I first encountered The Prisoner in 1967. The series was unlike any other TV production I'd ever seen. It was unique, futuristic, and literally blew out the barn doors of conventional TV series at the time. For me, after viewing The Prisoner it was pretty hard to return to the regular, uninspiring TV series running at the time. The proof that The Prisoner was an inspired production rests in the fact that here, over 50 years later, the series still garners such well deserved attention and admiration. There aren't enough Patrick McGoohans in this world.
I agree with him keeping his principles. Nowadays not many actors would take such a stand.Patrick McGoohan has always been one my favourite actors and.I am a big Prisoner fan.
Mcgoohan was a very 'underrated' TV actor who proved himself as such by commanding major parts as if he was born for them. He was particularly good in Columbo and other parts, and had a quirkiness of looking 'off camera' and, like Burton, could project his 'lines' with a Shakespearean rendition. His personal principles were admirable in refusing to 'suck up' to the makers of 'block busters' that relied on sexual titillation. A Scottish writer of several top war movies justified why he never included sex scenes in his scripts by saying 'they slow down the action'! Mcggohan will be remembered by all true fans of professional acting on the 'box'.
Why do you say "was a very 'underrated" TVactor"? When The Prisoner was first shown, hardly anyone who had a TV set went out on the night it was aired........EVERYONE admired him then, and through the rest of his career!
Good for him turning down Bond. For me The Prisoner really stands out as a seminal work not just for Mcgoohan but for the 60s itself. One of my favourites that he was in was the Hell Drivers from 1957 which interestingly also featured a young Sean Connery.
What a film that was. Apart from those two: Stanley Baker, Herbert Lom, William Hartnell, Jill Ireland, Gordon Jackson, David McCallum, and not forgetting Sid James, who I always preferred as a serious actor. You don't see casts like that very often. The only thing that spoiled it was the obviously sped up lorry sequences. @@tbrasc0
He is one of my favorite actors of all time! Best roles I believe Patrick McGoohan played include John Drake in Danger Man: #6 in the Prisoner; the vicar/scarecrow in Dr. Syn, the Legend of the Scarecrow of Romney Marsh, by Walt Disney; his role in Thomasina, also by Walt Disney; his role as King Edward I in Braveheart; and as George Bernard Shaw in The Best of Friends. I always got it why he didn't indulge in getting over involved with women or over relying on guns as an international security agent. He was always charming and worked closely with the women guest stars, but he stayed focused on his purpose, showed great integrity and demonstrated appropriate boundaries. We needed to see more of his kind of character growing up in this society and we still do!
Love, love, love, love, love this man! He was definitely a man before his time, "The Prisoner" being prophetic as well as a warning. "Let he who has ears to hear, let him hear." Matthew 13:9.
His portrayal of the prison governor in Escape From Alcatraz is chilling! Patrick McGoohan used to live in Mill Hill north London, & I would often see him attend Sunday mass at the local Catholic Church. This was in the early 1960’s when he was playing Danger Man
@@chemicalrecoveryfellowship1721Absolutely….I’ve only just discovered the series the Prisoner series…and it’s the best tv series I’ve ever watched. I’m actually glad I only recently discovered it…had I watched it years ago I wouldn’t have recognised some of the allegories buried within it, especially the last two episodes. He still would have made a superb James Bond though, lol! Did he do any other tv or films that were along the lines of the prisoner and its subtle esoteric themes? 😁👍🏻💕
@@missoncptYou're missing it. In that film (which is based on Othello, his beloved Shakespeare) he plays a villain. McGoohan had no qualms about playing villains, he simply avoided immoral MOVIES. That's the difference. Bond is not an archetypal hero but a Walter Mitty fantasy.
@@missoncpt In Ice Station Zebra he plays a similar 'absent morality' role, as well as the head of the prison in Eastwoods Escape from Alcatraz. As said, its not the role, its the plot. He had a gun in Ice Station Zebra, almost used it on an ally who woke him by mistake, but the movie speaks for itself.
PM was a fine actor and a fine man. A man of principles and character. His rejection for playing JB is typical of his persona. The role was in contrast to his beliefs and tenets. And what is noteworthy and praiseworthy is his stance and conviction to stand by his stance. An officer and a gentleman.
