Thunderbirds Legends: The Complete Origins of International Rescue

Enjoy the complete three part series of Thunderbirds Legends: The Origins of International Rescue, based on the original prequel comic from the 90s. Jeff Tracy brings up his sons and after a family tragedy, is compelled to start up International Rescue. Learn how he did it in this compilation episode...
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[@GerryAndersonTV]

What other stories of International Rescue would you like to follow? Let us know!

[@VBaskin2010]

Their 1st ever mission as the ThunderBirds!

[@benscott8042]

Blazing Danger is my kind of spice!

[@TRAFF46]

Gerry Anderson Excellent stuff Make a great new series !!!

[@ACtheLegend]

@@VBaskin2010 we see it in Trapped in the Sky

[@pokemonfan7211]

gordon's hydrofoil accident

[@kerrygligorovic9758]

It's a shame that we never get to see the Origins of International Rescue back in the original Thunderbirds series from the 60's but at least this made up for it👍.

[@OdeeOz]

Maybe now, is the time for a Prequel? ;)

[@Matkin222]

There are some short novels by Joan Marie Verba that do a pretty amazing job. Countdown to Action is the first and goes from the very foundation to the beginning of the first episode with Fireflash

[@gamingninja5196]

@@OdeeOz you do realise the prequel does exist. Introducing Thunderbirds. One of the three new anniversary episodes made in 2015.

[@OdeeOz]

@@gamingninja5196 *You taking me out of context? Or just not understanding written English? I've been an Anderson Fan since 1958, and a gamer since 1960 with Avalon Hill's **_Tactics II._*

[@keithparsons5562]

As a 66 year old 'kid' this was great to see and nicely fills in the back story of the Tracey family. I believe it's time Hollywood made a real Thunderbird film. Please someone fill me with hope & wonder once again. FAB

[@df45e]

All the thunderbirds remakes and the film ruined the story, so even as a kid I watched the original series

[@dellawrence4323]

PLease don't tempt them, Jeff Tracey would be a mixed race lesbian "strong woman" and Scott would be trans, all remakes of old classics are terrible and insulting which I'm sure is what they are made to be.

[@SharpblueCreative]

Brilliant. I’m 7 years old again

[@nevbarnes1034]

I was 7 when Thunderbirds first aired. The series has been part of my life ever since, but most of this backstory is new to me.

[@spike1422]

Even at the age of 35 I had no idea how much I needed this story. The word Nostalgia doesn't quite do it justice.

[@onlyme219]

Nice to see a younger generation still holding the baton 👍

[@valmirlima2746]

Nada mais se cria copiar e mais fácil em1966 os efeitos.eram mais elaborados isto sim hoje a computação gráfica não consegui mostra o trabalho de muitas pessoas que se dedicaram ao clássico .

[@dnf-dead]

One of the best TV shows

[@Daimo83]

The best part of Thunderbirds was how complete the world felt. Even though it was an alternate reality it was believable - something to aspire to. Now all we have is miserable, deconstructive narratives with gratuitous sex and violence. Take me back to the 90's

[@horusfalcon]

The 90s? Heck, take me back to the sixties!

[@v1e1r1g1e1]

To the 90s?!?! You mean, the Sixties, surely?

[@Daimo83]

@@v1e1r1g1e1 sure, 60s American would be great. But I grew up in the 90s.

[@df45e]

Take me to the 60's

[@Octolicia]

@@Daimo83 Thunderbirds was made in the 60s so what you're asking is to live in a world where you didn't existed yet. :)

[@davidkreacts]

This is fantastic - would love to see the origin done as a live action movie. It’s clear the pacing is there with the accidents and tragedies that led to the formation of IR, and it could be a very compelling film if done well.

[@seanbigay1042]

I love finally getting the lowdown behind the founding of International Rescue! It strikes me, though, that either (a) Jeff Tracy had to pull some Captain Nemo-like shenanigans to keep his outfit secret while still getting so many people to help build it, or (b) International Rescue isn't secret, but very, very private ...

[@InventorZahran]

7:50 That farming machine looks suspiciously similar to the battle droid transporter from Star Wars!

