The Prisoner
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- For other uses, see The Prisoner (disambiguation) and Prisoner.
| Image:Prisoner sm.jpg The Prisoner logo | |
| Format | Science fiction |
| Run time | 50 minutes |
| Creator | Patrick McGoohan George Markstein |
| Starring | Patrick McGoohan |
| Country | Image:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg United Kingdom |
| Network | ITV |
| Original run | 1967-10-01 – 1968-02-04 |
| Episodes | 17 |
The Prisoner was a 1967 UK science fiction television series, starring Patrick McGoohan. It was devised by McGoohan and George Markstein, and produced by Lew Grade's ITC Entertainment for broadcast on ITV and overseas. McGoohan wrote and directed several episodes, often under a pseudonym.
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[edit] Background
The leading character, Number Six, is apparently a former secret agent of the British government during the Cold War. He is never identified by name and the exact nature of his job is never explicitly indicated, though numerous episodes provide clues. After resigning his position, he is kidnapped and held prisoner in a small, isolated, eccentric seaside resort town known only as the Village. The authorities there (whose identity and allegiance are never made clear) attempt to determine — "by hook or by crook" — why Number 6 resigned. Throughout the series Number 6 tries to escape while defying all attempts to break his will. He also sets out to discover the identity of the mysterious "Number 1", who presumably runs the Village. Towards the end of its run, the show deviated quite considerably from this template.
Although sold as a spy thriller in the mould of McGoohan's previous series, Danger Man, the show's combination of 1960s countercultural themes and its surreal setting had a far-reaching effect upon science fiction-fantasy-genre television and also popular culture in general.
- In 2002, the series won the Prometheus Hall of Fame Award.
- In 2005, readers of SFX magazine awarded the series fifth place in a poll of fantasy television programmes.
- In a 2006 survey of leading rock and film stars by Uncut magazine on films, books, music or TV shows that changed the world, The Prisoner was ranked #10, which was the highest for a TV show.
In 2006 Granada Productions revealed plans for a remake for the Sky One channel, which will take "liberties" with the original.[1]
[edit] Format and setting
The series features striking and often surreal storylines, and themes include hypnosis, hallucinogenic drug experiences, identity theft, mind control, dream manipulation, and various forms of societal indoctrination.
Though 17 episodes were made, McGoohan originally intended to shoot just seven. The channel wanted a full series of 26 episodes, and 17 was decided upon as a compromise. There is debate as to whether the series ended by mutual agreement or cancellation. According to The Prisoner: The Official Companion to the Classic TV Series by Robert Fairclough, the series was indeed cancelled, forcing McGoohan to write the concluding episode "Fall Out" in only a few days.
As in Twin Peaks, the viewer sees much of the story from the point of view of a protagonist who often does not comprehend what is going on. In their attempts to understand, some people started watching it compulsively. The final episode caused so much confusion that the television network was besieged by phone calls and McGoohan was even hounded at home by baffled viewers demanding explanations.
[edit] The opening and closing sequence
[edit] Intro
The opening title sequence (seen in all but 2 episodes) begins with a visual of a blue sky and the incongruous sound of thunder. As the theme music begins, the view pans down to reveal an angry man, the future Number 6, driving in his Lotus Seven, past the Houses of Parliament in London, into an underground car park which seems to have a secret door leading directly to the office of a superior. The man mounts a fierce (but inaudible) argument before this superior, delivers a letter (presumably his resignation), and smashes his fist onto the desk, breaking a teacup saucer. He then drives home. Returning to his flat, he quickly packs his possessions, including photographs of a tropical white sand beach (possibly a clue to his intended destination). A hearse pulls up and a tall pallbearer approaches the front door. A white gas then floods the room through the keyhole, which renders our hero unconscious. He awakens in the Village, where the decor and the residents' clothes are of brightly coloured and peculiarly nautical style.
The following dialogue exchange runs over the opening titles of most episodes. The questioner is Number 6 and the respondent is Number 2, the Village chairman, a role occupied by a different man or woman in almost every episode (as indicated by the reference to the "new Number 2"):
- "Where am I?"
- "In the Village."
- "What do you want?"
- "Information."
- "Whose side are you on?"
- "That would be telling.... We want information. Information! INFORMATION!"
- "You won't get it."
- "By hook or by crook, we will."
- "Who are you?"
- "The new Number 2." (This may vary — see below.)
- "Who is Number 1?"
- "You are Number 6."
- "I am not a number — I am a free man!"
- (Laughter from Number 2.)
