THE FACE BEHIND THE PUPPET

The subject of whose facial features inspired the look of Scott Tracy was raised in a comment yesterday on the ‘Remembering Shane Rimmer’ post.

Fellow blogger, Kid reckoned Scott did remind him of Shane, himself. Well, I think that’s a fair point, so I thought I’d delve a little further into the subject.

The puppet heads for Thunderbirds were initially sculpted in clay at the Stirling Road puppet workshop lead by Christine Glanville. They were then painted and if the look was accepted, they were used for fibreglass moulds.

For the look of some of the puppets the sculptors took some inspiration from the actors directory, ‘Spotlight’, although rather than just copy the faces, the idea was to just use them as types.

A young Sean Connery was the inspiration for Scott. Sean was a popular choice as his likeness was also used for Captain Paul Travers in the feature film, Thunderbirds are Go. The Scott Tracy puppet head shows aspects of Sean Connery, but I too, can see elements of Shane, or is it just the voice?

Part of the premise for Thunderbirds was the TV western, Bonanza, the puppet head for Jeff Tracy was based on Lorne Green who played Ben, the father to the Cartwrights. 

Jeff was voiced by British dual nationality actor, Peter Dyneley, who I think actually looks remarkably like his puppet too.

Sculpting supervisor and puppeteer, John Brown made Jeff. He also made Virgil and the Hood. I don’t know who Virgil is based on, but I’ll have a wild stab at Yul Brynner for The Hood.

Alan Tracy, voiced by Matt Zimmerman was based on actor Robert Reed, who at the time was appearing as Kenneth Preston in the America courtroom drama, The Defenders. I’m not really familiar with the series or the actor, but looking at his photo I suppose there are vague similarities

Personally I think Alan looks a lot like actor Derren Nesbitt.

These two puppets, along with Tin-Tin were sculptured by lead puppet sculptor, Christine Glanville and her assistant, Wanda Webb.

Mary Turner and her assistant Judith Shutt sculpted Brains, John and Gordon Tracy and Lady Penelope.

After Sylvia Anderson rejected all of Mary’s versions, Mary decided to base Penelope on Sylvia, herself. Sylvia accepted that look, but was initially unaware it was based on her likeness.  

Brains was based on actor, Anthony Perkins. I think it’s fair to say that Brains without his glasses does bear a striking resemblance to Mr Perkins.

John Tracy apparently uses elements from pop singer at the time, Adam Faith and actor Charlton Heston.

At that time AP Films wanted less caricatured features for the puppets, as seen in their previous series, and wanted a more natural look.  This didn’t impress puppet sculptor, John Blundall who felt that the caricatured look gave the puppet its personality.  Much against the wishes of APF, John continued using exaggerated features and created Kyrano, Grandma Tracy and arguably the most well- known Thunderbirds character, Parker.

Miles Malleson

Ronald Shiner on  left

Ben Warriss

For Parker’s inspiration, John thought of a couple of film stars, Ronald Shiner and Miles Malleson, and comedian, Ben Warriss.

CHILDHOOD CHAIRS

This is Moonbase Junior's new armchair.

He got it for Christmas.

Small chairs are an important part of childhood.

I don't recall any sadly but I remember there being a lot of poofs in my home in the Sixties. You don't see these that much anymore.

I remember better the small chairs I had for my Action Man and in particular the cool white deck chairs that major Matt Mason had in his Space Station.

Did you have any small chairs?

REMEMBERING SHANE RIMMER

What's the matter sailor? Never seen a Major take a shower before?

I think most James Bond buffs will recognize that line delivered by Shane Rimmer as Comr. Carter in my favourite Roger Moore Bond film , 'The Spy Who Loved Me'

Playing Comr. Carter, Shane not only got to appear with Bond girl Barbara Bach in that light-hearted shower scene, he also had plenty to do in the final shoot out with Roger Moore. It was Shane's finest hour when it came to Bond films, even though he'd apparently appeared, mainly uncredited in more James Bond films ( with the exception of cast members playing recurring characters) than any other actor.

Replica Scott Tracy at Fanderson

UFO

Aside from Bond, It will be his long running association with Gerry Anderson that Shane will be best remembered. He was a popular guest at conventions. I seem to recall first seeing him at the first Fanderson convention that took place in Leeds in 1981. I should imagine, like the rest of the guests he found the whole thing quite puzzling, nevertheless I got the feeling he genuinely appreciated that fans remembered and enjoyed his work. He was happy to sign autographs, which, I hasten to add was free in those days.