[@JMChladek]

Love the little Meddings easter eggs in the artwork there, such as the red trimmed helicopter from "For Your Eyes Only" in the background of one of the shots, and the new trim on Delta Tango 19 from Captain Scarlet. The artwork styling reminds me a little of something I might see in an Usborne book.

[@lukegreen5341]

Awesome Thunderbirds Storytelling. Thanks Mate. X

[@elmorightious7497]

Where y fro

[@jossnatersebaars9406]

This is great, I enjoyed watching it. As a 65 year old grandma I have been a from the first time I ever watched the Thunderbirds. And now I have made my grandsons fan too! Nice to see the story before IR started, thanks!

[@LeornianCyng]

There were several very brief nods to the origins in quite a few of the episodes. This complete story is absolutely brilliant. I’m 34 and Thunderbirds is still one of my favourite all time series. Gerry and his team made something that tried to make a difference in the world we live in.

[@tinastipak2679]

I don't remember how I found Thunderbirds on KZbin but I have a very vague recollection of the series from when I was a kid. I started watching it with the fam and now my 5 and 10yo are pretending my car is TB1 and my little one is the pilot of TB2 from his car seat. I got sucked in one of the longer movies! Great job! Great they can watch a wholesome show w/ marionettes no less (I don't think they care) and they LOVE it!

[@iandeeley9033]

Fantastic Compilation! FAB!

[@plantlord3266]

outstanding job on one of my favorite shows-it was for kids and adults alike and still is-well done or should I say...FAB!

[@KevsterWilson]

Absolutely enjoyed every second watching this video. Ive always enjoyed Thunderbirds from a young age & often wondered how it all started. Brilliant story. Amazing to hear the events that unfolded to form International Rescue.

[@not.supermario]

Play this to anyone unfamiliar with Thunderbirds and then follow it up with Trapped in the Sky. Perfect way to start the series!

[@markeidemiller3105]

Amazing!! And the fact that it's complete, even better. 👍👍

[@MargaretUK]

I loved this, thank you 😊 I'm in my 60's now and loved watching Thunderbirds, and my children watched it too. Back then I had wondered how it all came about, and now I know.

[@vlweb3d]

I watched the original Thunderbirds series. I am now watching the Thunderbirds Are Go series. Enjoying them all.

[@iancotterill2286]

For me, this is the definitive version of the Thunderbirds origin story. ❤

[@MasterSwo]

I swear, it's like every vehicle, real or toy, just stuck in the back of Jeffs mind right up until IR became a thing. The resemblances are all just way to uncanny to be otherwise!

[@Collyflodge]

I love how much each son resembles young Jeff slightly- definitely Virgil more than the others 😂

[@edwardburek1717]

Only one dislike - must be the Hood...

[@MeganCookiie]

3 dislikes now

[@flyingphobiahelp]

HMS Hood?? 😂😂😂

[@horusfalcon]

Hey, where would they be without him always trying to steal their secrets?

[@lancecampbell4323]

2020 Olympics....oops. By the way, this is great

[@traindudesink1804]

I thought that as well when I watched this

[@SchneeflockeMonsoon]

Even better: New York skyline.

[@chrishood2883]

Weeeell the rest of the series was fictional so the Olympics may as well have been...

[@arielfilmsinc1926]

@@SchneeflockeMonsoon And in the series Empire State leaves us

[@markclawrie007]

In fairness it is still called Tokyo 2020

[@stevenewman1393]

😎👍Very cool and very nicely well done and very well executed and informatively explained in every way shape and form and every detail of the beginnings of International Rescue and that of the world famous Thunderbirds indeed!,FAB👌.

[@boomka]

I almost stopped watching this documentary, but then I changed the play speed to 1.25, and that fixed it.

[@markendicott6874]

This was excellent - the backstory to IR is something I'd have loved to know as a kid, so complete did that world feel from following the series. This would have iced the cake.

[@human7740]

Of course Gordon was a Gold medalist! He was the only contender, everyone else was isolating!

