The Prisoner

The Prisoner is a 1967 UK allegorical-science fiction television series about a man who is kidnapped from his London home and awakens in a secret location known to its inhabitants as The Village, where he is known only as Number Six. His captors try to find out why he abruptly resigned from his post as a secret agent.

Note: The order of episodes reflects the sequence in which they were originally broadcast in the UK. This is the order used in all UK DVD and Blu-ray releases including the 2007 official 40th anniversary and 2017 official 50th anniversary Network DVD and Blu-ray releases. Please refer to List of The Prisoner episodes for further details on alternate sequences.

Series One

Repeated line by citizens of the Village

Be seeing you.

Introduction

Number Six: Where am I?

Number Two: In the Village.

Number Six: What do you want?

Number Two: Information.

Number Six: Whose side are you on?

Number Two: That would be telling. We want information… information… information.

Number Six: You won't get it.

Number Two: By hook or by crook, we will.

Number Six: Who are you?

Number Two: The new Number Two.

Number Six: Who is Number One?

Number Two: You are[,] Number Six.

Number Six: I am not a number! I am a free man!

Number Two: [laughs]

Arrival [1.01]

[ Number Six meets the first Number Two ]

Number Two: At last! Delighted to see you!

[the heavy automatic steel doors close behind Number Six]

Number Two: Come in, come in! Do sit down.

[Number Two presses a button; a hatch slides open and a chair rises from the floor]

Number Two: [laughing] I'm sorry; I can never resist that. I hope you don't mind a working breakfast.

[Number Two presses another button; the butler enters with a breakfast cart ]

Number Two: Tea or coffee?

Number Six: Tea.

Number Two: Indian or China?

Number Six: Either. With lemon.

[the butler, already apprised of his preferences, places a lemon wheel in his tea]

Number Two: One or two eggs with your bacon?

Number Six: Two?

[the butler removes the cover from the plate, revealing bacon with two fried eggs]

Number Two: That will be all.

[the butler exits]

Number Two: Help yourself to toast. ...I suppose you're wondering what you're doing here.

Number Six: It had crossed my mind. [slams the toast cover down] What's it all about?

[another chair rises from the floor beside Number Six]

Number Two: Sit down and I'll tell you. It's a question of your resignation.

Number Six: ...Go on.

Number Two: The information in your head is priceless. I don't think you realize what a valuable property you've become. A man like you is worth a great deal on the open market.

Number Six: Who brought me here?

Number Two: I know how you feel, believe me. And they have taken quite a liberty.

Number Six: Who are "They?"

Number Two: A lot of people are curious about what lies behind your resignation. You had a brilliant career, your record is impeccable. They want to know why you suddenly left.

Number Six: What people?

Number Two: Now, personally, I believe your story; I do think it was a matter of principle. But, uh... What I think doesn't really count, does it? One has to be sure about these things.

Number Six: And that gives you the right to poke your nose into my private business!?

Number Two: Now, please. It's my job to check your motives.

Number Six: I've been checked!

Number Two: Of course, but when a man knows as much as you do, a double-check does no harm. A few details may have been missed.

Number Six: I don't know who you are... or who you work for... And I don't care. I'm leaving.

[Number Six moves to the exit. The doors start to open, but then slam shut in his face.]

Number Six: I've nothing to say. Is that clear? Absolutely nothing.

Number Two: Now be reasonable, old boy. It's just a matter of time. Sooner or later you'll tell me. Sooner or later you'll want to. Let's make a deal. You cooperate, tell us what we want to know and this can be a very nice place. You may even be given a position of authority.

Number Six: I will not make any deals with you. I've resigned. I will not be pushed, filed, stamped, indexed, briefed, debriefed, or numbered! My life is my own!

Number Two: Is it?

Number Six: Yes. You won't hold me.

Number Two: Won't we?

Number Two: Quite a beautiful place, really, isn't it? Almost like a world on its own.

Number Six: I shall miss it when I'm gone.

Number Two: Oh, it will grow on you.

