TREKS IN SCI-FI FORUM

Main Decks => Television => Topic started by: Meds on February 21, 2008, 02:39:46 PM

Title: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: Meds on February 21, 2008, 02:39:46 PM
With only 17 episodes to it's name The Prisoner was cut short in it's prime. Or was it? In my opinion this amazing and ground breaking programme should only have run to 12 episodes. Patrick McGoohan the actor who at one time was Englands highest paid TV star originally intended that the series should only be short. He was tired of doing Danger man and had no intention on doing another lengthy TV series. But as is with every TV programme if it is becomes a success, then  in the producers eyes  more programmes are demanded. McGoohan along with George Markstein created a programme that i believe saw into the future as Star Trek did. The first episode 'Arrival' captures the viewer with it's quiet scary ambiance while dealing you the unexpected blows of sudden action mixed with every day noise (a chime of the village clock awakening the village says it all). So is it important? For me yes. The show has heart, intrigue, action and dedication and that is what for me makes a great programme. It is a shame that last year Granada along with Sky cancelled it's plan to remake the programme. A few people demanded that the show be left alone, but me, no. I'm all for it being remade or even re-invisioned. You only have to look at TNG to see how a good a upgrade can be. sadly this looks like it will never happen. Patrick McGoohan has write a script but it seems the Big companies don't want to touch it, why should they when they can make cheap reality TV programmes that amazingly seem to win awards. If you think The Prisoner is a important programme in the world of Sci Fi (for that is what it is, big white alien style balls chasing you can't be from a Jane Austin novel) please let me know.
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: Rico on February 21, 2008, 03:31:05 PM
Hawkeye - I just love "The Prisoner."  It's such a great series about psychology, and man vs. the state and oppression.  Very Trek-like in many ways.  McGoohan did such a great job on that series and I love the theme music and setting.  I need to talk about it on a podcast sometime.  "I am not a number.  I am a man!"

Great, great stuff and a very important series I think.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14eUKogPF7s
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: Duffster on February 21, 2008, 04:38:48 PM
Man , when I was a kid those giant bubbles scared me to death!!! I do love this show though, one of my favorites.

Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: Ktrek on February 21, 2008, 05:09:38 PM
Quote from: Duffster on February 21, 2008, 04:38:48 PM
Man , when I was a kid those giant bubbles scared me to death!!! I do love this show though, one of my favorites.



Me too! I love the show but as a kid it kind of spooked me and was somewhat confusing. It was a great sequel to Danger Man and Secret Agent Man. I always have loved spy shows and movies.

I agree that it probably could not have gone on longer than it did, but what episodes were done are some of the most creative ever on television. Way way ahead of it's time.

Kevin
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: jedijeff on February 21, 2008, 08:16:22 PM
I really enjoyed this show as well, and it has been a long time since I have seen it. Since it has been so long since I have seen it, I would just like to see it again, don't really need to see an updated version of it. Part of why I liked it, was the time it was filmed in, and at least for me, got me really into the story. If they modernized it, it might take me out of the story. I liked that it was so short, and every episode counted. That would be cool if Rico covered The Prisoner on the podcast some time.
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: Amar on February 21, 2008, 11:31:52 PM
Quote from: Rico on February 21, 2008, 03:31:05 PM
"I am not a number.  I am a man!"

"I am not a number, I'm a free man!"

Not to be a nitpicker.

Amar
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: Rico on February 22, 2008, 04:39:28 AM
Quote from: Amar on February 21, 2008, 11:31:52 PM
Quote from: Rico on February 21, 2008, 03:31:05 PM
"I am not a number.  I am a man!"

"I am not a number, I'm a free man!"

Not to be a nitpicker.

