ON THE TRAIL AGAIN

Fans of Portmeirion's part in "The Prisoner" will be delighted to hear that "On the Trail of The Prisoner - a walking guide to Portmeirion's Prisoner sites" by Catherine Frumerman, has been reprinted following the sell-out of its first run.

Due to updated software technology and the utilization of a brand new, $250,000, state-of-the-art Canon printing press, the book is brighter with the pictures clearer and deeper. There are some additional photos (new and old) and the cover has been double laminated making it more water-resistant.

The book is available from Portmeirion's Prisoner shop as well as online at Prisoner e-store PrizBiz.

With thanks to Catherine Frumerman for this news item.

PRISONER SHINDIG

The next issue (June 25th 2009) of "Shindig" magazine will be of interest to fans of "The Prisoner" and Patrick McGoohan as it features a large article on both.

Written by Emma Stott, the article is in-depth and of interest to new and established fans alike. The magazine is available at Smiths & Borders, or click HERE for the Shindig website.

With thanks to Emma Stott for this news item.

TILSLEY BOOK RELEASED

Attendees of the recent April 2009 Prisoner Mind Mash will have heard special guest Vincent Tilsley ("Chimes" and "Do Not Forsake" writer) speak of his new book, "Holy Night".

TUW is delighted to say that the book now has a confirmed publishing date of July 31st 2009, and the book will be available from Amazon from that date (use the search box HERE to find it and a % of the sale will be donated to charity).

Vincent has also kindly provided the preface to his book to the site, and this can be read HERE.

With thanks to Vincent Tilsley and Leslie Glen for this news item.

PATRICK McGOOHAN R.I.P. 19/3/1928 - 13/1/2009

Devastating news. Patrick McGoohan sadly passed away on 13th January 2009 after a short illness. Words alone cannot sum up the man, his career, and the impact he had on so many people's lives. A special page is online HERE for fans and admirers to leave their tributes, click HERE to email yours. Everyone involved with The Unmutual Website is in shock, and extend their sincerest sympathies to Patrick's friends and family. R.I.P. Patrick, thanks for everything!

Online reports: Washington Post,Daily Mail, Wall St Journal, Irish Independent, CBS, Chicago Tribune, Time, National Public Radio, Leitrim Observer, Palisades Post, Liberte Politique, LA Times, Star News, Halifax News, Radio 5 Live, The Times, Telegraph, Independent, BBC, Yahoo, NY Times, Down the Tubes, Kentish Express, The Unmutual Website is grateful to Larry Green for the above recent photo.

APRIL PRISONER WEEKEND REPORT

The April 2009 Prisoner weekend was again a huge success. On the Saturday was Leslie Glen's Mind Mash, with special guest the "Prisoner" writer Vincent Tilsley, and on Sunday Dave Lally's locations walkabout.

A full report including many images and a video is now online HERE.

PRISONERESQUE ALBUM RELEASED

Andabrek is the long awaited debut album from Stephen James. It is probably best described as a concept album and as such, is more likely to be appreciated when listened to from beginning to end. This painstakingly constructed keyboard based 'rock' was influenced by artistes as diverse as Howard Jones, Elton John, Jim Steinman, AC/DC and Art of Noise! The subject matter is self evident from the cover artwork. Steven writes; "I like to think that Patrick McGoohan would have approved. Perhaps if I'm lucky it will reach number six in the charts! Special guest appearance by Tom Baker)."

The CD is available on Amazon (use THIS LINK and search for B0020UU76U) and the album's official site is HERE.

PAPERBACK WIFFLE

Fans of "The Prisoner", and Cult TV and the shows' related conventions, will be pleased to hear that "Wiffle Lever to Full" was re-released as a glossy mass-market paperback version on April 30th 2009.

Written by Bob Fischer, the book is a tale of his experiences of attending various fan conventions during 2005 and 2006, and PM2006 is included, along with various "Star Trek", "Doctor Who", and other series' conventions.

The original release was launched at PM2008 and thereafter followed a collection of terrific reviews from magazines and broadsheet newspapers alike.

Click HERE for Bob's official website for the book.

GUEST FOR APRIL PRISONER WEEKEND

Arrangements are now in place for the 2009 April (17th-20th) Prisoner weekend in London, the latest of which is the exciting news that Vincent Tilsey (writer of "Chimes" & "Do Not Forsake") will be the special guest at Leslie Glen's Mind Mash on Saturday 18th.