Sign: A still tongue makes a happy life.

Sign: Questions are a burden to others; answers a prison for oneself.

[After Cobb's suicide, Number Six storms into Number Two's office, only to find someone different sitting there:]

Number Six: Get him!

New Number Two: I have taken his place. I am the new Number Two.

Number Six: Get Number One!

New Number Two: As far as you're concerned, I'm in charge. What can I do for you?

Number Six: Cobb.

New Number Two: What we do here has to be done. It's the law of survival; it's either them or us.

Number Six: You imprison people? Steal their minds? Destroy them?

New Number Two: Depends on whose side you're on, doesn't it?

Number Six: I'm on our side.

New Number Two: But we have to find out where your sympathies lie.

Number Six: You know where they lie!

New Number Two: [reading from Number Six's file] "Subject shows great enthusiasm for his work. He is utterly devoted and loyal." Is this a man that suddenly walks out?

Number Six: And I didn't walk out... I resigned!

New Number Two: People change, exactly. So do loyalties.

Number Six: Not mine.

New Number Two: All very commendable. But let's be practical; I'm interested in facts. Your only chance to get out of here is to give them to me. And if you don't give them, I'll take them. It's up to you. Think about it.

[Number Six turns to leave]

New Number Two: Good day, Number Six.

Number Six: Number what?

New Number Two: Six. For official purposes, everyone has a number. Yours is number six.

Number Six: I am not a number. I am a person.

New Number Two: Six of one, half a dozen of another. Good day!

Number 66 (The Admiral): Game of chess, m'dear?

Number 9 (The Woman): I don't play.

Number 66 (The Admiral): You should learn. We're all pawns, m'dear.

The Chimes of Big Ben [1.02]

Number Two: [about Number Six] He can make even the act of putting on his dressing gown appear as a gesture of defiance.

Number Two's Assistant: There are methods we haven't used yet, of course.

Number Two: I want him with a whole heart, body and soul.

Number Two's Assistant: He'll crack.

Number Two: Perhaps--one tiny piece at a time. I don't want a man of fragments. Fascinating.

Number Two's Assistant: He doesn't even bend a little.

Number Two: That's why he'll break. He only needs one small thing. If he will answer one simple question, the rest will follow: why did he resign?

Number Two: [offering coffee] I can never remember. One lump or two?

Number Six: It's in the file.

Number Two: Yes, as a matter of fact, yes. But it would save time if you just answered.

Number Six: Why? Running out of time?

Number Two: "Does not take sugar." Frightened of putting on weight?

Number Six: No. Nor of being reduced.

Number Two: Oh, that's excellent. I am glad you are here. You really are a model.

Number Six: But I don't run on clockwork.

Number Two: You will, my dear chap. You will.

Number Two: Do you still think you can escape, Number Six?

Number Six: I'm going to do better than that.

Number Two: Oh?

Number Six: Going to escape, come back.

Number Two: Come back?

Number Six: Escape, come back, wipe this place off the face of the Earth, obliterate it and you with it.

[Number Two shouts to Number Six as he walks out of his office]

Number Two: Don't worry, Number Six. You'll be cured. I'll see to it. No more nightmares. If you have so much as a bad dream, you will come… whimpering… to tell it to me!

[The door closes behind Number Six as he leaves]

Number Two: Whimpering!

Number Six: Has it ever occurred to you that you are just as much a prisoner as I am?

Number Two: Oh my dear chap, of course--I know too much. We're both lifers. Number Two: I am definitely an optimist. That's why it doesn't matter "who" Number One is. It doesn't matter which "side" runs the Village.

Number Six: It's run by one side or the other.

Number Two: Oh certainly, but both sides are becoming identical. What in fact has been created is an international community--perfect blueprint for world order. When the sides facing each other suddenly realize that they're looking into a mirror, they will see that "this" is the pattern for the future.

Number Six: The whole Earth as the Village?

Number Two: That is my hope. What's yours?