In most cases, the voice of Number 2 in the above exchange is provided by the actor playing the character in that particular episode. In a few episodes, Number 2 is not shown at all in order to not spoil the surprise as to the true identity of the character (such as the episodes "Many Happy Returns" and "The Girl Who Was Death") -- in these episodes a different voice is used without the image of the actor playing the role being shown. In a couple of intros, Number 2 says simply, "I am Number Two". This was used on "A. B. and C.", originally intended to be screened after "The General", which featured Colin Gordon as the character for the second time — therefore, he was not the new Number 2.
[edit] Outro
At the close of each episode, an image of Number 6's face rapidly approaches the viewer, rising up over a birds-eye view of the Village, growing quickly in size, but is stopped at the last second by clanging bars that slam shut, serving as the episode's outro. (According to The Prisoner: The Complete Scripts Volume 1, this sequence is all that remains of a rejected, early realization of the series' opening credits.)
[edit] Closing credits
The closing credits appear over a slowly assembling drawing of the penny-farthing bicycle logo of the Village. After the bicycle is fully assembled, footage of Rover, the large white balloon-like device that chases and pacifies or kills would-be escapees (see below), rising through water and bursting above the surface is shown, and Rover then bounces into the distance.
In the originally planned version of the closing credits, seen in the alternate version of "Chimes of Big Ben," Rover is not shown. Instead, the image of the bicycle frame fades out to leave only the wheels. The wheels then begin to spin faster and faster transforming into the Earth (little wheel) and the Universe (big wheel). The camera then zooms in towards the Earth which explodes into the word "POP". (This is an acronym for "Protect Other People" which is referenced in the episode "Once Upon a Time", and also in the show's occasional use of the song "Pop Goes the Weasel" in the soundtrack.)
[edit] The Village
Main article: The Village (The Prisoner)
The Village has a daily newspaper called the Tally Ho and a logo in the form of a canopied penny-farthing bicycle. The place is under the control of Number 2 (see below). "Work units" or "credits" serve as currency in its shops, and are kept track of with a hole-punched credit card. Throughout the Village, music plays in the background, nearly all of it alternating between rousing marching band music and lullabies, periodically interrupted by public announcements. The media and signage consistently incorporate sailing and resort themes.
The exact size of the Village is never established on screen. Besides the townsite, it is known to include a hospital building some distance away, as well as forested, mountainous, and coastal areas. The Village is large enough that one episode ("Living in Harmony") established that an entire Old West town was built somewhere in the vicinity. In "Arrival" (and other episodes) Number 6 views the Village from the air, yet is apparently unable to spot any surrounding towns or cities. In other episodes (depending upon the camera angle), buildings can clearly be seen on the far side of the bay. Nevertheless, all maps of the village seen in the series display only the central townsite.
Scenes of the Village were filmed at Portmeirion, a resort village near Penrhyndeudraeth in Wales, and at MGM Borehamwood Studios in England. By utilizing MGM's backlot, the production was able to add whole areas to the Village that were not represented in real life at Portmeirion.
[edit] Security and surveillance in the Village (the white balloons)
An underground control centre monitors closed-circuit television cameras located throughout the Village. Regular observers continually spy on Villagers and foil Number 6's escape attempts with the aid of Rover, a large white balloon-like device that chases and pacifies or kills would-be escapees. Rover was originally intended to be a robotic machine, rather like a Dalek [2] (see Doctor Who), but when the prototype failed to work during the first episode's shoot, the crew noticed a weather balloon in the sky and used this out of inspiration.
Citizens use the phrase "Be seeing you" as a farewell, accompanied by a waving gesture consisting of thumb and forefinger forming a circle over the right eye, then tipped forward in a salute. This may be a reminder that in the Village you are under constant surveillance; anyone may be a Warden, a stooge working for Number Two.
Guards wear the same style of resort clothing and numbered badges as the prisoners, and mingle seamlessly among the general population. Thus, it's nearly impossible for prisoners to determine which Villagers can be trusted and which ones can't.
[edit] Number 6
Number 6 typically wears a very deep brown (often mistaken for black, and usually appearing in the episodes as such) jacket with white piping trim, a dark blue or black mock-turtleneck shirt, tan slacks, black boating shoes with white soles, and usually forsakes his "6" ID badge. There were at least two dark jackets, with slight differences in the white piping. Little is known about Number 6's background other than that he fought in a war and was born on March 19, 1928 (which is also McGoohan's birthday). The flashback setup in "Once Upon a Time" suggests that Number 6 was a bomber crewman, most likely with RAF Bomber Command. His seated position relative to the pilot (portrayed in illusion by Number 2) indicates that he was a bombardier-navigator in de Havilland Mosquito penetration fighter-bombers. As the Mosquito was operational with the Royal Air Force as late as 1952, and used in training for over a decade afterward, it is highly possible that the Prisoner might have trained in "Mossies".
