Patrick Mcgoohan: Danger Man or Prisoner?
by Roger Langley
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Book Summary Information
Author: Roger LangleyForeword: Peter Falk
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2007-11-08
ISBN: 0953192644
Number of pages: 300
Publisher: Tomahawk
Book Reviews of Patrick Mcgoohan: Danger Man or Prisoner?
Book Review: This Book IS Number One!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
When "The Prisoner" first aired in the States, I was in my last year of junior high school - and I hated school with a passion. Experiencing this angst-ridden, rebellion-driven series in its first run helped me get through the rest of the hell of school immensely. I saw the Principal as Number Two, the teachers as the minions of the mysterious forces running the Village, my fellow students as mostly "rotten cabbages" and the school itself was, of course, the Village. So - upon breaking free of High School in 1972 with a graduation - I made a beeline for guess where? Yes, Portmeirion, site of the actual Village used in the series. It was magical seeing the Green Dome and Number Six's cottage first-hand. And right on the balcony leading to my guest room...there was a black cat! I wondered if it were the one used in certain episodes when they were shot in the late sixties. I asked some of the staff about what it was like when the show was being filmed at the Welsh resort. I even saw Alastair Sym ("Scrooge") vacationing there - and he wouldn't give a poor American kid an autograph! Anyway - what I am getting round to here is immense gratitude for Roger Langley's incredible labor-of-love in giving the world, finally, a biography of the mysterious and magnificent Patrick McGoohan. The book is beautifully written, meticulously researched and filled with loads of pictures. I only wish that some of the pictures were in color and that the Peter Falk foreward didn't focus so blatantly on his own book and that he could have said a tad more about McGoohan. I love Falk - but he could have written more. Also, we never learn what happened to McGoohan's parents, although they are mentioned earlier in the story of his life. I also would have loved to known more about McGoohan's relationship with Angelo Muskat (the ubiquitous Butler in "The Prisoner") such as where they met or how deep a friendship did they have and what eventually happened to the man. The same with the vitally important Alexis Kanner: news of his sudden death and its reaction on Patrick McGoohan would have been touching to have conveyed to the readers. I also wish we could have learned what Clint Eastwood and McGoohan thought about one another when they worked on "Escape from Alcatraz" together. Apart from these few complaints, this book is MUST reading for McGoohan lovers and "Prisoner" lovers alike. Reading it made me start popping in the DVDs of the series - and what a great time travel device they are - for there I was, watching the shows in order, and I was no longer a matured man...but a high schooler again on a mission NOT to let the System break him. And largely because of that show, I am certain it has NOT. Not then - nor in the ensuing years. Apart from all of its philosophical complexities and conundrums, a big and simple part of the series' power (continuing to this day) was/is that - through McGoohan's dynamic Number Six - it edifies us into re-thinking societal dictates, standing up for one's own thoughts, braving the pressures of conformity, thinking for oneself and having the guts to protect one's privacy as best one can in a world that is now, alas, so very much like the Village envisioned 40 years ago. It conveyed to us the preciousness of being an Individual via an entertaining and at the same time thought-provoking TV series. Anyway - bravo all around!!! I hated to have the book end: and that's the surest sign you have a wonderful book in your hands. Same as the series: it had to end, as do all things, but I must admit I'd give anything for a few more episodes. It was a unique show; brainchild of a unique individual; and this book is a high tribute to the star and his life. Thank you!
Summary of Patrick Mcgoohan: Danger Man or Prisoner?
Patrick McGoohan changed the history of television with his landmark series The Prisoner. Many TV series since have cited The Prisoner as an inspiration, including Lost. But there is a lot more to McGoohan than The Prisoner. This renowned actor has an impressive CV of stage, screen and TV productions, and is often declared to be one of the best actors to have ever come out of Britain. Yet, his obsessive protection of his privacy and the often conflicting and provocative remarks made to the press over the years have created a need to set the record straight. This first ever biography of McGoohan does just that. It chronicles a career that begins on the Sheffield stage and ends with international stardom. The book details McGoohan's classic television series Danger Man and The Prisoner; it explains why McGoohan was top choice for James Bond, and why he turned down the role; it explores the impact he had on both actors and directors he has worked with; and highlights McGoohan's friendship with Peter Falk.Entertainers Books
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