ROVER contains letters from subscribers of the fanzine, articles, quizzes, an excerpt from the interview between Patrick McGoohan and Warner Troyer. The question "Why Six" is asked, why was that number chosen for the Prisoner, and what does that number mean? And what was the conclusion, well maybe it was simply Patrick McGoohan's favourite number!
Rover the Village Guardian is discussed by a number of subscribers. And there are a number of short stories, one as I can only best describe as 'Doctor Who Meets the Prisoner.' And 'The Acid Test,' when John Steed and Mrs Peel of 'The Avengers' are in the Village. In fact when I saw this, but before I had actually read the story, it put me in mind of a conspiracy theory which was bandied about at one time. The theory was, that the Prisoner was in fact Mrs Peel's husband! This came about because at about the time of the Prisoner's resignation and subsequent abduction to the Village, Mrs Peels husband also disappeared. It was not known where Mrs Peel's husband was, yet strangely enough around the same time as 'Fall Out' and the Prisoner's return to London, Mrs Peel's husband also returned! But the story in ROVER has nothing to do with that.
I am always interested in such publications, and collect them when I can. Although such 'Prisoner' fanzines are extremely rare Rover lasted in excess of 6 issues, but unfortunately many others did not last for more than one or two issues, that is what makes them so very rare, and excellent items for my archive.
Today any information required on the subject of 'the Prisoner,' is but a few clicks of the mouse away. Or there are forums one can join to discuss 'the Prisoner' with others. But for those reading this who are not old enough to know, such fanzines, newsletters as these were a vital part of people's appreciation for 'the Prisoner' at a time long before the advent of the Internet as we know it today. They were fans only outlet where they could express their ideas, theories, about 'the Prisoner' to other readers. It was also the first way of networking, in bringing fans of 'the Prisoner' together, putting them in contact with each other.
Be seeing you
"for those reading this who are not old enough to know..." - Yes, the times they are a changing. I vividly remember the "old times", just over 20 years ago, when we decided to visit Portmeirion. Nothing there was in the way of a click of the mouse or a finger gesture in order to get INFORMATION. You'd have to go to a book shop or a filling station and buy a map or browse through traveling guides if you wanted to know where exactly the Village was.
ReplyDeleteAnd for more in-depth information the only way to address people was to circulate flyers or self-produced leaflets like the above mentioned. Typed on paper with mechanical type writers (always having Tipp-Ex at hand), then glued onto a sheet, copied on huge xerox machines, sometimes even on spirit stencils, then tacked togehter. The pictures were photo copies, too, barely rasterized. Add one more important thing: Peope had to go some place, the Prisoner convention, and be physically present if they wanted to partake. That's one major difference, it's much more virtualised today. - BCNU!
Hello Arno,
DeleteThank you for this insight into of how things used to be in the early days of 'Prisoner' appreciation, I'm sure readers young and old also enjoyed it.
Very kind regards
David
BCNU
Post script; if anyone reading this has knowledge of any of the other 'Prisoner' based fanzines issued in America between 1979 and 1982, then perhaps you would like to get in touch, and leave a comment.
BCNU
Rover was my fanzine (I'm jm lofficier) and it lasted 18 issues in toto between 1979 and 1981. I'm glad to see that it is still fondly remembered by a few folks. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHello Mr. Lofficier,
DeleteThank you for posting a comment, and for the additional information regarding your fanzine ROVER.
At that time you were certainly at the forefront of appreciation for 'the Prisoner,' because it all began with people like yourself. And a time long before the advent of the Internet, when today enthusists for the series have information at their finger tips.
Fanzines like ROVER should be remembered with fondness by those who remember them, and read by others to show how things were in the beginning. I certainly enjoyed reading the four issues of Rover I was lucky enough to acquire.
Thank you again for getting in touch.
Very kind regards
David
BCNU