Number Six: I'd like to be the first man on the moon.

A. B. and C. [1.03]

Number Two: [viewing Number Six's thoughts] Extraordinary. How very single-minded.

Number Fourteen: He's not conventional.

Number Two: I sometimes think he's not human.

"A": News of old friends travels quickly.

Number Six: In a few hours.

"A": To you and to me, news is like air. We breathe it deeply. We draw it from far and wide.

Number Six: If it's interesting.

"A": What are you going to do with your freedom?

Number Six: Go fishing.

"A": Perhaps you're fishing now.

Number Two: What's that Number Six doing? Always walking. Irritating man. Doesn't he ever get tired?!

Engadine: And remember.. you're mine.

Number Six: Really?

Engadine: Be horrible to other women.

Number Six: I promise.

Engadine: Oh, thank you.

Free For All [1.04]

Number Six: Elections? In this place?

Number Two: Of course--we make our choice every 12 months. Every citizen has a choice. Are you going to run?

Number Six: Like blazes, the first chance I get.

Number Two: I meant run for office.

Number Six: Whose?

Number Two: Mine, for instance.

Number Six: You have a very delicate sense of humor.

Number Two: Naturally. Humor is the very essence of a democratic society.

Number Six: What physically happens if I win?!

Number Two: You're the boss.

Number Six: Number One's the boss.

Number Two: Join me. [They enter Number Six's house] If you win Number One will no longer be a mystery to you, if you know what I mean. Anyway, I'll introduce you properly and see how you feel after assessing the madding crowd.

Number Two: Good people, it is my pleasure to present to you the one and only Number Six!

Crowd: Rah!

Number Six: I am not a number. I am a person.

[Crowd laughs]

Number Six: In some place, at some time, all of you held positions of a secret nature, and had knowledge that was invaluable to an enemy. Like me, you are here to have that knowledge protected or extracted.

Number Two: That's the stuff to give them.

Number Six: Unlike me, many of you have accepted the situation of your imprisonment and will die here like rotten cabbages.

Number Two: Keep going. They love it.

Number Six: The rest of you have gone over to the side of our keepers. Which is which? How many of each? Who's standing beside you now? I intend to discover who are the prisoners and who are the warders. I shall be running for office in this election.

Labour Exchange Manager: "Gave up sugar four years and three months ago on medical advice." That shows you're afraid.

Number Six: What?

Labour Exchange Manager: You're afraid of death.

Number Six: I'm afraid of nothing.

Labour Exchange Manager: You're afraid of yourself. You are aware of that? Good, you are honest. That is of use here. Honesty attracts confidence and confidences are the core of our business.

Number Six: There are those who come in here and deny that we can supply every conceivable civilised amenity within our boundaries. You can enjoy yourselves and you will. You can partake of the most hazardous sports and you will. The price is cheap. All you have to do in exchange is give us information. You are then eligible for promotion to other and perhaps more attractive spheres. Where do you desire to go? What has been your dream? I can supply it. Winter, spring, summer or fall--they can all be yours at any time. Apply to me and it will be easier and better.

The Schizoid Man [1.05]

Number Twelve: The trouble with science is that it can be perverted.

Number Twelve: You know what, why don't we settle this like gentlemen?

Number Six: You're claiming to be a gentleman too?

Number Twelve: Oh very good, very good indeed. That line is very worthy of me.

Number Twelve: What the devil...?

[Number Six approaches Number Twelve; they look exactly alike]

Number Twelve: [chuckles] Oh, very good. Very good indeed. One of Number Two's little ideas, I suppose? Where did they get you? A people's copying service, or you're one of those double agents we hear so much about these days?

Number Six: [not amused] Since you've gone through so much trouble, the least I can do is... offer you a drink.

Number Twelve: Scotch. [they enter the lounge] I take it I'm supposed to go all fuzzy round the edges and run off into the distance screaming "Who am I?"

Number Six: Probably. I have no idea.

Number Two: By the time we finish with him, he won't know whether he's Number Six or the cube root of infinity.

