Paula Hammond - Features EditorWhile on the maiden voyage of the fabulous new passenger vessel, Skyship One, Lady Penelope is shocked to discover that the crew has been killed and replaced by a ruthless gang of hijackers. Now it’s up to Penelope and Parker to outwit their captors and send an urgent SOS to their fearless cohorts at International Rescue…
So begins another thrilling adventure for American industrialist, Jeff Tracy, his five adult sons—Scott, John, Virgil, Gordon and Alan—and the ever reliable super-genius, Brains.
Written by Gerry Anderson and his wife Sylvia, and directed by David Lane (Superman: The Movie), Thunderbird 6 is the sequel to 1966’s Thunderbirds Are Go—the second film and last Supermarionation film to be adapted from the television series.
Fans of the show may know that there are only five Thunderbird vehicles. The titular Thunderbird 6 is a Tiger Moth, forced into service during the battle to defeat the villainous Hood. Despite it being a puppet movie, many of the stunts were done with real people and full-size equipment including a famous scene where a real Tiger Moth plane swoops under a motorway bridge. World War 2 pilot Joan Hughes was charged with seven counts of dangerous flying for this stunt and, filming permission was revoked immediately, leading to the sequence being completed with miniatures.
Despite such hiccups, Thunderbird 6 has all the trappings of a classic Thunderbird adventure. While, not as well-received as the first film, there’s plenty to enjoy here—including the puppet Cliff Richard, used in Thunderbirds Are Go! who makes a cameo appearance, complete with thick-rimmed glasses and a moustache.
Even if you didn’t grow up with it, you’ve probably watched the re-runs on a Sunday afternoon, cozied up on the sofa. And, while we’ve all got older, that cozy viewing experience remains.
Special features include:
Gerry Anderson’s Countdown to Thunderbirds.
Lady Penelope.
Building Better Puppets.
Photo Gallery.
A Call From Stanley Kubrick.
Tiger Moth Featurette.
A Television Tribute.
Original USA Theatrical Trailer.
Audio Commentary with Producer Sylvia Anderson and Director David Lane.
Isolated Score.
International Rescue Danger Zone Report 02 Booklet.