Amar

Did it from memory.  Been awhile since I watched.  Plus, I'm not quite sure he said it exactly the same way each time.  Not to be a nitpicker.  ;)
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: Meds on February 22, 2008, 01:02:39 PM
Ha Ha, He only said " I am not a number i am a free man "  it at the beginning of each episode, well not every episode i think he said it in 14 out of the 17. I think a Prisoner podcast from you Rico would be absolutely amazing. They have just released the 40th Anniversary DVD box set which is worth picking up as the negative has been cleaned up and looks great.
"I will not be pushed, Filed, Stamped, Indexed, Briefed, De-Briefed or numbered. My Life is my own."
Portmerion in Wales (UK) near Portmadog where they filmed the series is a wonderful place to visit if anyone wonders over to Britain. The only thing is, is that when you visit it the place is very small, so it does show how the TV makes things look bigger. I had to make my own blazer with white piping not long ago for a themed party as i could not get hold of one that looked authentic. I've still got it so i may go for a run on the beach and drag a ball behind me.
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: Rico on February 22, 2008, 01:41:59 PM
Yes, I know he said that line in the opening of the shows.  But he also said lines like that throughout the series when he was being questioned, etc.  The basic idea is of course he won't be thought of just as a number.  He fought the system.  By the way, I loved how the series ended.  I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but I always thought that was rather unique.

I'll look into that boxed DVD set.  I have the series on good old VHS tape still.  ;)
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: sheldor on February 22, 2008, 03:48:55 PM
This was a great show.   There are quite a few shows I would like to see come back in reruns.
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: Locutus on February 23, 2008, 12:50:59 AM
Terrific show, and very influential.

There was an episode of SciFi's "I-Man" based on "The Prisoner" where they sent the retired spies to an idyllic village. They have had 'The Prisoner" spoofs on "The Simpsons"; one even featured McGoohan's voice, I think. There have been other "Prisoner" sightings in other shows:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0061287/movieconnections

There were only to be six (or eight, I forget) episodes at first, but the network wanted 21. McGoohan managed to wheedle them down to 16, but the final episode stayed the final episode the entire time. That was how he wanted the show to end from the beginning.
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: Meds on February 24, 2008, 02:08:35 PM
Well Once Upon a Time was made Leo Mckern had a small breakdown after filming. When you watch the episode you can see the powerful performance of both actors and how mush stress must have been on both f them. McGoohan wrote this episode and when it came to filming it was decided to make several more episodes. McKern Left to recover and continue his career but in the mean time he shaved off his beard and this is the reason during the fall out film we see the old number 2 having a strange recovery scenario so we can see the new look. The Prisoner is a fight against yourself, hence the ending. And staying with Rico's rule of not spoiling it for anyone check the entire series out and judge for yourself. According to various reports from several Prisoner fan clubs it is not a sequel to Danger Man, but not so long ago Pat McGoohan said the character could well be that of John Drake.
And the ending for me was brilliant. When it was first shown Pat had to leave England for Switzerland because of the uproar, which is good for one point (always good to get any reaction from your writing) but bad from the point we lost him from our shores. Future Prisoner related nod to the series comes in several Colombo episodes that McGoohan wrote, directed and starred in, The Simpson's  (good call Locutus) and the BBC spoof The Laughing Prisoner starring Jools Holland and the great Stephen Fry.
Meds
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: jedijeff on February 24, 2008, 06:46:23 PM
Quote from: HawkeyeMeds on February 24, 2008, 02:08:35 PM
According to various reports from several Prisoner fan clubs it is not a sequel to Danger Man, but not so long ago Pat McGoohan said the character could well be that of John Drake.

Was that series know as Secret Agent Man as well? I remember McGoohan was in that as well, and thought that The Prisoner might have been loosley based off of it.
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: Meds on February 25, 2008, 03:14:47 AM
Yeah Jeff it was know as Secret Agent man in the US and you had a different set of titles and theme music but here it was known as  Danger man in the UK. There was a total of 86 episodes. Season 1 had 39 black and white 30 min episodes which i don't think were available in America at the time due to a failed sale deal. Lew Grade head of ITC commissioned a new series and sold it to America, Season 2 had 32 black and white 60 minute episodes, Season 3 had 13 black and white episodes and finally concluded with Season 4's 2 colour 60 minute episodes. The character of John Drake is very similar to that of Number 6 and what is interesting is that a lot of the production staff and actors who appeared in The Prisoner were also involved in Danger man. One obvious character is that of 'Potter' played by Christopher Benjamin. He appeared as Drakes contact man in Season 4's Koroshi / Shinda Shima episodes and turns up in The Prisoners 'The Girl who was Death episode under the same name. One trivia fact is that in the Girl who was Death episode the countdown sequence that triggers the rocket was stock footage taken from Thunderbirds. The cheeky little borrowers.
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: Locutus on March 02, 2008, 10:28:05 PM
Ah, Thunderbirds.

I remember watching other series - Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons.