Number Six: [to Alison; about Number Twelve] I am the original, he is the economy pack.

The General [1.06]

Number Twelve: You don't believe it. A university-level degree in three minutes.

Number Six: It's improbable.

Number Twelve: But not impossible.

Number Six: Nothing's impossible in this place.

Number Twelve: You'll find the Professor most interesting.

Number Six: Would I?

Number Twelve: With an extraordinary range of knowledge.

Number Six: The only subject I'm interested in is getting away from this place.

Number Twelve: Exactly.

Number Six: Who are you?

Number Twelve: A cog in the machine.

Number Two: Allow me to introduce .. The General. All the professor's own work; he gave birth to it and loves it with a passionate love, probably hates it even more. That mass of circuits, my dear fellow, is as revolutionary as nuclear fission. No more wastage in schools: there's no more tedious learning by rote. A brilliantly devised course, delivered by a leading teacher, subliminally learned, checked, and corrected by an infallible authority. And what have we got?

Number Six: A row of cabbages!

Number Two: Indeed - knowledgeable cabbages.

Number Two: [after Number Six stumped the machine, causing it to self destruct] What was the question?

Number Six: It's insoluble, to man or machine.

Number Two: What was it?

Number Six: W - H - Y - Question mark.

Number Two: "Why?"

Number Six: "Why?"

Number Twelve: Number Two offered you a deal. Don't you trust him?

Number Six: I don't trust Number Two. I don't trust you. I don't trust your tame Professor.

Number Twelve: Who do you trust, Number Six?

Number Six: I trust me.

Number Twelve: Join the club.

Many Happy Returns [1.07]

Number Six: You must think I'm crazy.

Mrs. Butterworth: Who isn't these days?

The Colonel: You're a stubborn fellow, Number Six.

Number Six: James, you call me that once again and you're liable for a bout in hospital.

Thorpe: [to Number Six] You resign. You disappear. You return. You spin a yarn that Hans Christian Andersen would reject as a fairy tale.

Thorpe: And they're all... numbers? No names. No names at all?

Number Six: Just numbers.

The Colonel: I see.

Number Six: Numbers in a village that is a complete unit of our own society. A place to put people who can't be kept around. People who know too much or too little. A place with many means of breaking a man.

Thorpe: [about Number Six] Interesting fellow.

The Colonel: He's an old, old, old friend. Who never gives up.

Dance of the Dead [1.08]

Number Six: I have a choice?

Number Two: Of course. You can do as you want.

Number Six: As long as it's what you want.

Number Two: As long as it is what the majority wants. We're democratic. In some ways.

Number Two: No game is worth playing if you can't win. That's not very English, I know.

Number Six: Are you ... English?

Number Two: I'm sad, Number Six. I thought you were beginning to...

Number Six: Give in?

Number Two: Be happy. Everything you want is here.

Number Six: Everything's elsewhere.

Number Two: What were you looking at?

Number Six: A light.

Number Two: A star.

Number Six: A boat.

Number Two: An insect.

Number Six: A plane.

Number Two: A flying fish.

Number Six: Somebody who belongs to my world.

Number Two: This is your world. I am your world. If you insist on living a dream you may be taken for mad.

Number Six: I like my dream.

Number Two: Then you are mad.

Number Two: Our legal system is unusual.

Number Six: No jury.

Number Two: Three judges decide here.

Number Six: As in the French Revolution.

Number Two: They cut through the dead wood, didn't they?

The Observer: It's the rules. Of the people, by the people, for the people.

Number Six: It takes on a new meaning.

The Observer: You're a wicked man.

Number Six: Wicked?

The Observer: You have no values.

Number Six: Different values.

The Observer: You won't be helped.

Number Six: Destroyed.

The Observer: You want to spoil things.

Number Six: I won't be a goldfish in a bowl.

Checkmate [1.09]

Number Six: [referring to the chess game] Why do you use people?

Man With Stick: Some psychiatrists say it satisfies the desire for power. The only opportunity one gets here.

