|
Rating:  -
When I was very little, I remember a show - it was the hour-long episodes of DANGER MAN (Secret Agent here in the states). Years, later, my local station WNBC reran them late on Friday nights - I thought 'how can I get this show permanently?' This was before VCR's. I recently got the entire hour-long box set and was THRILLED. I just sat there - transfixed. For those who don't know, Patrick McGoohan was asked to be Bond before Connery (he recommended Connery), and was asked AGAIN when it looked like Connery would leave.
Patrick McGoohan might be known today for his wonderful performance in BRAVEHEART, and the COLUMBO episodes - and of course, he gave the world what is probably the most fascinating, thought provoking series EVER - THE PRISONER.
Many 'Prisonerphiles' - of which I'm one - have always felt that #6 is John Drake - his character from DANGER MAN. I'm not going to debate that.
I knew about the 1/2 hour episodes, but had never sen one. I read the reviews here, on AMAZON, and was AMAZED - EVERY single review was glowing - giving a big thumbs up to what is, in essence the precursor to both the hour-long episodes, and THE PRISONER.
It was because of that overwhelming positive vote (mind you, the reviews NEVER said 'so-so,' they ALL said the 1/2 hours were TERRIFIC), I bought the box set.
I'm not going to go in depth here about plots and such, but I will say this; if you like the hour longs, you NEED to get the half-hour episodes. s one reviewer mentioned, that even though the time is much shorter in these, you DON'T feel ANYTHING is been scrimped. These stories are tight - well acted, by Mr. McGoohan, the actors in front of the camera, and a big credit also must go to those who worked behind the camera as well.
The only thing that annoyed me, was that in these earlier episodes, John Drake is supposed to be an American - with an Amercan accent. As the episodes progress, that accent becomes less pronounced. It's really not anything that takes away from the viewing experience.
Like I said - I already am a HUGE McGoohan fan. I would've (eventually) bought this set. But, with UNANIMOUS thumbs up, there is something VERY special here - for fans of his, as well as ANYONE who likes a well-done show (you'll be sad when you see the care that went into these shows with what's on TV now...).
So, I wouldn't hesitate at ALL - BUY THIS - crank up the DVD, and let your mind escape and have fun!
Be seeing you!
Rating: -
The opening season is great fun, and most (but not all) episodes are very sharp black and white. Camera work is pretty straight-forward, but occasionally, some adventurous shots (noir/expressionist) that make you sit up and say Wow! The scripts, however, do leave something to be desired. The 1/2 hour limit forces most of the episodes I've seen so far to seem more like dramatic skits, or formulaic rough drafts, than compelling drama. But there are still enough unpredictable touches, and first-rate acting by McGoohan and others, to merit 5 stars.
One other thing: there are several Prisoner-moments, which are, let's face it, part of this series' attraction. Portmeirion in western Wales (later the Prisoner's "Village") not only appears in the first episode, but individual buildings from that great resort return later as supposed foreign lands--the Bristol Colonnade, the Bell Tower, and the Lighthouse each appear in separate episodes. And why not? The Village is such a great, architectural dreamscape that it works well for limited-budget exoticism. And there is an episode toward the end of disc 3 ("The Hanging Tree," I think) about a disillusioned secret agent-in-hiding whom Drake tracks down, and who bitterly says he wasted his life in mistaken loyalties and spying and advises him to get out before it's too late. John Drake sees his future!
Rating: -
This is the root of the Prisoner series. It shows American spy John Drake as a competent agent, globe trotting in half hour increments and James Bonding the hell out the place.
MacGoohan is a little more light in his approach than in later years, but this is supposed to be a genesis, after all.
The black and white points out the simplicity of the times. You were either good or bad and John Drake was either going to save you or stop you depending.
Young Mr. MacGoohan manages his feats well. Whether he's fighting a bad guy or romancing a damsel.
A fine introduction to the Prisoner's legacy!
Rating: -
More good character driven drama in 26 minutes than in most of today's 'hour long' shows. One can see hints throughout of The Prisoner to come.
Rating: -
Great early first season Danger man/Secret Agent (Man) thirty minute episodes. The larger box has it all.
|
