Can you remember how you got the part of number two in checkmate?
Indeed. Pat (McGoohan particularly wanted me to do it he – asked me himself. He was very hazy about the whole thing in the beginning, but had considered a permanent Number 2, which he wanted me to be. He really didn’t know what direction the programme was going to go in, but finally decided that a change of administrator added to the air of mystery, but he definitely wanted me.
Did they give you any indications as to how he wanted you to play the part?
He said “play yourself”, which I was horrified at, as it is quite hard being yourself. It’s much easier acting! I thought he was as nutty as a fruit cake, but trusted his judgement. He was jolly secretive about the project, but I do remember that the script was stuck to rigidly. However, he did often ask me to say things in a certain way and to talk slowly…
I expect the finished product surprised you?
Indeed it did, but as Pat also directed the episode[1], I suppose that’s no surprise, really. But it did end up very differently!
Did anything in particular strike you?
The sets – especially Number 2’s room. I loved sitting in the chair watching the screen on the wall. I also found the ‘eye’ in the control room very menacing indeed.
How authentic was the karate shop?
Very! I practise for an hour each morning – something which I expanded for Department S. Pat loved authenticity although I know others might say differently, I found him very easy to work with. We had been friends for years – a long time before The Prisoner.
How long did you work on the episode?
Two weeks, I think.
Did you keep any mementos?
No. I did consider using the plimsolls for tennis, but as they were yachting shoes, I didn’t (they had bad associations for me as I had almost been killed on a yacht in a gale off the South Coast on my way to Cherbourg, two weeks before I started filming The Prisoner.
Your part was studio only?
Yes. I would dearly love to have visit Wales[2], as it looked beautiful. Ronald Radd was there – he was a very dear friend. I acted with him in A Tale Of Two Cities. I know he thoroughly enjoyed The Prisoner. His death (in 1976) was a shock.
How did you get on with Angelo Muscat?
Although I remember him being around, I didn’t have much to do with him. To be honest, I thought some of his appearances were stock footage. I do remember Rosalie Crutchley – she is a dear friend too. We have worked together a lot. Her nickname is ‘Bun’ – I don’t know why!
Well thank you for chatting to me.
It was a pleasure.
Interview by Tony Worrall
NOTES:
[1]: ‘Checkmate’ was actually directed by Don Chaffey.
[2]: Peter finally made it to Portmierion in October 2017 for the ‘Fall Out – The Prisoner At 50’ celebration. Click HERE for more information.
This interview was taken from The Prisoner Appreciation Society magazine, Number 6, and was reproduced by kind permission of six of one.
PETER WYNGARDE: The Official Website 
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