True story. When metal band Iron Maiden wanted to use the opening "I am not a number I am a free man" from The Prisoner TV series, they rang Patrick Magoohan to ask his permission. He had never heard of IM. Paused for a second and said in his best John Drake voice, "DO IT". Then hung up the phone. I would have paid money to hear him say that 👍😁
This is NOT the version of the theme song used on the actual show. In the USA, the hour-long "Danger Man" was shown as "Secret Agent", with the song of the same name by Johnny Rivers played for the opening titles. Then the correct, original version of this harpsichord song was played at the start of the episode, when the credits were shown. So in America, we enjoyed two theme songs for the price of one!
You mean "two theme songs for the price of none," bcs in The Before Time, teevee was free -- the only cost was having to watch ads. Now u have to pay cash money... and you STILL have to watch ads. Yay, capitalism!
.. Totally agree. "Get Smart" and the others weren't 'smart' enough for me (and I was just a kid). This series was a winner. The Avengers was my other favorite.
When I was a kiddie, both my mother and I had crushes on Patrick McGoohan in Danger Man - it was called Secret Agent, in the US, of course. He was fantastic in everything he did and I never forgot Astley's theme which was used as a sub theme on the US show, usually with an opening establishing shot of London, Big Ben, etc. They really don't make them like this anymore - the man, the music or the show.
I can remember as a kid going out with my dad around his friends house, for a regular social visit. We always watched 'Danger Man' while we were there. Wonderful times for sure!
I remember watching the John Drake character as a child I'm now 57 I was fascinated by the fact that he was obviously the hero of the piece & while I'm sure Patrick McGoohan is a perfectly fine fellow he masterfully played Agent Drake as a RIGHT BASTARD often at least as bad a character in his behavior if not his motivations as his adversaries he was NOT a NICE MAN I LOVED IT!
I remember watching this show at 4am in the morning where I was about 12yo im now 50 and it is back on at 3am in australia and i just love the theme song
(7 years ago) What a treat... I first heard this music under the "episode" credits (as opposed to "series" credits) for its successor series, "Secret Agent," and knew that it had to be a theme for some British version of that show... I was close... I love Johnny Rivers singing "Secret Agent Man," but this is 'way cooler. (3 years ago) "Danger Man" over there, "Secret Agent" over here... I think I like their theme better.
If you ask me, The Prisoner, as much outstanding as it is, is sometimes overrated, and Danger Man is not remembered by the audiences nowadays, which I think is a far superior to The Prisoner. Yes, I know, the Prisoner introduced a spy in a non-espionage genred TV Show, and was a genius, but like I said, it's being remembered more than Danger Man. The latter series is more entertaining, in my opinion.
I grieved when Mr. McGoohan died. He was brilliant man. And this theme - which for Secret Agent was used as the 'interior' theme - fit the character far better than the Johnny Rivers attempt.
The show was stilled called Danger Man for the hour long shows in England. The American copies of the DVDs have the English openings and closings with the episodes and Johnny Rivers "Secret Agent" theme opening as an extra.
Such economy in production, such thrift in all means of expression. They could truly CREATE those days -- meaning to make something much more out of very little. We have CGI now and we can technically put everything we imagine onscreen but our creativity had plunged. Those television days are gone forever.
I loved most of Robert Cobert's music from the show. Somehow I didn't ever recall this back then I did get to hear it from some of the compilation albums. It should've been on the radio just like Quentin's Theme. Beautiful song.
@PeterZeeke - that went over everyone's head didn't it!!? I downloaded this to my ipod as my old Mark and Lard graveyard shift C90s were getting more than abit worn. Very happy memories of one of the greatest radio shows to grace the airwaves......
Danger Man was a half hour show that became Secret Agent when it expanded to an hour. Secret Agent Man was only the name of the theme, that was added when it started being shown in the U.S.
Robert Manchot à la mandoline en fer blanc,José Poummondacier à la trompette en bois et Edgar Ouvert au tambourin rustique nous servent ce générique en deux trois coups de cuillère appeau .Par la suite ce groupe.'' les faits du Logis''connu un vif succès au rayon électroménager du Darty de Cergy Pontoise.
