REMAKE AIRS

After years of rumours, hints, links, and teasers, the last few days have finally seen the airing of the Prisoner remake mini-series, produced by AMC.

The 6 episodes were screened between 15th and 17th November in the US to much anticipation, some scepticism, and were aired to mixed reviews.

So now it has been shown what did you think of the remake? Click HERE to read reviews and other viewers' thoughts, and you can submit your own for others to read!

AMC are also providing an interactive online graphic novel to accompany the series, which can be seen HERE.

ALBERT ELMS DIES

More sad news has reached The Unmutual Website recently with the news that composer Albert Elms, who provided much of the original music in "The Prisoner" including the entirety of "Living in Harmony" died in October.

He also worked on several other ITC series in the 1950s and 1960s aswell as several films, and his contribution to the series was massive. TUW extends its sincere sympathies to Mr Elms' family and friends.

A Times Online obituary can be read HERE.

With thanks to Simon Coward and Al Samujh for this news item.

NETWORK RELEASE DM SEASON 1

Following the tremendous success of their box set of the hour-long "Danger Man" episodes, January 2010 sees the release of the "half hour" shows from Network, several of which of course contain footage filmed in Portmeirion.

The set will include all 39 episodes in a 6-disc set plus some extras and a limited edition booklet by Andrew Pixley and is the first release of the episodes in the UK since the early Carlton releases.

Ordering details and the full specifications of the set can be found on Network's website HERE.

With thanks to Matt Courtman and Phil Baker for this news item.

REMAKE SCREENING NEARS

With the US premiere of the "Prisoner" TV remake now only 2 weeks away, more details are emerging about the series, and AMC has been deluging US TV with commercials for the series.

The screening details and episode titles are as follows: Nov. 15, Sun. - episodes "Arrival" and "Harmony". Nov. 16, Mon. - episodes "Anvil" and "Darling". Nov. 17, Tue. - episodes "Schizoid" and "Checkmate".

More information on the remake including trailers, news, interviews, and images can be found on AMC's website, including a Village Map HERE. Whilst there has been no announcement regarding a UK screening date, articles about the series are still appearing, including HERE and HERE.

With thanks to Catherine Frumerman, and Lina Sinistaj. Image (c) AMC.

GRAHAM NEARN R.I.P.

It is with much sadness that news has reached The Unmutual Website that Graham Nearn, the founder of Caterham Cars, has passed away. He was 76.

Instrumental in bringing the Lotus 7 into the World of Number Six, and also releasing the limited-edition Prisoner 7 in the 1990s, Graham even appeared in "Fall Out" on screen in the sequence in which Number Six's house is being made ready.

An interview with Graham about his involvement in Lotus, Caterham, and the series can be read HERE, with news articles HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE.

With thanks to Carol Brady, Catherine Frumerman, Andrew Frith, Alan Jones, and Paul White.

WALKABOUT SUCCESS

One of the highlights of the Prisoner calendar each year is Dave Lally's twice-yearly Prisoner location tours, or "Walkabouts"

On Sunday 4th October 2009 the latest of these took place, and photos from the day are online HERE. There will be 2 walks again in 2010, so keep an eye on the events page for details!

The Unmutual Website has also received reports of another organisation or persons running Prisoner tours. Please note these have no connection to TUW or Dave's tours, and as such complaints about locations being wrongly identified or missed out should not be directed here.

DO NOT FORSAKE THE MUSIC

An interesting article has appeared at Down The Tubes detailing a US-based band called "Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling". They plan to record 17 songs, each with a link to the episodes of "The Prisoner".

Click HERE to read the full article.

With thanks to Lew Stringer for this news item.

THE COLONEL'S LEGACY

The quarterley "Life" newsletter for Hackney's St Joseph's Hospice in London featured an interesting mention of The Prisoner recently, in an article about one of its supporters.

It appears that "Chimes" actor Kevin Stoney in his will left his future royalties from the show, and others such as Doctor Who, to the hospice.

Click HERE to see the article in full.

McGOOHAN SIMPSONS RELEASED

After a long wait, fans in the UK of both Patrick McGoohan and of The Simpsons can now have their wishes granted with the recent R2 DVD (left) release of season 12 of the popular cartoon comedy series.

The set includes the episode "The Computer Wore Menace Shoes" in which McGoohan provides the guest voice of his Number Six character in a Prisoneresque special in which Homer Simpson is transported to the mysterious "Island" with countless Prisoner visuals and references.

The set also includes a deleted scene from the episode, which shows Homer riding on a PennyFarthing bicycle.

The set is available from Amazon, simply type "Simpsons 12" into the search box HERE.

With thanks to Leslie Glen and Allan Young for this news item.

Thanks to Cathy Frumerman for this news item.

NEXT WALKABOUT NEARS

On Sunday 4th October the 2nd of this year's Prisoner Locations Walking Tours takes place in London, and all TUW readers are invited to attend free of charge. Over 20 locations from "The Prisoner" are visited, including Number Six's house (left).

For more details click HERE.

SFXY TIME

Fans interested in the new AMC "Prisoner" series remake may want to buy the latest issue of sci-fi magazine SFX.

