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The Unmutual Website
Well              Come to The Unmutual Website - dedicated to the 1960s TV series "The              Prisoner", starring Patrick McGoohan, and the village of Portmeirion              in North Wales where the series was filmed.
EXCITING              ANNOUNCEMENT - September 29th 2017 will mark 50 years since the first              UK screening on 'The Prisoner'. TUW is delighted to announce that              NETWORK will be hosting the official UK 50th anniversary celebrations              in Portmeirion! More details to be announced on the events              page nearer the time.
That              weekend in 2017 also sees 'PrisonerCon2017' - an official weekend              of Prisoner activities in Seattle, USA. More details also on the events page.
LATEST              NEWS.....
STOP            PRESS: 14/1/17 - House in Buckingham Place for sale HERE ...            Cornwell in Oxon, village designed by Clough, on TV in 'Father Brown'            BBC1 afternoons... 'Big Fat Quiz of Everything' Dec 2016 has 'Prisoner'            question ...10/1/17 - 13/1/17 edition of BBC1 Wales 'Weatherman Walking'            featured Portmeirion... 31/12/16 - Excellent 'Prisoner' Observer article HERE ...            29/12/16 - Latest issue of 'Geeky Monkey' magazine includes Prisoner            article... 08/11/16 - 'Broadcast Film and Video' magazine Nov16 includes            write up of 'Hell Drivers' 6k restoration... Lotus 7 replica showroom HERE ...            'Greatest Motorcycle Rides' on Travel Channel features Portmeirion...            Catch My Soul mentioned in blog HERE ...
NEW                  COMIC STRIPS ONLINE
TUW                  readers may recall Mike Gorman's excellent talents in creating                  'Man in a Suitcase' online comic strips, with his most recent                  effort, 'Pawns and Prisoners', having a 'Prisoner' crossover element                  (see earlier news item, below).
It                  is with much excitement therefore that Mike has recently published                  not one, but TWO further Prisoner-inspired MIAS crossover strips!
'The                  Day The Village Stopped' (panel left) is an epic tale, with quite                  a few familiar faces to cult TV and film fans (and an excellent                  choice of Number Two actor), and can be read HERE .
'I                  Hate Number Six' is a more lighthearted, but no less enjoyable                  and talent-fuelled, strip, available to view HERE .                  Both come highly recommended by The Unmutual Website. More, please,                  Mike!
With                  thanks to Mike Gorman for this news item.
A                  RENDEZVOUS WITH PATRICK
One                  of the highlights of the output of The Unmutual Website in recent                  years has without doubt been the incredible research into some                  of the works of Patrick McGoohan by US historian Tom Mayer.
His                  in-depth discoveries and articles regarding 'lost gems' such as                  'Catch my Soul' ( HERE ) and 'Rafferty'                  ( HERE ), research into McGoohan's early                  life, and also in-depth analysis of 'The Prisoner' ( HERE )                  are second to none, and TUW is proud to announce that January                  2017 sees the latest discovery and research from Tom.
'Rendezvous:                  The Hanging of Alfred Wadham' is a 1961 TV episode, which starred                  McGoohan, which was long thought lost, until, in 2016, Tom located,                  and viewed, a print at UCLA (left). The result of this is a superb                  research article and review, which can be read HERE .
With                  thanks to Tom mayer for the news item, article, and photos.
CHARITY                  AUCTION FOR VILLAGE MODEL
Unmutual                  Website readers may recall the astonishing 'Prisoner' and Portmeirion                  related models produced by Pigeon Guard Games, and exciting news                  is that they have kidly offered a one-off fully painted gloriette                  model (left) for auction to 'Prisoner' fans, with profits donated                  to TUW's event fund for Ty Gobaith Hospice!
A                  bonus is that they are also offering their latest model, the 'information                  board' from the series, which were based on the 'directomat' machines                  seen at railway stations and airports in the UK in the 1960s in                  the auction too (see photo below)!
As                  these items are produced and sold in unpainted kit form, this                  is an incredibly rare chance to purchase one fully built and painted.                  The auction will only run until Christmas so                  bid now to avoid disappointment!
If                  you would like to bid, please send an email to TUW with your bid HERE . Please note that unpainted versions                  of the Gloriette model are £24.99. These, along with the                  'Info Mat' and 'Rover' models are available from The Village Shop HERE .
 
FALL                  OUT PHOTOS UNEARTHED
Terry                  Cryer is an award winning photographer who, in November 1967,                  decided to conduct a photoshoot with his pregnant wife (accompanied                  by her cat) in Central London.
Little                  did Terry know that he would happen across a certain film crew                  in Buckingham Place, filming the final scenes for the 'Fall Out'                  episode of 'The Prisoner', where Number Six (Patrick McGoohan)                  gets into his Lotus 7 car one final time. Terry then utilised                  the filming as background for some of his shoot.
As                  a result, Terry and his daughter Kelly (the then unborn baby)                  have unearthed a set of 4 images from the shoot which feature                  the filming, and are offering highly valuable fine art prints                  of the one at left and below for sale, with a very generous 10%                  of all profits from the sales donated to Hope House Hospice (The                  Unmutual Website's nominated charity).
These                  A3 and A4 prints are fine art giclee prints, which include both                  Patrick McGoohan and the Lotus car (see below) and are printed                  on pure cotton matte paper with archival pigment. Strictly limited                  in number, each will be accompanied by a signed certificate of                  authenticity. For more details, pricing, and to register your                  interest/order, please email Kelly directly at terrycryerarchive@gmail.com                  (please mention The Unmutual when you do so).
Kelly                  and Terry have                  also kindly agreed to allow all four images, in lo-res form, to                  be included in the next DVD set of the series.
With thanks to Kelly Cryer for this news item.
MIVAL'S                  MEMOIRS
Eric                  Mival was assistant editor on four, and then music editor on 13,                  episodes of 'The Prisoner', and as such it is with much excitement                  that his memoirs, 'Cutting Edge - My Life in Film and Television'                  have been published.
Over                  a third of the book, which has over 50 photographs, is dedicated                  to his time on the series and his lifelong friendship with Patrick                  McGoohan. His time on series such as 'Doctor Who', 'Strange Report',                  and 'Top of the Pops' as well as classinc films such as 'Wonderwall'                  and Ray Harryhausen's 'Three Worlds of Gulliver'.
The                  book, which is available in both hardback (RRP £19.99) and                  paperback (RRP £13.99), is available for pre-order until                  the end of November with a £2 discount.
Click HERE to visit the publisher's website and pre-order at the discounted                  rate. From December 1st, the book will be available via The Unmutual                  Website, Amazon, and all good bookshops, at full price.
*Hardback edition depicted.
BORDERLINERS                  NOW ON SALE
More                  exciting news has reached The Unmutual, with the news that the                  graphic novel 'Borderliners - True Realities', which TUW readers                  might recall was seeking crowdfunding support earlier this year,                  is now available for purchase. It is the latest project from the                  hand of Brian Gorman (who of course created the wonderful 'Everyman                  - The Story of Patrick McGoohan - The Prisoner' stage play and                  graphic novel).
This                  latest work from Brian, as you would expect, is of a tremendous                  standard and of much interest to fans of 'The Prisoner' (and indeed                  fans of the spy genre generally) due to its Prisoneresque themes                  and content. The novel also includes, with their permission, great                  'cameo appearances' from Sirs Roger Moore and Ian McKellen!
Click HERE for an official                  press release and ordering link, HERE for a review of the title at TUW, and HERE for a Starburst review.
You                  can also read an exclusive interview with Brian about this and                  his other 'Prisoner' projects HERE .
With                  thanks to Brian Gorman.
DEFINITIVE                  CALLAN
The                  spy franchise 'Callan', which as older site readers may recall                  was a TV series and film (starring Edward Woodward) and set of                  books (by James Mitchell), has much in common with 'The Prisoner'.
Not                  only were folk such as George Markstein and Terence Feely heavily                  involved in both series, but the central theme of a lonely hero                  figure fighting the establishment is also reminiscent of the themes                  that Patrick McGoohan chose to explore in 'The Prisoner'.
It                  is therefore exciting to announce that 'The Callan File - The                  Definitive Guide', written by Robert Fairclough (who will be well                  known to 'Prisoner' fans due to his many series related books)                  and Mike Kenwood is now on sale.
At                  over 500 pages it is one of the most in-depth publications regarding                  the franchaise ever produced and has won glowing reviews from                  many people. The book is priced at £19.99 and is available                  from The Unmutual HERE , Amazon , eBay , and all good book shops, as well                  as direct from the publisher, Quoit Media Limited.
Special                  offer to Unmutual Website readers: In                  an exclusive offer, Quoit have kindly offered all Unmutual Website                  readers £1 off the cover price of the book. Simply order                  from their website between now and 15th December 2016 and then                  email them with the word 'unmutual' in the subject line and you'll                  be immediately refunded £1 of your spend.
Click HERE to visit their website.
THAT'S                  THE SPIRIT
It                  was 75 years ago that Noel Coward famously wrote the play 'Blythe                  Spirit' whilst staying in Fountain Suite, in Portmeirion, and                  19-21st October 2016 saw a series of very special anniversary                  performances in the village's Hercules Hall.
Entertainer                  and astrologer Russell Grant directed and starred in and, as expected,                  totally stole the show with his fantastic portrayal of Madame                  Arcati, the eccentric medium invited to a country house by a socialite                  and novelist. Grant as Arcati should surely be considered for                  a West End production of the play!
Assisted                  by the local amateur group the Citcom Starlight Players, Grant's                  radio-play adaptation version was due to take place in 2011 but                  Russell's unforgettable appearances on 'Strictly Come Dancing'                  delayed the idea.
All                  three nights in the recent run were a sell out, with attendees                  treated to a glass of bubbly as part of their ticket price when                  booking through Portmeirion.
Photo                  (c) Tori Davy.
BACK                  TO THE BEGINNING
As                  many readers will know, despite his connections to the UK and                  Ireland, Patrick McGoohan was actually born in New York.
The                  Unmutual Website is delighted to say that Tom Mayer, who of course                  has conducted so much research into various aspects of McGoohan's                  career (including Rafferty , Catch                  My Soul , and the press reaction to The                  Prisoner ), has written a new in-depth article, inspired by                  a recent trip to McGoohan's birthplace.
