INSIDE THE PRISONER by IAN RAKOFF

Although only one 17-episode series was made in 1966-67, The Prisoner has been repeated continually worldwide ever since and remains to this day one of the most significant television series ever made. Ian Rakoff – who worked as writer and assistant editor on the series, created the episode ‘Living in Harmony’, and was intended by its star Patrick McGoohan to play a key role in the scripting of future episodes – now reveals how the series could have developed.

Inside the Prisoner is an inside account of the making and significance of the ultimate cult TV show. A highly distinguished and successful film editor and screenwriter, Rakoff has had access to hitherto unpublished material and encounters with McGoohan, script editor George Markstein, and other key creative personnel. Stephen Frears, Nicolas Roeg, and Lindsay Anderson – all of whom Rakoff worked alongside – also generously shared their insights and knowledge of the 1960s’ radical television and film culture.