Thunderbird 6 1968
Made by
Century 21 Television
Thunderbird 6 Plot Summary
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Thunderbird 6 (1968). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
In 2068, the New World Aircraft Corporation in England gives Brains [David Graham] a bold brief to design a revolutionary aircraft. Brains suggests an airship, prompting laughs from the executives, but his proposal is ultimately approved and the corporation unveils Skyship One — a fully automated craft powered by an anti-gravity field. Representing International Rescue for the maiden voyage — a round-the-world trip with computer‑programmed stops — are Alan Tracy [Matt Zimmerman], Tin-Tin Kyrano [Christine Finn], Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward [Sylvia Anderson], and Parker [David Graham]. Brains is forced to remain on Tracy Island after Jeff Tracy orders him to design a sixth Thunderbird machine. Working without a formal specification, Brains comes up with a range of concepts, yet Jeff rejects them all.
Alan Tracy [Matt Zimmerman] and Tin-Tin Kyrano [Christine Finn] fly to England in Alan’s restored Tiger Moth biplane, where they reunite with Penelope and Parker and the four of them board Skyship One. As the airship departs, the crew remains unaware that Captain Foster [John Carson] and the ship’s stewards have been murdered and replaced by The Hood’s agents, now operating as Black Phantom [Gary Files] from an abandoned airfield near Casablanca. Because the ship is automated, the impostors don’t need any technical know-how and can keep the guests in the dark.
After Skyship One sails past the pyramids of Egypt, Penelope discovers a bugging device in her bedroom. Foster and his men have been recording and editing her voice to craft a phony radio message urging Jeff to send Thunderbirds 1 and 2 to the airfield, where The Hood and his men plan to capture the two craft. Parker uncovers the editing gear, but before anyone can act, the impostors complete the message and transmit it to Tracy Island via Thunderbird 5. Jeff immediately dispatches Scott [Shane Rimmer] and Virgil [Jeremy Wilkin] in Thunderbirds 1 and 2, but Alan realizes his brothers are walking into a trap and Penelope manages to relay the warning just in time. When Skyship One lands at the airfield, Scott and Virgil unleash the Thunderbird rockets to wipe out The Hood’s base and then hurry to rendezvous with Skyship One.
Onboard the airship, the guests engage the impostors in a tense shootout. Tin-Tin Kyrano [Christine Finn] is taken hostage, forcing surrender. During the chaos, the anti‑gravity system is damaged, and the ship begins to lose altitude, crashing into a radio mast at a missile base near Dover. With Skyship One balanced precariously on the mast and its anti‑gravity field faltering, the rescue falls to Scott, Virgil, and Brains to save everyone before the craft topples onto the base below. Because there is no suitable Thunderbird 2 pod vehicle light enough to reach, Brains volunteers to pilot a risky rescue from the top deck. He flies a Tiger Moth up to the airship’s deck, but Foster captures him at gunpoint. Penelope is held hostage in the cockpit as Foster attempts a desperate takeoff, only to be shot dead by Alan. The Tiger Moth then launches with the guests and impostors clinging to the wings and landing gear. Skyship One crashes to the ground, triggering a chain reaction that obliterates the missile base.
The remaining impostors meet their end in a gunfight aboard the Tiger Moth. Stray bullets puncture the fuel tank, forcing Penelope to execute an emergency landing. After near misses with a factory chimney, a bridge on the M104 motorway, and a tree, Penelope safely ditches the plane in a field. Parker is thrown clear when the aircraft clips the tree’s canopy and ends up dangling in its branches before dropping to the ground.
Back on Tracy Island, Brains unveils Thunderbird 6 — revealed to be none other than the repaired Tiger Moth — and it’s clear to everyone that this rugged little plane has proven its value in the field.
Thunderbird 6 Timeline
Follow the complete movie timeline of Thunderbird 6 (1968) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Brains proposes Skyship One
In 2068, the New World Aircraft Corporation in England issues Brains an open brief to design a revolutionary aircraft. Brains suggests an airship, prompting laughter from the executives. Nevertheless, the proposal is accepted and Skyship One is built for the maiden voyage.
Brains tasked to design Thunderbird 6
Jeff asks Brains to design a sixth Thunderbird machine. Brains works without a formal specification, producing a range of concepts that Jeff rejects. Brains remains on Tracy Island while the Skyship One project goes ahead.
Maiden flight team assembles aboard Skyship One
Alan and Tin-Tin fly to England in Alan's restored Tiger Moth, meeting Lady Penelope and Parker. The four then board Skyship One for its maiden voyage, prepared to undertake a round-the-world trip. The team represents International Rescue for the flight.
The Hood seizes control from onboard Skyship One
As Skyship One departs, Captain Foster and the ship's stewards are murdered and replaced by The Hood's agents, operating as Black Phantom from an abandoned airfield near Casablanca. The impostors blend in with the automated crew, avoiding suspicion. The guests remain unaware of the looming threat.
