Trading page: OTHER AND VARIOUS ITEMS (General and Non Scarlet)    

CAPTAIN SCARLET and the MYSTERONS UNOFFICIAL WEBSITE

by Chris Bishop

NEW FROM BIG FINISH…

FROM THUNDERBIRDS TO PTERODACTYLS

Shane Rimmer’s Autobiography on CD in November 2011

Shane Rimmer’s voice is familiar to millions from his role as Scott Tracy, the pilot of Thunderbird 1, but there are many other facets to his remarkable career. In From Thunderbirds to Pterodactyls Shane recalls the years he spent as an actor, voice artist and writer for Gerry Anderson’s classic productions, as well as his appearances in other memorable shows such as Doctor Who, Coronation Street and Lipstick On Your Collar. Equally at home in Star Wars or Out of Africa, Shane’s talents as a character actor have been called upon by some of the film industry’s leading directors. He worked for Stanley Kubrick in Dr Strangelove and Christopher Nolan in Batman Begins. Between the two he notched up appearances in three James Bond movies and had a close encounter with a low-flying dinosaur in The People that Time Forgot. This wry and refreshingly frank autobiography sheds new light on some of the best-loved films and television series ever made, as well as revealing what life is really like for a jobbing actor in the sometimes less than glamorous world of showbusiness. This three-disc audio CD is read by Shane and is released on 31 November 2011, RRP £16.99. A download version will also be available from bigfinish.com, priced at £14.99. Buy the From Thunderbirds to Pterodactyls Audiobook from Amazon.co.uk Buy the Download Version only, from Big Finish.

Buy the audiobook at Amazon.co.uk

CENTURY 21:  CLASSIC COMIC STRIPS FROM THE WORLDS OF GERRY ANDERSON

Series of magnificent books, from Reynolds & Hearn, filled with reprints from the classic British comics 'TV/Century 21'  and  'Lady Penelope'.  Not only will you find Captain Scarlet strips in these books, but also, Thunderbirds, Fireball XL5, Lady Penelope, and Zero-X.   Fans have been waiting for this for years, literally, and we are hoping very much that more of these books will be released, publishing the majority of the TV/Century 21 strips!

Volume 5 is the latest release, and will be available in April.

These books are available in paperback and in Limited Hardcover edition.  You can order them through Amazon.co.uk. 

 

Volume Four: Above and Beyond   Ed. Chris Bentley, with a foreword by Gerry Anderson 160 pages Reynolds & Hearn 160 pages Product Dimensions: 28.7 x 23.6 x 0.8 cm Language English Release date: March 30, 2010   Added item: March 3, 2011

Paperback Edition

Hardcover Edition

 

Volume Three: Escape from Aquatraz   Ed. Chris Bentley, with a foreword by Gerry Anderson 160 pages Reynolds & Hearn 160 pages Product Dimensions: 28.7 x 23.6 x 0.8 cm Language English Release date: April 8, 2010   Added item: March 3, 2011

Paperback Edition

Hardcover Edition

 

Volume Two: Invasion in the 21st Century   Ed. Chris Bentley, with a foreword by Gerry Anderson 160 pages Reynolds & Hearn 160 pages Product Dimensions: 28.7 x 23.6 x 0.8 cm Language English Release date: April 30, 2009   Added item: March 15, 2009

Paperback Edition

Hardcover Edition

 

Volume Two: Adventure in the 21st Century   Ed. Chris Bentley, with a foreword by Gerry Anderson 160 pages Reynolds & Hearn 160 pages Product Dimensions: 28.7 x 23.6 x 0.8 cm Language English Release date: April 2, 2009   Added item: March 15, 2009

Paperback Edition

Hardcover Edition

UPDATES MARCH 15, 2009

FILMED IN SUPERMARIONATION: A HISTORY OF THE FUTURE BY STEPHEN LA RIVIÈRE

From the author:

"Four year in the making and it's finally here... The most comprehensive history of the Supermarionation shows ever written:

FILMED IN SUPERMARIONATION: A HISTORY OF THE FUTURE

"They are all most keen and enthusiastic to make these the best puppet films ever made. I too feel that this is a wonderful opportunity, and may well be the beginning of something big!" -- 'The Adventures of Twizzle' Puppeteer, Joy Laurey. August 16th 1957

It's a well worn story that has been told in countless books, magazines and documentaries: the story of a group of film makers who decided to set up a production company in an old mansion in Maidenhead and waited for the phone to ring. After six months of silence, they were on the verge of liquidation when a children's novelist asked them if they would like to make some puppet films.

It's a touching story.

It's also completely untrue.

Filmed in Supermarionation is the story as you've never heard it before of the puppet empire that rose from the Slough Trading Estate in the 1960s and created shows such as Thunderbirds, Stingray, Captain Scarlet and Joe 90. Starting right at the beginning with Gerry Anderson's directorial debut in 1955 and finishing on the day the puppet studios closed in 1969, the book charts the rise and fall of the A.P. Films / Century 21 Organisation's 'Supermarionation' films. The book features a wealth of new information, hundreds of previously unseen photographs and is based on hours of interviews with cast and crew, newspaper articles and previously unpublished paperwork.

So if you want to know:

• How a two line advertisement changed television history

• What role the Conservative Government played in killing off Mike Mercury's career

• How three adverts helped lead to a multi-million pound empire

• What significance a Ford Anglia car held in the history of 1960s television

• What happened to their 21st Century Rolls?

• And why Slough Council tried to sue Century 21?

Then this is the book for you. If none of that interests you, then just pick it up for the scandal. Well, it's not really scandal. Just a bit contentious... And if you don't like scandal, then buy it for the happy stuff, of which there is lots."

Filmed In Supermarionation: A History Of The Future (Available at Amazon.co.uk) Author: Stephen La Rivière Paperback 208 pages Publisher: Hermes Press; illustrated edition edition  Release date: 15 March  2009

SPECIAL EFFECTS SUPERMAN: THE MINIATURE EFFECTS OF DEREK MEDDINGS

After his career in the film industry took flight with Gerry Anderson in 1957, Derek Meddings proceeded to head the effects team and design every major vehicle for the hit British television series Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet and UFO. When the Anderson studio closed in 1970, Meddings moved into movies and headed the effects on over 20 motion pictures. His accolades include: six James Bonds, Batman, Supergirl, Santa Claus and The Neverending Story. Foreword by Sir Roger Moore. 

 

Special Effects Superman: The Miniature Effects of Derek Meddings Contains over a 100 never-before-seen images.   Shubrook Brothers (2 Oct 2008) Hardcover 160 pages Released on 2 October 2008

COMPLETE GERRY ANDERSON - THE AUTHORISED  EPISODE GUIDE (PAPERBACK) -  

2006 REVISED EDITION!

By Chris Bentley,

with a foreword by Gerry Anderson

The Complete Gerry Anderson - The Authorised Episode Guide  has been updated and revised for this new paperback edition, which features over 30 pages of new material - including a complete episode guide to ALL 26 episodes of New Captain Scarlet (plus full cast and crew lists, credited and un-credited), a fully upgraded guide to Four Feather Falls, Space:1999 cast additions and Australian world premiere broadcast details, plus new photos throughout.

Paperback, 376 pages

Reynolds & Hearn

2006 edition 

ISBN 1-905287-23-2

UPDATES, JULY 2, 2006:

 THE FUTURE WAS F.A.B.:  THE ART OF MIKE TRIM

Mike Trim built  models for Thunderbirds  and quickly turned his talents as a painter and designer to creating  the  sets and machines  of the Andersons' science fiction shows from the 1960s and 1970s.  This  new book features  his concept drawings and paintings together with his famous record album artwork.

Contains over 275 color and black and white illustrations, drawings, paintings, model concepts, blue print drawings, and artwork.