Shane at Andercon 2015

Shane at Andercon 2015

In recent times he appeared on stage along with his Thunderbird pals, Matt Zimmerman and David Graham. They were always entertaining. Watching them I was sometimes reminded of the Mad Hatter's Tea Party, as Shane was like the sleepy Dormouse, always emphasizing  his forgetfulness and looking into space, while Mad Hatter Matt would playfully take the mickey. David, as the March Hare generally appeared to be above all this.  

Shane at Andercon

Shane at Fanderson

One recent happy memory I have of Shane, was at the last Fanderson convention in Maidenhead in 2017. It was at the evening banquet and Shane and his lovely wife, Sheila decided to sit with us for the meal. Needless to say we had a great time.  Oddly enough, for the sake of variety I don't think we talked about Thunderbirds, but we did talk movies. Out of the blue Shane asked if I remembered him in a film called Warlords of Atlantis. I did, of course, I even have it on DVD. It was one of those rare  films when Shane's character turns out to be the villain We finally all took part in the quiz at the end of the evening, going under the group name of Comr. Carter's Crew. Unfortunately, unlike the fictional Comr. Carter we didn't win in the end!

Shane at Fab Worlds

The last time I saw Shane was at the Anderson event at the Leicester Space Centre last year. I have to admit he did look frail, but in spite of that he was happy to sign, chat and pose for photos. 

Shane was booked to appear at Fanderson again this year. He will be greatly missed, but I've no doubt we'll all be marking the special man's passing at the event.

PROJECT SWORD PRECURSOR: SEARS ROCKET BASE ON YOU TUBE

Courtesy of You Tube.

But who is Simpson LTD mentioned in the blurb beneath the film?

MESSAGE in a BOTTLE

Hiya Woodsy, 

Some pix of my own vintage bottles gathered at various car boots... 

erm... I mean fearlessly found and dug up by myself on a dark stormy night... hmm :)

Tony K

THE BEST HEAVY ROCK LYRICS EVER?

Further to my Rush post earlier, here's another contender for the rock god podium.

By Tor and The Snow Dog 

performed by Canadian rockers RUSH and written by one Nearl Peart.

As Seventies as Bilbo's monkey boots here are the best heavy rock lyrics ever, beginning with the superlative phrase that is The Tobes of Hades ......

I want this played at my funeral.

Enjoy!

I. At The Tobes of Hades
The Tobes of Hades lit by flickering torchlight
The netherworld is gathered in the glare
Prince By-Tor takes the cavern to the northlight
The sign of Eth is rising in the air
By-Tor – Knight of Darkness,
Centurion of evil – Devil’s Prince

II. Across the Styx
Across the River Styx out of the lamplight
His nemesis is waiting at the gate
The Snow Dog – ermine glowing in the damp night
Coal black eyes, shimmering with hate
By-Tor and the Snow Dog
Square for battle, let the fray begin…..

III. The Battle
i) Challenge And Defiance
ii) 7/4 War Furor
iii) Aftermath
iv) Hymn of Triumph

IV. Epilogue
The battle over and the dust is clearing
Disciples of the Snow Dog sound the knell
Rejoicing echoes as the dawn is nearing
By-Tor in defeat retreats to Hell
Snow Dog – is victorious
The land of the Overworld is saved again

and now maybe listen to it being played. 

Prepare for the Rush of battling guitars, a skirmish of steel, a roust of riffs to split your drums to: 

I give you By Tor and the Snow Dog ....

THE BEST HEAVY ROCK TRACK EVER?

Just reliving my hairy headbanger days air-guitaring to Rush's Beneath Between and Behind.

From their seminal Fly by Night LP, its sheer rock genius.

Play it loud, its Friday!

Do you like it?

COMING SOON!

COMING SOON:

SPACE GLIDER DAY

UPLIFTING PLASTIC,

RARE BIRDS.

SHANE RIMMER R.I.P.

Just heard the news that Shane Rimmer, the voice of Scott Tracy has sadly passed away.

Our sincere condolences to his wife, Sheila and his family.

Full post to follow.

