Thunderbird 6 (1968) - Gimmicky title translates into adventurous, globe trotting feature!
- Lewis D. Gilbert
- Aug 23, 2021
- 4 min read
For more information on this film, check out this retrospective!
While the first big screen outing for International Rescue was far from the success that was expected by those involved, it didn't stop producers and financiers banding together to give the popular TV series, Thunderbirds a second chance to hit the big time. And based on the rather gimmicky title, you would the film itself to feel like a gimmick. But you would be wrong... mostly!
It's true that a lot of attention is put on this all important Thunderbird 6 that needs to be designed, but it thankfully doesn't take up the majority of the narrative, which is greatly beneficial, because depending on how you feel about the final decision surrounding this new vehicle, the gimmick may not have paid off for you at the end. I personally relish the comical end to the film with this reveal, as it feels right at home with the more light hearted approach to this film. Additionally, the climax of this film does demonstrate exactly how this vehicle can be beneficial to some rescue scenario. The big issue for me comes more from the vagueness of Peter Dyneley's Jeff Tracy, who's lack of vision can be an aggravating aspect of his screen time.
As previously stated, the majority of the focus isn't on the gimmicky subject matter, we are instead treated to a globe trotting, espionage fuelled adventure. More focus is put on the original Thunderbirds characters here than in 1966's Thunderbirds Are Go. Fan favourites like Lady Penelope (Sylvia Anderson) and Parker (David Graham) getting more to do, and there being a more enthralling narrative to keep the audience invested. There is also a more wider range of locations that show off the modellers and designers wider range of skills. As technically thrilling as Thunderbirds Are Go was, I feel more impressed with the work here, due to the wider variety in things to look at. From locations such as India, Egypt and the Grand Canyon, to the scenes of puppet characters skiing through the Swiss alps. The craftsmanship is on full display, and demonstrates how far stretched the talent at Century 21 was. Even the already glorious special effects are upped a notch or two here, with the destructive climax at the end of the film being a perfect way to demonstrate how dynamic and attention grabbing practical pyrotechnics can easily be if done right. Hats off to Derek Meddings once again.
Something else that really intrigues me is the unique use of a real life tiger moth biplane to convey some of the flying sequences. At times, the shots of the real plane are indistinguishable from the models shots. It adds another level of grandeur and authenticity to this film. I also really enjoyed reading up on the story behind the real life flight the plane took under bridges on the then unfinished M40 motorway, and the court case that nearly got the production in hot water It's a story worth learning about.
The sequences with this plane is latter half of the film are also the setting to a more uniquely character driven final act for an action film. While there is focus on the destruction going on elsewhere, there is also a lot of focus on the characters themselves, and their efforts to make sure they get down safely. There is a minor downside to this sequence which will be elaborated on shortly, but overall, this sequence is uniquely corny, but still very thrilling.
The biggest issue with Thunderbird 6 still lingers with the story, and it's how overly mean spirited it becomes to some of the leading players. As previously stated Jeff Tracy's vagueness can be aggravating to sit through in his scenes, but it also means there is an abundance of unneccesary pressure placed upon inventor, Brains, (David Graham) who's efforts are rather rudely pushed to the side. As a result, the scenes of him knocking down each and every design he's put forward can be a little uncomfortable to see a character who is normally confident and knowledgeable becoming so down beat and doubtful. Additionally, another David Graham voiced character, Parker is treated like the village idiot for large parts of the film. While he does get to be involved with certain parts of the narrative, he is mainly used as a comedy break, which wasn't his only purpose in previous stories. And while Brains does get some sort of positive end to his struggles, Parker is left to the wayside, as is notable in the final act when the biplane is brought in. Additionally, there is a rather blunt and stark sequence early on where a group of people are gunned down, and have their bodies disposed of. While not a gruesome or disturbing scene when compared to what is shown today, it does feel a little out of place in the world of Thunderbirds.
Overall, while still suffering from issues with it's story, Thunderbird 6 is by far the superior of the two Supermarionation films that Century 21 Studios put together in the 1960s. And while the most well known Thunderbirds film is the one that would tarnish the show's name in the early 2000s, we can always look back on what the original team did so well, and celebrate the actual care and effort that went into making these films as faithful yet entertaining for it's audience as they would anything else. Even though the films weren't given the attention and respect they deserved at the time, it's nice to see fans across the world showing appreciation for them now, showing that the art of Supermarionation will never fully die!
SCORES
Story - 3.5/5
Characters - 4/5
Production - 5/5
Acting - 4/5
Music - 5/5
TOTAL - 8.6/10
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