He refuses to reveal the reason behind his resignation, despite constant efforts by Number 2 to get this information from him.
Number 6 initially spends his energy seeking ways to escape, and later in the series turns his attention to finding out more about the Village and its unseen rulers. His attempts are easily rebuffed by Village authorities. However, their efforts to extract information necessitate increasingly drastic measures through the course of the series.
- Number 6 always assumed that someone designated "Number One" was in charge of the Village, but at no time do any of the Village's visible authorities directly acknowledge the existence of such a person. Even when discussing the matter with Number Six, a clear, direct statement is never forthcoming (The Chimes of Big Ben). In their official functions, Number Two and the Village operations staff have never referred to him by title (In "Free For All", Number Two refers to Number Six's desire to meet Number One, but not that he actually exists). Some have interpreted this as indicating that there actually is no "Number One" in the personal sense, much like the non-existent Big Brother in George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four. It is evident, however, that there is someone who certainly seems to give direct orders to Number 2, because in several episodes, Number 2 appears intimidated by telephone calls from a person addressed only as "Sir".
The later episodes feature fewer escape bids and more psychological themes such as the nature of power and authority, and their relationship with liberty. His cunning and defiance only increase while in captivity: in Hammer Into Anvil he reduces Number 2 to a mad, paranoid wreck through deception. As the Number 2s become more coercive and desperate, Number 6's behaviour becomes progressively sharp, uncompromising, and eccentric.
While the reason for choosing six as the designated number of the main character is unknown, reviewer Alden Loveshade has suggested that it may be a reference to the Christian Old Testament/Jewish scripture. At the beginning of almost every episode, the main character insists "I am not a number. I am a free man!" In Hebrew numerology, the number six represents the sixth day of creation when God created Man, and is thus recognized as "the number of man." "Number 6," then, may represent "Everyman," which is a common theme of the series. This could explain why the main character insists he is not a number, yet never reveals his name. He may represent us all.[3]
[edit] Number 2
The Village is openly administered by an official designated as "Number 2". Number 2's identity usually changes with each episode. There are two Number 2s with repeat appearances: Leo McKern appeared in three episodes, and Colin Gordon in two. With the exception of "Fall Out", this was the result of the actors performing their roles in two consecutive episodes filmed back to back. Colin Gordon was filmed in "The General" followed immediately with "A. B. and C." McKern was featured in the series pilot episode, "The Chimes of Big Ben," and then featured in the first production episode to be filmed "Once Upon a Time."
The various Number 2s seem to make use of several symbols of their authority. One of the most striking is the Seal, a large golden medallion, somewhat in the style of a mayoral chain, with the penny-farthing logo and the official title "Chief Administrator". This is only seen in one episode, "It's Your Funeral". The two more visible signs are a multicoloured scarf and a colourful umbrella stick (used as a cane). Most, though not all, of the Number 2s seem to use these symbolic objects.
It seems that Number 2's main duty is to break the will of Number 6. Throughout the series, Number 2 tries to discover why Number 6 resigned. Number 6 refuses to answer, stating only that it was "a matter of conscience", and not open to inquiry. A variety of interrogation, intimidation, drugs, and mind control techniques are used by sequential Number 2s. Number 6's value prevents the Number 2s from using brutal methods — routinely employed on other prisoners — against him.
The first episode, "Arrival", established that the people holding the position of Number 2 were rotated on a regular basis. Some fans have interpreted the removal of a Number 2 exclusively as a punishment for failure, but there were only two individuals who actually fit this categorization. The episode "Free for All" suggests that Number 2s could be "democratically elected by the people." However, this was part of the attempt used by the Number 2 of that episode to break Number 6.
One of these Number 2s was recalled to the Village as the final Number 2 (as played by McKern). This Number 2 appears to hold a position of some distinction. In the final episode, "Fall Out", McKern's character uses the Lord's Entrance in the Palace of Westminster, indicating that he is a member of Parliament, having either inherited a title through birth or received a title from the Crown. An alternative interpretation is that the Palace of Westminster is a symbol of democracy, in contrast to the theme of totalitarianism and the suppression of the individual.
