Attack Of The Alligators
No real harm comes to the baby Cayman crocodiles used in the making of this episode, though it took a few volts of electricity to keep them moving about, administered by, of all people, a member of the Royal Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals, no less.
Though not stated, it appears that this episode could have taken place in Louisiana (judging from the Cajun-sounding, Culp, the bayou-like setting and all of the 'gators). This would make it one of the few IR stories to transpire in the US. However, from the map shown, it may actually take place in South America instead.
Individual episodes of the series were compiled into several theatrical releases, such as "Thunderbirds In Outer Space" and "Thunderbirds To The Rescue." They became the staple of late night TV movie slots for years and kept the memories of International Rescue alive in the hearts of, by then, grown-up original fans.
While not featured in the episode "Attack Of The Alligators!," Lady Penelope appeared in some publicity shots for the series featuring the scaly co-stars of that episode. One of them took a liking to her legs: it clamped its teeth around one of them and refused to let go!
The exciting stories of International Rescue were continued in the pages of TV21 Magazine for several years during the 1960s. In 2000, a new series of stories began in "Thunderbirds" magazine by Redan Books, sold at news agents throughout Britain.
Brains created an airship as a means of leisurely travel which was eventually built by the New World Aircraft Corporation. They dubbed it "Skyship One."
"Thunderbirds" officially premiered on television in Britain in September of 1965; the first film spin-off of it appeared in theaters a year later. The series eventually aired in the US in 1967.
From conception to fruition: It took roughly two years for Jeff to put together the base and equipment that would become the core of International Rescue.
Cliff Richard And The Shadows performed two songs for the movie "Thunderbirds Are Go"---"Shooting Star" and a lovely instrumental called "Lady Penelope" featuring a great guitar performance by Hank B. Marvin.
In aid of those without a clue about fashion, beauty and espionage, Lady Penelope has been kind enough to prepare a guide to all the things she's an expert on, called "Lady Penelope's Secrets."
The aircraft dubbed "Thunderbird 6" started life as a reconditioned Tiger Moth biplane.
It is said that the likeness of Brains was modeled from pictures of Anthony Perkins of "Psycho" and "Phaedra" fame.
In many broadcast markets in the US, "Thunderbirds" was shown not in complete hour-long episode format but as half-hour segments instead.
FAB 1 has no rear view mirror. A television screen embedded in the dash board gives the driver the view of the road via a camera mounted in the rear of the car.
Lady Penelope's crest includes an italicized "P" with a golden crown above it.
Writer Alan Pattillo effectively used dire predictions about overpopulation and impending food storages to anticipate animal artificial growth experimentation and its effect on the food chain.
The segment showcasing the communication breakdown between the base and Thunderbird 5 is a perfect display of the differences in priorities between the elder Tracys, Jeff and his mother. While Jeff's primary concern is only regarding the inconvenience to the organization that the blackout causes, Grandma voices earnest concern for the well-being of her grandsons, which their father downplays.
Oops: There's a reflection of the cameraman in the window as Mrs. Files looks outside early on in the episode.
Anyone keen on Thunderbirds trivia will know that this episode took place on March 11th, 2065, as Tin-Tin gives Alan his birthday gift one day early.
"Attack Of The Alligators" marked the first time that the production company had attempted to use live wild animals during the filming of the series. Consequently, they went well over budgeted time trying to get it just right!
The warm studio lights made for just the right climate to put the baby crocodiles...to sleep!
Rabbit lovers will fret that all of the cast managed to escape the doomed house, but in their haste they left the test bunnies behind! For shame!
Gordon's expertise at gunplay comes in handy again...just as the alligators are about to have baby brother Alan for lunch. (Drat)! There's a lot of arguement among Thunderbirds fans about whether the series takes place in 2026 or 2065. Both Alan Fennell and Gerry Anderson have stated that 2065 is the correct timeline. According to Gerry, "The correct date is 2065. I'm afraid the official Supermarionation book got it wrong."