@us71 It is the theme from the second season. The first season had an verbal introduction, as did the Avengers when it came to America BTW. Sort of setting the stage. "Secret Angent Man" was the theme used when the show came to America.
yes your right.hed been for a rehearsal for appearing in doctor who.although no one knows exactly what happend,a homeless student,who peter arne had befriended was later found drowned in a river believed to be suicide.he had blood on his clothes.
@hcvang It's an old song I sing here but I doubt a modern version of Danger Man could be as good as the original. I wouldn't be against a new good modern TV series, though, but I just don't see Danger Man happening again. The great thing about re-runs is that you don't have to pay writers actors and directors then, they've all been paid already years ago. An entire television series that requires no money to produce that the people from this generation haven't seen before, why keep it hidden?
@hcvang Actually, reruns give money to the guy who wrote the theme song (which is rather appropriate for this video, don't you think?). Seriously, Robert Altman had his teenaged son help write the MASH song because the kid wanted to buy a guitar, and thanks to the TV show the he's made more money off of MASH than his father. Also set for life: the guy who wrote the Cheers song.
True story. When metal band Iron Maiden wanted to use the opening "I am not a number I am a free man" from The Prisoner TV series, they rang Patrick Magoohan to ask his permission. He had never heard of IM. Paused for a second and said in his best John Drake voice, "DO IT". Then hung up the phone. I would have paid money to hear him say that 👍😁
_Excellent!_
Such a handsome man he was, and a brilliant actor. Love the theme song !
Loved him in Braveheart. I didn’t recognize him at first as Edward Longshanks
this show is simply pure gold they dont make stars like these r, i ,p
This is NOT the version of the theme song used on the actual show. In the USA, the hour-long "Danger Man" was shown as "Secret Agent", with the song of the same name by Johnny Rivers played for the opening titles. Then the correct, original version of this harpsichord song was played at the start of the episode, when the credits were shown. So in America, we enjoyed two theme songs for the price of one!
You mean "two theme songs for the price of none,"
bcs in The Before Time, teevee was free -- the only cost was having to watch ads.
Now u have to pay cash money...
and you STILL have to watch ads. Yay, capitalism!
Mr McGoohan you are missed sir.RIP.
Classic 60s series. Well written, well acted and great theme.
.. Totally agree. "Get Smart" and the others weren't 'smart' enough for me (and I was just a kid). This series was a winner. The Avengers was my other favorite.
Well, the man had morals and manners, unlike what our Hollywood celebrities are nowadays. I really wish the 1960s would come back.
Great theme, and Patrick McGoohan was a brilliant actor. Wish I could have known him. Very complex and fascinating . . .
...Forever...Forever in our hearts...
what a man, I so had the hots for him when i was a kid, he was unique!!!x
Patrick McGoohan the coolest man on tv.I had a bit of a crush and still do
When I was a kiddie, both my mother and I had crushes on Patrick McGoohan in Danger Man - it was called Secret Agent, in the US, of course. He was fantastic in everything he did and I never forgot Astley's theme which was used as a sub theme on the US show, usually with an opening establishing shot of London, Big Ben, etc. They really don't make them like this anymore - the man, the music or the show.
My Mother had a crush on Jimmy Nail,out of Auf-weidersien Pet.
I have always considered McGoohan brilliant
Best Bond there never was.
He was put forward,but lost to George Lazenby.
@@kevindouglas8652 He did not want the part. He was very puritanical when it came to portrayals of romance and sex.
He was a gentleman, and men who the real Bonds are the real Bonds have no need to pretend.
@@kevindouglas8652 .. 'He' turned down the James Bond role twice! He didn't want the guns, the violence and 'kissing women."
He wasn’t James Bond
He was Danger Man in England and Secret Agent Man in the US
Secret Agent John Drake
rest in peace Patrick McGoohan
from the Philippines
I can remember as a kid going out with my dad around his friends house, for a regular social visit. We always watched 'Danger Man' while we were there. Wonderful times for sure!
I had to look this up. The opening part where he is in a negative image scared the shit out of me as a child.
McGoohan and this fantastic theme were only two the things that made this austere little series so good to watch.
Mcgoohan would have made a great James Bond.