That one was fun, too.
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: Locutus on March 02, 2008, 11:00:53 PM
More trivia:

According to IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090605/trivia

#In the film "Aliens"


# The sound-effect used for doors opening and closing used throughout the movie is identical to the sound-effect used for the "automatic doors" in "The Prisoner" (1967).

# The sound-effect of the video-phone "ring" when Ripley contacts Burke early on in the film is the same as that used for the Village telephones in "The Prisoner" (1967).
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: Meds on March 03, 2008, 01:18:07 PM
what a great match, good finding locutus. More trivia to come
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: Meds on April 28, 2008, 01:42:36 PM
THE PRISONER REMAKE

After years in the world of will they won't they it appears The Prisoner IS to be remade. This is a article from The Daily Post a newspaper in North Wales.


Prisoner TV series re-make planned

Apr 28 2008 by Eryl Crump, Daily Post

ITV has confirmed it is working on a re-make of cult TV classic The Prisoner, which was filmed 40 years ago at Portmeirion.

A spokesman for the channel told the Daily Post that filming would take place in late summer to early autumn.

While no locations have been ruled in or ruled out it is likely that Portmeirion, the Italianate village near Porthmadog, will be one of the main sites.

Patrick McGoohan, who starred in the original series filmed in 1968, is expected to make a cameo appearance.

An ITV spokesman said: "It's not so much a second series – we are in development for remaking or re-versioning The Prisoner, that's true.

"No casting has been confirmed so the names that have been mentioned are pure speculation. Also the suggestion we're already filming scenes in Libya is untrue. We haven't worked out where we're going to be filming it at this stage."

Portmortmeirion Village managing director Robin Llywelyn welcomed news of the remake.

"We have heard about a Prisoner remake off and on for the past 10 or 12 years but nothing has come of it to date. In 1997 things seemed to be progressing and we had some correspondence with Mr McGoohan about a Hollywood blockbuster.

"Two years ago there was again speculation that Sky TV was working on a remake, but this again came to nothing. This time however it does sound more positive.

"The Prisoner is an important part of Portmeirion's heritage and we are proud to be associated with the series."



According to BBC's Radio 2 entertainment show today it is also reported that Dr Who actor Christopher Eccleston could be playing the role, stangely though it has also been reported that US actor Jim Caviezel could also be in the title role, and that filming is already underway in Libya,. Two years ago the same reports came out and the series was to be made by Sky One and Granada, it is not known if this is solely a ITV production or a joint adventure with another company.
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: Locutus on April 29, 2008, 03:14:31 AM
I just wonder what the point of remaking this show is.

Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: Meds on April 29, 2008, 09:35:02 AM
That has come across my mind do many times, but if it brings new fans to the show hopefully they will go out and see the original. It's only like when TNG came out. My main concern is that they will never be able to get that futuristic, but realistic feel to it. In the original you had CCTV, mobile phones, etc now that's all standard so how can the new village have that strange weird feel to it.
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: Meds on July 17, 2008, 11:08:16 PM
Remake back on.

Here is the official press report regarding The Prisoner Remake.

JIM CAVIEZEL AND IAN MCKELLEN TO STAR IN AMC'S REINTERPRETATION OF CULT CLASSIC, THE PRISONER

Six-Part Mini-Series Set to Premiere in 2009

New Series Furthers AMC's Cinematic Approach to Creating High-Quality Original Programming

New York, NY June 30, 2008 AMC, the network defining The Future of Classic, announced today that acclaimed film actors Jim Caviezel (Passion of the Christ, The Thin Red Line) and Ian McKellen (Lord of the Rings, The Da Vinci Code) have signed on to star in the network's reinterpretation of the highly influential 1960's cult classic, The Prisoner. AMC is co-producing the six-part mini-series with ITV Productions and Granada International, with a worldwide premiere slated for 2009. The Prisoner, AMC's second original mini-series, combines a wide range of genres, including espionage, thriller and Sci-Fi, into a unique and compelling drama, and expands upon the network's distinctive cinematic approach to creating high-quality programming.

Caviezel will play the title role of "Number Six," a part that was originally made famous when played by Patrick McGoohan. McGoohan also served as the creator, producer, writer and director of the 1960's series, which has become widely regarded as one of the most famous and intriguing cult TV series ever created, permanently altering the scope of the fantasy genre. Two-time Oscar nominee Ian McKellen will co-star playing the role of "Number Two."