Number Six: That depends what side you're on.

Man With Stick: I'm on my side.

Number Six: Aren't we all?

Man With Stick: You must be new here. In time, most of us join the enemy... against ourselves.

Queen: Oh, that was a good move, wasn't it?

Number Six: I know a better one.

Queen: Oh?

Number Six: Away from this place.

Queen: That's impossible.

Number Six: For chessmen, not for me.

Number Six: Don't tell me you care?

Number Two: Well, of course. We want you to be happy.

Number Six: Fine. Just, umm... give me a one-way ticket home.

Number Two: Won't you ever give up?

Number Six: What do you think?

Psychiatrist: [about Number Six] Is he in for treatment?

Number Two: Not yet.

Psychiatrist: Pity... interesting subject. I should like to know his breaking point.

Number Six: Well, you could make that your life's ambition.

Queen: [crying] How can you doubt me?

Number Six: It's easy and I'm waterproof; a little drizzle won't wash away my doubt. So don't try.

Queen: I only want to be near you.

Number Six: Everybody's near in this place. Far too near.

Queen: Do you think they'll ever release us?

Number Six: Let me know. I shan't be around.

Hammer into Anvil [1.10]

Number Two: We have things to discuss.

Number Six: About the girl you murdered?

Number Two: Oh, never mind the girl. I want to talk about you.

Number Six: You're wasting your time. Others have tried.

Number Two: Amateurs.

Number Six: You're professional. A professional sadist?

Number Two: You are too strong. We'll see. "Du musst amboss oder hammer sein."

Number Six: "You must be anvil or hammer."

Number Two: I see you know your Goethe.

Number Six: And you see me as the anvil?

Number Two: Precisely. I am going to hammer you.

Sign in shop: Music begins where words leave off.

Number Two: I know who you are.

Number Six: I'm Number Six.

Number Two: No. D6.

Number Six: D6?

Number Two: Sent here by our masters to spy on me.

Number Six: Sorry, I don't follow.

Number Two: Oh yes. I've been on to you from the beginning. You didn't fool me.

Number Six: Perhaps you fooled yourself?

Number Two: What do you mean?

Number Six: Just supposing for argument's sake that I was planted here?

Number Two: By XO4.

Number Six: XO4? Very well, by XO4. What would have been your first duty as a loyal citizen? Not to interfere. But you did interfere. You have admitted it yourself. There is a word for that. Sabotage.

Number Two: No!

Number Six: Who are you working for, Number Two?

Number Two: For us, for us!

Number Six: That is not the way it's going to sound to XO4.

Number Two: I swear to you...

Number Six: You could be working for the enemy or you could be a blunderer who's lost his head. Either way you've failed.

Number Two: You destroyed me.

Number Six: No.. you destroyed yourself. You destroyed yourself. A character flaw. You were afraid of your masters. A weak link in the chain of command waiting to be broken.

Number Two: Don't tell them... don't report me.

Number Six: I don't intend to. You are going to report yourself.

Number Two: [taking the phone] I have to report a breakdown.. in control. Number Two needs to be replaced. Yes, this is Number Two reporting.

It's Your Funeral [1.11]

Number Six: Who are you?

Watchmaker's Daughter: I'm a number, just like you. Does it matter which?

Number Six: How'd you get in?

Watchmaker's Daughter: The door was open.

Number Six: Always is... to them, isn't it?

Watchmaker's Daughter: But I'm not one of them.

Number Six: No. What do you want?

Watchmaker's Daughter: Help.

Number Six: Go to the Town Hall. The Citizens' Council promises help and advice for everyone.

Watchmaker's Daughter: Their Citizen's Council.

Number Six: As far as I'm concerned, what's theirs is yours.

Watchmaker's Daughter: I am not one of them.

Number Six: No... no one is.

The Watchmaker: You refuse to understand. What I'm doing is for a principle. We are in this prison for life, all of us, but I have met no one here who has committed a crime. I protest in a manner they cannot ignore.

