The Prisoner (1967–1968)

After resigning, a secret agent is abducted and taken to what looks like an idyllic village, but is really a bizarre prison. His warders demand information. He gives them nothing, but only tries to escape.

Stars:

Patrick McGoohan, Angelo Muscat, Peter Swanwick

1 nomination.

Cast

Complete series cast summary:
Patrick McGoohan	...	Number Six (16 episodes, 1967-1968)
Angelo Muscat	...	The Butler (14 episodes, 1967-1968)
Peter Swanwick	...	Supervisor (8 episodes, 1967-1968)

Storyline

"The Prisoner" is a unique piece of television. It addresses issues such as personal identity and freedom, democracy, education, scientific progress, art and technology, while still remaining an entertaining drama series. Over seventeen episodes we witness a war of attrition between the faceless forces behind 'The Village' (a Kafkaesque community somewhere between Butlins and Alcatraz) and its most strong willed inmate, No. 6. who struggles ceaselessly to assert his individuality while plotting to escape from his captors.

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Plot Keywords:

information | prison | number | secret | british | 

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Taglines:

No Man Is Just A Number.

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Genres:

Action | Drama | Mystery | Sci-Fi

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Details

Official Sites:

The Prisoner Appreciation Society: Six of One

Country:

UK

Language:

English Russian German Romany Spanish French Polish

Release Date:

1 June 1968 (USA)

Also Known As:

Le prisonnier

Filming Locations:

Abingdon Street, London, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Everyman Films, Incorporated Television Company (ITC)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

50 min 50 min (17 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Mono Dolby Digital (DVD Release)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The Village produces several publications, the best known being "The Tally Ho" newspaper. Sometimes "the Tally Ho" can be bought in a shop/stall, and sometimes it comes straight off a small mangle like press. Magazines (rarely seen, except for covers in background) include the Village Mercury and Village Weekly, which appear more aimed at women.

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Goofs

In the opening sequence, the letter X is typed across the prisoner's photograph, but the typewriter typebar for the letter H is moving. The typebar for the letter X is at the far right of the frame.

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Quotes

Number 2: [shouting] Why, why, why did you resign?

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Crazy Credits

The episode "Fall Out" begins with a special dedication to Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, acknowledging him and the Hotel Portmeirion on screen before the title "Fall Out" appears.

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Connections

Referenced in The Very Best of 'Have I Got News for You' (2002)

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Soundtracks

"Main Title Theme"
Written by Ron Grainer
Performed by Ron Grainer Orchestra

User Reviews

Absolutely essential viewing!

'The Prisoner' is one of those things that inspires either absolute devotion or utter confusion. There are no halfway reactions to this TV series. Many consider it to be the most imaginative and original TV show ever, and I'm inclined to agree with them. Nothing until 'Twin Peaks' came close to competing with it. However unlike 'Twin Peaks', 'The Prisoner' knew when to stop. There is hardly a bad episode in the whole series, and the final show is perfect. Patrick McGoohan will always have an important place in not only television history, but pop culture as a whole, from his involvement with this stunning and unforgettable show. To me it gets better and better as the years go by. If you haven't ever seen it make sure you do so! You don't know what you're missing!