Bugging device discovered and trap set
Penelope discovers a bugging device in her bedroom, revealing The Hood's plan to edit and broadcast a fake radio message luring Thunderbirds 1 and 2 to the airfield. Parker finds the editing equipment. The message is sent to Tracy Island via Thunderbird 5, setting the trap into motion.
Thunderbirds dispatched and trap anticipated
Jeff immediately orders Thunderbirds 1 and 2 to respond to the emergency. Alan realises the flight is a trap and warns Penelope, who manages to relay the warning in time. The team braces for interception while the impostors stay hidden aboard Skyship One.
Thunderbirds reach airfield and strike
Scott and Virgil arrive in Thunderbird 1 and 2 and land at the abandoned airfield. They unleash rocket launchers to destroy The Hood's base and its operatives, preventing the capture of the guests. They then depart to rendezvous with Skyship One.
Skyship One's crisis and near-destruction
Back aboard Skyship One, a shootout erupts as the impostors resist surrender. Tin-Tin is taken hostage, and the anti-gravity system is damaged, causing the airship to lose altitude and crash into a radio mast at a missile base near Dover. The ship hangs precariously atop the mast as its systems fail.
Brains risks everything to save the guests
With the ship grounded, Brains volunteers to airlift the passengers using the Tiger Moth. The attempt puts him at gunpoint by Foster, while Penelope is held hostage in the Tiger Moth's cockpit. Foster tries to escape, but Alan shoots him dead, enabling the rescue operation.
Tiger Moth escape and Skyship One crashes
The Tiger Moth, carrying the guests and impostors clinging to wings and landing gear, launches away as Skyship One crashes to the ground. The collision triggers a chain reaction that obliterates the missile base nearby. The guests survive, but the villainous attempt collapses.
Impostors eliminated and Penelope lands
The remaining impostors are killed in a gunfight aboard the Tiger Moth. Penelope makes an emergency landing after stray bullets puncture the fuel tank, narrowly avoiding factory chimneys, a motorway bridge, and a tree. Parker is thrown from the plane, ending up dangling in its branches.
Brains unveils Thunderbird 6: the Tiger Moth revival
Back on Tracy Island, Brains unveils Thunderbird 6 as the Tiger Moth reconditioned for combat. The team agrees that this improvised craft has proven its value in the field, sealing its place in the fleet.
Thunderbird 6 Characters
Explore all characters from Thunderbird 6 (1968). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Alan Tracy (Matt Zimmerman)
Alan is the capable pilot who helps navigate the maiden voyage of Skyship One. He remains level-headed under pressure, recognizing dangers early and coordinating with Tin-Tin to keep the mission on course. His courage and practical flying skill are crucial during the airship’s crisis and rescue sequences.
Tin-Tin Kyrano (Christine Finn)
Tin-Tin is quick-witted and resourceful, detecting a bugging device and warning the team of the saboteurs’ plan. She acts as a key communicator, relaying critical information and assisting in the effort to salvage the situation. Her calm presence under pressure helps anchor the crew’s response.
Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward (Sylvia Anderson)
Penelope embodies poise and cunning, coordinating with the crew and leveraging her network to counter the threat. She helps uncover the saboteurs’ plot and keeps the passengers calm during danger. Her leadership and ingenuity prove pivotal in turning the crisis around.
Parker (Aloysius Parker) (David Graham)
Parker serves as the loyal, quick-thinking aide on the mission, assisting both on Skyship One and during the escape. He keeps the mood steady and supports the group’s efforts to outmaneuver the impostors. His practical humor lightens tense moments while delivering crucial help.
Brains (David Graham)
Brains is the brilliant engineer who proposes the Skyship One concept and plays a critical role in planning and improvisation during the crisis. His technical genius is a driving force behind the mission, though the plot emphasizes that innovation alone isn’t enough without practical action. He ultimately helps guide the emergency rescue from an unconventional angle.
Gordon Tracy (David Graham)
Gordon represents the steady, practical member of the team who brings experience and calm under fire. He supports the mission’s defense and recovery efforts, contributing to making difficult decisions in tight moments. His presence reinforces the family-led, cohesive approach to International Rescue.
Scott Tracy (Shane Rimmer)
Scott is a bold pilot who takes action when the threat becomes imminent, leaping into rescue duties with Virgil. He provides decisive leadership during the airship attack and helps coordinate the defense of Skyship One. His courage under fire is a cornerstone of the mission’s success.
Virgil Tracy (Jeremy Wilkin)
Virgil is the capable co-pilot who supports Scott in the Thunderbirds’ defense and in executing the rescue plan. He demonstrates quick reflexes and teamwork, helping to manage the crisis from the air and ensuring the passengers’ safety. His steadiness complements Scott’s bold action.