Paperback, 160 pages

Hermes P. Publisher

Available on July 30, 2006.  You can pre-order at Amazon.co.uk  

UPDATES, JULY 2, 2006:

MY FAB YEARS!  

by Sylvia Anderson

From Amazon.co.uk site:  "[...]Definitive behind-the-scenes history of the great British sci-fi television series and movies of the late 1950s, 1960s and 1970s: "Supercar", "Fireball XL5", "Stingray", "Thunderbirds", "Captain Scarlet", "Secret Service", "Joe 90", "Doppelganger", "UFO" and "Space: 1999" from their co-creator, Sylvia Anderson."

Containing over 200 rarely seen photographs with detailed remembrances of what made these ground-breaking shows so memorable.

Available in hardcover, paperback and as a signed edition by Sylvia Anderson.

208 pages

Hermes Press 

Available since September 2006.  You can order at Amazon.co.uk

UPDATE APRIL 9, 2005

FEATURED ITEM!

Complete Gerry Anderson on sale at Amazon.co.uk

ANDERSONIC ISSUE 12 - SUMMER 2011

Interview with former APF sculptor John Blundall in which he discusses his time working on series from Supercar up to Thunderbirds. John discusses how he got involved in puppetry, working with Christine Glanville, Wolfgang Manthey and Mary Turner, his favourite creations and what went into designing characters such as Robert the Robot, Professor Matic and of course Parker.

Robin McDonald Interview - Century 21's Clapper Loader/Focus Puller recalls his time working on series from Thunderbirds to Space:1999, working with alligators, Ed Bishop & Mike Billington and even The Sweeney and Terrahawks.

A Breath of Death - a look at an unfilmed Space:1999 script by Irving Gaynor Nieman.

Supermarionation Stamps - the Royal Mail's special issue commemmorating 50 years of Supermarionation. With comment from artist Gerry Embleton

The Return of Victor Bergman - Robert Wood outlines the making of this touching fan-made short film.

Space 1999/ The Last Sunset - Alpha's finest are stranded on the lunar surface with only a corroding Eagle and a crazed Paul Morrow for company.

UFO /Destruction - Four writers give their view on Dennis Spooner's sole contribution to UFO.

Fireball XL5/ Space City Special - The Subterrains' plan with Manchurian overtones...

plus more of our Joe 90 A-Z, a free competition to win a trip to Vostula and more!

To order your copy of  Andersonic, simply go to their website.

UPDATES,  FEBRUARY 7, 2011

ANDERSONIC ISSUE 11 - SPRING 2011 ISSUE

Issue 11 of Andersonic features a new interview with Century 21's former Visual Effects Director Shaun Whittacker-Cook in which he discusses his time working at Century 21 on series from Thunderbirds up to UFO. Shaun shares anecdotes of his time at the studio and reveals how certain sequences were created, his favourite effects shots and what it was really like trying to get a sofa on board Thunderbird 3 and make spinning UFOs fly!

Other features include:

Starcruiser 'Run Robot Run' - we examine a recently unearthed script for the Anderson TV series that never was.
The Anderson Collecting Gene - What fans collect and why they do it.
Space 1999/ Force of Life - Ian McShane catches a chill as Moonbase Alpha revisits Quatermass.
Interster - A look at the South African puppet series influenced by Century 21
UFO /Flight Path - 'Er Indoors gets a shooter in the boat race... An early episode examined.
Ghosts in the Machine - SHADO, the CIA and other Fictions. Looking at information, misinformation and close encounters.
Lunarville Lip - Captain Scarlet's loose trilogy of moon-based episodes.
Could You Fly a Thunderbird - Take our psychometric test and find out.

To order your copy of  Andersonic, simply go to their website.