"Jim Caviezel and Ian McKellen bring an incredible level of talent to the project, and we're honored they are taking on these important roles. We look forward to this production revitalizing a classic and bringing Patrick McGoohan's brilliant and captivating story to an entirely new generation of viewers," stated Charlie Collier, AMC's general manager and executive vice president. "The caliber of Hollywood talent AMC is attracting further validates our programming vision and our successful strategy of producing quality cinematic originals that stand alongside our library of iconic movies."

"For those of us who were watching grown-up TV in the 60s, The Prisoner was dangerous, exciting and challenging TV. For those of us who were too young to stay up to watch the series, it casts a long shadow. You don't embark on something this iconic without the best team around to do it justice for a whole new era. With Bill Gallagher as writer, Trevor Hopkins as Producer, Michele Buck, Damien Timmer and Rebecca Keane as the UK Execs, AMC as production partners, ITV as UK Commissioners, and Jim Caviezel and Ian McKellen leading the cast, we have that team on board. I can't wait," said John Whiston, Director of ITV Productions.

"Bill Gallagher's new version of The Prisoner is an enthralling commentary on modern culture. It is witty, intelligent and disturbing. I am very excited to be involved," said Ian McKellen.

While the original series, which debuted in 1967, was a riff on Cold War politics, AMC's reinterpretation will reflect 21st Century concerns and anxieties, such as liberty, security, and surveillance, yet also showcase the same key elements of paranoia, tense action and socio-political commentary seen in McGoohan's enigmatic original.

"The Prisoner spawned an enormous group of zealous fans who thrived on each week's psychological twists and turns. AMC's version brings The Prisoner back to primetime, and we're tempted to discuss more details, but in the spirit of the series, what you DO know, may hurt you," said Christina Wayne, SVP of scripted original programming.

Jim Caviezel first received critical recognition for his role as idealist Private Witt in The Thin Red Line. The following year, he gained further recognition with roles in Ride with the Devil and Frequency. His roles as Jennifer Lopez's love interest in Angel Eyes followed by his work in The Count of Monte Cristo helped to establish him as a versatile actor and leading man. Caviezel was then chosen by Mel Gibson to star as Jesus Christ in the film The Passion of the Christ. The film went on to become one of the highest grossing movies of all-time and made Jim a household-name. Most recently Caviezel played against type when he co-starred opposite Denzel Washington in the thriller Dj vu.

Ian McKellen is one of the world's foremost stage and screen actors and has been honoured with more than 40 International awards. Most recently, he received critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of "Gandalf" in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy. McKellen's work has spanned genres from Shakespearean and modern theatre to fantasy and sci-fi, with other major film credits including Gods and Monsters, X-Men, Richard III and The Da Vinci Code.

The Prisoner mini-series is a co-production of AMC and ITV Productions; the deal was brokered by Granada International, which holds international distribution rights. Bill Gallagher (Conviction, Clocking Off, Lark Rise To Candleford) serves as writer and executive producer, along with Michele Buck, Damien Timmer, Rebecca Keane, and AMC's Charlie Collier, Christina Wayne and Vlad Wolynetz. It is produced by Trevor Hopkins (Dracula, Poirot), and directed by Jon Jones (Northanger Abbey, Cold Feet). Jim Caviezel's deal was coordinated by ICM. Creative Artists Agency orchestrated the deal on behalf of Ian McKellen.

Looks pretty good and all go.

Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: Rico on July 18, 2008, 07:35:51 AM
Wow!  Sounds very promising.  They have some great talent at least going for into it.
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: Meds on July 18, 2008, 10:36:29 AM
Its all sounding great here's another article from MTV news.

http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2008/07/14/exclusive-hayley-atwell-takes-number-joins-prisoner-remake/

I really can't wait for this to come out.
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: Meds on July 27, 2008, 03:18:57 PM
More remake news from the official Prisoner fan club page Six of One.

    SIR IAN McKELLEN  (plays No. 2)

Born 25th May, 1939, Burnley, then moved to Wigan. Amateur school productions developed his passion for theatre. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts in 1961, and began began working in theatre over the next few years. His stage and screen appearances cover many years and the list is both long and varied, along with chat show interviews and even soap roles. A knighthood came in 1990. The Lord of the Rings films, X-Men, The Da Vinci Code and the excellently creepy doctor role in Asylum, have given the actor wide recognition amongst new moviegoers. Awards have been plentiful, his comedic side entertaining and his candour endearing. Detailed biographies are online, including IMDB and Wikipedia.

