We see the Gerry Anderson Blog as a place to publish shorter articles or opinion pieces about the worlds of Gerry Anderson, and to spark debate and comment from readers. Maybe there was a point in the past where you wanted to respond directly to something you read in the pages of FAB? Well, now you can do that with the blog.
We will report on unfolding events in the Anderverse, post articles, do funny sketches, debate, review and much more! Feel free to say hi and leave a comment!
Our first post is unapologetically focused on Terrahawks, the subject of our upcoming 30th anniversary event. We have put together a little audio-visual surprise to get you in the mood…!
Over the next few months Network DVD will be releasing two of Gerry Anderson’s first encounters with real film – and not puppets! The most significant of these is Crossroads to Crime. The crime thriller for Anglo-Amalgamated was Gerry Anderson’s directorial film debut, and the only feature-length film to be made by AP Films, co-founded by the legendary puppet pioneer in 1957.
Released in 1960 between the making of Four Feather Falls and Supercar, Crossroads to Crime features the talents of several of Anderson’s later Supermarionation collaborators, including voice artists George Murcell and David Graham, Anderson’s future wife Sylvia Thamm (an uncredited continuity supervisor), and Barry Gray, whose iconic themes famously complemented the Supermarionation series of the 1960s. Released here for the first time, the film is presented in a brand-new transfer from the original film elements.
It is hoped they will try to interview the only known living member of the cast, the stalwart of the Anderson studios David Graham, who was in so many of Anderson’s productions especially as the fantastic Parker in Thunderbirds. The DVD will be available on the 19th of August 2013 price £6.98.
The other release is David MacDonald’s Devil Girl From Mars (released today and pictured here) which is a rare science fiction piece from the notorious British b-movie studio of the Danziger brothers. At this point in his career Gerry was a freelance Sound Editor, gaining his first experience in Science Fiction under the name which he was usually billed as at the time, Gerald Anderson.
This British B-movie cult classic stars Patricia Laffan as a vinyl-clad, ray gun-toting Martian on the hunt for Earthmen to repopulate her home planet. Devil Girl from Mars is to be released in a brand-new transfer from original film elements in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio.
International Rescue Corps has announced the appointment of Jamie Anderson as their Vice-President.
Commenting on the announcement, Jamie said: “I’m immensely proud to be carrying on the good work, and helping promote an organisation that stands for all the good things that were constant elements in Gerry Anderson shows, and look forward to doing what I can to help IRC in my new role.”
IRC’s Corps Director, Willie McMartin said “The corps has been in existence since 1981 and we will forever be indebted to Gerry Anderson all those years ago. Gerry was instrumental in getting IRC off the ground and without this help we wouldn’t have been able to continue to save lives. It is great news that Jamie is happy to support the corps and we look forward to working with him in the forthcoming years.”
International Rescue Corps (IRC) is an independent disaster rescue service registered with the United Nations. IRC is supported entirely by donations from the public and sponsorship. IRC members are unpaid volunteers and all the IRC’s services are provided free of charge – the Corps’ sole aim is to save life.
A beautiful collection of original Gerry Anderson artwork by professional illustrator Andrew Skilleter has gone on general sale. The artwork spans his output for the Thunderbirds, Stingray, Captain Scarlet and Joe 90 Fleetway comics that were edited by Alan Fennell in the early 1990s.
In addition to republishing classic TV21 strips from the 1960s, the Fleetway titles also featured original strips and content, including a wide range of covers and page artwork by Andrew.
Discounts are available for the purchase of two or more pieces and there is the possibility of staged payments. You can also visit Andrew Skilleter’s website to find out more about his career, artwork and current projects
You may have a favourite page or spread – well, now’s your chance to own something very special!
Fans of Captain Scarlet and World War Two romance fiction will be interested to know that actress Liz Morgan has published her first novel! Set in Vichy France at the start of the armistice with Germany, ‘For Catherine’ tells the story of two ill-matched lovers: French resistance fighter and a German officer.
Known to fans as the voice behind Destiny and Rhapsody Angel in Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons, Liz also has a background in teaching English and Drama, and has written two other books about France.
TV and radio presenter Chris Evans has launched a year-long fundraising campaign that aims to raise one million pounds for Breast Cancer Care with the help of FAB 1!