'New                  York Times' is profusely illustrated with photographs and contains                  many Prisoneresque connections, and can be read HERE .
With thanks to Tom Mayer for the article and images.
CATERHAM                  LEGO SET ON SALE
As                  reported by TUW (see news items below) LEGO recently announced                  that they would be going ahead with a project to release, which                  reached the number required through the 'ideas' programme to be released. It is with much excitement it can now be announced that                  the set is now available and on sale (left) from retailers including Amazon (ordering via Amazon via that                  special link will result in TUW's hospice fund receiving 5% of                  your spend at no cost to you).
With                  thanks to David Mackenzie for this news item.
SUPER                  SEPTEMBER
The                  first weekend of September 2016, 50 years to the month after location                  filming for 'The Prisoner' began in Portmeirion, saw a weekend                  of special location tour events relating to the series, and 'Danger                  Man', each free to attend.
As                  well as four days of tours to locations of both shows, the weekend                  also included an astonishingly detailed tour of the former site                  of MGM Studios, where of course the interiors for the series were                  filmed in 1966/67.
Click HERE to see a photo report                  of the weekend's activities.
Also that weekend, the fifth annual 'Festival Number Six' music and                  arts festival took place in Portmeirion. According to reports,                  the best of the musical performances were co-headliners Bastille,                  and a jaw-dropping David Bowie tribute, which featured the talents                  of Charlotte Church and others.
This                  year's festival, however, may be forever remembered for issues                  regarding the park and ride area, which predictably flooded, and                  reports of poor organisation and overcrowding. Please note that,                  following messages sent to The Unmutual Website, it needs to be                  made clear that neither Portmeirion nor TUW are in any way involved                  in the organising of the festival - Portmeirion is merely the                  venue and TUW merely advertises the event, as it does all events,                  and as such any comments or complaints/claims regarding the organisation                  or parking at the event should be directed to Festival Number                  Six Limited. Related news stories can be seen HERE and HERE .
 
HELL                  DRIVERS AND EARL AT BFI
Each year the BFI plays host to the London film festival, and this                  year there is a special treat for fans of the work of Patrick                  McGoohan.
'Hell                  Drivers', the classic film starring McGoohan alongside Sean Connery,                  Sid James, Stanley Baker, and Herbert Lom, is due for Blu-ray                  release from Network this year, and to coincide with the fantastic                  restoration work, a special 4k edition of the movie will be screened                  on Tuesday 11th October at the NFT.
Click HERE for details and to buy tickets.
Also                  forming part of the festival is a special Q&A with Earl Cameron                  (who played the supervisor in the episode 'Schizoid Man') followed                  by the classic 50s film 'Pool of London', on Sunday 23rd October.                  Click HERE for details.
Thanks                  to Shirley Jacobs and SR for this news item.
NEW                  ALBUM FOR DO NOT FORSAKE
'Do                  Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling', as regular TUW readers will know,                  is not only the name of an episode of 'The Prisoner', but also                  the name of a US-based rock band, who for many years have been                  homaging the series in their music and videos.
As                  well as supplying a stream of incredibly creative edgy rock (and                  for being two of the nicest and most talended people in 'Prisoner'                  fandom), the band have also won plaudits for their very inventive                  videos (including a recreation of 'The Prisoner' opening titles HERE and the 'Girl Who was Death'                  drinking scene HERE ).
It                  is therefore with much excitement that the band this month have                  announced details of their latest album, 'In the Village', which                  contains the latest of their Prisoner-themed songs ('A Change                  of Mind' and 'Hammer into Anvil').
More                  information on 'In the Village' can be found on the band's website HERE .                  Sophia Cacciola and Michael Epstein, who make up the band, have also been confirmed as guests at the forthcoming PrisonerCon2017                  in Seattle (see below).
With thanks to Sophia Cacciola for this news item.
BBC COVERS FIFTIETH
Monday                  5th September 2016 marked the 50th anniversary of the Portmeirion                  location shoot for 'The Prisoner' back in 1966 (series shooting,                  for the opening sequence, began a week earlier in August 1966),                  and to celebrate an excellently written article has been placed                  on the BBC website.
Profulsely                  illustrated with some magnificent behind the scenes stills, the                  article links to Tom Mayer's research articles at The Unmutual                  Website and is a fine piece of work and can be read HERE .
With                  thanks to Shirley Jacobs, Phil Coomes, Steve Watson,Cat Frumerman,                  Mark Restorick, and Andy Frith for this news item. Photo (c) Rick                  Davy.
LAST                  OF MGM TO GO
In                  1970, after over 30 years of film and television production, the                  doors of MGM Studios, where the interior sequences for 'The Prisoner'                  were filmed, were closed, and over the next 16 years the site                  was gradually demolished.
In                  its place these days, office buidlings, housing estates, and depots                  lie on the site of the former studio. With one exception.
Still                  standing, and the last of MGM Studios to be so, is a small electricity                  substation, near to the old East Gate of the studio. However,                  this is sadly set to change as Sainsbury's, who own the building                  (as it lies next to a distribution depot for the supermarket),                  have sold off the property for development.
The                  work is not due to start for another 12-18 months, but it will                  be a sad day when the very last piece of the iconic studios will                  be no more. News story can be read HERE .                  For more details regarding the MGM Studios, click HERE .
With                  thanks to SR for this news item.
SIXES                  AND SECONDS
Exciting                  news from Portmeirion to end the summer of 2016 is the news that                  what was formerly the Seconds Warehouse in Portmeirion, near to                  the toll gate, has been refurbished and now houses both a shop                  and cafe called 'Number Six' (left).
The                  left hand side of the building still retains its purpose as a                  shop selling gifts and pottery seconds. The right hand side has                  been tastefully re-decorated and is equipped with a licensed bar,                  as well as serving hot and cold drinks and snacks for visitors.
Photo                  (c) Rick Davy.
WHO                  GOES THERE
Readers                  might like to check out the new (August 2016) Summer Special Edition                  of 'Doctor Who Magazine', entitled 'On Location', which takes                  a look at outside broadcast filming over the years for the ever-popular                  science fiction series.
The                  magazine is of interest as it includes a superb 4-page colour                  feature (left) on 'The Masque of Mandragora', a Tom Baker story                  which was partly filmed in Portmeirion in 1976, where it doubled                  for ancient Italy. Written by historian Andrew Pixley, the piece                  comes highly recommended by TUW to all 'Prisoner', Portmeirion,                  and 'Doctor Who' fans, and includes several photos from both series                  and interviews with cast and crew.
Sadly,                  the piece/magazine appears to have neglected to mention 'The Five                  Doctors' story being partly filmed at Clough Williams-Ellis's                  nearby home at Plas Brondanw (photos HERE ),                  but perhaps another 'On Location' special is planned for the future?
With                  thanks to Geoff Lake for this news item.
GLORIETTE                  KIT GOES ON SALE
TUW                  readers may recall a report on the website in 2015 which looked                  at the model work of Si's Soldiers' at Pigeon Guard Games, in                  which models of Rover and other village-related items were produced.
The company has now taken their work to an extraordinary new level,                  with the design, production, and release of an incredibly detailed                  and accurate 1:56 scale (28mm scale) wooden model kit of Portmeirion's                  Gloriette (model pictured, left), which is hoped will be the first                  in a series of Portmeirion kits available.
Priced                  at only £24.99, the kits (which come unpainted and unbuilt,                  but are accompanied with instructions and guides to do so) are                  available from Portmeirion itself, and also The Unmutual Website                  ( HERE , with a percentage, thanks                  to Si, donated to TUW's Ty Gobaith Hospice event fund). For more                  details and photos of this incredible creation , visit Pigeonguardgames.com ,                  and to see some of Si's other Prisoner-related models click HERE .
With                  thanks to Si Pain for this news item and all his help.
PRISONER                  PROPSMAN DIES
The                  Unmutual Website is sad to announce that Mick Brady, who was a                  propsman at MGM throughout the 1960s, and therefore involved in                  both 'Danger Man' and 'The Prisoner', has passed away after a                  battle with cancer.
Mick                  worked on countless classic ITC and related series during the                  last 50 years and was full of stories and anecdotes about those                  times, and the personalities that he worked with.
A                  regular attendee of the MGM Borehamwood Location Tours, Mick (pictured                  left sharing a joke with Paul Welsh MBE on one such tour) was                  a delight to be around, and the Facebook group for the above tours                  has seen many tributes posted.
Mick,                  who was up until very recently still working on 'Eastenders' despite                  a recent knee replacement, will be sadly missed by all who knew                  him, and TUW's thoughts and best wishes go to his family and many                  friends. His funeral is at 11.00am on 28/7/16 at RC Church of                  St Teresa, Borehamwood.
With                  thanks to Paul Welsh for this news item. Photo (c) Alys Hayes,                  used with permission.
SIX                  AND THE CITY
Eagle-eyed                  readers of The Unmutual may have seen, dotted around various London                  streets (including Riding House Street and Broadwisk Street),                  some original and interesting Prisoneresque street art (such as                  that left). One such eagle-eyed reader is Phil Coomes, who wrote                  to tell more.
Phil                  writes; It seems Number 6's rebellious nature is once again being                  used to spur the public into action, to question and to examine                  their own thoughts and beliefs, and that of society. The art seems                  to be part of a wider campaign by a someone called SmileStreetArt                  (instagram HERE ).                  They have a number of Prisoner related posters/quotes, and each                  one seems to be a one off piece.
I                  emailed the artist who had only recently become aware of the series,                  they said: "Our friendly Number Six obviously represents                  the outsider and the non-conformist, he is defiantly individual                  and anti-collective, and it is these qualities that resonate with                  me.”
Click HERE to see a video and images from Phil (image left also thanks to                  Phil).
Thanks                  to Phil Coomes and Robert Fairclough for this news item and Phil                  for the images, video, and links.
ALL                  NIGHT LONG FOR JULY
As                  announced recently (see below), Network are treating fans to not                  one, but two, Patrick McGoohan Blu-Ray movies in 2016, as part                  of their ongoing 'The British Film' series of releases.
