I have the graphic novel, which is pretty interesting. (Seems like it was originally pulished as a three or four issue mini-series.)

Yes, it was a three or four part series later combined into one.

I think one of the elements that keeps THE PRISONER so fascinating for me is the enigmatic character of McGoohan himself. I believe that one of the levels on which THE PRISONER works is a very personal one for the actor. With an ordinary mortal I might be tempted to say that he suffered from a nervous breakdown. His popularity was soaring with SECRET AGENT, he had become internationally known, the big movie offers were starting to come his way and he may have felt a bit like a product, his humanity reduced by agents and producers to the level of a very commercial commodity rather than an individual human being. So, in a certain way, I see his playing of Number 6 a reflection of his own feelings, a man trapped in a world where he is not viewed as a person.

There's that tale that's told, as well as the story that McGoohan didn't want to play a character that carried a gun. Somewhere, over the years, McGoohan supposedly has expressed having had second thoughts over turning the role of Bond down when it was offered to him but, since I can't recall the source, I can't say how accurate that account might be.

I don't know where this story originated or if it's even true. Unfortunately, McGoohan has been such a private person that very little about his personal life is available. But I like to think the story is true. And in my own mind I see it as the consequence of his Catholicism and intelligence regarding the entertainment business. His Catholicism might lead him to the conclusion that by kissing other women he was being unfaithful to his own wife. After all, outside of the acting profession, when does Society condone kissing and intimate physical contact between one or more married people? What would lead to quite understandable jealousy, mistrust and feelings of betrayal by "civilians" is just part of the job for actors. His intelligence and industry experience would tell him that many in his profession had succumbed to the temptations of the flesh which had begun "innocently" enough on set. And it may be as simple as he made his wife a promise. Regardless, I think his career was ultlimately hindered by his convictions. But I admire him for having that strength and holding something else more important than mere fame and fortune.

Last Edited By: ryanbrennan Oct 9 07 10:22 PM. Edited 1 times.