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| Last updated at 12:09 PM on 22/01/09 |
Patrick McGoohan is more than just a pretty face 
KEVIN TOAL (IT'S ONLY FUNNY WHEN DAD DOES IT) 
Halifax News Net
“I’m sorry about your actor,” Sylvia said to me.
“Me too,” I said.
A few hours earlier I learned that Patrick McGoohan had passed away. McGoohan had starred in Secret Agent and turned down the roles of James Bond, Gandalf and Dumbledore. But he was widely-known as the creator and star of The Prisoner, a ground-breaking series from the late ’60s which dealt with the struggle of an individual in a society bent on uniformity. The final episode of The Prisoner was in many ways a forerunner to the ending of The Sopranos; it left the audience with more questions than answers.
Later, McGoohan directed, wrote and starred in a handful of Columbo episodes. For his labours he won two Emmys. One of his final screen roles was a highly praised portrayal as King Edward I in Mel Gibson’s epic, Braveheart.
So it was with much dismay that I searched the various news channels for a decent obituary. It was newsworthy enough to warrant a mention in their crawls — a couple of blunt sentences. But nowhere could I find anything of any depth. Even the celebrity faux-news shows lacked any coverage. Instead they focused on reality show contestants who were unable to keep weight off and bikini-clad singers trying to win over Simon Cowell.
Maybe I missed it, I thought. With this in mind, I searched the websites of CTV and CNN. Each site contained a small write-up about McGoohan’s life, but no video. Perverse curiosity made me search CNN for video on Paris Hilton. There were more than 50 separate items for her!
That’s when Sylvia knew something was wrong.
“I can’t believe this talentless thing gets so much coverage,” I hissed at the computer screen.
“What’s wrong?” Sylvia asked, as I normally don’t converse with electronic equipment.
“Just reflecting on the society we’re in,” I explained. “Someone who had a career — and real talent — is virtually ignored. But idiots and nobodies get wall-to-wall coverage.”
I told her what had happened and Sylvia immediately understood my feelings. She knew how much I loved movies. As for The Prisoner it was one of my favourite shows. I had even made the pilgrimage to Portmeirion in Wales where the show was filmed. (I highly recommend a trip to this strange village created by Clough Williams-Ellis, which houses buildings from around Europe that he saved from destruction.)
“Maybe if he’d flashed his underwear at the paparazzi, he’d have received more recognition,” I muttered.
However, McGoohan did not need the media to tout his abilities. Fans and friends —like Columbo’s Peter Falk —always gave him the respect he deserved. I just wanted to see a fitting tribute for my own satisfaction.
I am pleased to note that Sylvia has no interest in over-hyped nothings like Hilton and the warbling bikini-girl. Recently, I introduced her to the films of Audrey Hepburn and she absolutely adores them. It is welcome proof that substance will remain long after the flash-in-the-pan fades.
Be seeing you.
atoal@ns.sympatico.ca
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23/01/09
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K Corrigan from Toronto, ON writes: Oh no... I only learned of his death from your column. Patrick McGoohan was brilliant - I loved The Prisoner and would really like to visit Portmeirion one day. I completely agree with you about the idiots and nobodies who get wall-to-wall coverage in the media. They are a total waste of time, space, ink and pixels. It's reassuring to discover that there is still someone out there in the media who cares enough and is intelligent enough to have written such a thoughtful heartfelt tribute to someone who should be recognized as a great actor and a huge loss to the industry.
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| Posted 24/01/2009 at 3:11 PM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment |
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K Corrigan from Toronto, ON writes: Sorry Mr. Toal - I should have added..
Be seeing you..
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| Posted 24/01/2009 at 3:14 PM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment |
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