The                  first of these, it has been announced, will be the classic early                  1960s film 'All Night Long', which is also being re-released on                  DVD format, following a superb quality transfer from the original                  film elements, and the latter the movie 'Hell Drivers'.
July,                  it has been announced, will witness the 'All Night Long' released,                  priced at £14.99, or £9.99 for the DVD.
The                  Unmutual has a full review of the release HERE .                  Click HERE for the full Network                  press release, HERE for a clip on youtube, and HERE for the main Network On Air website to pre-order your copy.
With                  thanks to Network Distributing for this news item.
SFX                  TALK
The                  August 2016 issue of the popular Science Fiction magazine SFX                  will be of interest to 'Prisoner' fans, as it includes a four                  page article (left) on the series, written by historian 'Prisoner'                  Robert Fairclough, as part of the magazine's regular 'Time Machine'                  feature.
Illustrated                  with photographs, insights, facts, and history, the piece is,                  as always from Robert, expertly written, and arrived on the shelves                  on 22/6/16, accompanied with a free Sci Fi quiz book!
With                  thanks to Robert Fairclough for this news item.
FABULOUS                  FIFTIETH
EXCITING                  ANNOUNCEMENT - September 29th 2017 will mark 50 years since the                  first UK screening on 'The Prisoner'. TUW is delighted to announce                  that NETWORK will be hosting the official UK 50th anniversary                  celebrations in Portmeirion! More details to be announced on the events page nearer the time.
That                  weekend in 2017 also sees 'PrisonerCon2017' - an official weekend                  of Prisoner activities in Seattle, USA. More details also on the events page.
PORTMEIRION                  FOUNTAIN NAMED
For                  many years, an ornamental pond has been located on the drive out                  of Portmeirion (after driving through the Triumphal Arch), and                  in 2016 it has been re-modelled, with an attractive fountain now                  in place.
In                  April, Portmeirion ran a competition to name the fountain, and                  TUW reader Carole Elizabeth Ballard was announced the winner,                  with Ffynnon y Fôr-forwyn (Mermaid Fountain) the chosen                  name.
With                  thanks to Carole for this news item. Photo (c) Rick Davy.
APRIL                  EVENT SUCCESS
One                  of the highlights of the 'Prisoner' calendar each year, is Dave                  Lally's spring location tours, of London sites from both 'The                  Prisoner' and 'Danger Man'. Also repeated in the autumn, the tours                  take in over 30 locations from the series.
Around                  two-dozen folk from around the UK attended the latest tours, and                  they were given a treat at the end of the afternoon tour when,                  thanks to TUW reader Paul White, a Caterham 7 was on hand outside                  Number Six's house!
The                  next tours have been announced for September 2016,                  as part of a special Prisoner Locations Event Weekend, run in                  conjunction with the MGM Borehamwood Memories Group! Click HERE for more details.
Also                  a success, a week later, was a special 'celebrity' signing session                  in Barking, Essex, which included several actors from 'Doctor                  Who', plus 'It's Your Funeral' actress Annette Andre! As always,                  whilst Annette does not speak fondly of her time on the series,                  she is always delighted to talk about it, and her other roles.
Photo (c) Rick Davy.
FINISHED                  VILLAGE
Fans                  of the ongoing work of Big Finish, who of course have recently                  released an audio series re-imagining of the series (full details                  below, and HERE ), will be excited                  to know that one of the latest editions of their ever-popular                  podcast was recorded live in Portmeirion!
Presented                  by Nicholas Briggs (left, outside The Round House), who wrote,                  produced, and directed the 'Prisoner' audio episodes, the podcast                  includes all the latest Big Finish news, a mini guided-tour of                  the village courtesy of Rick Davy from The Unmutual Website, and                  interviews relating to the 'Dark Shadows' audio series.
Click HERE to                  download and listen to the podcast.
Image                  (c) Rick Davy
KEEPING                  WATCH
The                  refurbishment of Portmeirion's self-catering and nightly accommodation                  cottages has continued apace over the winter period, with the                  announcement that Watch House (which was in desperate need of                  a 'refresh') and Dolphin have both been given a new interior (and                  in the case of Watch House, left, a new patio area).
Full                  images of the work, during and after, can be found on Portmeirion's Facebook page.
Image                  (c) Rick Davy
HI-DEF                  McGOOHAN FOR 2016
Exclusive                  breaking news has reached The Unmutual from our good friends at                  Network that 2016 will see blu-ray releases for not one, but two,                  classic Patrick McGoohan films.
'All                  Night Long' and 'Hell Drivers' are two of McGoohan's finest films                  and have been previously released by Network on DVD - the latter                  in a special 2-disc edition packed with extras.
Both                  films will be also now be released by the company in beautifully                  restored BluRay versions with some new material in the early Autumn.                  Watch this space for more details throughout the year, click HERE for a sneak peek at 'All Night Long', or click HERE to visit the Network website, where many titles related to The                  Prisoner, Danger Man, and Patrick McGoohan are available.
With                  thanks to Tim Beddows for this news item.
CATERHAM                  GETS LEGO AHEAD
Readers                  may recall (news item HERE ) that                  some months ago there was a vote/campaign for the Caterham 7 car                  to be made available as an official Lego set.
Great                  news has reached The Unmutual from David Mackenzie (himself a                  Lego aficionado -responsible for the Portmeirion Lego Village                  ( HERE ))                  that Lego have now confirmed that the idea HAS been accepted and                  is now being designed. TUW will of course let you know when the                  set becomes available.
With                  thanks to David Mackenzie and Jamie Robertson for this news item.
THE                  SUPREME ARTICLE
The                  Unmutual Website has always played host to articles and research                  pieces regarding 'The Prisoner', and March 2016 marks another                  important moment with the news that 'The Prisoner Reviewed', a                  fascinating piece of work by historian Tom Mayer (who readers                  will recall wrote unrivalled in-depth pieces on the Patrick McGoohan                  works 'Rafferty' and 'Catch my Soul') has been completed and is                  now online HERE .
The                  piece is an in-depth analysis of critic and viewer opinions of                  'The Prisoner' in the USA before, during, and after the series                  transmission and makes for truly fascinating reading, so much                  so that both social media and blogs, such as Brett Harris' HERE ,                  are championing the work.
Also                  new and online are some other smaller articles of interest in                  The Observation Room HERE , including                  some new 'Prisoner compared' pieces in The Projection Room HERE .
SUPER                  FURRYS AT FN6
Festival                  Number Six is a yearly music festival, held in the grounds of                  Portmeirion, which has won several awards in recent years. The                  2016 festival takes place in September, and several exciting artists                  have now been confirmed for the event, including Welsh rockers                  Super Furry Animals, Bastille, and ex-Oasis star Noel Gallagher                  with his new band High Flying Birds!
For                  more details on the festival, click HERE .
COLISEUM                  DEMOLISHED
The                  Coliseum Cinema in Porthmadog was a beautiful art-deco building                  which, in 1966, saw the first screenings of 'The Prisoner' TV                  series, as it was the venue which witness cast and crew viewing                  that day's filming, or 'rushes', late each evening, and also the                  first screening of a full episode, 'Arrival', for Sir Clough Williams-Ellis and guests.
As                  readers of TUW will recall, there has long been a campaign to                  save the venue from demolition and the sad news is that the campaign                  is now at an ened, as February and March 2016 has witnessed the                  demolition of the building (see pic, left, and video below).
 
With                  thanks to David Stimpson, John and Helen Moran, and Al Jones.                  Image and video (c) Rick Davy.
EVERYMAN                  ON PRE-ORDER
Exciting                  news for folk looking forward to the graphic novel 'Everyman -                  the story of Patrick McGoohan', written and drawn by Brian Gorman                  (see news item below) is that FBS publishing have now announced                  pre-orders for the book, and each copy will be personally signed                  by Brian himself!
The                  graphic novel is a follow-up to Brian's successful stage play                  of the same name (see two reviews HERE )                  and runs for 70 fabulous pages, each drawn by Brian.
Click HERE for an exclusive TUW review of                  the novel, which is a highly accomplished piece of work, featuring                  artistic realisations of famous moments, scenes, and photographs                  from the early life of McGoohan, right up to the making of 'The                  Prisoner'.
The                  book is available in both hardback (limited to 300 signed copies,                  with bonus artifacts for buyers) and paperback versions from the                  FBS website HERE .
With                  thanks to Brian Gorman and FBS Publishing for this news item.
TIMES                  AND PRISONERS ON CD SET
"Another                  Splash of Colour - new psychedelia in Britain 1980-1985" is a 3cd compilation from the early 80s UK psychedelia revival.                  The interest for TUW readers lays mainly in the fact that disc                  1 track 7 includes 'The Times - I Helped Patrick McGoohan Escape'.
Also                  included is a track by The Prisoners, who took their name from                  the show and included the famous Village Font logo on the cover                  of their album 'The Wisermiserdemelza'. You can find the set on                  Burning Shed and Amazon but only the former has a full track listing                  so far, it is at www.burningshed.com/store/psychedelic/product/333/7269/.
With                  thanks to Andrew Frith for this news item.
ESSEX-BOUND                  ANNETTE
Exciting                  news has reached The Unmutual Website that much-loved actress                  Annette Andre will be attending a special signing event in April                  2016.
Annette,                  who played the part of Monique in the episode 'It's Your Funeral'                  and is also fondly remembered for her many other roles on TV,                  including 'The Saint', 'The Persuaders', 'Crossroads', 'Prisoner:                  Cell Block H', and of course as Jeannie in the series 'Randall                  and Hopkirk (Deceased)', whilst not having enjoyed her time working                  with Patrick McGoohan, has always been incredibly kind and giving                  to fans and is always happy to chat about her time on all these                  shows.
The                  event is taking place on Saturday 16th April, at Tenth Planet                  in Barking, Essex, from 10.00am-1.00pm. Signed items start at                  only £12 each, and there will also be opportunities for                  photographs.
Click HERE for more details. Be Seeing You there?
With                  thanks to SR for this news item.