The magazine includes a 6-page article containing interviews with Sir Ian Mckellen and others, and also briefly looks back at the original series.

It's claimed in the interviews that Patrick McGoohan was offered a role in the series but only wanted to play Number Two, although this seems doubtful given his widow's recent comments that he wanted no part in it.

The issue is on sale now at most newsagents and comic stockists.

With thanks to Cathy Frumerman and Giles Kendrick for this news item.

SECOND VILLAGE COMPLETED

After many months in development the "Second Village", part of the sims / second life online community, now exists in full - work on underground is complete and Mark Montgolfier has is to become the first Number Two.

The site is inviting people to sponsor buildings on the sim to support it, please click HERE for more details and to see the finished village!

Thanks to Catty for this news item.

NOLAN PULLS OUT OF FILM REMAKE

While the screening of the Prisoner TV series remake fast approaches, Director Christopher Nolan (left) has pulled out of the proposed movie remake.

Speaking to "Cinefools" Producer Barry Mendel said; "Chris Nolan has dropped out of it but we have a first draft by David and Janet Peoples who wrote Twelve Monkeys and David wrote Unforgiven and it's a good draft and we're working on the script right now." Speaking of the TV series he stated; "If the series was wildly popular that might affect us but the screenplay that David and Janet wrote was such a re-imagination of the series, if you think of The Avengers that wasn't a commercially successful film but it was very much in the spirit of the original show."

He continued "This looks and feels so different that the tenants (sic) of the show are apparent but the execution of it is so different that I think it is unrecognisable, whereas the TV show is a well done, modernly shot updated version of the original show, but much more faithful to the original show."

With thanks to Giles Kendrick and Kevin Ryerson for this news item.

LIMITED EDITION VILLAGE

Lovers of Portmeirion and associated books or artwork will be delighted to hear that a new highly limited edition book has been released in July 2009.

"Portmeirion" features beautiful art by Leslie Gerry, with accompanying text of each scene from Sir Clough Williams-Ellis' Grandson Robin Llywelyn.

Featuring a series of seven original prints drawn on an electronic tablet, the tome is printed on specialist materials and is limited to only 350 copies (290 "standard" and 60 fully signed by the artist) in total, priced at £195 for the standard version.

Available from Portmeirion, a full synopsis of the book can be read HERE.

With thanks to Leslie Glen for this news item.

RADIO SIX

Robert Elms (left) on BBC Radio London allows a "listed Londoner" to name his favourite and least favourite aspects of London each Monday.

Alex Sainsbury was the choice on 17/8/09 and he named Number Six as a man who was his favourite Londoner as he was constantly trying to get back to London. The URL for the programme is HERE and starts about 30 minutes into the programme.

With thanks to Brian Watson for this news item. Image (c) BBC.

BLU-RAY UPDATE

On Wednesday 5th August, TUW was delighted to receive from Network DVD full details of their forthcoming Blu-ray set. The World's first High-Definition release of the series will take place on September 28th, and the set includes many extras alongside Andrew Pixley's superb book which accompanied the DVD release launched at PM2007.

Click HERE for the full press release along with 2d and 3d cover images of the set. The set will retail at £59.99 (although as announced last week could form part of Network's money-off offers currently running). Information regarding the R1 release slated for 27/10/09 can be found HERE.

Videos demonstrating the quality of Network's blu-ray set are HERE, HERE, and HERE.

With thanks to Grace Ker at Network for this news item 5/8/09, TUW is grateful for their constant support and information.

COMIC CON PREMIERES AMC REMAKE

The world-famous San Diego Comic Con was the centre of all things "Prisoner" last weekend, as it featured a stand, interview panel with cast and crew (including "Six" Jim Caviezel, left), and a 9-minute trailer of highlights of the new series remake from AMC (viewable HERE and HERE).

Highlights from the interview panel are also online HERE.

Rob in Dago has kindly provided a report and photos from the event and these can be seen HERE. Other websites and bloggers have also reported from the event HERE, HERE, and HERE. Also launched at the Con was an accompanying comic (below), which can be downloaded from AMC HERE. The remake is set to air on AMC in November 2009, with a UK showing in 2010.

With thanks to Rob in Dago, Lina Sinishtaj, and Cathy Frumerman for this news item.

SECOND VILLAGE UPDATE

The Second Village Second Life virtual village continues to go from strength to strength, with now over 1000 worldwide members!

The site and more information can be found HERE, and there are 2 new videos online, HERE(an updated look at the village including music by the original sim composer) and HERE with the Yokohama Marching Band.

With thanks to Catty for the update.

SPIRITED SOUL FOR BETTINE

Fans of "A, B, and C" actress Bettine Le Beau will be delighted to hear that a 2-page article about her life, career, and beliefs can be seen in the July 2009 issue of "Soul & Spirit" magazine.

Written by Spencer Lloyd Peet, the article includes several photographs (including shots of Bettine alongside Richard Branson, Eric Morecambe, and others).

Bettine's official website can be found HERE.

With thanks to Spencer Lloyd Peet for this news item.

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 & endorsements to his book to the site 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, Jane Merrow Blog, Le Figaro, Radio Times, Reason, Mad Cartoonist, Times Online, 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.

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.