Number Six: Some other way, then--not by an act of murder.

The Watchmaker: Assassination.

Number Six: Call it what you like--the important matter is that the entire Village will be punished.

The Watchmaker: Maybe it is what they need to wake them up, to shake them out of their lethargy. To make them angry enough...

Number Six: That's assuming they survive the punishment!

Retiring Number Two: Tomorrow, after I've handed over office, I'm to be assassinated..

Number Six: For "assassinated," substitute "executed."

Retiring Number Two: Since it's arranged by my own people, you mean.

Number Six: You don't mind?

Retiring Number Two: Of course I mind. It's just that... well, I never thought it would happen to me.

Number Six: It never does--to anybody. But it can be prevented.

Retiring Number Two: Preventing is only postponing. You never understood us, Number Six. We never fail!

Retiring Number Two: The Seal is the ceremony.

Number Six: It's hollowed out, it's packed with explosives.

Retiring Number Two: And before I hand it over to my successor...

Number Six: It will be detonated by radio.

Retiring Number Two: I can think of better ways to die.

Number Six: And better causes to die for.

Number Six: [to the new Number Two, firmly shaking his hand so he can't leave] Yes, and so the great day is nearly over. Went off rather well, I thought. Better than planned. And now you can look forward to your own retirement. And I'm sure they'll arrange something equally suitable for you when the day comes.

[Number Six and Number Two both look up as the helicopter carrying the retiring Number Two flies away -- Number Six releases his hand]

Number Six: Be seeing you. ...Won't I?

A Change of Mind [1.12]

Committee Member: It is the duty of this Committee to deal with complaints.

Number Six: Complaints?

Committee Member: Your complaints.

Number Six: Well done. I have several.

Number Two: Do carry on.

Number Six: No time for tea?

Number Two: No. Only your future.

First Member of Social Group: All right, say you're a poet and you were composing, and you failed to hear Number Ten's greeting.

Second Member of Social Group: Neglect of social principle.

Number Six: Poetry has a social value.

Second Member of Social Group: He's trying to divide us.

First Member of Social Group: His intentions are obvious. To stop us from helping this unfortunate girl.

Number Forty Two: You're trying to undermine my rehabilitation. Disrupt my social progress!

Number Six: Strange talk for a poet.

Second Member of Social Group: Reactionary!

First Member of Social Group: Rebel!

Number Forty Two: Disharmonious!

Number Two: There is a saying, "The slowest mule is nearest to the whip."

Number Six: And another. "He who digs a pit will one day lie in it." Or is Number Two above investigation?

Number Six: You still have a choice. You can still salvage your right to be individuals. Your rights to truth and free thought. Reject this false world of Number Two. Reject it. Now!

Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling [1.13]

Number Two: [watching as Number Six paces his flat] What sort of opinion would you form of that fellow?

The Colonel: Anybody who spends his time doing that must be rather stupid.

Number Two: You couldn't be more wrong. Because he's our most interesting citizen from every point of view... particularly yours.

Number Six: You're still as pompous as ever... Danvers.

Danvers: Where did you get my name?

Number Six: Jonathan Peregrine Danvers. Born in Bootle. Took elocution lessons. Came to London, joined the civil service in 1948 as a junior clerk, but moved to this department sometime later. Mainly at the request of the typing pool. Am I going to see Sir Charles? Well? Or would you prefer me to go on. I'm sure these gentlemen would be most intrigued to hear of your little jaunt to Paris in March 1958. Let me see now, what was her name...

Seltzman: If you really are who you say you are, you would not have expected me to keep it, would you?

Number Six: No. It's a hopeless situation.

Seltzman: If I had kept it, I would have been very stupid. Silly.

Number Six: You've made your point. I accept it.

Seltzman: But you overlooked one thing. Sentimental people are sometimes stupid. Very stupid.

Seltzman: I will do it... on certain conditions.

Number Two: I'm sure they will be reasonable.