[@allenjones3130]

A very entertaining, satisfying "documentary" on the origins of IR and the T-Birds. I regret that Jeff's wife got killed off, though. On the other hand, "T-Birds" is sci-fi, so maybe they could find a way to bring Lucille back from the seeming dead, just like Mr. Spock.

[@benvinciblevince4067]

Wow I had no idea this was canon! I’ve always wondered about the origins. This would make a great story for a film! Or a mini series!

[@aceyspud551]

I find it funny how all 5 brothers had to be ridiculously high achievers. One of them couldn’t have simply been a waiter or something.

[@horseygirl6232]

Maybe they all had high IQs, because their father and mother had high IQs. It’s not like they all loved the same things, one loved water, another race cars. Only one went into the Airforce. In families the children simply just follow what ever their father or mother has done. The all go into the military, or all become Firefighters.

[@imcustomized]

There were actually six brothers, but they never talk about Todd 'Career Barista' Tracy.

[@chrisst8922]

You never hear about the other two brothers, Derek Tracy and Wally Tracy.

[@videomentaryproductionschannel]

This exilent, often thought that a film about how International Rescue came about would be worth making, this was a great story, very well read.

[@charliecarr2740]

Really enjoy this content, keep it up!

[@unname935]

The Complete Origins of World Government or Spectrum Organisation in Captain Scarlet, please?

[@marceloribeirobarros]

AMAZING ! Thunderbirds forever !

[@jonathancrone41]

used to love watching thunder birds but since they took it off its now on dvds and havent got one ? but wish who ever a lot of luck .

[@stormygal8296]

If you have cable station MEtv it is on early Sunday morning! FAB!

[@superomegaprimemk2]

This F.A.B!!!!!

[@RichardM-kv4uu]

The artwork in this is superb!

[@gaz11h]

Really enjoyed this one nice to see the International Rescue back story fleshed out and told so well great illustrations to well done the team who made it 👏 👏 👏

[@pierrepinson2906]

😊Thank you very much👍👏👏👏👏👏.

[@PeterHatton-nm6rn]

I seem to remember one of the episodes where Jeff ( in a flash back) met a future I/R agent when he was in the Korean War. He was from the southern part of the USA, somewhere near Arkansas or Kentucky maybe.

[@adrianmorrow9882]

I just loved that. I would have loved to do the narration too!

[@repairupdaterepeat5815]

I can already hear Netflix frantically tapping a calculator to see if it makes a viable origin story

[@Azmina_the_warlock]

@@Dragonblaster1 hush up, snowflake.

[@Azmina_the_warlock]

@@Dragonblaster1 butthurt

[@BestWafflesEUW]

would be cool to see if they got it right, but who would play Jeff?

[@horusfalcon]

@@BestWafflesEUW Nah. Netflix would mess this up so badly... Maybe... ITV?

[@SocksWithSandals]

Ah, so that's how it all began.

[@justintai8725]

That was awesome I'd love to see more of this!

[@flimmerkiste6459]

Great origin story!

[@lucashelweg8543]

Awesome. i love thunderbirds

[@gfield1607]

I wonder if there was a suspicious accident on the flight home for all the construction workers after the island was complete.

[@quizmaster85]

I get from the narration that the boys were born in Thunderbirds order. But wasn't Alan confirmed as the youngest in the movie "Thunderbirds Are Go"?

[@allenjones3130]

Yes, I believe he was.

[@timepoet77]

Could that lunar outpost be none other than Moonbase Alpha?

[@The2ndFox]

Moonbase Shado Alpha One with Lee Taylor!

[@zanegracie39]

The story of how FAB 1came about, did Brains design it? after all you had two atmospheric aircraft, Thunderbirds 1&2, space worthy rocket, Thunderbird 3, submarine Thunderbird 4 and super satellite Thunderbird 5, now, could FAB 1 have been intended as Thunderbird 6 and designed to be a roadbound vehicle, but would best be suited to an IR agent? just a thought.

[@andycooper6085]

It wasn't mentioned in the comic this was made from

[@chrishood2883]

Does nothing ever go smoothly with this show???