I remember watching the John Drake character as a child I'm now 57 I was fascinated by the fact that he was obviously the hero of the piece & while I'm sure Patrick McGoohan is a perfectly fine fellow he masterfully played Agent Drake as a RIGHT BASTARD often at least as bad a character in his behavior if not his motivations as his adversaries he was NOT a NICE MAN I LOVED IT!
I remember watching this show at 4am in the morning where I was about 12yo im now 50 and it is back on at 3am in australia and i just love the theme song
Great Patrick McGoohan, we never forget you. Rest in peace
ive never forgot this music.
McGoohan was a frakking genius. RIP.
There's a man who leads a life of danger
To every man he meets, he stays a stranger
Love this theme, Patrick should have played James Bond.
It was offered to him. But he turned it down because they refused to have a more serious Bond movie with more intelligent script like he wanted.
His would have a more clever Bond who wins in far more plausible ways using his brain.
Absolutely, would have been better than Sean Connery😎
@@johnnydavis5896 George Lazenby.It would have been great to see McGoohan do it just once.Action Packed for Sure.
Memories of Jamaican B/W television in the early 1960's!! Havent heard this theme in years. McGoohan makes a rare appearance in "The Phantom" movie.
he's also in several episodes of Columbo
(7 years ago)
What a treat...
I first heard this music under the "episode" credits (as opposed to "series" credits) for its successor series, "Secret Agent," and knew that it had to be a theme for some British version of that show...
I was close...
I love Johnny Rivers singing "Secret Agent Man," but this is 'way cooler.
(3 years ago)
"Danger Man" over there, "Secret Agent" over here...
I think I like their theme better.
These days you can't even have a fight on a train, the Inspectors will soon ask for your Oyster card
If you ask me, The Prisoner, as much outstanding as it is, is sometimes overrated, and Danger Man is not remembered by the audiences nowadays, which I think is a far superior to The Prisoner. Yes, I know, the Prisoner introduced a spy in a non-espionage genred TV Show, and was a genius, but like I said, it's being remembered more than Danger Man. The latter series is more entertaining, in my opinion.
I grieved when Mr. McGoohan died. He was brilliant man. And this theme - which for Secret Agent was used as the 'interior' theme - fit the character far better than the Johnny Rivers attempt.
By far the best version.
This absolutely slaps! I was just listening to Teenage Filmstars - I Helped Patrick McGoohan Escape and wound up here.
aaah, the theme tune to mark & lard 10pm shift on radio 1 c.1996
John Drake was the man!
The show was stilled called Danger Man for the hour long shows in England. The American copies of the DVDs have the English openings and closings with the episodes and Johnny Rivers "Secret Agent" theme opening as an extra.
AWESOME!!!!
Thanks to my admiration for Patrick, I went to live during one year in Portmeirion village of THE PRISONER
Such economy in production, such thrift in all means of expression. They could truly CREATE those days -- meaning to make something much more out of very little. We have CGI now and we can technically put everything we imagine onscreen but our creativity had plunged. Those television days are gone forever.
Thats a cool version of the theme, thanks for sharing!
The greatest James Bond we never had !
It was Bond for the small screen. Still to watch the whole series, so my evenings won’t be boring for a few months! ;-)
I just check the DVLA an the Grey Austin Mini still lives on 731 Hop is still on the road amazing Xx
I loved most of Robert Cobert's music from the show. Somehow I didn't ever recall this back then I did get to hear it from some of the compilation albums. It should've been on the radio just like Quentin's Theme. Beautiful song.
the adverts apart,, this is legendary british tv,,we sure are something to tangle with,,
Infectious soundtrack
Patrick McGohan was the best...
Played the same style character , but known as Mr Jones in in Ice Station Zebra
Fantastic.
Danger man!!!!!
Brilliant
He was de maaaaaaaaaaaan
Proper tune!
STILL cant find the intro I knew and loved on here..high wire with the target graphics..
John Drake would have to have been the greatest fictional spy of all time.
Well done.
@doctorw2
The BBC could not afford him McGoohan was the highest paid actor in television at the time
@PeterZeeke - that went over everyone's head didn't it!!? I downloaded this to my ipod as my old Mark and Lard graveyard shift C90s were getting more than abit worn. Very happy memories of one of the greatest radio shows to grace the airwaves......