SECOND                  SERIES FOR BIG FINISH
With                  the first series of 'The Prisoner' full cast audio dramas from                  Big Finish on the shelves and very well received by fans, it is                  with delight that producer and writer of the series, Nicholas                  Briggs, has announced that series two has now been confirmed,                  and is now available for pre-order prior to a January 2017 release.
Big                  Finish have further announced a very special competition, the                  prize for which is attendance at a recording session for the second                  series later this year! Check out The Unmutual's Facebook page HERE for more details!
To                  keep up to date with all things 'The Prisoner at Big Finish',                  click on TUW's dedicated page HERE .
For                  several reviews of series 1, click HERE ,                  and HERE for a behind-the-scenes                  photo report, and for a review from Planet Mondas click HERE .
With                  thanks to Ed Watkinson and Anthony Rooney.
R.I.P.                  CONRAD PHILLIPS
Yet                  more sad news has reached The Unmutual today, with the news that                  actor Conrad Phillips, who played The Doctor in the episode 'The                  General', has passed away yesterday (13th January, the 7th anniversary                  of Patrick McGoohan's passing), at the age of 90.
Philips                  is probably best remembered for his role as swashbuckling hero                  'William Tell' in the classic 1950s TV series, and a five-year                  recurring role as Christopher Meadows in the soap opera 'Emmerdale'.
Often                  referred to as 'the man who was in everything', Conrad appeared                  in many other ITC series from around the same era as 'The Prisoner',                  such as 'The Saint', and 'UFO'.
Conrad                  retired in 1992, his last role was in the comedy series 'Never                  the Twain', and lived his final years in a converted barn in Normandy.
The                  Unmutual Website would like to offer its sincerest condolences                  to his widow Jennie, two children, and two grandchildren, and                  all who knew this very talented and likeable actor. A further                  obituary from The Guardian can be read HERE .
With                  thanks to Gareth Bevan and Andrew Frith for this news item.
RIDLEY'S                  REMAKE?
Over                  the years there have been countless rumours regarding a possible                  movie remake of 'The Prisoner', with many names (such as Christopher                  Nolan, Mel Gibson, and Patrick McGoohan himself) linked with it                  since the original series aired in 1967/68 (click HERE for an article about the succession of remake ideas).
The latest of these is the news that 'Alien' director Ridley Scott                  is in early discussions with Universal regarding a possible remake,                  with 'The Departed' writer William Monahan having written an early                  draft script. More details HERE .
The                  series was remade in 2009 as a TV mini-series by AMC, but was                  pretty much universally panned (click HERE for many reviews).
Keep                  an eye on The Unmutual Website for any further developments! A                  news archive page for remake news is online HERE .
BIG                  FINISH SET AVAILABLE
The                  wait is now over! The long-awaited Big Finish full-cast audio                  drama re-imagining of 'The Prisoner' is now available, and what                  a magnificent set it is!
Click HERE for The Unmutual Website's                  review of the set, and click HERE for a special behind-the-scenes photo report from one of the recording sessions, featuring exclusive interviews and photos.
You                  can of course keep up to date with TUW's speial dedicated Big                  Finish page HERE . Click HERE to order.
New Number Six Mark Elstob at the recording session                  ( MORE HERE ).
APRIL                  TOURS CONFIRMED
Exciting                  news for folk interested in the London locations used in the filming                  of both 'The Prisoner' and 'Danger Man' will be delighted to learn                  that the next FREE location tour events have been announced, for                  Sunday 10th April 2016.
More                  than 20 locations are visited from the series, including Number                  Six's London house (left), the underground car park, and the famous                  resignation corridor, click HERE for                  the events page for more details.
With                  thanks to Dave Lally for this news item.
FREE                  AUDIO FOR ALL
Well                  it's a very Merry Christmas from Big Finish, as they have placed                  online a 30-minute excerpt of the first episode of their forthcoming                  audio CD series of 'The Prisoner', FOR FREE!
The                  series, written and produced by Nicholas Briggs, is released in                  January 2016 and TUW has a special page dedicated to the release,                  which includes in depth interviews with Nick and all the news                  and details.
Click HERE to listen to the free section of 'Departure and Arrival' and HERE for The Unmutual's special Big Finish page, which includes photos,                  information, and links to interviews with Mr Briggs.
Update                  January 4th 2016 - Check Facebook for regular behind the scenes videos, in 6 parts, from Big Finish                  regarding the project!
2015                  IN REVIEW
The                  reviews section of The Unmutual Website (click HERE )                  has been updated, with several reviews from this past year, including                  DVD releases, books, and events.
The                  event reviews include an in-depth photo report of the May 2015                  Prisoner Weekend (including the 2015 Mind Mash event (left)),                  the October location tours, and an Elstree Heritage screening                  evening.
More                  events are planned for 2016, including of course Dave Lally's                  always popular 'Prisoner' and 'Danger Man' location tours, the                  first of which has been confirmed for Sunday 10th April (see events                  page for more details).
BETTINE                  LE BEAU R.I.P.
It                  is with much sadness that The Unmutual Website has learnt that                  actress Bettine Le Beau, who played the part of Lucette the maid                  in 'A, B, and C', has passed away at the age of 82.
A                  holocaust survivor, Bettine will be remembered for her inspirational                  speaking and writing as much as for her acting skills and modelling                  work.
Her                  many and varied roles included wonderfully entertaining appearances                  in such series as 'The Likely Lads' and as one of 'Hill's Angels'                  in 'The Benny Hill Show', as well as more serious roles such as                  the first James Bond film 'Dr No'.
In                  2008 Bettine attended the PM2008 event in Portmeirion and gave                  a wonderful interview about her life and career. An inspiration                  to many she will be sadly missed by all who knew her.
With                  thanks to Glenn Knowles for this news item.
KEEPING                  TRACK
Over                  the years several record labels, and most recently TUW's friends                  at Network have released 'The Prisoner' and 'Danger Man' music on various                  formats, and the latest of these are Cherry Red Records, whose                  latest CD release, 'Escape in Time' (left) features the theme                  music from both shows, an additional 6 pieces of incidental music                  from 'The Prisoner', as well as other cult and telefantasy tracks                  such as 'The Saint', and 'The Avengers'.
With                  the vinyl comeback in full swing, Network have also added to their                  recent releases of 'The Prisoner' on that format, with new 180g                  vinyl remastered sets of series such as 'Gideon's Way' and 'The                  Baron' (below).
'Escape                  in Time' can be purchased HERE (with                  profits donated to TUW's Ty Gobaith charity fund), and Network's                  title from HERE .
With                  thanks to Andrew Frith and Network Distribution for this news                  item.
A                  NOVEL IDEA
Several                  books have been written over the years which can lay claim to                  being 'Prisoneresque', or be influenced by the series, and the                  latest of these is 'The Cubist's House', by French-born author                  Jean Bonnin.
The book is undoubtadly an interesting read, and the Prisoneresque                  elements are clear throughout.
The book is described as; 'If Marcel Duchamp, Friedrich Nietzsche                  and Le Corbusier collaborated on a project The Cubist’s                  House would be the result. A cross between The Prisoner and Tales                  of the Unexpected things aren’t always quite how they appear.'
The                  book is available from Amazon (click HERE to visit the site and TUW's event fund for Ty Gobaith will receive                  5% of your spend at no cost to you).
With                  thanks to Jean Bonnin for this news item.
JOURNEY'S                  END FOR CMS
Over                  the last two to three years The Unmutual Website, thanks to the                  work of researcher Tom Mayer, has been something of a hub of excitement                  regarding the long-thought-lost movie 'Catch My Soul', the rock-opera                  version of Shakespeare's Othello which was the only feature film                  to be directed by Patrick McGoohan, which was recently 'found'                  and screened in the US.
It                  is with much thanks to Tom that TUW can announce that not only                  is the DVD and Blu-Ray set now available for sale here at The                  Unmutual Website (click HERE for                  the 'Village Shop' to purchase your copy, a 2-disc edition* with                  extras and extensive booklet), but that the fourth (and final?)                  part of Tom's research into the film is now online to read.
This                  part of the article includes interviews with cast and crew, location                  photos, and information relating to the recent release of the                  film. Click HERE to read it.
*Discs                  are Region 1/A. With thanks to Tom Mayer for this news item.
FINISHED                  PACKAGING
More                  aspects regarding Big Finish's audio re-imagining of 'The Prisoner,                  for release this coming January, have been announced.
First                  up is the excellent packaging (left) for the discs, artwork, and                  booklet, which includes extensive background on the set from Nicholas                  Briggs, profusely illustrated with photographs behind the scenes.                  Also announced, is a new/second audio trailer for the new series,                  which can be heard HERE .
Click HERE for TUW's special Big Finish                  Page, and HERE for exclusive                  interviews with writer and producer Nicholas Briggs.
With                  thanks to Nicholas Briggs of Big Finish for this news item.
JOIN                  JANE, NIKE, AND CHRISTOPHER
The                  month of November 2015 will see not one or two, but three events                  of interest to fans of 'The Prisoner', with regards to three special                  individuals who appeared in the series.
Firstly,                  on Friday November 27th, Jane Merrow (pictured left, in Portmeirion                  at PM2006 ), who appeared in 'Schizoid                  Man' and two episodes of 'Danger Man', will be the subject of                  'An Evening With...' at the London Cinema Museum. Tickets start                  at £15 and more details can be found HERE .
Then just two days later, a similar evening is planned for Christopher                  Benjamin, who appeared in no less than three episodes, including                  as Potter in 'The Girl Who Was Death'. Click HERE for more details of the event, which takes place at Manchester's                  FAB cafe.
Also                  appearing, for the first time at an event, is Nike Arrighi, who                  played the Romany woman in 'Many Happy Returns', who will be signing                  at the London Film Convention on 14th November, details HERE .
With                  thanks to Ray Warren, Darren Stokes, and Brian Gorman for this                  news item.
GRAPHIC                  NOVEL FOR EVERYMAN
Readers                  of The Unmutual Website will doubtless recall the excellent stage                  production 'Everyman', written by and starring Brian Gorman, which                  tells the story of the first 40 years of the life of Patrick McGoohan.
The                  play was very well received (see two reviews HERE ),                  so much so that Brian, an accomplished artist, has converted the                  story into a graphic novel.