[edit] Cast
- Patrick McGoohan ... Number Six (17 episodes)
- Angelo Muscat ... The Butler (14 episodes)
- Peter Swanwick ... Supervisor (8 episodes)
- Leo McKern ... Number Two (3 episodes)
- Colin Gordon ... Number Two (2 episodes)
[edit] Episodes
This is the original order in which the episodes were broadcast in Britain, not the production order or chronological story order. Note however even the broadcast order is not that originally intended by McGoohan. For instance, it is very likely from the story details and opening sequences that "The General" precedes "A. B. and C." in sequence. It should be noted that extensive debate has taken place among dedicated fans trying to determine a "correct" order for the episodes. Many have analyzed the series line-by-line for time references which in many cases provide different, sometimes radically different, episode orders compared to the broadcast order. The first UK transmission of each of the first 14 episodes was made by ATV (Midlands) and Grampian Television. The final three episodes were first shown in the UK by Scottish Television. These transmissions are listed below.
| Episode | Title | Original airdate (UK) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-1 | "Arrival" | September 29, 1967 |
| 1-2 | "The Chimes of Big Ben" | October 6, 1967 |
| 1-3 | "A. B. and C." | October 13, 1967 |
| 1-4 | "Free for All" | October 20, 1967 |
| 1-5 | "The Schizoid Man" | October 27, 1967 |
| 1-6 | "The General" | November 3, 1967 |
| 1-7 | "Many Happy Returns" | November 10, 1967 |
| 1-8 | "Dance of the Dead" | November 17, 1967 |
| 1-9 | "Checkmate" | November 24, 1967 |
| 1-10 | "Hammer Into Anvil" | December 1, 1967 |
| 1-11 | "It's Your Funeral" | December 8, 1967 |
| 1-12 | "A Change of Mind" | December 15, 1967 |
| 1-13 | "Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling" | December 22, 1967 |
| 1-14 | "Living in Harmony" | December 29, 1967 |
| 1-15 | "The Girl Who Was Death" | January 18, 1968 |
| 1-16 | "Once Upon a Time" | January 25, 1968 |
| 1-17 | "Fall Out" | February 1, 1968 |
[edit] Unproduced episodes
Several unproduced storylines and scripts for the series are known to exist, several of which were published in a two-volume collection of Prisoner scripts edited by Robert Fairclough and published by Reynolds and Hearn in 2005 and 2006.
- "The Outsider" by Moris Farhi (complete script included in Volume 1)
- "Ticket to Eternity" by Eric Mival (synopsis included in Volume 1)
- "Friend or Foe" by Mival (synopsis included in Volume 1)
- "Don't Get Yourself Killed" by Gerald Kelsey (complete script included in Volume 2)
[edit] Spin-offs and continuations
[edit] Novels
Ace Books in the United States published three novels based upon the television series.
The first of these, titled initially The Prisoner by Thomas M. Disch (later republished as I Am Not a Number!), was issued in 1969 (some editions carry a 1967 copyright date but this refers to the series, not the book). Considered non-canonical, it details the recapture of the Prisoner after he had been been brainwashed to forget his original experience in The Village, and his struggles to remember what was taken from him and to escape again from The Village (or another Village). Some sources erroneously list Disch as the creator of the TV series, as he is the writer of the first novel based upon the show.
Also in 1969 Ace published two additional original novels based upon the series. These books, which take place after the events of "Fall Out," are notable for stating explicitly that Number 6 is John Drake from Danger Man. The two books are also not considered canonical.
- The Prisoner: Number Two by David McDaniel (also published as Who is Number Two?)
- The Prisoner: A Day in the Life by Hank Stine
All three novels have been reprinted numerous times over the years; most recently the Disch and Stine books were republished in 2002. Additionally, all three books were republished in omnibus form. The reference work The Whole Story: 3000 Years of Sequels & Sequences 2nd edition by John E. Simkin erroneously lists an additional volume by McDaniel entitled Prisoner 3 being released in 1981, but no such book was ever published.
In the 1980s, Roger Langley of the Prisoner Appreciation Society wrote three novellas based upon the series:
- Charmed Life
- Think Tank
- When in Rome
These books were made available through the fan club, and at the Prisoner Shop in Portmeirion and are long out of print.
In 2004, Powys Media announced plans for a new series of novels based upon the series, with the first volume scheduled for release in the United States in March 2005. To date five novels have been announced, all to be published in trade paperback format. According to Powys Media, at least six books are planned (a seventh novel, from Robert Sheckley, was never written due to the passing of the author). Although officially licensed, it has not yet been determined whether the books are considered canonical.