Danger Man was a half hour show that became Secret Agent when it expanded to an hour. Secret Agent Man was only the name of the theme, that was added when it started being shown in the U.S.
Robert Manchot à la mandoline en fer blanc,José Poummondacier à la trompette en bois et Edgar Ouvert au tambourin rustique nous servent ce générique en deux trois coups de cuillère appeau .Par la suite ce groupe.'' les faits du Logis''connu un vif succès au rayon électroménager du Darty de Cergy Pontoise.
t'as raison waaahaha;)
Edwin Astley is the Master
I love Danger Man.
@us71 It is the theme from the second season. The first season had an verbal introduction, as did the Avengers when it came to America BTW. Sort of setting the stage.
"Secret Angent Man" was the theme used when the show came to America.
Fanstatic Guy great Show McGoohan a Genius ,but a lot of credit must go to Lew Grade!!
mcgoohan no a fecking ad
No.1
Certainly earned the name of danger man in that scene.
Tune's "official name" is High Wire.
Heard the American theme the other day. Gad, what an insipid dirge for such a great show.
yes your right.hed been for a rehearsal for appearing in doctor who.although no one knows exactly what happend,a homeless student,who peter arne had befriended was later found drowned in a river believed to be suicide.he had blood on his clothes.
..and he was obliged..:)
@hcvang
Not brought back with a new version made of it, just have the original series re-run.
Hey, That villian in that English show played " Mannix" a 70s detective show, Mike Connors.
This is the theme to the hour long version. The theme to the original half hour version was quite different, and IMHO, better.
When I saw Inception I thought Tom Hardy could play John Drake or Number 6. He has great mannerisms like Patrick MacGoohan had.
This is not the original theme tune but a softer version of it jazzed up
You are right, but only the two of us appear to know it.
The danger man theme sounds very similar to the Munsters
2009 prisoner failed because there was no Mcgoohan!
interesting fact. the man he fights with on the train is the actor peter arne who was murdered in real life in the early 1980s.
God left his earthly vessel this January.
@hcvang
It's an old song I sing here but I doubt a modern version of Danger Man could be as good as the original. I wouldn't be against a new good modern TV series, though, but I just don't see Danger Man happening again.
The great thing about re-runs is that you don't have to pay writers actors and directors then, they've all been paid already years ago. An entire television series that requires no money to produce that the people from this generation haven't seen before, why keep it hidden?
johnny depp is the man who could play John Drake updated!
.. Johnny Depp can't hold a candle to Patrick McGoohan. Sorry.
I believe the guy in this clip on the train was murdered in real life. Peter Arne was his name.
The one & only secret agent. should be re-screened and also brought up to date, but who could play John Drake in 2010
Seems to me like I am in "Danger" of being terribly bored to death...
Yikes.
I wish they had the theme from the first season.
It sounds like Ron Grainer. or Laurie Johnson.
@tarquin45 Thanks for the info` .. just looked him up, I didn`t this. x
@GrimmShadowsII Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was made six years after Dr No and Connery wasn't in it.
For the original version go to
watch?v=2Wwm2_JJLYY&feature=related
Too woozy....the original theme felt more action packed. I mean it is the same theme but just doesn't have the oompah the other one had.....
no more jazzed up ...swinging sixties and all ... courageous to update the same music !
He was offered Bond before Sean Connery but on moral grounds he said no....
I love this version of the theme! Who did it?
Les origines du Prisonnier !
@hcvang Actually, reruns give money to the guy who wrote the theme song (which is rather appropriate for this video, don't you think?). Seriously, Robert Altman had his teenaged son help write the MASH song because the kid wanted to buy a guitar, and thanks to the TV show the he's made more money off of MASH than his father. Also set for life: the guy who wrote the Cheers song.
I don't know why, but I do seem to prefer the theme tune from the very first season. But, that's just my opinion, though.
Strange that the guy killed in the clip(Peter Arne) as murdered in real life.
This is not the intro song I remember.
Take a look at 'Astley's Way - Part 2/2' on this very channel - rorting version there by Jools Holland and Gilson Lavis. