn flakes always and I also love the Supermarionation team.

[@highpath4776]

Well that is a triumph of editing

[@bountyhunter779]

Everyone must be proud of what they have succeeded in and the legacy they have left behind. Thank you to all of them, your legacy will stay forever in our hurts!

[@kevodowd5282]

Two words come to mind, absolutely brilliant. Thank you.

[@PierrePinson-gf5xt]

On 2064, thunderbirds will be always on TV in the world. Incredible !!!!

[@richardmattocks]

1:13:10. Even though you’ve just seen it start up, the footage “just works”. Derek and his team… so clever!

[@scofair5551]

The Roberta Leigh/Space Patrol connection is fascinating.

[@lotusgroup123]

I’m enjoying watching this but it has all been seen before in smaller “episodes”, and I can’t help thinking this will be the final episode, where everything has been brought together in conclusion. I am feeling the same sense of dread I felt when one series ended and was superseded by its successor. Once again, I just want this to go on forever…

[@smithpm81]

when TV was amazing, how we all wish those days would come again

[@rikiodevon]

What A Wonderful Documentary Many Thanks 2 hrs of You Tube time I will not resent......................Imagine every XL5 in Colour and Stingray and Thunderbirds with Captain Scarlet to scale Puppets .

[@70_Sense]

The is a great documentary, I always wanted to see how things were done behind the scenes. Gerry and Sylvia were geniuses. I have most of the series on DVD, and at 70 I still enjoy them as much as I did as a child. Good to see this on KZbin since Prime wants you to pay for it. "Full boost vertical!"

[@century21films28]

@@70_Sense Paying for it though is, of course, how these things get made in the first place!

[@70_Sense]

@@century21films28 Understood, however I watched it twice on Prime without paying extra. I tried to watch it again and there was an additional fee. I wanted to buy the DVD but neither FAB Gear, or Amazon had the region that would play in the US.

[@tonyrobertson498]

Really enjoyed it, should be shown on TV.

[@TheInnacity]

Century 21 Films was a telly feast throughout the young tender years , the models inspired most sci fi tee vee far into the 21st century .

[@johnclay7644]

Great documentary

[@kingsleykronkk3925]

Thunderbirds inspired a life long quest for me to build and fly vertical take off and flying RC model aircraft with nitro engines. Before the invention of microprocessor flight controllers with self stabilising solid state gyros and accelerometers I endured for 20 years to crack the code and made an RC plane hover and transition and fly as there were less than a hand full in the world who had done it. This shows how inspiring the TV show was to my imagination and drive. I had help from anonymous aerospace technician who gave me vital tips and information to make it all work. These days it’s plug and play world with no “brains”

[@flatbrokefrank6482]

It is interesting to note that Gerry Hated the puppets and yet he talks about their characters as though they were real . Sylvia was Lady P! After a few bars of music you are transported back to a Friday evening when the whole family sat around the TV set with a soft ice cream - Brilliant.

[@ClareNewtonartist]

What magnificent creativity that inspired the nation 😊🎉

That was the 1960s in Britain - music, fashion and everything else reached its zenith.

[@MrButtonpresser]

Thanks guys. Cracking stuff.

[@marcbrasse747]

00:50:58 h “What a good idea! He should buy my company!” 🤣🤣🤣

[@Guitar6ty]

Awesome presentation. I grew up with all of the series, at the time I was living in very poor circumstances and those shows took me out of it.

[@HenryJames-q6t]

I saw them as a child. They were fabulous. Very creative. An episode of Endeavour (Apollo) pays homage to the Thunderbirds.

[@century21films28]

We made that homage. :)

[@HenryJames-q6t]

@@century21films28 It was great when watching Endeavour to see that pop up. Well done.

[@stevedoubleu99B]

They shaped my childhood, although Torchy was a bit scary😅. Wonderful stuff.

[@JohnSwindells-zm4sq]

Wow these are the people that brought my dreams to life so thanks for a fabulous video 😮

[@MichaelMaxwell747]

I lived in England from 1967 until 1972. I was three years old to eight years old. RAF Upper Heyford. I was the perfect age for the shows and the vehicle toys and I had a few of those. My sister had a large coffee table book called Penelope Annual with big glossy spreads of her like she was a real person.

[@bonnie43uk]

I live quite near to Upper Heyford, I'm guessing your dad worked at the USAF base and was in the American Air Force.

[@MichaelMaxwell747]

@@bonnie43uk Yes my Dad was an Air Traffic Controller there. Great memories! Got to see and do A lot in five years all over the United Kingdom, especially Great Britain.