Lady Penelope’s famous car (a bespoke pink Rolls-Royce Ghost) will be driven by Evans and other celebrities in a point-to-point journey from Land’s End to John O’Groats. Evans will share the driving duties with Gary Barlow, Professor Brian Cox and James May, with pitstops in Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow en-route.
The FAB1 Million project aims to raise funds by making FAB1 available for hire on a daily basis to fans, with all proceeds going to Breast Cancer Care. Standard charges are £5,000 inc VAT for a standard day and £7,500 inc VAT for a premium day, supplied with a full tank of fuel and professional chauffeur. FAB1 is ready to hit the road anywhere its passengers desire to go in the UK!
Additional premium packages will also be auctioned via the website, www.FAB1million.co.uk. in which the purchaser will secure tickets to an exclusive event as well as their FAB1 chauffeur-driven experience. These incredible packages include high -profile entertainment and sporting events such as Glorious Goodwood, The Silverstone Grand Prix, The Festival Of Speed, Britain’s Got Talent The Final, The Brit Awards and Royal Ascot.
The Rolls Royce to be used for the campaign has been meticulously prepared, explained Jolyon Nash, Director of Sales and Marketing, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.
“The interior hosts hand-embroidered pink ribbons on each headrest, a rear-seat fridge and accents of Blushing Pink leather as well as sumptuous lambswool carpets and FAB1 treadplates. Door umbrellas feature pink handles and trim, while the exterior is beautifully offset by a silver satin bonnet and finished with an up-lit Spirit of Ecstasy to brighten each and every special occasion.”
FAB1 can be booked by calling the FAB1 Million booking line on 020 7960 3482, or you can find out more information by visiting www.FAB1million.co.uk
Additional fundraising activities will allow supporters to enter a competition and have a chance of winning FAB1 for a day by donating £5 to Breast Cancer Care. All you need to do is text FAB to 83222. Text entry to the draw costs 50p, plus the standard network rate. For full prize draw terms & conditions visit the website.
After the 833.3 mile drive across the UK, FAB1 will return to London where it will become the centrepiece of a window display in Harrods for one week, where FAB1 Million representatives will be on hand to answer any questions and take booking enquiries for the car.
Also in the Harrods FAB1 window display will be a very special contribution from Jamie Anderson – the son of the legendary Gerry Anderson. To sit alongside a replica Parker puppet owned by Gerry Anderson, Jamie is unveiling a Chris Evans-inspired Parker puppet (sculpted and built by Duncan Willis) created specially to celebrate the campaign.
Chris Evans said: “You can hire the most famous Rolls-Royce in the world as the icing on the cake to whatever special event you are attending or celebrating knowing that you are donating to a very worthy cause in the process. It’s a win win situation. So, if you can, do. FAB1 awaits your mission wherever you are and whatever you’re up to. 5-4-3-2-1! FAB1 Million is go!!!”
The front cover of FAB 74 says it all. The latest issue of Fanderson’s club magazine is dedicated to celebrating the many worlds of Gerry Anderson. Our 30-page tribute to one of Britain’s most prolific and innovative film and television producers is something you definitely don’t want to miss.
Decade by decade, series by series, we examine the many highs and lows of Gerry’s life, with memories from some of the key people from his career.
Most UK-based Fanderson members should have received their copy by around April 10th, but if you’re not yet a member then there’s never been a better time to join.
Silva Screen has announced the release of a special edition 7″ EP of Barry Gray music based on the design of the original TV21 mini albums.
The release marks Record Store Day 2013, which takes place on 20th April this year, and includes tracks from Fireball XL5, Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet and Joe 90, as well as “Dangerous Game”, the signature tune played by the Cass Carnaby Five in the famous Thunderbirds episode, The Cham-Cham. Limited to 1,500 copies and containing a special poster, this is an amazing collectible not to be missed by any Gerry Anderson fan !
The disc will only be available from record shops on the 20th of April. However, a small number will be held back for sale on the Silva Screen website two weeks later on Friday 3rd May at 10am.
Over the next few months Network DVD will be releasing two of Gerry Anderson’s first encounters with real film – and not puppets! The most significant of these is 