Seltzman: For once, I am dictating.

Number Two: Heil.

Number Six: The good doctor's mind now inhabits a body perhaps not to his liking - the colonel's. Dr. Selzmann had progressed more than any of us had anticipated. He can and did change three minds at the same time. He is now free to continue his experiments in peace.

Living in Harmony [1.14]

Number Six: Harmony? Never heard of it.

Mexican Sam: Not many people have, señor. it's sort of… exclusive.

Number Six: So am I.

The Judge: You turned in your badge.

Number Six: And my gun.

The Judge: What were your reasons?

Number Six: My reasons.

The Judge: You've already taken a job. With who?

Number Six: [correcting] Whom with.

Number Eight: I didn't expect him to come for hours.

Number Two: I told you he was different. I knew it wouldn't work. [sarcastically] Fill him with hallucinatory drugs, put him in a dangerous environment, talk to him through microphones...

Number Eight: [interrupting] It has always worked and would have this time...

Number Two: But it didn't, did it? Give him love, take it away. Isolate him. Make him kill., then face him with death. He'll crack. Break him, even in his mind, and the rest will be easy. I should never have listened to you.

Number Eight: It would have worked if you had kept your head and not created the crisis too soon.

Number Two: How could I control it? Tell me that. You said yourself we would get involved and do what we would in the real situation.

Number Eight: Then don't blame my method, just your own damned lack of self-control.

Number Two: It's alright for you. I have to answer for this failure. [notices Number Twenty-Two crying] It seems I'm not the only one who got involved.

Number Twenty-Two: [to Number Six; her last words] I wish it had been real.

The Girl Who Was Death [1.15]

Sonia: [to Mr. X] You are a born survivor. I am a born killer. We were made for each other, but I fear this is where it must end. Your reflexes cannot save you now.

Sonia: [to Mr. X] I love you madly. I love the way the hair curls on the back of your neck. You'll make a beautiful corpse. I'm going to do you the honour of letting you die superbly.

Sonia: Mountaineering rope. It would hold an elephant.

Mr. X: I must remember that next time I go climbing with one.

Sonia: You see, when the rocket reaches London, you will be the first to know! Won't that be exciting?!?

Mr. X: I'll just go to pieces.

Number Two: [about Number Six] That one wouldn't drop his guard with his own grandmother!

Once Upon a Time [1.16]

Number Two: [on the phone] Why do you care?

Number Six: I know your voice.

Number Two: I have been here before. Why do you care?

Number Six: You'll never know.

Number Two: You know who it was?

Number Six: Yes, sir.

Number Two: Who was it? [Six says nothing.] That is cowardice!

Number Six: That's honour, sir.

Number Two: We don't talk about such things.

Number Six: You should teach it, sir.

Number Two: You're a fool!

Number Six: Yes, sir. Not a rat.

Number Two: A rat?

Number Six: Rat.

Number Two: [turns to face Six] I'm a rat?!?

Number Six: No, sir. I'm a fool. Not a rat.

Number Two: Why did you resign?

Number Six: For peace.

Number Two: For peace?

Number Six: Now let me out.

Number Two: You resigned for peace?

Number Six: Yes. Let me out.

Number Two: You're a fool.

Number Six: For peace of mind.

Number Two: What?

Number Six: For peace of mind!

Number Two: Why?

Number Six: Because too many people know too much.

Number Two: Never!

Number Six: I know too much!

Number Two: Tell me.

Number Six: I know too much about you!

Number Two: Society...

Number Six: Yes, sir?

Number Two: Society is a place where people exist together.

Number Six: Yes, sir.

Number Two: That is civilization.

Number Six: Yes, sir.

Number Two: The lone wolf belongs in the wilderness.

Number Six: Yes, sir.

Number Two: You must not grow up to be a lone wolf.

Number Six: No, sir.

Number Two: You must conform.

Number Six: Yes, sir.

Number Two: It is my sworn duty to see that you do conform.

Number Six: Yes, sir.

Number Two: You will take six.