[@kjwilson862]

Bloody marvellous, its what memories are made of 👏👏

[@physicswithpark3r-x3x]

Good thing ole Cliff danced like he was on strings.

[@Willysmb44]

This was a great programme! I just wish they'd also covered the later live action series for the FX work on UFO and Space 1999

[@ltjamescoopermason8685]

I was always a Captain Scarlet fan but watching this was entertaining and a bit of fun especially Parker had sometimes hot shots for her ladyship

[@normanby100]

What a shame that all those props and sets were destroyed. They could have been given away to adoring child fans and be valuable collectors items nowadays.

[@burrgren]

Thunderbirds was my childhood. I remember sitting in saunas pretending we were on the mission towards the sun.

[@kerrygligorovic9758]

It's a shame they never released the whole Supercars and Fireball XL5 Series on to complete DVD in colours just like Stingray, Thunderbireds, Captain Scarlet & The Mysterons and Joe 90 because I'm alway curious to know what the characters looked like in colours instead of black and white.

[@adamrooney517]

Just a case of they were done in black and white back then apart from the others but Day in the life of a Space General of Fireball XL5 is in colour so that should give a sign of how it looks in colour while their is a possibility they could be coming in colour as clips have been done of the shows

[@highpath4776]

@@adamrooney517 If shot on film the grey response to a colour . especially if you have a reference to work to, colourisation is possilbe. Computing power and AI (because its quicker , not because its smarter) can generate your desire.

[@shadowmoth9158]

I’d talk about the supercoloration DVD for four feather falls etc. But all I’m going to say is hopefully AI will be used to automatically colour all FFF, SC and FBXL5 episodes

[@greatpix]

Supercar, Stingray, Fireball XL-5 and Thunderbirds were all faves by this kid who grew up in the middle of California film studios. Then there's UFO and Space: 1999 live action. (UFO was my fave of the two.)

[@ronbosscher9421]

Fantastic docomed

[@crystal-ice555]

Amazing memories though I only watched TB's on TV in black and white. Got the colour pictures from the Century 21 magazine every week back in the day. P.S. Good job no-one was on the diving board and about to dive in the pool when TB1 was being launched.

[@joeoconnor5400]

Lew Grade was all about short term gains. No wonder Peter Sellers hated him and the other Grade brothers.

[@century21films28]

@@joeoconnor5400 Without Lew none of this would have existed. No other individual would have coughed up so much.

[@morgandude2]

A perfect amalgam of creativity. Barry Grey was the icing on the cake. We don't get that kind of musical beauty anymore. No key overtures, no instantly recognisable musical accompaniment. Why is that? ....Why? ...Why? ....Why? I've tried watching 'Trapped in the Sky' when Fireflash makes its final approach without the Barry Grey's crescendo of sound.....well, there you go. I rest my case. Matt Zimmerman was totally correct about continuing with Thunderbirds. I can clearly remember feeling short changed with Scarlet, Joe 90 (Apart from the theme tune), Secret Service.....but then UFO arrived.....FANTASTIC!..and then it too was cancelled....massive, massive mistake. That show had so much potential. Space 1999 once again felt like a huge step backwards....and that was it...😪

All episodes of UFO and Space1999 are on Y-T. At least they were last I checked.

[@OdeeOz]

Actor Jackie Cooper's face was used on many Marionettes in Captain Scarlet, and a few other episode series. As were other actors of the 50's and 60's era. 👍👍5k💖& 10k🌟🤠

[@ianmangham4570]

Amazing skill

[@dragondaveltd1992]

1:02:07 🎵 My Heart would be a Fireba~all A Fireba~all Cuz you would be my Venus of the Sta~ar 🎵

[@pirateracingnz9846]

As a young kid with Thunderbirds, I did and still do prefer captain Scarlett and have grown up to be a machinery guy and can operate any vehicle due to my amazement at the Spectrum machinery.

[@MarcelHuguenin]

Thanks for showing the whole history. Have seen so many videos on Thunderbirds only. Watching as a 67 yr old started to watch it in 1967. I still don't understand why everything had to be smashed to smithereens. Why was that necessary? It would be incomprehensible today. What has been preserved?

[@marceloribeirobarros]

Thunderbirds forever ! Today 64 , still loving Thunderbirds .... make my childhood very ver happy . THANKS A LOT FROM BRASIL , Rio de Janeiro.

[@1971anaconda]

As a kid I loved thunderbirds the others shows never were as good and as a grandparent I still love thunderbirds are GO 🇦🇺

Fireball and Stingray were just as good in their own way.

[@spike2000ification]

Wonderful!