Running                  for 70 pages, the novel is a highly accomplished piece of work,                  featuring artistic realisations of famous moments, scenes, and                  photographs from the early life of McGoohan, right up to the making                  of 'The Prisoner'.
The                  book will                  be available through the publishers, FBS, as well as Amazon, very                  shortly. For more details, click HERE .                  Keep an eye on TUW for release and review, coming soon!
OCTOBER                  FAREWELLS
2015                  will go down in history with 'Prisoner' fans as one of the saddest,                  in terms of the numbers of cast and crew from the series who have                  sadly passed away.
The                  latest of these is all the more saddening as it seems the news                  has seemingly largely gone un-noticed since 2013, and that is                  that Alan White, who so memorably played Roland Walter Dutton                  in the episode 'Dance of the Dead', passed away that year, after                  a long and distinguished career in TV, Film, and on the stage.
Alan                  was always especially kind to fans of 'The Prisoner' and he always                  returned their correspondence in detail and fondly recalled his                  episode of the series.
In                  more recent news, The Times (and Telegraph HERE )                  reported in October 2015 that casting director on 'The Prisoner',                  Rose Tobias-Shaw, has sadly passed away on October 27th 2015,                  at the grand age of 96. PF Sloan, the composer of "Secret                  Agent Man," has also passed away this month, as has actor                  Keith Michell, who appeared alongside Patrick McGoohan in 'All                  Night Long' and 'The Gypsy and the Gentleman'.
The                  Unmutual Website would like to offer its sincerest condolences                  to the families of all these indivuals, who all played a great                  part in making 'The Prisoner' series and other films and series                  as well-remembered as they have been.
With                  thanks to David Stimpson, Geoff Dodd, Leslie Glen, Alison Bett,                  and Julian Bridger for this news item.
BIG                  FINISH CAST ANNOUNCED
The                  Unmutual Website is deighted to announce that the cast for their                  forthcoming 'The Prisoner' audio drama series has now been officially                  announced, following the recent teaser/trailer announcements (see                  new below).
Confirmed                  as the Number Six role is stage and screen actor Mark Elstob (below)                  with Celia Imrie (left, with Sara Powell as Number Nine), Sir                  John Standing, Ramon Tikaram and Michael Cochrane as the four                  Number Twos.
Writer                  and Producer Nick Briggs has again spared time for questions from                  TUW, click HERE to read his interviews                  in full, and click HERE for photos                  and quotes from the cast and all the latest news regarding the                  series!
Images                  (c) Rick Davy
HERITAGE                  SCREENING FOR DAM BUSTERS
One                  of Patrick McGoohan's earliest screen roles was an uncredited                  part in the classic war film 'The Dam Busters', and thanks to                  TUW's friends at Elstree Screen Heritage, there is a rare chance                  to see the movie on the big screen, on Saturday October 31st 2015                  at The                  Ark Theatre in Borehamwood.
Paul                  Welsh MBE will be your host for this very special event, which                  marks the 60th anniversary of the film. Click                  here for the events page for more information.
PRISONERESQUE                  NOVEL SEEKS SUPPORT
The                  name Brian Gorman will be one familiar to readers of TUW, following                  his successful 'Everyman' theatre production (reviews HERE ),                  for which a forthcoming graphic novel is also being produced.
Brian                  Gorman's Prisoner-inspired original graphic novel, 'Borderliners',                  is due to be published early next year, and a crowdfunding campaign                  is drawing to a close. There's still time to get onboard, and                  claim some very special perks. You could even appear in the story,                  alongside theatrical kinights Roger Moore and Ian McKellen (who                  have given Brian permission to use their likenesses).
Click HERE to visit the crowdfunding page, and keep an eye on TUW for further                  announcements regarding Brian's Prisoner-related projects.
With                  thanks to Brian Gorman for this news item.
TRAILER                  ONLINE FOR ANNIVERSARY
September                  29th 2015 has not only market the 48th anniversary of the first                  UK screening of 'The Prisoner', but also the launch of the official                  audio trailer for the forthcoming Big Finish audio 'Prisoner'                  series CD box set (full cast audio dramas based on the original                  series). Artwork (left) showing some cast members has also been                  released.
Nicholas                  Briggs, producer of the series and executive producer of Big Finish,                  has again been most kind to spare a few moments to share his thoughts                  on the latest developments, exclusively for The Unmutual Website.
Click HERE to read Nick's comments,                  Click HERE to listen to the trailer, and HERE for the new theme music. Share your thoughts on TUW's Facebook                  page HERE .
With                  thanks to Nick Briggs for this news item.
OCTOBER                  2015 TOURS CONFIRMED
Each                  year, David Lally operates location tours of sites seen in 'The                  Prisoner' and 'Danger Man', and the highlights of these are the                  twice yearly London location tours.
The                  latest of these has been announced for Sunday October 18th 2015,                  with a morning tour of 'Danger Man' locations, and an afternoon                  tour of over 20 'Prisoner' sites (including Number Six's home,                  left, and the famous resignation corridor).
Click HERE to visit TUW's event page with full                  details of how you can attend - the events are FREE FOR ALL.
FIVE                  FOR SIX FOR ITV SIXTY
With                  the 60th anniversary of ITV fast approaching, it has been no surprise                  to have seen several mentions of 'The Prisoner' of late, most                  notably finishing 5th in a Radio Times poll of the greatest ITV                  shows ('Auf Wiedersehn Pet' the surprise winner), with the full                  list in the next (26th-3rd October 2015) issue of the magazine.
To                  coincide with the anniversary, TUW's friends at Network have released                  as special DVD set (left) containing 60 of ITV's greatest shows                  ('The Prisoner' is of course included, in the form of the episode                  'Checkmate') and some previously unreleased rarities.
Network                  also produced a wonderful trailer for the set, which can be viewed                  on youtube HERE ,                  with 'The Prisoner' pride of place. Click HERE to                  visit Network's website!
With                  thanks to Dennis Buckingham and Geoff Lake for this news item.
PRISONER                  A-O-KAY
'The                  Prisoner', or at least clips from episodes of it ('Checkmate'                  and 'Free for All'), popped up on BBC2 last week, during an episode                  of the comedy-drama series 'From Cradle to Grave', which tells                  the life story of popular presenter Danny Baker (left).
Baker's                  father, portrayed by comedian Peter Kay, was seen watching the                  episodes, and commenting on them, in episode two of the series,                  available on BBC iPlayer.
With                  thanks to Tim Cannon and Peter Preston for this news item.
RELEASE                  FOR CATCH MY SOUL
Exciting                  news has this week been announced regarding the film 'Catch my                  Soul' the only movie to have been directed by Patrick McGoohan.
Following                  the extensive research conducted by Tom Mayer for The Unmutual                  Website (read his series of articles regarding the film HERE ),                  Etiquette Pictures in the US have restored the film and have announced                  the film is to receive its first release!
November                  22nd is the date for your diary, with the film receiving a special                  Blu-Ray/DVD double pack release, which will not only include the                  film, but the original trailer, a special 'making of' featurette                  featuring original cast member interviews, and also extensive                  sleeve notes which have been adapted by Tom Mayer from his TUW                  articles.
Click HERE to visit Etiquette's Facebook page, HERE for a blog piece, and HERE for a recent article. Ordering details will appear here as soon                  as details are announced.
With                  thanks to Tom Mayer and Etiquette Pictures for this news item.
SIX                  IN A SUITCASE
A                  new online comic has been produced, by superb artist Mike James                  Gorman, of interest to fans of not only 'The Prisoner', but another                  ITC action show, 'Man in A Suitcase'.
Using                  photoshop, Mike has re-touched stills from both series, adding                  his own elements too, to create the strip 'Prisoners and Pawns',                  which comes highly recommended by The Unmutual Website.
Writes                  Mike; 'I really wanted to do something very different and how                  great it would be to have McGill meet Number Six.'
To                  read Mike's comments in full, click HERE ,                  and to view/read the comic, click HERE .
A,                  B, AND CEDAR TREE
Readers                  of TUW, and inhabitants of North Wales, will recall that Portmeirion                  bore the brunt of some severe storms in 2014 (new story HERE ),                  resulting in the loss of countless trees. One of these trees has                  now been used by Gwynedd-based artist, David Nash OBE RA, to create                  his latest sculpture.
Entitled                  'Habitat', the seven foot high artwork has been installed in Diamond                  Wood within the estate of the University of Warwick to celebrate                  its 50th anniversary. Full story HERE .
Image                  copyright Martin Neeves. With thanks to Peter Dunn and Nicola                  Jones at Warwick University.
NICK                  BENNETT R.I.P.
Yet                  more sad news has reached The Unmutual with the sad announcement                  that Nick Bennett, 'Prisoner' and Portmeirion fan known to many,                  and yearly holiday companion to several readers of The Unmutual                  Website, passed away on Friday 21st August 2015 after a short                  illness.
Few                  people had as much passion for Portmeirion, cult TV, and music                  than Nick, who would always put others before himself, and be                  the first in Portmeirion's hotel bar to buy everyone else a drink.
In all the years Nick was involved in fandom, no-one ever had                  an ill word to say about him. Nick (left, in between Eric Mival                  and John Smith at the PM2005 event at                  which Nick was the official photographer) will be sorely missed                  by all who knew him. Rest in Peace, mate!
ORIGINAL                  MOKE TO BE AUCTIONED
It                  is with much excitement that news has come to light that the original                  Mini Moke vehicle used in the series (news story about this fascinating                  story HERE ) which was discovered                  in 2011 is to be auctioned at the end of August 2015.
Click HERE to visit the auction site - it would be great if this item could                  enter the hands of a 'Prisoner' fan for an accurate restoration, contact TUW if you are interested in                  bidding (either solely or if you'd like to explore being part                  of a syndicate).
UPDATE: Sadly,                  the Prisoner fan syndicate was unsuccessul, and the Moke sold                  at auction for £13,500 to an unknown bidder.
With                  thanks to Sam Denham and Lee Arnall for this news item.
CONNECTING                  THE PRISONER
It                  is quite often that 'The Prisoner' is a subject for questions                  on a TV quiz or game show (usually folk are asked what Patrick                  McGoohan's number was, or where the series was filmed), and the                  latest of these occurrences appeared on 27/07/15 on the BBC show                  'Only Connect' (left), only this time the question was more challenging                  than usual.