NEW BOOSTER

Bill B found this online, from a new book called Space 2.0 - could be the Booster rocket might make a comeback!

https://www.space.com/space-2-0-book-excerpt.html

BRIAN'S OLD NEW JERSEY CORK BOTTLE FIND

Do you collect bottles and pots readers?

Have you dug anything up?

NEW JERSEY RAPTOR JOUST

Hi Woodsy.

Taking advantage of a beautiful Spring day for an impromptu toy shoot.

The toys are courtesy of 2 favorite toymakers Chap Mei and Lanard. The subject is one of my dystopian faves, man's dominion over dinosaur.

Is it past? Is it future?

You decide!

Brian F

NJ

USA

NEWSFLASH! ANOTHER CENTURY 21 BOOK FOUND?

MORE INFO SOON FROM BERNARD DUNNE!

COMING SOON FROM TONY K

A new article from our correspondent in the footlocker, Tony K: 

INVASION OF THE PLASTIC PLAY SET

COMING SOON SOLDIER!

EASTER SPOTTED

Three weeks to go to the Easter weekend.

Did you get excited as a kid about Easter approaching?

Do you still get excited readers?

STOP MOTION CLAY BEASTS

I love claymation.

There's just something about the jerky clay stop motion movements.

Here's a few of my favourite claymation beasts.

Unusually they are all similar creatures.

Here's the Lab scene from Piranha 1978.

The Stop motion mini monster is at the start and right at the end.

Here's the clay creature from Star Wars A New Hope 1977.

Its in an astral chess scene you could call Let the Wookie Win!

Last but not least here's the ape monster  in Equinox 1970

This is a large version of a similar stop motion beast.

Can you think of any more similar claymation creatures?

PAUL McCAFFREY'S JOE 90 ART

Further to Scoop's ace report today on his new Joe 90 DVD set, here's some of the art kindly supplied direct from the artist Paul McCaffrey.

Hello Woodsy

The Joe 90 Network blu-ray box set came out so I thought I’d send you some of the pages I drew for the comic.

Cheers

Paul McCaffrey
Joe 90 Artist

RADIO SWORDCAST - LISTEN AGAIN ANYTIME - CLICK ON LINK BELOW

VINTAGE TOYS AND COOL NOSTALGIA.

TWENTY MINUTES OF RADIO RETRO WITH WOODSY.

LISTEN TO IT ANYTIME!

CLICK HERE

MOST SPECIAL VOLUME 4 JOE 90 BLU-RAY REVIEW

I got the new Network Deluxe Volume 4 Blu-Ray sent to me when it was released a couple of weeks ago, and now I’ve watched it, I thought I give my personal views on it.

It comes in a very classy looking box with the Joe 90 logo on the lid. Inside there’s an exclusive booklet – File 90: Viewing Notes by Andrew Pixley. I have to admit I’ve haven’t read it all yet, it’s  244 pages long, but from what I see it’s packed with info on the series’ early stages and development, the characters and the actors who voiced them. There’s even some welcome background on the Joe90: Top Secret comic. and the story books. I have to say like many fans, a lot of my interest with Joe 90 is nostalgic, and I can still remember picking up my first issue of Joe 90: Top Secret at my local newsagent.

The boxed set also comes with its own exclusive comic titled, Joe 90: New Series and dated September 13, 1969. A nice little nod to Joe90: Top Secret, as its last issue was dated September 6, 1969.

The comic contains a very enjoyable Joe 90 strip story written by Martin Cater, who manages to create a very entertaining story over the 13 pages.  The story is illustrated by Paul McCaffrey who, like his previous strip in the Captain Scarlet deluxe Volume 4 set does another excellent job. In my opinion his solid art style works even better in the slightly less futuristic rural backdrop of Joe 90. I wouldn’t dream of giving away the plot suffice to say it has plenty of the elements seen in a Joe 90 episode. There’s lots of Jet-Air car action and Joe gets to wear his glasses.

The deluxe set comes with two discs, one containing the final six episodes making up volume 4 of the set, and a special features disc boasting three newly produced documentary films.  To be honest I have to confess I don’t tend to watch most of Network’s newly produced Anderson stuff, as they generally hold very little nostalgic interest for me.  For the Joe 90 set I thought I’d bend that rule. The first is Project 90, about the making of Joe 90. It’s narrated by Keith Alexander, and contains previously filmed comments from Gerry Anderson explaining his' magnetic tape' inspiration for Joe 90. There are also filmed comments from Sylvia Anderson who talks about the ‘precocious’ Len Jones, the voice of the titular Joe.