Number Six: Six, sir?

Number Two: Of the best.

Number Six: I'm not guilty, sir.

Number Two: Ten!

Number Six: Twelve.

Number Two: What?

Number Six: Twelve, sir, so that I can remember.

[Number Six begins to violently come out of his hypnotic trance and attack Number Two. The Butler knocks him unconscious, and he and Number Two begin to re-hypnotize Six.]

Number Two: I'm beginning to like him.

Number Six: I am a man, not a unit of society.

Fall Out [1.17]

The President: Give it to me baby! Confess!

Number 48: Oh Dad, I'm your baby Dad, do you owe your baby something Daddy?

The President: Confess!

Number 48: The bones is yours Dad! They came from you my Daddy.

The President: Confess! Now you hep?

Number 48: Hip, Dad, hip.

The President: Confess!

Number 48: And a hip bone.

The President: Confess!

Number 48: And a thigh bone.

The President: Confess!

Number 48: Shin bone, knee bone.

The President: Confess!

Number 48: Back bone. All yours Dad.

President: Youth, with its enthusiasms which rebels against any accepted norm must because it must--and we sympathize--it may wear flowers in its hair, bells on toes, But when the common good is threatened, when the function of society is endangered, such revolts must cease. They are non-productive and must be abolished.

Number Two: New allegiances. Such is the price of fame.... and failure. Dear me, how sad. My Lords, Ladies and Gentleman, a most extraordinary thing happened to me on my way here. It has been my lot in the past to wield a not inconsiderable power. Nay, I have had the ear of statesmen, kings and princes of many lands. Governments have been swayed, policies defined and revolutions nipped in the bud at a word from me in the right place, and at a propitious time. Not surprising therefore, that this community should find a use for me. Not altogether by accident that one day I should be abducted, and wake up here amongst you. What is deplorable is that I resisted for so short a time. A fine tribute to your methods. I wish to thank you for recognition of my talent, which placed me in a position of power, second only... to One.

President: [Delegates applauding, the President bangs his gavel] This session is called in a matter of democratic crisis... and we are here gathered to resolve the question of revolt. [Delegates applaud but are stopped by the gavel] We desire that these proceedings be conducted in a civilized manner, but remind ourselves that humanity is not humanized without force. And that errant children must sometimes be brought to book with a smack on their backsides. [Delegates applaud] We draw your attention to the regrettable bullet. [the President looks toward two men with machine guns] The Community is at stake, and we have the means to protect it. The Assembly is now in security.

Delegate: Number Six is presented to you

President: We understand he survived the ultimate test

The Delegate: Indeed.

President: Then he must no longer be referred to as "Number Six" or a number of any kind. He has gloriously vindicated the right of the individual to be individual. And this Assembly rises to you... Sir.

President: We are honoured to have with us a revolutionary of a different calibre. He has revolted. Resisted. Fought. Held fast. Maintained. Destroyed resistance. Overcome coercion. The right to be a Person, Someone, or Individual. We applaud his private war and concede that despite materialistic efforts he has survived intact and secure. All that remains is recognition of a Man.

About The Prisoner

It was a place that is trying to destroy the individual by every means possible; trying to break his spirit, so that he accepts that he is No. 6 and will live there happily as No. 6 for ever after. And this is the one rebel that they can't break.
- Patrick McGoohan, Patrick McGoohan interviewed by Warner Troyer (March 1977)

Cast

Patrick McGoohan - The Prisoner / Number Six (17 episodes)
Angelo Muscat - The Butler (14 episodes)
Peter Swanwick - Supervisor (8 episodes)
Leo McKern - Number Two (3 episodes)
Colin Gordon - Number Two (2 episodes)
Denis Shaw - The Shop Keeper (2 episodes)
Fenella Fielding - The Announcer/Telephone Operator (voice only; unseen and uncredited, 6 episodes)

External links

Wikipedia

Wikipedia has an article about:

The Prisoner

The Prisoner quotes at the Internet Movie Database