Why Thunderbirds Characters Have American Accents, Except Lady Penelope and Parker
Why Thunderbirds Characters Have American Accents, Except Lady Penelope and Parker
Thunderbirds was a British animated series that captivated audiences worldwide during its run in the 1960s. Despite being a British production, the characters in Thunderbirds often spoke with American accents, with the notable exception of Lady Penelope and Parker. This article delves into the reasons behind this linguistic phenomenon and provides insight into how the show's creator, Gerry Anderson, approached international audiences.
Origin of American Accents
The characters in Thunderbirds speak with American accents due to their American origins, excluding Lady Penelope and Parker. While the program was primarily set in Britain, its characters were often portrayed as American citizens. This decision was based on the real-life backgrounds of the characters:
Jeff Tracy
Jeff Tracy, the father and head of the Tracy Family, was born in Kansas to a wheat farmer, Grant Tracy, and his wife (Grandma Tracy). It's logical to assume that Jeff was born in America, given his agricultural background and the fact that his sons attended American universities.
Scott Tracy
Scott Tracy was named after Mercury 7 astronaut Malcolm Scott Carpenter. He earned his education at both Yale and Oxford Universities and joined the United States Air Force. This background played a significant role in the decision to give him an American accent.
John Tracy
John Tracy, another son of Jeff Tracy, was named after Mercury 7 astronaut John Glenn. Similarly, he attended Harvard University and followed in his father's footsteps by becoming an astronaut, contributing to his American identity.
Alan Tracy
Alan Tracy, the youngest son of Jeff Tracy, was named after Mercury 7 astronaut Alan Shepard. He studied at Colorado University, further solidifying his American identity within the context of the show.
Gordon Tracy
Gordon Tracy was named after Mercury 7 astronaut Leroy Gordon Cooper. His character's American background was established through his father's choice of name and nationality.
Virgil Tracy
Virgil Tracy, the Tracys' pet parrot, was named after Mercury 7 astronaut Virgil "Gus" Grissom. Although a fictional character, his name may have been chosen to align with the astronaut's background, further emphasizing the American connection.
Reasons for American Accents in Thunderbirds
Several factors led to the decision to give Thunderbirds characters American accents:
American Imperialism and Trade Barriers
Gerry Anderson, the creator of Thunderbirds, believed that for his productions to be successful, they had to perform well in the United States. This was a common strategy used in the television industry during that era. The USA, like many countries, had restrictive trade barriers that limited the number of foreign TV series and films that could be shown within its borders.
One of the few exceptions was the British series The Avengers, which was set in the UK but had characters with American accents. While The Avengers showed that it was possible to have American accents in a British setting, Gerry Anderson did not take this route for Thunderbirds. Instead, he chose to make the entire cast of Thunderbirds American, creating a world where Americans were the protagonists and heroes.
Logistical and Practical Reasons
From a production standpoint, using American accents could simplify the process of casting and dubbing. It also made it easier to find actors who were capable of portraying American characters, as many British actors had the ability to convincingly speak with American accents.
Conclusion
The choice to give most of the characters in Thunderbirds American accents reflects Gerry Anderson's strategic approach to international television content. The show's success in the United States and other countries was paramount, and giving the characters American identities helped to create a more relatable and accessible viewing experience for international audiences. While this decision was made with a practical and commercial focus, it adds an interesting layer to the show's narrative and cultural impact.