- The Prisoner's Dilemma by Jonathan Blum and Rupert Booth; introduction by J. Michael Straczynski (March 2005)
- Miss Freedom by Andrew Cartmel (Fall 2006)
- The Last Waltz by John Kenneth Muir (2007)
- Number Two Is Missing by Ben Aaronovitch (2007)
- Endgame by William Latham (2007)
[edit] Comic books
The premise of the television series fascinated comic book artist Jack Kirby, who created a four-issue homage in 1969 in Fantastic Four #82-85, in which the superhero team finds itself in Doctor Doom's Latveria, a city like the Village in many respects. In the early 1970s, Marvel Comics considered launching a comic book based on The Prisoner, with art by Jack Kirby. A test issue was put together but never published. Original artwork from this comic still exists and occasionally turns up for auction. Some of it has been published in the comic book fanzine Jack Kirby Collector. The surviving artwork suggests that the first issue, at least, would have been an adaptation of "Arrival." [4]
Patrick McGoohan and ITC Entertainment vetted the story and art. The likenesses of McGoohan and Leo McKern were featured for their characters’ return and it is rumored that while the notoriously critical McGoohan "didn’t hate" the series, McKern was flattered to be a "comic book villain" for the first time.
[edit] Computer games
- Main article: The Prisoner (computer game)
In the early 1980s, Edu-Ware produced two computer games based upon the series for the Apple II computer. The first, titled simply, The Prisoner, was released in 1980, followed by a remake, Prisoner 2 in 1982.
The first game in Broderbund's "Myst" series featured a location called "Stoneship," that resembles the Stone Boat at Portmeirion.
[edit] Role-playing games
Steve Jackson Games' popular role-playing game system GURPS released a (now out of print) world book for The Prisoner. It included maps, episode synopses, details of the Village and its inhabitants, and much other material. For instance, it has suggestions for game scenarios with the premise interpretation for outer space, heroic fantasy, horror and even complete inversion into something akin to Hogan's Heroes.
[edit] The return of The Prisoner
A movie version of The Prisoner has been in development hell for many years at Universal Pictures. At one point Simon West was attached as director with Patrick McGoohan on board as an executive producer, script consultant, and possible cameo appearance. Many A-list actors have been rumoured to play Number 6, with Russell Crowe believed to be the favourite. Patrick McGoohan also mentioned in a 1997 interview with French TV that he would like to see Mel Gibson play the lead role.
It was announced in late 2005 that Granada will be reviving the series for Sky One, beginning in Spring 2007.[5] Christopher Eccleston has been linked with the role, but these rumours were strongly denied by Eccleston's agent in the 30 May 2006 issue of Radio Times. According to the 3 June - 9 June issue of the magazine, the new series re-make will be entitled Number Six and not The Prisoner.
As of August 2006, Universal Pictures is near a deal for Christopher Nolan to direct a feature version of TV series. Janet and David Peoples are set to write the script. Scott Stuber, Mary Parent, Barry Mendel and Emma Thomas will produce.
[edit] References in popular culture
See: References to The Prisoner in popular culture
[edit] Awards
The final episode, "Fall Out" received a Hugo Award nomination for Best Dramatic Presentation in 1969 but lost out to 2001: A Space Odyssey.
[edit] Trivia
- The episode "Living in Harmony" was not aired in the United States for the series' initial network run because of its strong pacifist message, this was while the Vietnam War was in full swing.
- "Do Not Forsake Me, Oh My Darling" was produced while McGoohan was in America filming Ice Station Zebra. As a workaround to McGoohan's absence the writers contrived to have Number 6's mind implanted in another man's body (Nigel Stock), who is then sent out of the Village to help capture a scientist.
[edit] External links
- The Prisoner at the Internet Movie Database
- The Prisoner and Portmeirion news and articles
- TV.com's The Prisoner
- The Prisoner in the Encyclopedia of Television
- The Prisoner article at British Film Institute Screen Online
- In depth analysis of the series, The Prisoner’s Dilemma Of Ambiguity
- Theories: The Prisoner U.S. Home Page
- The Anorak's Guide to The Prisoner
- Covering the original TV series, the 2007 Sky remake and The Prisoner movie newsde:Nummer 6
es:The Prisoner fr:Le Prisonnier it:Il prigioniero (serie televisiva) he:האסיר nl:The Prisoner ja:プリズナーNo.6
Categories: Articles contradicting other articles | 1960s TV shows in the United States | CBS network shows | DC Comics titles | Espionage television series | ITC Distributions | ITV television programmes | Science fiction television series | The Prisoner | Drama television series | Serial drama television series
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