    JIM CAVIEZEL  (plays No. 6)

A year after The Prisoner premiered on British TV, one James Patrick (good name) Caviezel was born, on 26th September, 1968, at Mount Vernon, Washington. Sharing Patrick McGoohan's height, at 6' 2", Caviezel had other similarities with the first actor to play Number Six. He was one of five children, in a close knit Catholic family. Comparisons continue: Caviezel was labelled "intense" in his younger years. Sporty and religious, his pursuits included basketball and church. A foot injury ended any basketball career and he turned to acting. In 1990, he auditioned for My Own Private Idaho and gained a small part.

Next year Caviezel relocated to Los Angeles, working as a waiter (as McGoohan had done 40 years earlier) between auditions. Gradually he was given several screen roles. Critical acclaim came with his portrayal of Private Witt in Terrence Malick's The Thin Red Line (1998). The following year, he enjoyed more recognition with Ride with the Devil (1999) and Frequency (2000). In 2001, he played opposite Jennifer Lopez (reportedly chosen by her) in Angel Eyes (2001), by now being established as a versatile actor and even a leading man.

Mirroring McGoohan's moral constraints, while filming High Crimes (2002), Caviezel refused to do love scenes, which might involve nudity, as they conflicted with his personal beliefs and Catholic faith. Soon he was selected by Mel Gibson to star as Jesus in The Passion of the Christ (2004). The movie made world-wide headlines, breaking box-office records. Caviezel's performance was applauded by both critics and cinema goers. Married for over a decade, the Caviezels have an adopted son.

Now chosen to play Number Six in the remake - or should that be reinterpretation - of The Prisoner, Caviezel is the age McGoohan was when he donned the piped blazer 'in The Village'. No facial similarity, but maybe the intensity, beliefs and background will hold for neo-Prisoner viewers and McGoohanites a certain degree of 'Be seeing you'.

    HAYLEY ATWELL  (plays No. 41-5)

Born 5th April, 1982, British actress Hayley Atwell has a strong theatrical background, has appeared in cinema and television productions - including a TV commercial - and provided a voice part for a BBC Doctor Who radio presentation. Educated in London and trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama (turning down an offered Oxford place) she quickly received critical praise. More can be found at IMDB, Wikipedia and fansites, including reviews and interviews. An American accent is reportedly required for her role in the new Prisoner 're-interpretation' and a trip to film in Namibia is about to occur. (see also MTV link on Prisoner-Remake page)
      

    LENNIE JAMES   (plays No. 147)

Born 11th October, 1965, in South London. He received training at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, graduating in 1988 and starting to write plays. In 2001 he was nominated for a BAFTA TV Award: Best Single Drama for Storm Damage (2000). He has been seen in TV dramas and series in both the US and the UK. Recent 'conspiracy' roles in Jericho, Spooks and The State Within have given him a character image consistent with 'under cover' or 'concealed identity' roles.
      
    RUTH WILSON  (plays No. 313)

Born 13 January 1982, Ashford, Kent, after schooling and sixth form, she graduated from the London Academy of Dramatic Art, in 2005. She was nominated in 2007 for a BAFTA TV Award: Best Actress for Jane Eyre (2006) and also nominated for a Golden Globe and two others for Jane Eyre, as well as coming second in a BBC viewers poll for Best Actress of 2006. Her appearance in the comedy series Suburban Shootout shows her contrasting abilities, alongside classical and costume dramas. There have been several radio engagements and more is online at IMDB and Wikipedia.
      
    MARK ADDY

Born 14 January 1964, York and educated there. He attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and has done a good deal of stage work. As early as 1997 he was nominated for a BAFTA Film Award: Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role for The Full Monty. Since then, more TV and film comedy roles have been undertaken. A regular on British TV screens, he has also appeared in recent movies and made personal appearances on a number of talk shows. More biographical and career details appear online at IMDB and Wikipedia.
      