Vincent will be interviewed about his life, and provide commentary on the 2 episodes, at the event, aswell as other attractions and a prize raffle.

The Sunday will as usual see Dave Lally's informative and enjoyable "Prisoner" locations walking tour, and Monday 2oth an interior tour of Parliament.

For more details on the whole weekend, click on our events page.

RUNWAY CONCLUSION?

One of the most fascinating location discussions over the years has been the famous runway, seen at the start of each episode.

For many years it was thought to be Hethel Lotus track in Norfolk, and more recently Radlett Airfield in Hertfordshire. However, after extensive research from Anthony McKay of Avengerland and the members of the Brit Movie forum, it now seems without doubt that the location was the Poddington raceway (AKA Santa Pod, left), first muted by fan Natasha Neal several years ago and "confirmed" by Gino Marotta in 1993.

Click HERE for The Unmutual Website's location guide for more details.

JAMES BREE R.I.P.

James Bree, who played the part of Villiers in "Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling" sadly died in December 2008. He was 85.

Perhaps best known for his 8 roles in "Doctor Who" James or Jimmy is also fondly remembered for TV series such as "Jewel in the Crown" and "Z Cars", aswell as films such as "On Her Majesties Secret Service" and "Without a Clue".

A brief interview with James Bree regarding his "Prisoner" appearance can be seen HERE, and a full obituary by the stage can be seen HERE. TUW extends its sympathies to his family and friends.

With thanks to SR, Robert Fairclough, and Simon Coward for this news item.

McGOOHAN ARTICLE ONLINE

Zani is an online magazine focussed on pop and counter culture, and an in-depth article about "The Prisoner" Patrick McGoohan entitled "Patrick McGoohan - The Obsessional Prisoner" By Paolo Hewitt has been added this weekend.

The article, illustrated with several photographs, discusses in depth about the show’s development and the pros and cons McGoohan faced whilst making the series. It can be viewed in its entirety HERE.

Time Magazine (HERE) also has a new article online this weekend, as does The AV Club (HERE).

With thanks to Matteo of Zani for this news item.

GERRY CRAMPTON DIES

For the third time in a month, TUW is sad to say that another member of the "Prisoner" fraternity has sadly passed away.

Gerald Crampton, stuntman on several episodes and also played the Kosho Opponent in "It's Your Funeral" and Guardian in "Schizoid Man", passed away on January 24th aged 78.

One of the World's most respected stuntman, Gerry, nicknamed "Mr Mayhem", worked on classic films including "Ghandi", "Batman", and "Raiders of the Lost Ark" as well as 6 James Bond films. TUW extends its sympathies to his family and friends. Telegraph obituary HERE.

With thanks to Al Samijh for this news item.

HARD WAY RELEASED

Fans of the film work of Patrick McGoohan will be pleased to hear that the classic film "The Hard Way", in which McGoohan stars as a hit man alongside Lee Van Cleef, is to be released by Netowrk in March.

The film, shot in and around Dublin in Ireland with a score by Brian Eno , is a firm favourite amongst McGoohan admirers and film aficionados alike and is priced at £12.72 by Network.

Click HERE to order from Network. Click HERE to order through Amazon, with a % donated to Ty Gobaith Hospice for every penny spent, at no cost to yourself.

With thanks to Carol Brady and Matt Courtman for this news item.

MICHAEL HICKEY R.I.P.

Another sad announcement is that Michael Hickey, sound recordist on the first 13 episodes of "The Prisoner", including the Portmeirion location shoot, has passed away. He was 94.

Michael worked at MGM until it closed in 1969 on many ITC productions and TUW extends its sympathies to his family and friends.

An obituary can be read HERE.

With thanks to Al Samujh and SR for this news item.

PRISONER SCREENING TRIBUTE

As a tribute to the passing of Patrick McGoohan, Union Chapel (left) in Islington, London, will be screening 5 episodes of The Prisoner in March 2009 on various dates.

There will also be a "Prisoner" trivia quiz, and prices are £3 advanced ticket, £4 on the door. For more information, click HERE.

With thanks to Mette & Darren Stokes for this news item.

PRISONER COMIC ONLINE

TUW is indebted to American illustrator Clayton McCormack this week for providing details of the exciting web-based "Prisoner" comic now available HERE. Writes Clayton; "I am fully committed to working within the world of the television show, avoiding any "reimagining" or updates, save for a few visual tweaks here and there."

With thanks to Clayton McCormack for this news item.

BORDERLINE PRISONER

More comic news is that "Borderliners", a new comic published by Unico Comics, written & drawn by artist Brian Gorman, has garnered some great reviews from industry professionals. The story is heavily influenced by the 60s ITC action series, and particularly "The Prisoner". The 'Pilot Issue' can be ordered HERE, and was recently chosen as 'Pick Of The Month' by the UK Indie comics website www.smallzone.co.uk.

The pilot issue features the likeness of Sir Ian McKellen as a No.2 type figure, and Issue 1 proper, which should be ready for the May Bristol Comics Con, will feature a heavy Prisoner tribute style story, and also have the permission of Sir Roger Moore to include his likeness as a leading character.

With thanks to Brian Gorman for this news item.

THE SECOND VILLAGE

Following on from the recent updates, more exciting news has come from the Second Life "The Second Village" online virtual World.

More information on it is viewable HERE, and there is now an array of youtube videos of the experience for people to enjoy. Click HERE for a video tour of the impressive Portmeirion Village created for the experience, and HERE for "Kosho" as practiced on the island. The site now has over 600 internationally-based members, with even an Unmutual group, and progress on the Prisoner-specific game incorporating all the episodes and the administrative section is continues apace and will be ready by the Spring. The next International development is going to be a global virtual choir and Artists4mercy are thinking of taking a venue for free concerts!

With thanks to Catty Erde for this news item.

STREAMING PRISONER

As post-production on the long-awaited TV series re-make continues, co-producers AMC have continued their embrace of the original 17 episodes with announcing the exciting news that the series is available to view online in the US free for the very first time! Click HERE for AMC's Prisoner video page where all 17 episodes are now available! In the UK of course, the series is airing again nationwide on ITV4.

Following this news, several magazines and blogs picked up on the announcement including Men Style, Paste Magazine and Publisher's Weekly, with the New York Observer, Toronto Star, LA Times, and UK Sunday Express, running features on the remake, with the film remake from Christopher Nolan also apparently pushing forward. An interview with the remake producer can be read HERE, and more behind-the-scenes photos and hints on the remake can be seen HERE.

Additionally, it has been confirmed that Patrick McGoohan will NOT be appearing in the remake, HERE.

With thanks to Clayton Newman of AMC, Catherine Frumerman, Kevin Ryerson, Jan Tzinski, Tim Sawyer for this news item.

ESCAPE FROM PORTMEIRION

Viewers of the TV travel/homes series "Escape to the Country" should check out the editions screened in February 2009, as one special show will extensively feature Portmeirion.

On Wednesday 17th December, a film crew (left) shot around the village, including an interview with Managing Director Robin Llywelyn.

Update 1/4/09: This edition will be aired on 17/04/09 at 5:15pm on BBC 2.

With thanks to Al Samujh for this news item.

DUTCH DVDs

"The Prisoner" has been shown in countless countries and regions over the years, and several countries have also seen video and DVD releases.

The latest of these is the Netherlands who now have their own version of the 40th Anniversary box-set available (although why the US Capitol building appears on the packaging remains a mystery).

Featuring all 17 episodes, each in English but with Dutch subtitles, the 5-disc set is also reputed to come with an A3 poster and 60-page booklet.

The set can be ordered for under 50 euro HERE, as well as at other online retailers in the area.

With thanks to Carty for this news item.

IT'S A WRAP!

After years of speculation, and months of shooting, "The Prisoner" TV series is now complete and in post-production, according to makers AMC on their web-log, and is due to air sometime in 2009. Check TUW or AMC for all the latest news on the series, as it happens.

Christina Wayne, Senior VP of Original Programming at AMC is listed as #21 of "The 25 Smartest People in TV" in the December 12 issue of "Entertainment Weekly". One reason for her being so smart is the upcoming "... miniseries adaptation of the classic 1960's show The Prisoner"

With thanks to Cathy Frumerman and Jim Bennett for this news item. Photo (c) AMC.

HIGH SPIRITED BETTINE

Following the recent news item, fans of Bettine Le Beau, who played Lucette in "A, B, and C" will be doubly pleased to hear that a large feature by Spencer Lloyd Peet entitled "Help Yourself to Happiness" (the title of Bettine's much-respected book) which tells the story of her incredible life and career is included in the January 2009 issue of "High Sprits" magazine.

With thanks to Spencer Lloyd Peet for this news item.

PORTMEIRION EMBERS

The Machynlleth-based duo "Ember" of Emily Williams and Rebecca Sullivan have been working on their "contemporary folk with an edge" since 2001 and their new video for the track "Storm" features Portmeirion in the background. The video can be viewed on youtube HERE.

With thanks to Roger Goodman for this news item.

FINISHED REMAKE NEARS

The eagerly awaited "Prisoner" Tv series remake nears the end of production as 2008 draws to a close, and for the first time there is video material of the finished product online!

To view the ITV schedule trailer which includes these clips, click HERE.

Update 26/11/08 It appears that The Prisoner section of the showreel has been removed.

As all viewers would agree, this appears to be a very different presentation of the "Prisoner concept" compared to the original (including the lead character simply known as "Six" (not "Number Six") and "The Village" known simply as "Village".

With thanks to Adam Newell for this news item. Image (c) AMC.

DANGER MAN CDs RELEASED

Following on from the soundrack CD collection for "The Prisoner", and other ITC series such as "Randall & Hopkirk" and "Department S", Network have now released another internet exclusive in the form of a CD sountrack set of "Danger Man".

Priced at £32.99, never previously released and compiled from the original master tapes, this five-CD set comprises Edwin Astley’s distinctive theme and incidental scores for Danger Man, containing almost 400 pieces of music which were especially composed for the series.

The set also includes liner notes from historian Andrew Pixley, and more information on the set can be found HERE.

With thanks to Matthew Courtman & Dave Jones for this news item.

PORTMEIRION TV FEST

Portmeirion has had been on TV twice in the past month in the UK, with a further appearance to follow on BBC2 Wales on December 8th 2008.

The first recent screening was the light-hearted "Doug Strong's Special Places" (ITV Wales, October 30th), which can be viewed online HERE.

Also recently screened was the CBeebies show "Captain Adorable" (part of the "Gigglebox" series of children's comedy items).

The whole 10 minute story was filmed in Portmeirion, primarily inside Hercules Hall and around the gloriette. There were also other shots of Captain Adorable (Justin Fletcher, left) running around the village and on the beach.

On December 8th, BBC2W will play host to "Hidden Histories" where the original Castell Deudraeth will be explored.

With thanks to Annette Hill, Alan Jones, and Dennis Buckingham for this news item.

LIMITED EDITION BIBLE

As readers of the site will know, Eric Mival (music editor on "The Prisoner") is currently developing a system to help early learners with their maths and is offering to sell the unique Prisoner Music Bible to
help fund the project (see announcement further down this news page).

After receiving an order from overseas, Eric is now also offering Limited Edition copies of the tome to help raise funds. The Price for a full colour copy of the entire volume, including all the library notes which are unavailable elsewhere, is £120. Anyone wishing to purchase a copy should email this site as soon as possible, as this will be strictly limited availability.

NB. Unlike the small facsimile of the Music Bible, included with the 3 CDS of original "Prisoner" music published earlier this year, this close to full size version includes a further 43 pages of original notes.

GERTAN KLAUBER R.I.P.

As reported on TUW several weeks ago, sad news has been received that Gertan Klauber, who played the village waiter in "Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling" sadly passed away in August 2008.

Also famous for his roles in series such as "Doctor Who" and "Blackadder", he will perhaps most fondly be remembered for his many "Carry On" film roles. TUW extends it's sincerest sympathies to all who knew him.

With thanks to Simon Coward for this news item.

STOP PRESS EXTRA

The last 2 weeks have seen many of small news items submitted to the site, so here is a round up of recent "stop press" news snippets.

Sad news to report is that "Danger Man" guest actor Peter Copley (left) died on October 7th aged 93. Other DM news is that the excellent http://www.danger-man.co.uk/ has been relaunched and redesigned.

Also reported recently, a DVD set of series 1-7 of of "Columbo" which includes the McGoohan episodes "By Dawn's Early Light" and "Last Salute of the Commodore" has been released. In something of a coincidence, McGoohan's Columbo roles got a mention from Terry Wogan on his Radio 2 show on October 14th ("he always played the murderer").

In other news, the New York Times recently featured a large "Prisoner" DVD article HERE, McDonald Tours team up with Portmeirion HERE, "The Prisoner" is mentioned in a Radetsky March piece in the Daily Mail HERE, Ron Grainer's "The Omega Man" soundtrack CD is due for re-release HERE, and the "Prisoner" remake blogs and reports continue apace HERE.

