Fans re-live programme

Press, 9 May 1978, Page 23

Fans re-live programme

A television programme called “The Prisoner,” starring Patrick McGoohan — screened in 1967-68 in New Zealand — recently attracted more than 1000 people to a convention of devotees in a tiny Welsh village. According to an NZPA report from London, the fans of the series, which was filmed more than 10 years ago, immersed themselves in nostalgia for three days, reliving the experiences of the pugnacious hero who found himself desperately at odds with a “big brother” state. For many of “The Prisoner” fans it was a case of going to the village hall in Portmeirion and sitting through screenings of those among the 17 episodes deemed to be the most significant, then tak-

ing part in seminars to discuss their symbolism and nuances. Earnest seekers after the multi-layered truths behind “The Prisoner” — is it a glimpse of life under some future totalitarian regime or is it a clever adventure yarn? — scurried about on a treasure hunt based on clues designed to test, their knowledge of the series. The convention’s organisers strove to bldw up the huge white balloons used in the series as surrealist guards for the village’s inmates while the most dedicated fans dressed in the striped blazer, straw boaters and bow ties worn by the prisoners. The enthusiasts have banded themselves info the Six of One Apprecia* tion Society, a title de-

rived from a catch phrase much used throughout the programme. There is a membership of 2000 with 25 branches throughout Britian, and some adherents overseas. < Television One’s programme Department says the series was shown on the old N.Z.B.C. network and no New Zealand members of the society had been heard of in this country. One of the convention’s organisers claims that it is the first fan club to be inspired by a television series.