    TOBY JONES

Born 7th September 1967, he acted in many productions at Abingdon School. The son of Freddie Jones, the British character actor and brother of Rupert Jones the director and Casper Jones the actor. He was awarded the 2002 Laurence Olivier Theatre Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role of 2001 for his performance in The Play What I Wrote at the Wyndham Theatre, London and won the London Film Critics Circle Best British Actor for his portrayal of Truman Capote. There have been many other nominations and awards. He is well known for work on the stage and was nominated for a Tony Award in 2003 after a Broadway run. The list of films and TV is long, with comedy and serious roles from 1992 to the present. Classical parts and character roles have been taken by this busy actor. More biographical and career details are online at IMDB and Wikipedia.
      

    JAMIE CAMPBELL BOWER   (plays No. 11-12)

Born 22nd November, 1988,  he was raised in London, and attended Bedales, a boarding school in rural Hampshire, where he first took singing lessons. He was once a member of the National Youth Music Theatre and a professional model. His initial acting role was as a mouse in Alice in Wonderland. He later auditioned for Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street and took the part of Anthony Hope, singing also Johanna on the soundtrack. He will be seen in the Guy Richie film RocknRolla and was in the BBC's The Dinner Party.



Ok so thats taken from the Six of One page.

This is the ITV press release. Taken from the Unmutual web site.

ITV Announces New Cast Members For Reinterpretation Of Cult Classic,
The Prisoner
25 Jul 08


ITV announced today new cast members to star in its reinterpretation of
the highly influential 1960s cult classic, The Prisoner. ITV is
co-producing the six-part series with AMC and Granada International,
with a worldwide premiere in 2009. Today's news comes on the heels of
the recent announcement that Jim Caviezel will play the title role of
"Number Six" and two-time Oscar nominee Ian McKellen will co-star
playing the role of "Number Two."

New cast members of The Prisoner include: Ruth Wilson (Jane Eyre,
Capturing Mary) in the role of Number 313; Hayley Atwell (Brideshead
Revisited, Mansfield Park) as Number 41-5; Lennie James (Jericho, 24
Hour Party People) as Number 147; and Jamie Campbell-Bower (Sweeney
Todd, Rocknrolla) as Number 11-12.

Ruth Wilson is a BAFTA and Golden Globe nominated actress best known
for her portrayal of Jane Eyre; she also gained critical acclaim in
Stephan Poliakoff's Capturing Mary and A Real Summer.

Hayley Atwell is soon to appear as Julia Flyte in the forthcoming movie
remake of Brideshead Revisited; her previous work includes the
television adaptations of The Ruby in the Smoke and The Line of Beauty,
as well as Mansfield Park for ITV.

Lennie James has had a prolific career on television, film and in
theatre. Most recently he has appeared in both series of the cult CBS
show Jericho as the mysterious Robert Hawkins. His film works include
Michael Winterbottom's 24 Hour Party People and Guy Ritchie's movie
Snatch.

Jamie Campell-Bower is best known for his portrayal of Anthony,
alongside Johnny Depp in Sweeney Todd. He has recently filmed
Rocknrolla, Guy Ritchie's latest directorial project.

The Prisoner combines a wide range of genres, including espionage,
thriller and Sci-Fi, into a unique and compelling drama.

Patrick McGoohan served as the creator, producer, writer and director
of the 1960s series, which has become widely regarded as one of the
most famous and intriguing cult TV series ever created, permanently
altering the scope of the fantasy genre. While the original series,
which debuted in 1967, was a riff on Cold War politics, ITV's
reinterpretation will reflect 21st Century concerns and anxieties, such
as liberty, security, and surveillance, yet also showcase the same key
elements of paranoia, tense action and socio-political commentary seen
in McGoohan's enigmatic original.

The Prisoner is a co-production of AMC and ITV Productions; the deal
brokered by ITV Worldwide, which holds all international rights, as
well as sales and remake right to the original series. ITV DVD holds
Home Entertainment rights. The series is written and Executive Produced
by Bill Gallagher (Conviction, Clocking Off, Lark Rise To Candleford),
Executive Produced by Michele Buck, Damien Timmer and Rebecca Keane for
ITV and AMC's Charlie Collier, Christina Wayne and Vlad Wolynetz.
Produced by Trevor Hopkins (Dracula, Poirot) and Directed by Jon Jones
(Northanger Abbey, Cold Feet, Archangel, The Diary of Anne Frank, The
Alan Clark Diaries). Jim Caviezel's deal was coordinated by ICM.
Creative Artists Agency orchestrated the deal on behalf of Sir Ian
McKellen.
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: Geekyfanboy on July 30, 2008, 11:05:22 PM
Seek The Six

"If I open my mind, you will take it away from me" "If someone was watching us, what would they see?" "The Truth is Right Beside You"

In 2009 AMC will be premiering their reinterpretation of the highly influential 1960s cult classic THE PRISONER.