Since I was very young, I sensed Mr. McGoohans exceptional qualities as a man being truly inspiring.... Strong, tough, confident, professional, self-directed, along with courage, conviction, respect for others, especially women. I would imagine he was a difficult man to work with at times, because he knew what he wanted to achieve. Seriously, I often thought of Mr. McG being the type of man a woman could walk down a dark alley in the middle of the night with complete safety knowing she was protected by a lion, who would never give up.
I remember watching McGoohan as secret agent man, and I love the show, I also loved the prisoner even though it was just a summer replacement show. It was watched by many people. It was very popular back then. He would have made a very good, 007, I also wondered why he never took the role, it is admirable, that he stuck to his beliefs 8:01
McGoohan was the first choice for Simon Templar in The Saint. After several discussions with producers, it became clear he wasn't going to work out. They hired Roger Moore and the rest is history.
yeah, I could never enjoy the Bond movies with Roger Moore, because I could only see 'The Saint', instead of James Bond because Moore never came out of character and was just Simon Templer doing a James Bond movie! no real acting; just being 'himself'.
I agree. Moore was always the Saint and I certainly enjoyed him playing that role. Fact is he was just getting too long in the tooth to take on the 007 character.
He would have been fantastic as Bond, but understandable as to why he rejected it. Rejecting the role of Bond is probably a better resume than playing Bond. ha. His work on Columbo is fantastic an a must watch, especially Identity Crisis.
The narrator implies that McGoohan rejected the Bond part knowing that he was also rejecting fabulous fame and riches. This also is inaccurate: no one, including Connery and the producers, knew in 1962 how successful the Bond series would be with Dr. No and after. I read somewhere that when Connery quit Bond McGoohan was again offered the role and again he turned it down.
You're right. Patrick took his idea to Lew Grade who, at the time, was the director of the British studios ATV. Grade trusted him and there was no contract signed, just a handshake.
In the early 1960's Patrick was filming several scenes for Danger Man in the Italian style village of Port Merion in Wales. He was so enchanted by the place that several years later he used it as the main setting for The Prisoner. Genius.
It was just called "The Scarecrow" in the UK, but yes, he was brilliant. You should also check out a B&W Brit film from the 50s called "Hell Drivers". He created a very convincing and unpleasant character in that too!😊
Good of him to turn down the Bond role, but he would have made an excellent Bond villain! He would have made a very different James Bond, one that would likely have been seen as an actor that didn't work out in his role. A big part was his different humor. Look at how Bond was when taken on by Rodger Moore, the movies became too goofy and dependent on stunts and props, the stories going too far out of reality. The Prisoner really pushed completely leaving reality, but in a good and more serious way, not just weak puns and image. Prisoner also took on a more psycadelic feel, but a more realistic and uneasy one. It also really went over the top as far as TV at the time went, and it's managed age well especially considering it was very much of it's time period. A mark of very good storytelling.
So many iconic roles for Patrick McGoohan. Will mention "The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh" and "Silver Streak" as 2 of my favorites. There are no regrets for him.
Orson Welles and McGoohan connection is interesting. I can see Welles version of Kafka's "The Trial" having influence on McGoohan's creation of "The Prisoner."
"Ice Station Zebra" was a huge disappointment. It starts out strong, and McGoohan is magnificent throughout. But both the story and the production values start falling apart about halfway through (for example, at first it's deathly cold outside the ice station, and then it suddenly isn't anymore), and it's hard to stick to it till the end. A lost opportunity! In any case, I wish we had more movies with McGoohan. He classed up every film or TV show he appeared in.
You can still visit the resort where “Prisoner” was filmed in the 1960’s. It’s still the same , eccentric buildings in mad colours. It’s called Portmeirion, in North Wales well worth a visit, a good day out especially if you’re familiar with the Prisoner series.
He was a very good actor, yes he was right to turn down the James bond role as at that time, James bond films were farces. Not suited for a serious actor
In his interview with Warner Troyer in 1977, McGoohan’s views on who controlled us was as prescient and perceptive as ever. He said all we have to do to free ourselves is to stop buying ‘their’ products. He also thought ‘progress’ was leading humanity towards its demise.
