Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases
The 1983 Television Special
Channel 4 plans a documentary special about The Prisoner. Chris Rodley travels to LA to interview Patrick McGoohan, but the initial recording is rejected.
Key Events
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Channel 4 Repeats The Prisoner — Channel 4 broadcasts all 17 original episodes of the series.
Location: UK Television Studio
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Planning Six Into One Special — Channel 4 arranges a one-hour programme discussing the series.
Location: Channel 4 Office
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Rodley Travels to California — Rodley flies to California to conduct interviews for the special.
Location: Los Angeles
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Laurel Canyon Interview Session — Rodley records an initial interview with McGoohan in an LA house.
Location: Empty House, Laurel Canyon
Creative Conflict and Rejection
McGoohan demands a reshoot in Santa Monica and later hates the edited Channel 4 cut. He produces his own rebuttal tape, the L.A. Tape.
Key Events
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Laurel Canyon Interview Session — Rodley records an initial interview with McGoohan in an LA house.
Location: Empty House, Laurel Canyon
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McGoohan Demands Reshoot — McGoohan rejects the first recording and requests a new session.
Location: Santa Monica
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Santa Monica Recording — A second interview is recorded, with excerpts used in the original special.
Location: Santa Monica
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Channel 4 Documentary Aired — The Six Into One programme airs but is never repeated.
Location: UK Television
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McGoohan Rejects Final Cut — McGoohan views the edited documentary and strongly dislikes it.
Location: Los Angeles
Archival Discovery and Assembly
After McGoohan's death, Rodley revisits the original footage. He begins compiling a new documentary, integrating archival interviews and personal insights.
Key Events
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McGoohan Rejects Final Cut — McGoohan views the edited documentary and strongly dislikes it.
Location: Los Angeles
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Creation of L.A. Tape — McGoohan produces his own rebuttal documentary interview.
Location: Los Angeles
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McGoohan Passes Away — Patrick McGoohan dies in 2009, leaving behind archival footage.
Location: Los Angeles
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Rodley Discovers Original Footage — Years later, Rodley revisits the untouched 1983 recordings.
Location: Archive Room
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Assembling In My Mind — Rodley begins compiling the footage into a new documentary.
Location: Editing Suite
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Integrating 1977 Canada Interview — The documentary incorporates McGoohan's 1977 interview with Troyer.
Location: Canada (Archive)
Legacy and Final Revelation
The documentary features interviews with the original cast and crew. McGoohan's L.A. Tape is included, culminating in a comprehensive exploration of his creative mind.
Key Events
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Integrating 1977 Canada Interview — The documentary incorporates McGoohan's 1977 interview with Troyer.
Location: Canada (Archive)
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Lew Grade Interview Segment — Footage of Lew Grade discussing the series financing is included.
Location: Archive Room
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David Tomblin Interview Segment — Tomblin shares insights on writing the first script and producing.
Location: Archive Room
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Lewis Greifer Interview Segment — Writer Lewis Greifer provides commentary on the series creation.
Location: Archive Room
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Jack Shampan Interview Segment — Art director Jack Shampan discusses the visual design of the show.
Location: Archive Room
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Catherine McGoohan Testimony — Catherine offers personal insights into her father's creative process.
Location: Archive Room
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L.A. Tape Excerpts Featured — McGoohan's own rebuttal tape is woven into the final documentary.
Location: Editing Suite
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Documentary Release and Legacy — In My Mind premieres, exploring McGoohan's mind and the series legacy.
Location: Film Festival