UPDATES, DECEMBER 17, 2010

ANDERSONIC ISSUE 10 - AUTUMN 2010 ISSUE

The latest issue now has 44 pages, colour covers and features:

• A new interview with former Century 21 writer and director Leo Eaton in which he discusses his time directing the puppet series, writing for Scarlet, what it was like working on Joe 90 and UFO, why he eventually left the series and how he came to work with Ed Wood.

• Supermerchandisation - A look at how Century 21 revolutionised the marketing of 'tie-in' products in the 1960s. (See this website for additonal info on this subject)

• Into Infinity - Script to screen feature revealing scenes that didn't make it to the final version plus a new interview with musician Steve Coe.

• Space:1999/ Earthbound - a look at Anthony Terpiloff's episode where Christopher Lee gives everyone an egg and Gerald Simmonds Esq does everything he can to get back to where he once belonged.

• Brink of Disaster Retrospective - four writers evaluate one of Thunderbirds' most stylish episodes. Is complete automation a viable option? Whadda you think!

• UFO/ Survival - Michael Billington makes his UFO debut in a moon-based episode that explores prejudice and, er, survival.

• Space Patrol - a look at the 1960s series made by former Anderson alumni Arthur Provis and Roberta Leigh, which had an interesting legacy.

• Review Section - New merchandise reviewed.

• SHADO Staff Handbook - What not to do in your new job. Please sign and return to the HR department. What do you mean you don't want a lilac gull-wing company car?

• Joe 90 A-Z - everything you need to know about WIN's 4' 4" Most Special Agent.

• X-Planes Extra - more inspirational designs we couldn't fit in last time. Ever wondered what inspired the design of Thunderbird 1, FAB 1, Supercar and UFO's Lunar Carrier?

44 pages with colour outer and inner covers/ black and white interior.

To order your copy of  Andersonic, simply go to their website.

UPDATES FEBRUARY 25, 2008

COMICS INTERNATIONAL MAKES SPECIAL OFFER TO GERRY ANDERSON FANS

EUROPES LEADING TRADE PAPER Comics International is to continue its unique coverage of classic TV SF in British comics with six installments devoted to the shows of Gerry Anderson.

Written by Shaqui Le Vesconte , the worlds leading expert on Anderson in comics, this mammoth and exhaustive series is to showcase artwork by some of the worlds top illustrators who brought the fantastic worlds of International Rescue and Spectrum to life on the page, including such greats as Frank Bellamy, Ron Embleton and Mike Noble.

This special series begins in CI #205 (March 2008) under a special tribute cover [see below], with an overview of Andersons 45-year long association with comics. With each succeeding 100-page issue also featuring an appropriate Anderson cover, Part 2 (CI #206) focuses on the early years spotlighting Four Feather Falls , Supercar, Fireball XL5 and Stingray in the 60s weekly, TV Comic.

Part 3 (#207) is dedicated to the many strip incarnations of Thunderbirds while Part 4 (#208) features Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons and everyones favourite programmable boy genius, Joe 90. Comics based on Andersons live action projects, UFO, Space:1999 and others are explored in Part 5 (#209) while Part 6 (#210) wraps it all up with a look at Project SWORD, Agent 21, Starcruiser and those other Anderson concepts seen only in comics form.

Andersons many creations have not just appeared in British titles. His vivid futures hold global appeal to young and old alike. Accordingly, the six-parter will also explore various international editions.

Cosmic Publications is offering Gerry Anderson devotees an exclusive a money-saving opportunity to have these six special issues delivered direct to their door every month as they come off the presses. Not only is it dropping its usual 12-issue minimum, but it is offering six issues for the price of five! Get #205-210 for just 15 (19 first class) in the UK ; mainland Europe 25/36; rest of the world $60 (air)/$46 (surface).

SUBSCRIPTION INSTRUCTIONS: email subscriptions@comics-international.co.uk  with your name, address and payment details quoting reference FAB01 OFFER or send to: Comics International (Department FAB01), 8 Galliford Road , Maldon, Essex CM9 4XD , England . PayPal [sales@comics-international.co.uk] and all major credit cards accepted. Make cheques etc payable to Cosmic Publications. Subscriptions enquiries telephone: 01621 877231 [011-44-1621 8772321 from North America ].

