I'm a fan of Patrick McGoogan's landmark series "The Prisoner" from that epochal year in the arts 1967. Having wrapped up his long-running TV series as "Danger Man" McGoohan went to Lou Grade to pitch his idea for a new programme based on the question about what the establishment does with secret agents who want out. His No. 6 has become a cult figure for all who would rebel against repression of the individual and free speech, a subject which everywhere, somewhere in the world, always has topical relevance, this year it would be Hong Kong's turn, I guess.
Then-novice documentary film-maker, Christopher Rodley, an admitted fan of the original series, decided to try to track down the usually reticent star in the hope of interviewing him about the show, something he'd only deigned to do once before, many years previously. Rodley surprises himself by getting McGoogan to agree to an interview, although it's very much on his terms and indeed as Rodley admits, at points McGoohan pretty much takes over and directs the exchange himself.
There are also supporting interviews with his obviously adoring daughter and archive footage discussing the show with some of his main collaborators. McGoohan seems generous at admitting that he got a lot of help to bring his vision to life and in no way promulgates himself as a self-obsessed auteur. Sure, he's prickly at times in front of the camera, but that's because he clearly doesn't want to explain too much about the show, rather leaving the viewer to exercise their own imaginations. I especially loved the intercutting of amateur on-set footage taken by a member of the public placed alongside the final aired scenes.
I didn't really need so much of Rodley's personal commentary and in the end McGoohan remains as enigmatic as ever. He's almost the no 2 to Rodley's no. 6, even using his old line "Be Seeing You" to sign-off.
An enjoyable documentary essential for fans of one the most ambitious if occasionally baffling shows ever.