[@catfish552]

Right?! This is one haphazard world they're living in.

[@benfox8709]

Amazing video and very nostalgic thanks a lot great work!

[@moreheff]

Correct me if I am wrong, but I always thought Alan was the "baby" of the brothers. But in the way the names are read out it appears he is the middle one (it is done more than once) and John is the youngest?

[@natalielidster7551]

The age of the brothers are confusing sometimes the age order is Scott virgil John Gordon alan John virgil Scott Gordon alan Scott virgil Alan Gordon john Scott virgil Alan John Gordon Is realy confusing and on websites it can tell you some of the age orders of the boys

[@moreheff]

@@natalielidster7551 How many permutations are there? A mathematician would enjoy that one! LOL

[@natalielidster7551]

@@moreheff I found it on a website I think it was picipidia on the thunderbirds age debate I probly wrong with spelling

[@Wessex90]

I always was brought up with the order being: Scott John Virgil Gordon Alan

[@Neil070]

@@natalielidster7551 it's number one or number two. Definitely not 3 or 4. Alan is the youngest

[@Mewithabeard]

A prequel to Thunderbirds needs to be made

[@luckygrunt]

It's been a long time since I watched the original Thunderbirds, but I did recently watch the CG version; Thunderbirds Are Go. I have my issues with it, but overall, I don't think it's that bad. They do also make references to Tracey's exploits before International Rescue. That's something I definitely think they got right. Talking about Mr. Tracey and his past, in a natural way. They don't just talk about it out of nowhere. It comes up when they find remnants of his past, and that's a good way to do backstory.

[@stevemacwhirter2663]

Brilliant, would make a great movie!

[@websitesthatneedanem]

Excellent job!

[@colinp2238]

Hold on boys there's something amiss here, Gordon was 16 when he competed in the 2020 Olympic games? The Olympics were 2018 so the next should be 2022, Also Thunderbirds was set in the 2060s so Gordon would be an old man by that time, having been born in 2004. Errr I think Mr Anderson you er need to get Brains to do the err c-c-c-calculations.

[@ACtheLegend]

This assumes the 2026 time frame, rather than the 2065 version. Just scale everything up and it works out.

[@colinp2238]

@@ACtheLegend Tho original was set 100 years after it was made.

[@ACtheLegend]

@@colinp2238 There's a calendar in the original that says 2026, so arguments can be made for either setting.

[@colinp2238]

@@ACtheLegend Do you have a link for that or is it just conjecture?

[@ACtheLegend]

@@colinp2238 no link, just from memory its in Give or Take A Million just before Virgil and TinTin find Brains on the roof.

[@willdavis3332]

Superb!! And so movingly evocative.

[@onlyme219]

That was fantastic 👍 make a great movie for a reboot

[@pathaweesattabuch1985]

Would you please to continue creating "The Thunderbirds Are Go". I love...love...love it so much.

[@more.power.]

Awsome thank you

[@joeconcertshd3451]

This was awesome!

[@DunestrikeMorgan]

Well im not old enough sadly to have seen the TOS of Thunderbirds but i recendly watched thunderbirds are go in amazon and except tin tin beeing called kayo there are so many simalerities.

[@alandrucker]

Excellent thank you so much

[@andytomhall6006]

Loved it as a young lad and still do to this day. My only problem was that it was tailored to American audiences which made me as an English lad feel left out, after all Gerry Anderson was a genius Englishman. In my song lyrics I refused to put Americanisms and in my novels as well they are not from an American prospective. It was Gerrys genius with Fireball xl5 and other series, but especially Thunderbirds that got me interested in space and Sci fi. Thanks Gerry, RIP.

[@richardmattocks]

Jeff really is a prototype of a mix of Elon Musk and Tony Stark. What a guy!

[@johnhart6228]

FAB ❤

[@mrdan4020]

this is amazing

[@BigLisaFan]

This explains the origins of International Rescue, something I did not know. Same with the names of the boys being named after the early astronauts. I can't name the space shuttle crew who were lost but I still remember Ed White, Gus Grissom and Roger Chaffee. Was in Indiana with a fellow and we were on Gus Grissom Way. I wondered if it was named after him and it was. The fellow I was with said, Was he a sports figure or something? He hadn't heard of Gus Grissom or that tragic fire so he got a history lesson.