The                  teams had to guess what comes next in the sequence: 4. Free For                  All 3. A,B&C 2. The Chimes of Big Ben 1.? Neither team got                  the correct answer of 'Arrival', although one did know it was                  from 'The Prisoner' but thought it was the last 4 episodes. Better                  than the other team though, who gave 'The Jackson Five' as their                  answer!
Also                  on TV recently, Jo Wood (wife of Rolling Stone Ronnie) appeared                  on the show 'The TV That Made Me', during which she discussed                  'The Prisoner.
With                  thanks to Geoff Dodd, Howard Foy, Dennis Buckingham, Peter Preston,                  Tim Cannon, Alan Smith, and Christopher Lewis for this news item.
AUBREY                  MORRIS DIES
Yet                  more sad news has reached The Unmutual Website, with the news                  that character actor Aubrey Morris, who played the town crier                  in 'Dance of the Dead' (and also appeared alongside Patrick McGoohan                  in 'Danger Man' and 'Columbo') has passed away at the age of 89.
Specialising                  in eccentric and sometimes uneasy or unsettling roles, he starred                  in countless film and TV productions, from a particularly memorable                  role in the cult film 'The Wicker Man', to an amusing cameo in                  'The Hitchikers Guide to the Galaxy', from a creepy performance                  in 'Up the Junction', to a renowned role in 'A Clockwork Orange',                  as well as being a much respected theatre actor.
Aubrey                  Morris remained friends with Patrick McGoohan right up until his                  passing, and was also mooted to have had a role written for him in the ill-fated movie version of 'The Prisoner' being prepared                  by McGoohan and Polygram in the 1990s.
He                  was an actor of much talent and TUW would like to express its                  sincerest sympathies to all who knew him. Guardian obituary HERE .                  Time magazine HERE ,                  USA Today HERE ,                  AV Club HERE .
With                  thanks to Geoff Dodd, Robert Fairclough, Christopher Lewis, Tom                  Mayer, and Giles Kendrick for this news item.
ERIC                  AND PHYLLIS R.I.P.
More                  sad news has reached The Unmutual Website in the last week, with                  the announcements of the deaths of two crew members who helped                  shape the last 3 episodes of the series.
Eric                  Boyd-Perkins (left) was an editor of high regard, who worked on                  many films, such as 'The Bridge Over The River Kwai' and after                  'The Prisoner' edited cult classics such as the movies 'The Wicker                  Man' and 'Hawk the Slayer', and who joined the series for the                  last few episodes, including the finale of 'Fall Out' after fellow                  editors Noreen Ackland and Dick Best struggled with its completion.
He                  spoke highly of his time on the series, and was interviewed for                  Network's 40th anniversary 'Prisoner' DVD set as part of their                  feature'length documentary 'Don't Knock Yourself Out'.
Phyllis                  Townsend was Continuity lady, also on the last three episodes,                  of 'The Prisoner', and her career list (see her IMDB page HERE )                  speaks for itself, with work on countless TV series, such as 'The                  Sweeney', 'Van Der Valk', 'Minder', and many more, particularly                  in commercial television, and was also a highly trusted person                  in the role in the film industry also, working within both the                  James Bond and Indiana Jones franchaises.
The                  Unmutual Website would like to offer its sincere condolences to                  the family and friends of both Eric and Phyllis. May both Rest                  in Peace.
With                  thanks to Jon Older, Geoff Dodd, and Al Samujh for this news item.                  Photo (c) Network Distributing, from their 'Don't Knock Yourself                  Out' documentary, available from http://www.networkonair.com.
VILLAGE                  WHEELERS
Portmeirion                  recently saw another TV film crew at the location, this time in                  the form of 'Wheeler Dealers', a popular Discovery TV programme                  in which the two presenters, enthusiast Mike Brewer and mechanic                  Edd China, restore classic cars.
This                  time it was a Caterham Seven they were working on and TUW readers                  Fraser Levey and Garth Worsey were on hand to take photographs                  of the finished result in the village, click HERE to see them.
This                  follows soon after Jodie Kidd was seen in the village, being filmed                  for a now transmitted episode of C5's 'Classic Car Show'.
With                  thanks to Dennis Buckingham, Fraser Levey and Garth Worsey for                  this news item and photos.
MODEL                  CITIZEN
Over the years there have been several attempts to bring aspects of                  'The Prisoner' and Portmeirion to life in the form of models,                  with varying levels of success.
Si's                  Soldiers is a gaming-related model site which is now home to various                  completed and ongoing Prisoner-related projects, which as well                  as creating new models from scratch, also utilise existing gaming                  models for adaption into the 'Prisonerverse'.
Si's                  models and restorations/conversions are superb, and TUW is delighted                  to announce that work on several Portmeirion buildings is now                  in its early stages! Click HERE to see more of Si's models and details regarding his website.
Also,                  in an exclusive offer to The Unmutual Website, Si has very kindly                  donated several of his Rover models (see below) for sale, with                  all profits donated to TUW's event fund for Ty Gobaith Hospice.                  Click HERE to purchase for only £11 + P&P!
NOR                  THE MOON BY NETWORK
Exciting                  news for fans of the film work of Patrick McGoohan has reached                  TUW, with the announcement that TUW's good friends at Network                  are releasing the highly regarded 1958 movie 'Nor the Moon by                  Night'.
Click HERE to visit Network's website, and click HERE to see McGoohan's complete filmography with details of DVD availability                  of each title.
With                  thanks to Linda Schley and Geoff Lake for this news item.
WAYWARD                  THINKING
Over                  the years, 'The Prisoner' has inspired countless artists, musicians,                  and TV writers and producers. Series such as 'Twin Peaks', 'Lost',                  and 'Babylon 5' are on record as having been influenced by the                  series, and several others have tried to include passing homages                  and mentions to the series in its episodes wherever possible.
The                  latest to have been influenced is the FOX series 'Wayward Pines',                  which stars Matt Dillon as an agent in the secret service who                  cannot escape a mysterious village he is investigating, following                  the disappearance of two colleagues.
The                  series, produced by renowned director M Night Shyamalan (who directed                  'The Village' movie several years ago), includes countless Prisoneresque                  elements, and is airing in the UK on the FOX satellite channel.
With                  thanks to Carmel Morris and Bruce Frumerman for this news item.
UNDER                  THE KOSHO
TUW                  has received an interesting email from long-time reader of the                  site Des Gorra.
It                  appears that a series of television adverts in Scotland, specifically                  on the Freeview channel STV Glasgow, have been airing recently                  for 'Air Space Freestyle Jumping' - a large Trampolining park                  in the city of Glasgow.
In the advert, and at the centre, folk are seen competing in various                  trampoline battle and ball sports, some of which are very reminiscent                  of the Kosho sequences in 'The Prisoner'.
With                  thanks to Des Gorra for this news item.
R.I.P.                  MATHEW LOCK
It                  is with much sadness that TUW can announce that much loved friend                  and highly talented artist and 'Prisoner' fan Mathew Lock has                  passed away after a battle with cancer.
Mathew                  will be fondly remembered for his wonderful Portmeirion artwork                  (see his                  website for examples), his photography, film-making (he made                  several much-loved 'Prisoner' fan films in the 1980s and 1990s                  (details HERE )), but most of all for                  his friendship to many.
It                  was calculated that he had spent over two years of his life staying                  in Portmeirion, a place he loved, and it is hoped a memorial to                  him will be placed at the site in the near future. It is also                  hoped that a website will be created to display all his wonderful                  artistic creations.
Mathew's                  funeral service took place at Bristol South Crematorium on Monday                  1st June at 2.00pm, with attendees, at Mathew's request, wearing                  bright colours and not formal/funeral attire. Mathew was taken                  to the crematorium accompanied by many fans of 'The Prisoner' and was pulled by a low-loading race trailer, at his request.                  R.I.P. Mathew.
CLOUGH'S                  CAFE REFURBISHED
For                  many years, the North Wales town of Criccieth, just a few miles                  from Portmeirion, has been home to an art-deco cafe/restaurant                  designed by Portmeirion architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis.
Exciting                  news has reached The Unmutual Website that the long-mooted takeover                  of the establishment by Dylan's has now taken place, and the resultant                  refurbishment is first class!
Click HERE to see a range of images                  of the refurbished building, thanks to Paul White.
PETER                  HOWELL R.I.P.
More                  sad news has reached The Unmutual Website with the news that Peter                  Howell, who played the Professor in 'The General', passed away                  on April 21st 2015 at the grand old age of 95.
Peter                  was a distinguished actor with a long and varied CV, probably                  best known for his long running role in the TV drama serial 'Emergency                  Ward 10', before his appearances in 'The Prisoner', 'Doctor Who',                  and several other series.
In                  the early 1970s he appeared in the highly regarded TV play 'File                  on Harry Jordan' which was a very Prisoneresque tale featuring                  a mute midget butler!
He                  was most proud of his appearance in the TV movie 'Scum' as the                  governor but was also proud of his association with 'The Prisoner'                  saying; "working with Pat McGoohan on The Prisoner, this                  extraordinary, mystifying, magic series was very exciting."
Wonderful                  company and always pleasant to speak to, Peter kindly donated                  signed photographs for auction in 2006 to raise money for TUW's                  Ty Gobaith Hospice fund, and this sums up the kindness that Peter                  always displayed. He will be greatly missed by family and friends,                  including Sir Ian McKellen who has paid tribute to Peter HERE .
With                  thanks to Gareth Bevan for this news item.
ROBERT                  RIETTI R.I.P.
It                  is with much sadness that TUW announces that Robert Rietti, actor                  and voiceover artist, passed away on April 3rd 2015. He was 92.
Robert                  was a uniquely talented man, who was not only an accomplished                  actor (appearing in films such as 'The Italian Job' and 'The Omen',                  and countless TV series) but also one of the worlds most highly                  regarded voiceover artists, doubling for countless actors including,                  on many occasions, the great Orson Wells.
Robert                  will be best remembered by readers of TUW, of course, for his                  work on 'The Prisoner'.
Not                  only was he the voice of the generic voice of Number Two at the                  start of many episodes, but he also appeared throughout the series                  (such examples include the male village announcer, the interrogator                  in 'Chimes', the voice of Mexican Sam in 'Harmony', and many more).                  He also re-voiced Patrick McGoohan himself for the entirety of                  the movie 'Nobody's The Greatest'.
Robert,                  who was a Knight of the Italian Empire, also provided many voices                  heard in James Bond films, and in one movie famously provided                  voices for almost the entire cast in every scene!
Robert                  was a special guest at The Unmutual Website's PM2008 event in                  Portmeirion and was not only a fascinating guest, but wonderful                  company and a joy to be with, and he will be greatly missed by                  all who knew him.
Click HERE for a review of the PM2008 event,                  and HERE for a full obituary from The Times.
With                  thanks to David Stimpson, Leslie Glen, and Gareth Bevan for this                  news item.
BIG                  START FOR BIG FINISH
Following                  on from the recent exciting announcements regarding the forthcoming                  series of "The Prisoner" from Big Finish (see news items                  below), there has been a further announcement today with the episode                  titles and synopses for the first four episodes of the series                  announced for the first time (click HERE for the press release).
The                  series kicks off with "Departure and Arrival", based                  on "Arrival", an entirely new episode called "Your                  Beautiful Village", and then re-workings of the original                  TV episodes "The Chimes of Big Ben" and Schizoid Man".
Executive                  Producer and writer Nick Briggs has again spared the time to tell                  TUW more about the episodes, and you can read his thoughts, in                  addition to the earlier interview he gave TUW, HERE .
The                  Unmutual Website will of course update you as and when more news                  is announced regarding this exciting series.
With                  thanks to Nick Briggs again for his time.
MAY                  FOR LONDON PRISONER WEEKEND
The                  Unmutual Website is delighted to confirm that a whole weekend                  of 'Prisoner' events and activities has been confirmed by the                  various event organisers for May 15th-18th 2015 in London, including                  location tours, special guests, screenings, and much more, for                  which all Prisoner fans are welcome to attend.
The                  events include the welcome return of Leslie Glen's Prisoner Mind                  Mash on Saturday May 16th, which this year will include several                  special guests attending, including series music editor Eric Mival,                  series film editor John S Smith, and the writer of 'Living in                  Harmony' Ian L Rakoff! The event will also include officially                  sanction screenings, presentations, discussions and much more.
Sunday                  17th will see Dave Lally's always popular 'Danger Man' and 'The                  Prisoner' location tour events take place, with Monday 18th seeing                  further tours in the Hertfordshire area related to both series,                  and Friday 15th a location visit and social evening.
More                  details on all these events and how you can attend (all events                  are FREE FOR ALL apart from the Mind Mash, which is a non-profit                  event in aid of Ty Gobaith Hospice) can be found on the event                  page HERE .
With                  thanks to Dave Lally and Leslie Glen for this news item.
RITE                  OF PASSAGE
"Passage                  Home" was a 1955 Peter Finch and Diane Cilento movie, which                  also co-starred a young Patrick McGoohan, in one of his earliest                  film roles.
So                  far, the movie has only received a DVD release as part of a larger                  Peter Finch set, and as limited edition European releases and                  The Unmutual Website is delighted to announce that it has secured                  a limited number of used but very good condition copies of one                  of the two German releases, available to readers at only £3.99                  plus shipping.
The                  DVD (pictured left and below) includes a still photo which includes                  McGoohan on the inner inlay, and has both English and German language                  versions (IE the German packaging does not mean a German movie).
Click HERE to purchase yours, with any                  profits made donated to TUW's event fund for Ty Gobaith Hospice.
In                  other 'McGoohan Release News', TUW reader Tina Jerke informs us                  that the "Columbo" episode "By Dawn's Early Light" has received a standalone Blu-ray release in Germany, and "All                  Night Long" has received a Hi-Definition Criterion Collection                  release available on Amazon and iTunes.
With                  thanks to Peter Preston.
ANIME                  MAGIC
Imprisoned                  in a strange village, where the residents are given numbers and                  get subjected to mind control and escape is impossible due to                  a large floating white balloon. Sound familiar?
What                  has just been described is an episode of the Japanese anime series "Lupin III" entitled "Church of the Poison Mind",                  which reader Des Gorra has found and researched.
Aired                  in 1978, the episode is not available commercially, but is occasionally                  screened online via official sources, and Des has kindly investigated                  the different methods of tracking down the episode, which is well                  worth watching.
Click HERE to read more details about                  this fascinating film.
With                  thanks to Des Gorra for this news item.
STAIRWAY                  TO SEVEN
The                  Unmutual Website is indebted to reader and former Prisoner Caterham                  Seven owner Paul White. Paul recently attended the opening of                  Caterham's new showroom near to Gatwick Airport and has provided                  a review, including photos, of the event.
The                  new showroom includes mentions, of course, of 'The Prisoner'.                  Click HERE for Paul's                  review.
With                  thanks to Paul White for this news item.
NICK                  BRIGGS INTERVIEWED
Following                  on from the exciting recent news (see below) that Big Finish,                  best known for their extensive range of "Doctor Who" audio dramas, will be producing original "Prisoner" audio dramas to be released in January 2016, The Unmutual Website                  is delighted to announce that executive producer and writer of                  the dramas, Nick Briggs, has been kind enough to spare some time                  to give a few more details regarding his plans for the series.
Interviews                  and casting is underway for the lead character of Number Six,                  and the first script has already been written with Nick saying; "My intention is to make something great that will entertain                  and engage fans of the original as well as people who are new                  to it."
Click HERE to read the full interview                  with Nick, HERE to visit the Big Finish website and pre-order the first box set,                  and HERE to discuss the project on TUW's Facebook page.
With                  grateful thanks to Nick Briggs for his time.
RARE                  MCGOOHAN VOICEOVER RELEASED
"Red                  Reflections" is a documentary made for TV in 1966 and 1967                  and has just been released on DVD for the first time.
This                  will be of great interest to readers of The Unmutual Website as not only was it directed and produced by "Prisoner" Music Editor Eric Mival at MGM whilst the series was being made,                  but also features a guest voiceover for one scene by none other                  than Patrick McGoohan!
The                  documentary, which follows a group of international students through                  Eastern Europe into Russia during the height of the cold war,                  is available in the Village Shop , Amazon , and the Quoit                  Media Limited website.
Extras                  on the DVD include Eric discussing the film, and McGoohan's involvement,                  with co-producer Richard Owen, and Eric's first film, "The                  Retrievers", from 1955. Click HERE for the full Press Release / details.
With                  thanks to Eric Mival for this news item.
NEWSNIGHT                  HOMAGE
"The                  Prisoner" has been seen several times in the past on various                  shows being pastiched, or used to illustrate a point, but possibly                  not as well done as last week, when a special report on BBC2's                  flagship current affairs show "Newsnight" programme                  used music, clips, and imagery from the series to form much of                  Chris Cook's (left) report on how government departments are not                  adhering to the freedom of information act (an apt topic to utilise "The Prisoner" for, of course, given many of the key                  themes of the series).
Largely                  filmed at Portmeirion, with blazer and Rover props to boot, Chris's                  report was superbly Produced, edited, and directed by highly respected                  producer Stuart Denman who told TUW "I                  very much enjoyed making it ...it was like having a whole film                  set to ourselves". Click HERE for more quotes, photos and details of the production and to see                  the finished piece.
With                  thanks to Stuart Denman, Chris Cook, Crispin Hodges, and Eric                  Mival for this news item. Images (c) BBC.
THE                  VINYL COUNTDOWN
Our                  good friends at NETWORK have done it again! Throughout recent                  years the organisation have stunned fans with their "Prisoner" and "Danger Man" DVD, Blu-ray, and soundtrack releases,                  and 2015 is no different with the announcement that "The                  Prisoner" is to be released on 180g Vinyl!
Not                  only will there be a gatefold LP release, but also a limited edition                  white vinyl (left), both of which have been painstakingly remastered                  and pressed from the original source tapes. Beautfully presented,                  it is according to Network MD Tim Beddows; "the ultimate                  if you are a fan of the music element of the series".
Click HERE to visit Network's site (they are also currently holding a soundtrack                  sale too) and pre-order the "Prisoner" vinyls, which                  will be released in May 2015.
With                  thanks to Tim Beddows at Network and the many people who have                  alerted TUW to this news.
COME                  SPY WITH ME
Fans                  of the superb work of Crooked Hand Productions will be pleased                  to hear that their new film "The Monochrome Spy" is                  in the can!
Crooked                  Hand were responsible for the excellent play "Magic Number                  Six" (review HERE ) and "Mr                  No Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" (see "What if?" news item                  below) and their latest project is set to be just as entertaining,                  as Paul Gosling's script sees Rob Leeson return with the author                  and Co-Director Carolos Dandolo for a comedy-thriller set in the                  mid-6os in the world of live television and espionage.
The                  premier screening is free to attend (tickets in limited number,                  so book now) at the Phoenix Theatre in Leicester on February 26th                  at 3.00pm. For tickets and more info click HERE .                  Be Seeing You there?
With                  thanks to Paul Gosling for this news item.
MORE                  PODCASTS ONLINE
Following                  news a few months ago (see "Broad Casting" news item                  below) that a new "Prisoner" podcast was available online                  ("The Village People" where friends Roo, Nodge, and                  Steve watch each episode and comment on it in a light-hearted                  way HERE ),                  and subsequent news of Shane Poole's "In The Village Prisoner                  introcast" ( HERE ),                  news has reached The Unmutual Website of a third podcast, this                  time from across the pond.
"Back                  in the Village" (site left) is a podcast produced by Clay                  McCormack (whose name readers might recognise from artwork projects                  in the past). Again light hearted and humourus (and perhaps for                  adult listeners only) the podcast site can be found HERE .
All                  three of the above podcasts come highly recommended by The Unmutual                  Website.
BERNIE                  WILLIAMS 1943-2015
Yet                  more sad news has landed on The Unmutual Website's e-newsdesk                  with the sad announcement in Hollywood that Bernie Williams, who                  was Production Manager on "The Prisoner" died on 5th                  January at the age of only 72.
Much                  of what "The Prisoner" became was due to the wonderful                  vision and hard work of Williams, who was interviewed for the                  Carlton 35th Anniversary special DVD release and the Network 40th                  box set, including he and Patrick McGoohan creating the balloon                  version of Rover whilst looking at the skies for inspiration following                  the failure of the original Rover device.
It                  is hard to place into words the contribution that Bernie made                  to shaping and developing the series and TUW offers its sincerest                  sympathies to all who knew him at this sad time.
He                  will also be fondly remembered for the fanastic work he did on                  films such as "A Clockwork Orange" and "Dirty Rotten                  Scoundrels" and many others, as producer after he moved to                  Hollywood in 1981. A uniquely talented man.
With thank to Geoff Dodd for this news item.
BIG                  FINISH SET FOR PRISONER AUDIOS
Exciting                  news has reached The Unmutual Website that Big Finish Productions,                  best known for their highly regarded and highly polished "Doctor                  Who" audio dramas, have been granted the licence to produce                  official "Prisoner" audio dramas.
Released                  in January 2016 the audio series is yet to be cast, but it will                  have not only a new score but also will be written and directed                  by Big Finish’s co-executive producer, Nicholas Briggs,                  who announced on their website ‘The Prisoner has been a                  great love of mine for many years'.
The                  audio set is available for pre-order from the Big Finish Website HERE .                  As always, TUW will bring you more news as soon as it is announced.
With                  thanks to Anthony Rooney and Geoff Lake for this news item.
BRIAN                  CLEMENS DIES
More                  sad news to report in January 2015 with the announcement that                  renowned writer and producer Brian Clemens has died.
Whilst                  best known for creating the TV series' "The Avengers", "The New Avengers" and "The Professionals",                  and work on other series such as "Thriller", he also                  wrote 9 episodes of "Danger Man", including the very                  first episode "View from the Villa", which features                  Portmeirion. In 2004 he recorded three audio commentaries for                  the Australian "Danger Man" box set by Umbrella.
A                  prolific writer in a career that spanned six decades, Brian changed                  the face of British television and all fans of cult TV owe him                  much. TUW extends its sympathies to Brian's widow, children, family,                  and many friends. RIP.
Click HERE to read a superb obituary from The Scotsman.
With                  thanks to Lee Arnall for the link.
AL                  BE SEEING YOU
Up                  until Christmas 2014, comedian Al Murray may not have been an                  individual whom you would have associated with "The Prisoner",                  but it turns out that it is his favourite TV show!
"Al                  Murray's Great British Spy Movies" (left) was a one-off BBC4                  special broadcast in December which featured many classic British                  spy films, but also a small TV section in which Murray stated                  his love for the series.
Clips                  from the series (as well as "The Avengers" and "The                  Champions") were included, as Murray led a discussion with                  Matthew Sweet (film historian), Dame Stella Rimington (ex MI5                  head) and Matthew Forde (comedian). and he finished the programme                  by saying 'Be seeing you'. The show is available on iPlayer for                  a short period HERE .
With                  thanks to Dennis Buckingham, Alan Smith, Sam Denham, and Mathew                  Lock for this news item. Image (c) BBC.
DAVID,                  RAE, AND LEO R.I.P.
The                  Unmutual Website is sad to have learnt that several influential                  folk during the early days of "Prisoner fandom" have                  sadly passed away.
David                  Lawrence, pictured left in Portmeirion in 1981, will be remembered as the organiser of the "Once Upon a Time" fan club                  that grew out of the "Sussex Friends of The Prisoner" group in the UK before moving overseas and running successfully                  throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
David                  was also very active since that time and was a great help to The                  Unmutual, agreeing for his articles and interviews to be reproduced                  on the site and also writing aspects of the event programme for                  several of the official events ran by TUW at Portmeirion from                  2005-2008 (reviews HERE ). His wife Marsha,                  who sadly passed away in 2004 (news story HERE )                  ran the now defunct "Virtual Portmeirion" website. David                  was always a kind, helpful, and generous man who will be very                  much missed by all who knew him.
Rae                  Wittrick was the co-author, along with Roger Goodman, of the 1983                  book "The Patrick McGoohan Screenography" and sadly                  passed away in December 2014 at a care home in Essex. Rae's collection                  of "Prisoner" memorabilia has kindly been sold by her                  family to The Unmutual Website for the benefit of other fans and                  to raise funds for Ty Gobaith Children's Hospice. TUW's thoughts                  are with her family during this sad time.
TUW                  is also saddened to hear that Leo Sapiets, another familiar name                  from the early days of "Prisoner fandom" also passed                  away recently. TUW's thoughts are with his family and friends.
With                  thanks to Kipp Teague for this news item and photo.
STAND                  UP FOR PATRICK
The                  Unmutual Website is delighted to bring readers news of a fantastic                  (and unique) piece of merchandise related to "The Prisoner".
Larry                  Green Productions, after consultation with ITV Studios and Patrick                  McGoohan's widow Joan, have produced the first ever life size                  Number Six cardboard cutout standup figure (left), which can be                  utilised as a card stand-up or a door poster.
Larry                  Green will be a name familiar to most "Prisoner" fans.                  Larry was a good friend to Patrick and Joan McGoohan, and all                  Patrick's official signed items were arranged via Larry up until                  Patrick's sad passing, and it was via Larry that Patrick very                  kindly donated signed items to TUW for auction at our official                  events in Portmeirion (more details HERE )                  several years ago.
To purchase this superb new standup, click HERE (if you intend to purchase, please enter ebay via TUW's link HERE and our charity fund will recieve 5% of your spend from ebay at                  no cost to you or Larry).
PORTMEIRION                  FILMING CONTINUES
The                  Autumn of 2014 saw a higher than usual number of film crews visiting                  Portmeirion for some very exciting, and very different, projects.
Firstly,                  the popular Welsh language children's TV series "Llan-ar-gollen" which features Portmeirion as a fictional magical village inhabited                  by weird and wonderful characters (sound familiar?) has been filming                  for its new series.
The                  show, which includes characters such as Prys, Ceri the CGI dog-detective,                  and Ragli the postman (left) can be viewed weekly on Welsh TV                  station S4C.
Also                  recently in the village was BBC TV presenter Dominic Standbrook,                  who is fronting a new BBC4 show regarding science fiction series.                  Dominic utilised a "mini Rover" for his piece regarding "The Prisoner". Finally, also filming in recent months                  were Bangor University Performing Arts department for their short                  student film "Solitaire".
For                  several behind the scenes photos and videos from ALL THREE of                  these Portmeirion shoots, click HERE (a behind the scenes video of "Llan-ar-gollen" can be                  seen below).
 
EBAY LINK UP FOR CHARITY FUND
The                  Unmutual Website is proud to announce that it has signed an agreement                  with eBay and as such is now an official eBay partner. Rather                  like the association TUW has with Amazon (click HERE for more details), this means that our charity event fund for                  Ty Gobaith Children's Hospice can benefit from site readers shopping                  on the site.
Quite                  simply, if you'd like to buy something on ebay enter the eBay                  site VIA THE LINK ON THIS PAGE and                  TUW's charity fund will receive a percentage of your spend AT                  NO COST TO YOU.
If                  all TUW's 5000+ weekly visitors did this each time they used eBay                  and Amazon much money for the hospice fund would be raised.
BEYOND                  ALL DOUBT
One                  debate which raged for many years in "Prisoner" circles,                  including here at The Unmutual Website, was that of "what                  is the location of the runway at the start of every episode?"
Several                  sites were put forward, each of them seeming convincing arguments                  at the time, but several years ago, following research by Anthony                  Mackay and others involved with the Avengerland locations organisation,                  it was confirmed that Podington Raceway (AKA Santa Pod) was the                  location used (which backs up Assistant Director Gino Marotta's                  1993 claims).
Exciting                  new footage and images have since been unearthed by Anthony, one                  of which is below. The top portion of the screen is the opening                  shot from "The Prisoner". The shot underneath is a still                  from Pathe News footage of drag racing at Podington in 1967. As                  you can see, the two locations are totally identical, proving                  beyond any doubt that the location was indeed Podington.
Further                  information and images can be found at The Unmutual Website's                  extensive locations guide HERE .
 
ABOUT                  'THE UNMUTUAL'
THE                  UNMUTUAL WEBSITE serves as the world's largest online source of                  information about the iconic 60’s T.V. series ‘The                  Prisoner’ and ‘Danger Man’ providing information                  about both series, Patrick McGoohan, the cast and crews, the village                  of Portmeirion in which filming took place, and all official and                  independent ‘Prisoner’ related activities, books,                  events, and news. It supports Ty Gobaith, a children's hospice                  in North Wales, by donating profits raised by the Unmutual Website's                  online sales or events to them. http://www.hopehouse.org.uk/care/
The Unmutual Website is not a fan club, Society, or group. It                  is a FREE online resource FOR ALL Prisoner fans.
MORE NEWS:
THE            UNMUTUAL. An online non-profit cyber-magazine, intended to serve as            a free news service for fans of The Prisoner TV series, its star Patrick            McGoohan, and Portmeirion in aid of Ty Gobaith Hospice. Promotion of            Prisoner merchandise provided entirely free of charge for the benefit            of Prisoner fans. Neither this website nor events run under its banner            are connected with any society, group, or fan club whatsoever, or any            other website using the name "Unmutual". No responsibility            can be taken for individuals unconnected with this website claiming            to act on its behalf.
Compiled,            written, and hosted by Rick Davy. Words and Images may not be reproducedwithout            prior permission, and are © Rick Davy and The Unmutual Website            unless otherwise stated. "The Unmutual" logo design, "Unmutual            News Archive" logo design, and the character "Alistair Sadgitt" are all Copyright © Lew Stringer 2004. Not to be used without written            or emailed permission.
Thanks            to the various sources for supplying the news items and everyone for            their continued help and support (you know who you are) and to Lew Stringer,            who devised and originally ran The Unmutual Website.
The Prisoner is Copyright © ITV Studios.
Site            last updated: 14/1/2017. Site History: Click HERE .
Keep            checking back for more Unmutual Updates, or subscribe to our email updates!!
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