Patrick McGoohan (March 19, 1928 - January 13, 2009) was one of those actors who got under the skin of his characters. In his best performances he created a symbiotic relationship between actor and role that resulted a living, breathing portrayal that could literally raise goosebumps. Some of his choices were train wrecks (Jamaica Inn, anybody?). Others were masterpieces. He was seldom less than fascinating to watch, and was nearly always the best thing in any film or TV part he undertook. Here are some of my favorite PMG performances. Check them out if you can.

 

"The Ubiquitous Mr. Lovegrove" It's possible that I'm inordinately fond of this "Secret Agent" episode. But I doubt it. McGoohan gives a terrific, multilayered performance, fearlessly satirizing himself and convincingly portraying the off-kilter emotions of a man trapped in a bad dream.

Silver Streak McGoohan plays Roger Devereau, an art dealer with a murderous streak, and plays him to the hilt. His character is rotten to the core: he smacks Jill Clayburgh, he calls Richard Pryor the N-word and - worst of all - he cold-cocks Scatman Crothers! (We at DoniaCorp are big fans of the Scatman, don'cha know.) When an outbound train permanently closes his baby blues, it's one of the most satisfying comeuppances ever committed to film.

The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh A relatively obscure Disney film from the early Sixties. McGoohan's character is an 18th century English vicar who masquerades as a Robin Hood-style crusader known as the Scarecrow, and it's a virtual blueprint for the latter-day John Drake. (The movie was made between the two "Danger Man" series.) Highlights from this better-than-average kids' film include the maniacal laugh our hero unleashes when in Scarecrow guise. Then there's the yummy sight of McGoohan, scruffy and sporting an eyepatch, disguised as a British sailor. Mmmm...scruffy. This movie was finally released on DVD at the end of 2008.

"By Dawn's Early Light" The first of McGoohan's four "Columbo" appearances contains the best acting job of the bunch. It's a ballsy performance for a number of reasons: Col. Lyle Rumford is a) an American being portrayed by a most British actor; b) an unapologetic military man during the bitter final days of the Vietnam era; c) a traditionalist during the get-loose Seventies; and d) a murderer, for goodness' sake. Yet McGoohan's portrayal still manages to be sympathetic; he even earns Columbo's grudging respect. The role snagged him a well-deserved Emmy.

"Living in Harmony" I particularly like this episode of "The Prisoner," and much of the credit goes to McGoohan's impressive performance. Although his "Amurrican" accent isn't as polished as it would be after a few years in the States, he submerges himself in a part that simultaneously parallels and sharply diverges from Number 6. McGoohan gives an eloquent performance with minimum dialogue and seems to genuinely enjoy being part of a Western. Track down a copy of Ian Rakoff's "Inside the Prisoner" for the fascinating story behind the making of this episode.

Braveheart As mean old Edward I, McGoohan delivers maximum impact from limited screen time. Considering how blatantly the English are portrayed as villains in this movie, he gives a wisely understated performance, chock full of menace. Still don't understand why they plastered over his real nose with a prosthetic beak, however.

"Free for All" Another episode of "The Prisoner," and another remarkable performance. Number 6's descent from idealistic office-seeker to brainwashed dupe is chillingly believable. McGoohan is a master of facial expressions and body language, both used to good effect here. And, of course, every fan of "The Prisoner" knows his rousing "rotten cabbages" speech by heart.

Mary, Queen of Scots I loved this movie before I ever knew who Patrick McGoohan was. When I discovered his work, I was delighted to learn it was he behind all those whiskers as James Stuart. He unleashes that marvelous voice of his in a way that makes me wish for the chance to see him act in the theatre. Again, not a particularly large part, but McGoohan is utterly commanding when he is onscreen and is more than a match for the likes of Vanessa Redgrave and Glenda Jackson (oh, yeah, and future James Bond Timothy Dalton).

Ice Station Zebra From where I sit, setting McGoohan's quirky acting style among the likes of Rock Hudson, Ernest Borgnine and Jim Brown was inspired casting. From his first appearance as the close-mouthed Mr. Jones, he is truly an outsider. His lengthy explanation of his real mission has more than a little John Drake in it. It's a shame that so much of his part consists of reaction shots while Rock Hudson navigates the sub around ice floes.

The Dam Busters You have to see this to believe it. McGoohan musters more intensity per second of screen time than you've ever seen in an uncredited, walk-on part.

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