BAH BAH bah, bi-dooby-dooby-bah Swingle Singer-esque sublime theme tune heralded the start of this, GERRY ANDERSON’s never before seen and little watched since attempt at mixing demented live action and dubious puppetry. The former came courtesy of PROFESSOR STANLEY “FOLDIROLD” UNWIN babbling on about the fate of the world as a secret agent vicar working for BISHOP (British Intelligence Secret Headquarters, Operationg Priest) with a Model T and a literal “Man in a Suitcase” (tiny yokel puppet bloke Matthew). The latter were voiced variously by, as usual, SYLVIA ANDERSON, KEITH ALEXANDER and GARY FILES. Incomprehensible, largely; inimitable, always.
The Incredible Shrinking Man
April 23, 2010 at 6:59 pm
It was also axed because Lord Lew didn’t like the fact that Professor Stanley spoke his gobbledigook every episode, even though it only happened once a week. He couldn’t understand him and thought the audience wouldn’t like it either! It’s still one of the best things Gerry Anderson ever did, though, all charming and whimsical and frankly nutty. Shame it never really took off before it was, er, taken off.
Richardpd
April 10, 2024 at 10:37 pm
It was quite innovative to mix puppets & live action. Expanding on the real hands used in previous shows to move in ways the puppets couldn’t do!
Lew Grade seemed to miss the point of gobbledigook, as it was supposed to be confusing, but I imagine it would be hard to translate when exporting the show.