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British husband and wife team Gerry and Sylvia Anderson created a series of puppet-based television programs in the U.K. such as Fireball XL-5, Supercar and Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons. Their biggest hit on the other side of the pond was the sci-fi series, Thunderbirds. The Andersons used a process called "Supermarionation" to create a lifelike world of puppets and cool Thunderbird vehicles. The TV show’s success led to the first of two Thunderbirds feature films, 1966’s Thunderbirds Are Go.

The movie takes place in 2063, where Jeff Tracy and his sons defend the Earth as part of the International Rescue team. They use an array of Thunderbird vehicles - a rocket, transport vehicle, spaceship, submarine and space satellite. Humans are about to send the first manned mission to Mars with the launch of Zero-X. But the project is sabotaged and the rocket fails to lift off. International Rescue is asked to provide security for the next attempt.

 

This second try succeeds, but Mars’ dangerous inhabitants such as rock snakes attack the visitors from Earth. The ship is damaged, and the Tracy’s are again called to the rescue and make sure Zero-X gets home safely.

 

Also included was a subplot featuring the scientist Brains, and his shy attempt to court the pretty Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward, especially during a scene at a nightclub. Musical group The Shadows performed two songs for the movie,  "Lady Penelope" and "Shooting Star." Two years later, the International Rescue Team would be back in theaters with Thunderbird 6.