[@randygoodall6229]

Great.. but john was the 2nd born. They were born in the order they appeared in the titles

[@RogueRail]

I would’ve loved to see this be adapted to animation

[@RogueRail]

Maybe in Thunderbirds Are Go

[@RussianBiasSuffering]

2:37 *SUBNAUTICA FLASHBACKS*

[@rjl110919581]

THANK YOU for video

[@eaitch9771]

FINALLY WE GET TO SEE WHAT MS tray would of looked like in the puppet series :D ayyye she's a beautiful girl jeff is a very lucky man to have her

[@morespywareforyou2262]

What on earth is a FERRY doing sailing past remote islands?

[@thefemalethunderbirdsnerd3214]

You have earned another subscriber!

[@ewaf88]

When and where did Jeff Tracy meet Barry Gray?

[@tarkushead]

I always thought, based on the opening of the 60’s show, the order of the Tracy sons was Scott, John, Virgil, Gordon and Alan..

[@davidfarmer9118]

I was just wandering down memory lane , watched Thunderbird 2 and wondered, did this predate shipping containers?

[@francismarshall8201]

This is very good video

[@SloopyDog]

STING RAY, STING RAY, DADL LADL LADL.🎶🎶

[@redengine4433]

1:33 kinda ironic, if we going in chronological order of events

[@peterboczan2116]

Talk about the ultimate brilliant "achieve it all" family. Alan for example not only raced cars but designed them as well! Even Lewis Hamilton can't do that. Their cousins must have been very jealous. The Undertones even wrote a song about it.

[@DaveMan1K]

8:37 That hurts with hindsight...

[@leatherworkstation]

This is great, though does make you wonder why no-one says "hey, aren't you the guy that won the gold medal at Tokyo 2020?" to Gordon, or "hey, aren't you the award winning race car driver and designer Alan Tracy?" when they turn up haha - I suppose they are the least visible of the brothers on missions.

[@millomweb]

If only I.R. could save Thunderbirds ! Not terribly bothered if Supermarionation is used, nor should we expect the same old faces. Thunderbirds - TNG are Go ? The basic plot must surely invite lots of rescue stories ? So let's see them !

[@JONNOG88]

Being that they had so many kids. I always wondered if Jeff & Lucille Tracy, where Catholics?? 🤔😆😜

[@horusfalcon]

Larger families were not that uncommon in the late fifties/mid-sixties. Family sizes have been steadily shrinking since then. It's probably best not to speculate as to why...

[@stephencoleman8183]

Why wasn't thunderbird 3 named 4,but its all wonderful anyway.

[@johnhart6228]

F.A.B.❤

[@neuralwarp]

Not quite consistent with canon. Some things rankle. For example, Alan is the underage 5th son, not the 3rd. FAB1 must have been built early. Brains is a professor of engineering, not a mere maths graduate. Tintin has a PhD. And they really couldn't have had dozens of employees working on builds: it would have been too insecure. I suspect they ordered in parts from unconnected suppliers, shipped them to Tracy Island, and Brains assembled them there using heavy industrial robots.

[@ACtheLegend]

The video doesn't state Alan's the third son, he is indeed the fifth.

[@allenjones3130]

Peter Dynely was a perfect choice for the voice of Jeff.

[@jyvben1520]

why a space shuttle ... all the rest are unique

[@lewismassie]

This series is from the 60s, at that time the shuttle was still 20 years away from flying so would make total sense to include it in a series set in the future

[@danielsellers8707]

Great story; one small point, there was no 2020 Olympics due to COVID-19 and as this story is set in 2060 it would make the characters too old...

[@Alpha-oo8]

It’s fascinating stuff… even if it cant be canon. After all, they got the order of the children wrong

[@ThegreatfishfromMars]

They got the order of the children right. If you mean by Virgil and John