Jeff Tracy (Peter Dyneley)
Jeff is the founder and decision-maker behind International Rescue, setting the mission’s goals and dispatching his team in response to the crisis. His leadership under pressure keeps the rescue operation focused and coordinated. He also navigates the moral complexities of deploying advanced tech in dangerous situations.
Captain Foster (John Carson)
Captain Foster is one of the impostors who infiltrates Skyship One, posing as a crew member to carry out The Hood’s plan. He pursues his objective with ruthless efficiency, creating a tense counterforce that the heroes must outmaneuver. His presence highlights the dangers of subversion from within.
Black Phantom (Captain Foster I) / Lane (Gary Files)
Black Phantom is the alias used by the saboteurs operating under The Hood, orchestrating the deception from an abandoned airfield. The character embodies the menace of a concealed threat that forces the heroes to act decisively. The multiple identities reflect a cunning and versatile antagonist force.
James Glenn (Geoffrey Keen)
James Glenn is the high-level designer associated with the Skyship One project, providing the impetus for Brains’ open brief. He represents the leadership side of innovation, where ambitious plans meet the realities of engineering constraints. His presence anchors the project’s ambitious goals in the narrative.
Thunderbird 6 Settings
Learn where and when Thunderbird 6 (1968) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
2068
Set in the year 2068, the story unfolds in a near-future world of automated flight and anti-gravity propulsion. Aviation technology dominates, with corporations and international rescue teams playing pivotal roles. The year frames a global journey that tests both engineering innovation and human courage under pressure.
Location
England, Tracy Island, Casablanca airfield, Egyptian pyramids, Dover missile base
The action spans a global stage starting in England, where Skyship One is conceived, and extends to a remote airfield near Casablanca and a high-tech airship over international terrain. Key locations include the secret island base of Tracy Island, the Egyptian pyramids seen during the voyage, and a missile base near Dover that becomes central to the climactic rescue. The narrative moves from engineering labs to danger zones, emphasizing a high-tech world of international cooperation and peril.
Thunderbird 6 Themes
Discover the main themes in Thunderbird 6 (1968). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
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Automation
Skyship One is fully automated, challenging the crew to operate and respond without traditional piloting. Brains pushes for radical innovations even when there’s no strict specification, highlighting tensions between ingenuity and reliability. When the system falters, human skill and quick thinking prove essential to safety and survival.
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Espionage
The Hood’s deception unfolds through impostors and a covertly sabotaged crew, with Black Phantom exploiting the voyage for a hostile caper. Bugging devices and edited radio messages create a race against time to prevent a catastrophe. The intrigue hinges on trust, misdirection, and the heroes’ ability to see through the ruse.
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Teamwork
Despite cutting-edge technology, the crisis is resolved through cooperation across teams and vehicles. Alan, Tin-Tin, Penelope, and Brains coordinate with onboard and ground crews to outmaneuver the saboteurs. The Tiger Moth rescue, Thunderbirds’ support, and Brains’ quick thinking demonstrate that collaboration is key to overcoming impossible odds.
Thunderbird 6 Spoiler-Free Summary
Discover the spoiler-free summary of Thunderbird 6 (1968). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.
In the sleek, futuristic world of 2068, International Rescue prepares for a bold showcase: the maiden voyage of Skyship One, a massive lighter‑than‑air craft that glides on an experimental anti‑gravity field. The vessel is programmed for a seamless, round‑the‑world pilgrimage, skimming iconic landmarks and demonstrating the reach of modern engineering. As the world watches, the crew must balance the exhilaration of pioneering flight with the weight of responsibility that comes with such a high‑profile endeavor.
Among those aboard are Alan Tracy, a daring pilot eager to prove himself, and Tin‑Tin Kyrano, whose technical savvy adds a quiet confidence to the team. Lady Penelope brings poise and resourcefulness, while her loyal aide Parker offers both comic relief and steadfast support. Back on Tracy Island, the enigmatic Brains wrestles with his own creative challenges, and Jeff oversees the broader mission, ensuring that every contingency is accounted for. The dynamic between the youthful enthusiasm of the field agents and the seasoned oversight of the island’s leadership creates a lively tension that fuels the story’s adventurous spirit.
The flight quickly takes an unexpected turn when the experimental skyship is seized during its inaugural trek, thrusting the International Rescue team into a perilous mission that tests their ingenuity, teamwork, and resolve. With the aircraft gliding over continents and historic sites, the stakes rise as the crew races against time to safeguard both the marvel of technology and the lives aboard. The film balances high‑octane action with sleek, retro‑futuristic aesthetics, delivering a tone that is simultaneously grand‑scale and intimately human, inviting viewers to wonder how far courage can carry a daring venture before the very sky it navigates turns against it.
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