I think he was an exeptional actor. To me he was always a bit frightening. His favorite roll for me was that of Edward I, the best character in the film and a real life bastard.
My introduction to McGoohan was in the wholly underrated Cronenberg film "Scanners". Many have commented on a certain notorious scene, yet the film is brilliant beyond that. The final battle is just unbelievable. I enjoyed hearing more about the actor, and that he followed his Christian faith resolutely. I am surprised he decided to do a Cronenberg film, but maybe he wasn't familar with the director's larger filmography 😂
You left out his roles in Disney production. He was Dr. Syn, aka The Scarecrow and he played Andrew MacDhui, a widowed veterinary surgeon in the Three Lives of Thomasina. For me, McGoohan could do no wrong. I was a fan of everything I saw him in. I grew up watching this guy.
Some of the films I saw him In, when I was a young boy were always quirky, odd, and disjointed. Sean in my opinion was best Bond we had as he was right for the part.
yeah, loved "Danger Man" and "The Prisoner"! "I don't use guns, because they make noise, AND PEOPLE COULD GET HURT!" yet, in one episode he showed he was an expert shot!
My favorite McGoohan role was an even more highly unique historic character not even mentioned in Disney’s “The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh”! I watch that 3 part series regularly ❤. I encourage everyone to see it
He's one of my all-time favorite actors, and I saw him in all the movies and TV shows you described except "The Prisoner." I don't think it was on American television; in any case, I was in the Navy in Vietnam and wouldn't have had a chance to watch it in any case. I've always wished I could have watched it.
I saw The Prisoner when it was first broadcast in the UK in 1969. I am rewatching the series for the first time since on Amazon Prime. As a 14 year old boy watching it I was lost a lot of the time, the subtleties went right over my head. Now it's a lot more enjoyable with McGoohan exhibiting a wide range of emotions from menacing to charming to fearful. He would have made a great Bond but I respect his reasons for turning it down - he was also offered the role before Live and Let Die (which Roger Moore accepted) but continued to turn the part down. I don't know if he had more long term plans for The Prisoner but if he did it's a shame he was never able to bring them to life. I was brought up on The Avengers, Danger Man and The Prisoner. In the days when shows were entertainment first with 'messages' a far second. Thank God for DVDs, Blu-Ray discs and digital TV.
McGoohan was brilliant in The Prisoner. Was John Drake Number 6? That argument continues to this day but the name Drake is mentioned in the penultimate episode of the series "Once Upon a Time". The Drake character was defining and he played it perfectly. Unique is a way to describe him. Be seeing you.
Patrick's lasting major achievement is The Prisoner. He created it wrote much of it, directed some episodes and generally changed television certainly in the UK. A true great in both film and TV and a true original.
Unlike most actors who you know are actually acting, Patrick actually frightened me in Hell-Drivers with his genuine menace. The Prisoner was relating a lot to the secret services in the War and how they conducted their various operations as well as having relevance to Kafka, Pinter, Beckett and co, but might be even more relevant with the political situation today.
I grew up hearing stories about Patrick McGoohan from my mom. She knew him as a teenager in Sheffield England. But I never knew he turned down James Bond Wow. Thanks for the video
He should have used his star power during his peak to see if he could play his own version of Bond...even if just a one off. Easily could have made an amazing Bond film without the seduction and guns. The Prisoner is his own Bond though so all good.
loved watching Secret Agent Man as a kid......years later CBC would should the Danger Man shows late at nite.....one of my fave actors of all time...in college my one english professor would have us watch an episode of the Prisoner just about every class...end of the year we had a test on it, which i passed with flying colours...i was always hoping for a Prisoner movie, just like i wish there was a Stingray movie with live actors...
I remember can't imagine him associated with the James Bond franchise. Patrick's "The Prisoner" and how he added the intrigue in "Ice Station Zebra" really was the correct decision. Those were some very memorable performances!
