Friday, 12 July 2013

A Favourite Scene in The Prisoner

  "The Village is a place where people turn up, people who know too much or too little."
When the Prisoner arrives in an office that he knows very well in London. The Prisoner thinks it is different, it is isn't it, isn't it different? No, only in fact that it's the Colonel asking the questions, and not No.2! Below is a link to the scene

http://youtu.be/jXUqet8A-Ms

  I was looking on YouTube for this particular scene, that's when I saw the one via the link. It's not right of course, and I wonder why it was done? In all probability it was someone messing about!

I'll be seeing you
at

10 comments:

  1. barrow93615 July 2013 at 11:41

    Hello David,
    Im afraid I do not know why this is different from the original(shame on me).I shall consult the DVD ! We have some time out at home enjoying the weather at the moment,hope you are doing the same .
    Best regards,
    Anna

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. David Stimpson16 July 2013 at 08:21

      Hello Anna,

      There is no shame, Morag didn't see it either, I had to point it out to her, but I saw it straight away. I hope you have consulted your DVD, and in so doing you will now know what is so different about the video via the link to the DVD footage. Here is the answer, for you, and anyone else who might be wondering....the film footage in the Youtube video has been mirrored! For example, the pair of doors through which the Prisoner and the Colonel enter the office should be on the left as we watch the film, in the youtube video the door is on the right, which is wrong!

      Thank you for your email, I shall be replying today. Yes the weather is wonderful, we are enjoying it, but I tend to enjoy the garden in the late or early evening, when the sun has gone from it.

      Very best wishes
      David
      Be seeing you

      Delete
    2. barrow93616 July 2013 at 20:03

      Hello David,

      Ah,I saw it immediately once you had mentioned 'the mirror effect' The first thing I noticed was Patrick McGoohan's parting in his hair,although, I admit,the parting is not as distinct as it usually is.
      Thank you for the email and I shall reply soon.
      kind regards,
      Anna

      Delete
    3. David Stimpson17 July 2013 at 08:09

      Hello Anna,

      This must be 'The ALTERNATIVE' Chimes of Big Ben,' that so much fuss was first made about, back in the early 1990's!

      Very kind regards
      David
      BCNU

      Delete
  2. barrow93617 July 2013 at 20:34

    Hello David,

    What are the Alternative Chimes of Big Ben ? and why was there a fuss made ?

    Kind regards,
    Anna

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. David Stimpson18 July 2013 at 09:04

      Hello Anna,

      Okay, 'The Alternative Chimes of Big Ben,' is not really an "alternative" version to the episode, it is the "first cut" of the episode. The word "alternative" was added after the film of the episode was discovered in 1985. And that discovery raised questions as to whether or not there were other such "first cut" episodes to be found.

      In 1967, the original version of 'The Chimes of Big Ben,' was completed as a press review. However before the series was screened, this original episode was taken back to the editing suite for dozens of last-minute chages. The original episode was never screened. The original does differ in so many to the episode we know.

      After a year of searching by members of Six of One, The Prisoner Appreciation Society, a 16mm print of the original episode of 'The Chimes of Big Ben' had been found in a film vault in Toronto, Canada, the film had been scheduled to be destroyed along with a number of other film reels in the vault.
      In 1986 the 16mm print had been put onto video. Patrick McGoohan did his utmost to stop the video from being sold in the public domain, he did not want anyone to see the original episode. His efforts to stop the release of the original episode on Video were in vain.

      So when did I first see the original episode of 'The Chimes of Big Ben?' Well not until 1991. Oh certain members of Six of One had got their hands on copies of the video long before that, but they jealously guarded them. It was like they had the right to own the video, but no-one other than them shall see it! I thought that if this episode is so rare, then every member of Six of One should have the right to see it. Today everyone can watch the original "first cut" of 'The Chimes of Big Ben,' as it is on the DVD box sets. Below is a link to see the opening sequence, it has been restored, and remastered, hence the clarity of picture

      http://youtu.be/sulPjJ0Wh5M

      Perhaps I should write a piece of blog about the "first cut of 'The Chimes of Big Ben,' for the benefit of others out there who have not heard of it.

      Very best regards
      David
      BCNU

      Delete
  3. barrow93618 July 2013 at 22:22

    Hello David,

    Thank you for taking the time to relate this intriguing story. I think it would be a good idea to write a piece of blog about it.The newcomers and returners (like me) would find it very interesting.
    I shall look at the link now...
    Best regards,
    Anna

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. David Stimpson19 July 2013 at 08:09

      Hello Anna,

      I'm pleased you enjoyed my reply. Yes I think I may write a piece about the first cut of 'The Chimes of Big Ben.'

      Very best regards
      David
      BCNU

      Delete
    2. barrow93619 July 2013 at 22:55

      Hello David,

      I have watched the link and can see that it has been restored .I think it looks very good, but it is not mirrored as I expected .I have also noticed that 'The Alternate' version of Arrival appears on my Ultimate Collection set and The original edit of The Chimes Of Big Ben appear on my 40th anniversary set. I shall watch these next.....

      Best wishes,
      Anna

      Delete
    3. David Stimpson20 July 2013 at 09:20

      Hello Anna,

      Good, you'll enjoy enjoy them both, that I can promise.

      Very best best wishes
      David

      Delete