Update 5/11/08: David Mackenzie's lego village featured HERE, the new Caterham is unvelied HERE, Network's Danger Man box-set halved in price HERE, Portmeirion are hosting a gourmet night HERE. During a recent edition of "Madmen", AMC put a 4-second teaser of the "Prisoner" TV remake and Ian McKellen reveals remake Number Two has a family HERE, and finally Portmeirion is included in both the November 2008 Conde Nast Traveler and the Canadian Express HERE.

With thanks to SR, Roger Goodman, Leslie Glen, Kevin Ryerson, John Green, Catherine Frumerman, David Mackenzie, Alan Jones, and Matthew Courtman for this news item.

REMAKE DIRECTOR "SACKED"

Production is well under way in Namibia for the "Prisoner" TV series re-make! The sets are complete and filming has begun, although not without some changes in personnel according to Ian "Number Two" McKellen's blog.

It seems original Director Jon Jones has been replaced by Nick Hurran.

For more details and to read AMCTV's fantastic blogs, and watch production videos and interviews regarding the remake, click HERE.

TOP COLLECTORS MAG REVIEWS PM2008

The October issue of TV Film Memorabilia magazine should be of interest to all fans of Patrick McGoohan. Not only does the star feature prominently on the cover, there's also a 3-page full colour feature inside by Spencer Peet on "The Life and Career of Patrick McGoohan". Not only that, but Spencer also reviews the recent PM2008 event in a two page article profusely illustrated with photographs of the guests and stunning
images of Portmeirion.

The 80 page full-colour magazine also includes many other articles including Public Eye, Ingrid Pitt writing about the comedy of Tony Hancock, Steve Holland on 1950s comic hero Rick Random, an item on Captain Scarlet toys, and much more.

The current issue of TV Film Memorabilia is £3.25 and is available
from WH Smith and other High Street newsagents or it can be ordered from the official website HERE. Click HERE for Spencer's official website.

Thanks to Spencer Peet and Lew Stringer for this news item. Scans may appear on TUW in the future.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Eric Mival, the main music editor on “The Prisoner” is prepared to sell the Prisoner Music Bible he and fellow music editor, Robert Dearberg, wrote for their work on the series. This is due to Eric wanting to raise funds to develop a unique approach to teaching maths to early learners, which he has developed over the last five years.

The Music Bible is the original black covered exercise book used to record all the details of music specially composed for “The Prisoner” along with library music that Eric and Bob selected mainly from Chappell’s music library. There is a small facsimile of it included with the Prisoner Original Soundtrack CD set released by Network DVD.

However, the facsimile does not hold the unique notes about the library music.

Beyond his days on “The Prisoner” Eric went on to write, direct, produce and edit a range of films, videos and DVDs for the BBC, Central Television, and a number of blue chip companies. More recently he has specialised in writing, directing and producing educational television programmes and videos for adults and children including the stories for Jolly Phonics, the leading synthetic phonics reading scheme.

Anyone interested in wanting to help Eric’s latest venture by possibly buying this totally unique memory of “The Prisoner” please contact him by emailing him via our contacts page.

DRAKE RELEASED

Danger Man fans have not one but two special treats to look forward to this autumn!

Firstly, Madman are releasing the hour-long episodes in a DVD box-set. This release may prove to be the finest yet, with the episodes (unlike the Network release) uncut and a selection of extras including commentaries and introductions from people such as Jane Merrow, Peter Bowles, Derren Nesbitt, and John Glen.

The set also includes a featurette on composer Edwin Astley, and several galleries and other items. The set is released on November 12th.

Also available soon, for the first time, is a CD soundtrack set of Edwin Astley's music for the series, available from Network at an internet only price of £15.99.

Thanks to Jaz Wiseman and SR for this news item.

DR SYN ON DVD

After many years waiting, fans of Patrick McGoohan's film and TV work are in for a treat with the release of "Dr Syn: The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh" on Region 1 DVD on 11th November.

The Walt Disney release is a Treasury edition which features the 3 original episodes & the edited film version plus extra features. Click HERE to order the limited edition 2-disc tin!

Extras on the disc include brief interview clips from 2008 of Patrick McGoohan himself! A review of the DVD can be found HERE. Online article on the scarecrow HERE.

Thanks to James Fielding, Kevin Ryerson, Tom Mayer, and SR for this news item.