I discovered this show quite recently and it’s already become one of my favourites. As with many movies and TV shows in the 60’s, this was initially an attempt to cash in on “Bond Fever”, but it’s unique blend of sci-fi, avant-garde film techniques and anti-authoritarian themes made it one of themost memorable TV series of all time.
The Prisoner: Season 1 Episode 1 - “Arrival” (1967)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aA_4ziPsA4 - from the Shout! Factory YouTube channel (49 mins long - 1080p)
Synopsis:
After resigning, a secret agent finds himself trapped in a bizarre prison known only as The Village.
Directed by Don Chaffey.
Cast: Patrick McGoohan, Virginia Maskell & Guy Doleman.
Trivia:
• Some sources indicate leading man Patrick McGoohan was the sole or primary creator of the show.
• An officially licensed novel based on The Prisoner, published in 1969, refers to Number Six as “Drake”, implying that Patrick McGoohan’s character in this series is the same as in his previous show Secret Agent (originally titled Danger Man in the UK).
IMDb link (for episode 1)
Wikipedia article (for entire series)
Some additional information about Shout! Factory:
A diversified multi-platform media company devoted to producing, uncovering, preserving and revitalizing the very best of pop culture, Shout! Factory’s entertainment offerings serve up first-run feature films, original, contemporary, and classic TV series, animation, live music and comedy specials. Shout! Factory owns and operates Shout! Studios, Scream Factory, Shout! Factory Kids, Mystery Science Theater 3000, Timeless Media Group and Shout! Factory TV.