ABOUT SHAQUI LE VESCONTE: He is a 40-something fan of television and comics. By day, graphic artist; by night, researcher and writer of articles on television, comics, television comics, and anything between. With Kim Stevens, Shaqui is responsible for websites about puppet series Space Patrol and Sara & Hoppity, The history of Gerry Anderson comics, and has written for Star Trek magazine and the website Look-Out. A fourth website, about the Junior TV Times, Look-in, is currently in preparation.

ABOUT COMICS INTERNATIONAL: Acquired by Cosmic Publications at the end of 2006, CI was launched in April 1990 to fill a need for a trade magazine for the US and UK comics industry. From its 48-page 4,000 copy debut, it has expanded to a 100-page monthly with many pages in full colour and a circulation in excess of 24,000. Read internationally by fans, collectors, publishers and creators, it is the independent guide to the world of English-language comics.

UPDATES, JULY 2, 2006:

SCI-FI & FANTASY MODELLER - VOLUME 2

100 page, all-colour, limited edition!

Second volume of exclusive modelling and FX stories is available now via the www.scififantasymodeller.co.uk website. All orders are mailed out within twenty four hours of receipt (excluding weekends).

Volume Two brings you :

• An in-depth review of Fine Molds 900+ part Millennium Falcon kit.

• Studio-scale Y-wing project  ogle at the craft that was three years in the making.

• A review of Titan Find's Blake's 7 Liberator kit.

• Cyclops 'sculptorial' (a fascinating article that, in words and pictures shows, step by step, how to create a castable master fantasy figure).

• Explosive miniature effects from the Christmas Invasion Dr. Who episode.

• Mike Tucker on building miniature Alien Worlds and creatures.

• Classic Captain Scarlet Angel Aircraft scratchbuild (5 page feature).

• Massive Zero- X replica scratchbuild (7 page feature).

• Product Enterprise release update and reviews including exclusive report on the SPV (2 page feature).

• Photo update on Lee Allwood's replica Supermarionation puppet heads.

• Comet's Martian Handling Machine kit reviewed.

• Making futuristic props for a low-budget SF movie.

• Exclusive  and extensive! - Dr. Who series 2 feature - the re-imagining of the cybermen - profusely illustrated and written by Neill Gorton of Millennium FX.

• Vehicles of the imagination  meet the amazing All Terrain Scout Craft, plus other fantasy hardware scratchbuilds guaranteed to get those creative juices flowing.

Join  for the 100-page thrill-ride that is Sci. Fi and Fantasy Modeller Volume Two - 

Order your copy today!

www.scififantasymodeller.co.uk 

UPDATES, FEBRUARY 21, 2006:

GERRY ANDERSON:  THE MONOCHROME YEARS (17 DISCS BOX SET)

First released last Fall, this hard-to-find, huge boxset will be offered again next Fall.  This is the ultimate collection of all of Anderson TV Series, filmed in black and white.  The 17 discs set, spanning from 1959 to 1962, contains the following shows:

• Torchy The Battery Boy (Series 1)

• Four Feather Falls

• Supercar

•  Fireball XL5

Original fullscreen presentation

English language 

48 hrs and 45 mins. (approx.)

Region 2, PAL Format (UK and the rest of Europe)

Release date:  September 11, 2006

You can pre-order at:      

GERRY ANDERSON BOX SET:  STINGRAY, CAPTAIN SCARLET & THUNDERBIRDS

As a perfect companion for 'The Monochrome Years', this DVD set - which was also previously released a few months ago but has since then became hard to find - is presently offered again.  Containing all the episodes from the three favourite Supermarionation shows, Stingray, Captain Scarlet and Thunderbirds, this huge set of 18 discs  is the economic and practical  answer for any fan still not owning them to finally get them all at once!  

