Thunderbirds Are Go (4 Stars)

This is a 1966 puppet film based on the Thunderbirds TV series. "Thunderbirds" was an important part of my life when I was growing up. It was my second favourite TV series after "Doctor Who". I never missed a single episode. The film was significant to me, because it was the first time I ever went to the cinema without being accompanied by my parents. I saw it at the Imperial cinema in Walsall with my best friend (at the time), Richard Lee. A few days later I went to see it a second time by myself.

I enjoyed the film, but to me the only thing special about it was the cinema experience. The film was just like a television episode, except it was twice as long. It fitted into the series' continuity. No attempt was made to introduce the characters, because it was assumed that everyone in the cinema already knew the series. Normally I would call that the mark of a bad film, but "Thunderbirds Are Go" was never intended to be a standalone film.

The story itself is untypical. The Thunderbirds are vehicles that work for an agency called International Rescue. In the television series they operate solely when needed for major accidents or tragedies. In the film they're requested to offer security for the launch of Zero-X, the first manned spacecraft to Mars. Jeff Tracy, the head of International Rescue, admits that it's an unusual role, but he says that rules are made to be broken. 

The series creator Gerry Anderson admits that the dream sequence of Cliff Richard and the Shadows performing in a space station has no relevance to the rest of the film, but ironically this is the most famous scene in the film. At the time Gerry and Cliff were neighbours and often met each other. When talking about the upcoming film they decided on a cooperation. Cliff wrote and recorded a song ("Shooting Star"), Gerry arranged for the puppets to be built.

I've watched the TV series sporadically over the years, but today is the first time I've watched the film since 1966. I admit that it looks dated, but I still enjoy it. 

Lady Penelope is the most beautiful puppet ever made. Her appearance is based on Gerry's wife Sylvia, who also provided the voice for the character in the series.

Sylvia Anderson, 25 March 1927 – 15 March 2016
Lady Penelope, 1966 – Forever