The Adventures of Twizzle (1957 Gerry Anderson Series)

The Adventures of Twizzle is the very first television show produced by AP Films and specifically Gerry Anderson, creator of popular British science fiction marionette shows such as Thunderbirds and Captain Scarlet, and created by Roberta Leigh and Suzanne Warner. Sources vary as to who directed the series. In addition to his production duties, Anderson also directed the action whilst photography was directed by Arthur Provis, Anderson's founding partner at AP Films. The music for the songs were written by Leslie Clair, the music was scored by Barry Gray, art direction came from Reg Hill and special effects (which at the outset amounted largely to scenery painting) were by Derek Meddings, all of whom would become long-time collaborators with Anderson. Twizzle and all the puppets for the 52 films were made by Joy Laurey, and there were two Twizzle puppets made for filming, one Twizzle puppet for conventional shots and another Twizzle puppet for the stunt shots when Twizzle's arms and legs became longer. The trick of extending Twizzle's arms and legs were based on a system of curtain rings and puppet strings pulled internally inside the puppets arms and legs.

Twizzle - from whom the series gets its name - is a boy doll with the ability to extend (or "twizzle") his legs and arms and wears a pixie like hat and has a cat companion known as "Footso". Although a boy, he was voiced by a woman, Nancy Nevinson who also narrated the series. Denise Bryer did Footso and the other voices. The series follows his adventures as he uses his abilities to get out of trouble.

Loss
Much like Roberta Leigh's other puppet series Sara & Hoppity, the entire series, save the first episode, Twizzle and Footso, is believed to be lost. A 16mm reel of this episode was discovered with the entire 16mm film reels of the entire series of Space Patrol in Roberta Leigh's possession. The pilot episode is as such included in the 2003 DVD release of Space Patrol.