In support of the recently announced mini-series, AMC launched a mysterious grassroots teaser effort at Comic Con this past weekend.

Attendees were provided with cryptic puzzle cards, which when decoded drove participants to a site (SeekTheSix.com) where they were tasked with 'seeking the six' in order to reveal the secret behind the campaign.

In addition, transparent stickers with a number "6" were placed in unusual places including ceilings, floors and even restroom mirrors. In the afternoons, "Seek the Six" sky-writing was seen above the convention center. The convention floor was also populated with dozens of numbered men in black suits who randomly uttered the iconic phrase "I Am Not A Number", but refused to offer any clues to their purpose other than "the truth is right beside you".
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: Meds on July 31, 2008, 10:01:18 AM
Great post kenny. This getting really big now.
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: Meds on July 31, 2008, 12:49:10 PM
Ok just been on the seek the six site and completed the six tests to see your number. You have to find 6 in the galleries, be warned you make a mistake you start again. Here are the answers that i found.

I don't think you want freedom
There is only the village
The truth is right beside you
Help me to conform, submit
Identity collapse
I am a no one
A bomb is a true act of humanity
There is only the village

And my number is 143638

I AM NOT A NUMBER I AM A FREE MAN.
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: metron07 on July 31, 2008, 01:06:09 PM
I AM NOT A NUMBER! I AM A FREE MAN!

Ah, yes I remember it well.... :metallica:
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: Meds on July 31, 2008, 01:19:46 PM
Ha ha, its a brilliant program. Am very excited about this new version.
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: Meds on September 02, 2008, 11:04:21 PM
Here we go.

Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: Geekyfanboy on February 02, 2009, 04:22:20 PM
BTS of the new Prisoner miniseries.


http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1119352258/bctid9343885001 (http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1119352258/bctid9343885001)
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: Rico on February 02, 2009, 04:59:11 PM
WOW!  This is getting me excited!
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: Poodyglitz on February 02, 2009, 08:13:17 PM
Please, God, let the writing and art direction be good. It's going to be hard to equal the original. Having good actors helps, though. There seems to be no indication of when it will be shown on AMC — unless I'm so tired that I'm missing it. All I see is "in 2009".
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: Ktrek on February 02, 2009, 09:10:05 PM
Looks like, for a TV production, it will actually be good! Nice cast for sure!

Kevin
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: Meds on June 04, 2009, 02:02:33 PM
Here is the forst promo for the new Prisoner series.

http://www.denofgeek.com/television/261238/the_prisoner_remake_first_promo_clip_here.html (http://www.denofgeek.com/television/261238/the_prisoner_remake_first_promo_clip_here.html)

Looking forward to this.
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: Rico on June 04, 2009, 03:16:53 PM
"Be seeing you."
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: sheldor on June 04, 2009, 04:32:16 PM
Looks great.

I'm going to have to put the original on my netlflix list - hope there is time before the remakes debut.

Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: Jaames on June 04, 2009, 04:58:56 PM
Wow, I have the DVD set of the original series but haven't made it around to watching them yet. I wanted to get through all of Danger Man and Secret Agent Man first since some say that the Prisoner is almost/maybe/might be a sequel to them. I'm gonna have to hurry up.
Title: The Prisoner remake
Post by: SPOCKFAN on June 05, 2009, 05:40:06 AM
Anyone see that a Prisoner Remake is coming out in august?
Title: Re: The Prisoner remake
Post by: SPOCKFAN on June 05, 2009, 05:41:26 AM
http://blogs.amctv.com/the-prisoner/2009/05/video-the-prisoner-trailer-1.php (http://blogs.amctv.com/the-prisoner/2009/05/video-the-prisoner-trailer-1.php)