18 discs

Original fullscreen format presentation

English language

57hrs. 35mins

Region 2, PAL Format (UK and the rest of Europe)

Available at

UPDATES  MAY 11, 2005:

LAVENDER CASTLE COMPLETE SERIES - REGION 2 DVD PAL FORMAT (UK ) - RELEASE DATE!

Gerry Anderson's 1999 animated series Lavender Castle will be released on Region 2 DVD  September 9 2005. For the ever, the complete series will be available.  The two-disc set will feature all 26 10-minute episodes of the fantasy series, which tells the adventures of Captain Thrice, and the crew of the spaceship Paradox, in search of the legendary Lavender Castle, which they must find before the evil Dr. Agon.

Originally presented on British television as two separate series in 1999 and 2000 by ITV, Lavender Castle has not been broadcast again to date in the UK (It was however recently  broadcast  in Australia).  The upcoming release of the entire series will present an occasion for many Anderson fans to actually own the complete series.  

You can order your pre- copy of  Lavender Castle  at Amazon.co.uk,  by clicking the link below.

Lavender Castle - Complete DVD set

??? minutes

2 discs (Region 2, PAL format)

Colour

Universal Pictures Video

Release date:  September 19, 2005.

UPDATE FEBRUARY 1rst, 2004

3 GERRY ANDERSON CLASSICS - TRIPLE PACK DVD SET (Region 2, PAL format)

From Carlton Visual Entertainment Ltd.

This recent DVD release is a good introduction to the worlds of Gerry Anderson - or can be added to any die-hard fan's collection.   This triple pack features 19 chosen episodes of the three series 'Captain Scarlet', 'Stingray', and 'Joe 90'. In total, 475 of entertainment.

You can buy this set directly at Amazon.co.uk, using the following link.

NOVEMBER 11, 2006

CLASSIC CAPTAIN SCARLET - PLAYSTATION 2 GAME (REGION 2) - TO BE RELEASED BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Captain Scarlet (PS2) 

from Amazon.co.uk

The news had been announced quite a few months ago in a press release  - but now it seems official.  Blast will be releasing a new Playstation 2 game based on the classic Captain Scarlet series.  Age rating for this time is 3 years old +, and will only play on Pal European Playstation 2.  

From publicity sheet:

Play as Captain Scarlet. Get behind the wheel of the Spectrum Patrol Car and the Spectrum Pursuit Vehicle for high-speed, mission-based combat racing in exotic locales. 

 3 Modes of play - Pursuit, Escape And Race .

Explosive weaponry - Machines Guns, Rockets, Mines and Bombs ; Features the iconic Spectrum Patrol Vehicle as well as the Spectrum Pursuit Vehicle.

16 Adrenaline filled missions.

Includes a remixed Captain Scarlet music track.

The game is due for release before Christmas, but the information we have doesn't give us a precise date as yet.   This website will give you further news as it comes along.    Just cross your fingers this game doesn't follow the fate of the previous 'Retaliation' PC game...

In the meantime, the game is available for for Pre-order from Amazon.co.uk.  Just click the image or the link for order.

NEW CAPTAIN SCARLET BANDAI TOYS AVAILABLE AT BANDAI UK

In the last weeks, Bandai launched its new series of New Captain Scarlet toys.    Colonel White and Destiny Angel joined the line of action figures - bringing the set to five figures now, with Captain Scarlet, Captain Blue and Captain Black.   In addition to these, two new sets of mini vehicles have also been added to the two previous releases:  Set C comprises the Rhino and its Albatross transporter, along with a mini figure of Captain Blue, while set D features the Stallion Raid Bike, the Cheetah and the Druzniuk Tank, along with a figure of Captain Black.  Both the Rhino and the Tank come with sounds effects, provided by LR44 batteries.  

The toys are presently sold directly on the Bandai UK site, along with all the previously released New Captain Scarlet toys.  For more details, and to order these items, you can check the  CGI Merchandises page.