I think he had that special ‘James Bond’ demeanour. I think it’s a great loss that he didn’t play Bond. He had that cool, in control, sort of arrogant English charm that said ‘I’m so much more than you’ about him. He had that ‘presence’ that so suited the role.
I liked Patrick McGoohan as John Drake in Secret Agent...when I met Johnny Rivers who sang the title song he told me he never met Partrick...I've always loved the song...Johnny autographed my 45 pic sleeve of Secret Agent Man & I sent Patrick a Secret Agent still to autograph for me years ago
Two of my favorite actors, patrick McGoohan and Sean Connery. I can't imagine anyone except.Patrick playing secret agent and the prisoner.And I can't imagine anyone except Sean playing 007
Nice video - IMO McGoohan's best role was as the title character in Ibsen's Brand, a meditation on total faith and commitment - this video makes me want to see him in a Bond type role - from what he said, I think he'd have been happy to play such a character as a villain - he'd have been an interesting Scaramanga, tho it's hard to imagine anyone exceeding Lee in that role
Since first watching the "Prisoner" back in 68 and my parents letting me stop up later to watch it , the charachter itself of No 6 has been my moral compass all through life . An impact like no other ! Many derided the series as a jumbled up mix match of ideas on celluloid , others found it as a warning . But McGoohan was absolutely correct in every detail forewarning us all in the series of what was to come in modern day life . McGoohans work in other areas was impeccable like the prison governer in Birdman of Alcatraz alongside Clint Eastwood and his portrayal of just about the most evil king in the world in Bravehart Wherever Patrick McGoohan is today , he finaly broke out of the village .
He was a great actor. And "The Prisoner" has to be one of the best miniseries ever made. The story and the production value was top notch. Each episode was like a feature film. 👍
These actors from those past times such as Mcgoohan, Orson Welles and Richard Burton to choose just three, had such strong, charismatic and powerfull voices. Modern actors maybe dont have the theatrical background and lack such charisma, although there are still many great performances, possibly the industry and how more films tend to be remakes, follow ups, effect driven films that dont give chance for a better acting performance due to the nature of CGI and acting against a green screen. Originality is stifled for creativity for the thirst for the big money.
I liked McGoohan as an actor especially in Danger Man; I thought Prisoner was initially good, but was based on too many literary clichés and the giant bubble was a joke. I think he's been good in unpopular roles like playing a prison governor in a Clint Eastwood film( was it Alcatraz?). His decision to not play Bond was a mistake: Timothy Dalton was a good actor and made it into a good role. He identified to closely with playing characters he believed in. He could have played in Smiley for instance.
Right from the start this is factually incorrect. Moving back to Ireland at the age of ACTUALLY-6-months old does not = 6 years old. This wrong-foots us when trying to comprehend his biography/ cultural origin.
Pity you failed to mention his performance in "Kings and Desperate Men" (which appears to have resurfaced on RU-vid. It co-starred and was created by Alexis Kanner who had played one of the strangest characters in "The Prisoner". He and McGoohan play roles similar to the ones they played in "The Prisoner" and this is a tragically neglected film.
Look for him starring in 'Dr. Syn, alias the Scarecrow' (1963), and 'Hell Drivers' (1957) which has quite a few recognizable names, before they were famous.
Mr McGowan is a respectful. actor...I respected him more when I learned that he is an actor with a strong principle.....which we don't have in these days....in Arab actors and European and American actors......peace.
You seem to imply that everyone knew the Bond films would become a huge and profitable franchise right from the start. They didn’t. The fact is there’s very little acting in any of the Bond movies, which is another reason McGoohan wanted no part of them.
The only way he could play Bond would be by rewriting James Bond. That might have made for better stories, but Bond was an action/adventure hero, so the rewrites would have been very difficult to pull off.
You could tell when Patrick wrote for Columbo as when Alan Alda wrote for MASH there style was unique. As a Sheffielder a friend of my mother was a friend of Patrick for his time in Sheffield. Do not forget he was the nasty in Hell Drivers with an all star cast all of who where or became big names. I am surprised Death in Paradise does not have a nod to its predecessor by having a green Peugeot car (Columbo) or to Patrick's no.6 (as a writer on Columbo)