Here is the trailer
Title: Re: The Prisoner remake
Post by: Rico on June 05, 2009, 05:57:40 AM
Already being talked about in the other Prisoner thread going.  So, I'll merge this.
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: Meds on June 05, 2009, 06:01:24 AM
And of course we have the Treks in Sci Fi Prisoner podcast coming up this Sunday the 7th of June hosted by some geek who turns up here everynow and again.
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: SPOCKFAN on June 05, 2009, 06:04:22 AM
can't wait
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: SPOCKFAN on June 09, 2009, 07:40:20 AM
I had never seen The Prisoner before. I watched the first episode last night. I loved it. What a great show.  The giant white bubble reminds me of the smoke monster from Lost. Any idea if the creators of Lost have ever mentioned the similarity before. I wonder if they were fans of the Prisoner, and if the smoke monster is a homage to the menacing white bubble!
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: ChadH on June 22, 2009, 02:48:11 PM
If I remember correctly the white bubble was named Rover. The really cool thing I remember about it was how all the inhabitants of the Village would completely freeze in place whenever Rover was bouncing along looking for its target.  :blink

In the 90's DC Comics' Vertigo line did an "authorized" graphic novel which supposedly provided an ending to the story of the Prisoner. I haven't read it myself.

A Prisoner movie sounds great. Ian Mckellen is a natural choice for Number 2.   
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: Meds on August 01, 2009, 03:40:46 PM
http://www.amctv.com/videos/ (http://www.amctv.com/videos/)

Some cool stuff here includng talks from comicon
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: Meds on August 02, 2009, 10:13:11 AM
New Prisoner updates can be found here including some nice new photos.

http://www.theprisoneronline.com/the-prisoner-2009/latest-news (http://www.theprisoneronline.com/the-prisoner-2009/latest-news)
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: Meds on November 05, 2009, 03:24:19 PM
Some more footage of the new Prisoner series.

http://www.amctv.com/originals/the-prisoner/premiere/ (http://www.amctv.com/originals/the-prisoner/premiere/)
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: Rico on November 13, 2009, 04:14:22 AM
Skimmed a brief review of this new version in USA Today.  They didn't seem to care for it - especially compared to the original.  But, I'll still be watching.
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: Bromptonboy on November 13, 2009, 04:18:59 AM
Unless they can CGI-in Leo McKern.....I ain't watchin!   :)
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: Feathers on November 13, 2009, 04:37:21 AM
Quote from: Bromptonboy on November 13, 2009, 04:18:59 AM
Unless they can CGI-in Leo McKern.....I ain't watchin!   :)

Not gonna happen!

I'll probably watch it anyway though.
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: jedijeff on November 13, 2009, 06:28:27 AM
I have it all setup on my PVR for recording. The Prisoner on top of what other shows I am recording, and my basement is going to take awhile to get finished  :D
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: Meds on November 13, 2009, 02:20:53 PM
Well its not going to be like the original, it cant society os different. i cant wait to see it. :)
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: Bromptonboy on November 13, 2009, 02:29:30 PM
Yes, that is true - but I do so love it when Rumpole argues with Edward Long Shanks...
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: Meds on November 13, 2009, 02:32:04 PM
oh lets face it, once upon a time is awesome. Did you everget to listeb to the Treks in sci fi Prisoner special podcast?
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: Bromptonboy on November 13, 2009, 02:40:00 PM
Yes I did listen the cast, and I quite enjoyed it.  I'll certainly give the new show a watch.
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: jedijeff on November 15, 2009, 08:27:19 PM
Watched the First part of this tonight. Interesting so far. Does seem to be plenty of mysteries in the Village.

[spoiler]In the second episode, I was a bit confused near the end. They showed 6 and his "Brother" and another lady finding the ocean. But then they had some other flashes of 6 being tied to a post well 2 was emptying a canteen of water in front of him. Also showed 6 looking for the ocean again with the Doctor, but not finding. Then 6 in straight jacket in the clinic. Am I to understand, everything that we saw with his Brother and the Ocean never really happened?

Also, thought it was cool to see that Big White Ball make a few appearances so far. [/spoiler]
Title: Re: The Prisoner. Is it Important
Post by: Feathers on January 14, 2014, 08:00:39 AM
It's taken me this long but I'm just starting to look at this, this week.

To a degree, it's just as inpenetrable as the original and so, two episodes in, I really have no idea what's going on half of the time.

It throws me too since I'm pretty well into Person of Interest at the moment so sharing a lead actor between two things I'm watching at the same time really messes with the mind. Thinking about it, these could both be the same character at different stages of life. :)