Teletext Titbits

Hi folks,

The British Teletext system, broadcast as part of ITV's service, has
a few bits regarding the new book. As not everyone can get such
gems ;) on their telly I thought I'd give you the text verbatim. BTW,
it's copied over courtesy of a voice recognition software package so
please excuse the odd mistake or error:

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Teletext page 143

Gerry Anderson Pulls Right Strings

Page 1

The popular TV shows created by Gerry Anderson are
celebrated in an exhaustive episode guide by a fan Chris
Bentley.

Every episode of all of Anderson's 17 series including
Thunderbirds, Space 1999, Stingray, Terrahawks and Joe 90 is
featured in the book.

The guide has been authorised by Anderson. We speak to Chris
about the programmes' continuing appeal.



Page 2

When Gerry Anderson started out in his programme-making
career, he would never have dreamt his shows would go on to
be perennial British favourites.

New book the complete Gerry Anderson covers his career,
which included 17 series, more than 500 episodes and four
feature films.

Writer Chris Bentley says: " this is the first authorised book to
bring it all together. It's the one fans will want."




Page 3

Chris Bentley has been a fan of Gerry Anderson's TV shows
since he saw live-action show U.F.O. aged seven in 1970.

He says: I was interested from then on and became chairman of
Fanderson, Gerry's appreciation Society, in 1990.

"In the UK, people love the puppet shows but in the US,
Thunderbirds is lesser known. It is the live-action series like
Space 1999 which have a huge following.




Page 4

The unique style of Gerry Anderson's Thunderbirds makes them
a perennial favourite with audiences of all ages, says author
Chris Bentley.

Chris explains: "other people were making similar shows at the
time but they did not have the same levels of money or expertise.

"The main thing is that they never patronised the audience. They
were made for a wider early-evening audience."




Page 5

Thunderbirds succeeded where the likes of Joe 90 failed
because it was designed to appeal to all viewers.

Expert Chris Bentley explains: " The five Tracy brothers all had
different hair colours so each viewer could relate to a brother.

"Joe 90 was a bit geeky with glasses. At the time it didn't go as
well but it would probably appeal more to modern audiences."




Page 6

The original series of puppet show Thunderbirds is being
repeated on BBC2 on Saturdays.

Meanwhile, a live action film is being prepared. It will feature
Aliens star Bill Paxton with Gandhi Oscar-winning actor Ben
Kingsley as The Hood.

Afficionado Chris Bentley says: " a lot of fans are worried that it
is going to be another Avengers - classic TV series turned into a
bad film."





Page 7

Thunderbirds expert Chris Bentley says he was worried by the
behind-the-scenes wrangling over the new live-action, big-
screen, version of the show.

Creator Gerry Anderson was originally not involved but has
recently been taken on as a consultant.

Chris explains: " I was quite sceptical because it sounded really
horrible but I am now keeping an open mind. The cast and
director look good so we will see."




Page 8

Re-runs of Thunderbirds mean the series will continue to attract
new fans, says expert Chris Bentley.

He says: " the original viewers are now getting their children and
grandchildren to watch. The newcomers like it on its merits
which means it will keep going for years to come."

The complete Gerry Anderson, by Chris Bentley, is published
by Reynolds & Hearn price £15.99.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dave.