A young Len Jones - wash your mouth out with soap!

Deluxe Volume 4 

Volume 4 plus Special Features disc

Keith Alexander, the voice of Sam Loover talks about his days working on the show. Century 21 designer Mike Trim also chats about his time working on the series, although his interview does suffer from a poor soundtrack and jerky visuals for some reason.

Keith Alexander as he appeared via Skype at SHADO Con 1

Mike Trim at Fanderson

Alan Perry at SHADO Con

Mary Turner at Andercon

There’s  also comments from director Alan Perry, and puppeteer Mary Turner.

Those were all the high points for me.   Although I still enjoy the series, as I said earlier, for me the Andersons' series have a lot to do with nostalgia and I like to be taken back to the sixties and told about those early days of Century 21 by the people who actually worked there. 

The second documentary is called The Science of Joe 90, and speculates whether the technology dreamt up by Professor McClaine for the B.I.G.R.A.T. might ever happen. It’s a fair point, but to be honest I got a bit bored with this. I know the human brain is literally mind-bogglingly complicated, but I really felt I was watching a BBC schools programme. Don’t get me wrong, just because I haven’t got the brain pattern of a nine-year old neurosurgeon, doesn’t mean everyone will find it dull. How about this stimulating conversation starter; did you know that in 2014, scientists downloaded a roundworm’s brain and uploaded it into a Lego robot that was able move about independently, incredible!  Like I say, some people will find that fascinating, but I really wouldn’t want to find myself stuck chatting to them in the pub.

The third short film is W.I.N. Briefing narrated by Keith Alexander as Sam Loover. There’s a very brief rundown of how the World Intelligence Network came about and some even briefer visual notes on a couple of characters and, of course W.I.N.’s Project 90. I couldn’t see the point to this. A bit novel I suppose, although   I found the rapid movements over the visuals combined with quick cuts to what we assume are Sam Loover’s highly expressive hands very distracting.  Sorry, not for me this one.

There’s an exclusive widescreen version of the episode, ‘Lone-Handed 90’, remastered in a 1.66.1 aspect.  I'm sure this will delight all those who like a change from the original transmitted 4:3 aspect ratio.

For all the nostalgia buffs like me, who actually remember when the series originally aired in the late sixties there’s a few other goodies on the disc,  though not all are exclusive as some of which can also be found on the previously released Carlton DVD

There’s the short ‘Special Glasses’ sequence, narrated by Tim Turner, showing a close –up of Joe’s glasses. This was intended as a warning to youngsters who shouldn’t put themselves at risk without first obtaining the right Brain Patterns!  

Textless titles, advert  breaks  and textless end titles. I particularly like the memorable end-of-part 1 bumpers. Its a shame no one uses these things nowadays.

The Sugar Smacks commercials: Everyone remembers the Sugar Smacks commercials. 

 I  never got the marvellous Jet-Air car model, but I can still remember collecting the badges and later on those space vehicles. We've even featured those little space models on the blog a long while ago.   No Lyons Maid Zoom commercials on the disc, though.

The disc contains The Amazing adventures of Joe 90, the awful cobbled together effort done for American TV back in 1981. It comes with the original American trailer too. I don’t know anyone who has a good word for it, or the other episode compilations, that eventually found their way to the UK as Home Video cassettes. At the time they were most welcome as it was our only access to the classic Anderson series’ which hadn’t been shown on UK TV for quite some time. Now I have a mint washed out, cheap video titled Blu-ray version with jumbled episodes and a jumbled up soundtrack. Will I ever watch it all the way through? It spite of any nostalgic drawings, I very much doubt it.

There are the usual photo galleries including some from the Doug Luke archive, although those are quite small images, even on my 42” TV screen.   

So there it is, purely a personal view, I don’t expect everyone will agree with me.  It’s nice that Network have a done a special addition for Joe, and, in spite of any of the criticisms I might have made I appreciate all the effort that all those involved have put into it. The book that comes with it is excellent, although I hope it does remain exclusive and not available separately, the same should apply to the most special comic.

Here's a photo showing the other three volumes which don't come with the deluxe volume 4. These are available separately from Network.

Now  it's time to settle down and watch another episode, Uncle Sam….