The more I see of Mr. McGoohan's work, the more amazed I am at his power to breathe life into a character. I'm indebted to Chaney Hindman for helping me to fill out my "Secret Agent" collection and to Melissa King for lending me tapes of several of his performances, including the elusive "Rafferty." As the American John Drake would say, much obliged. Here are my current personal favorites from PMG's considerable repertoire.

 
"The Ubiquitous Mr. Lovegrove"
All right, perhaps I'm inordinately fond of this "Secret Agent" episode. But 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, calls Richard Pryor the N-word and - worst of all - he cold-cocks the Scatman! 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
An obscure Disney film from the early Sixties. McGoohan's character - an 18th century English vicar who masquerades as a Robin Hood-style crusader known as the Scarecrow - is a virtual blueprint for the latter-day John Drake. (The movie was made between the two "Danger Man" series.) Highlights include the maniacal laugh he unleashes when in Scarecrow guise, and the yummy sight of McGoohan, scruffy and sporting an eyepatch, disguised as a British sailor.
 
"By Dawn's Early Light"
The first of McGoohan's four "Columbo" appearances, and 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"
This may be in the list because I particularly like this episode of "The Prisoner," but McGoohan gives an impressive performance nonetheless. 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.
 
Braveheart
As Edward I, McGoohan delivers maximum impact from limited screen time. Considering how blatantly the English are shown as villains in this movie, he gives a wisely understated performance that is as cold and hard as an iron rod. I like to quote his crisply delivered line "Send in the Irish; the dead cost nothing" to hack off my half-Irish spouse.
 
"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 large part, but McGoohan is utterly commanding when he is onscreen and is more than a match for the likes of Vanessa Redgrave.
 
Ice Station Zebra
Setting down 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
McGoohan musters more intensity per second of screen time than I've ever seen in an uncredited, walk-on part.
 
 
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