" What was STINGRAY? "

Created by the legendary Gerry Anderson, STINGRAY was the precursor to Thunderbirds, the smash hit series currently enjoying a huge revival on television. STINGRAY made television history when it was produced in 1964 as it marked Britain's first television series filmed in colour - something demanded by the lucrative US television market.

The series was originally transmitted in black and white as colour television was not launched in the UK until 1967.  However, recent repeats of the eternally popular STINGRAY adventures have been transmitted in their full colour glory and Carlton Video have remastered all the episodes to ensure they are shown to their full advantage on Video and DVD.

Set in the year 2065 in the underwater world of Marineville, the surface world is at peace and united under one democracy.  Having conquered the galaxy, man has turned his attention to the exploration of inner space, the oceans that cover three fifths of the world and provide a vital new source of mineral resources.  But this inner sanctum is peopled by many alien races, who are hostile to the 'surface' people whom they see as invaders of their domain.    One group, the Aquaphibians, a race of undersea warriors ruled by Titan, have sworn to invade the surface world and destroy the forces of the World Security Patrol an international organisation set up to preserve world peace.

At the hub of this organisation is the World Aquanaut Security Patrol (WASP), an ocean police force which patrols the seas of the world, protecting it from enemy threats. WASP's most powerful asset is the sleek and deadly underwater craft STINGRAY, captained by the enigmatic Troy Tempest.

Captain Troy Tempest has constant support from a complex cast of characters, amongst whom are George Lee Sheridan, known to his colleagues as Phones due to his expertise on the Hydrophone underwater communication system; Marina, a tail-less mermaid from an underwater continent, rescued by Troy and Phones from her enslavement by Titan.

Unable to communicate vocally with her friends, Marina understands what is said to her and makes herself understood by the expressive use of her hands.  Marina's muteness is due to the fact that she was sworn to silence by Titan who warned her that if she ever spoke again, her people and her city would be destroyed.  Passionately in love with Troy, Marina engages in friendly rivalry with Atlanta, the assistant communications officer on STINGRAY, who fell passionately in love with Troy on their first meeting and constantly tries to get him to propose - despite the fact that she feels Troy's heart lies with Marina.

 Stingray factoids

   » The chiselled good looks of Troy Tempest were fashioned after those of
      Hollywood actor James Garner.

   » Bug-eyed Agent X-2 Zero was based upon actor Claude Rains, whilst
      Titan has a hint of Laurence Olivier chiselled into his features.

   » In the episode "Ghost of the Sea" we learn how Sam Shore became disabled.
    
   » Marina has a pet seal called Oink. During an Arctic mission, he saves the
      crew and is adopted as the Stingray mascot.

   » The Aquaphibians traverse the oceans in fish-shaped craft called Terror Fish.

   » Titan bows to no one, except the fish god Teufel, who dwells in a tank in
      his thone room. Just as Roman Emperors would give prisoners and gladiators
      a "thumbs up" to save or deny them, so Teufel decides the fate of Titanica's
      foes by turning his back on them. Those rejected by him are carted away
      to the undersea prison of Aquatraz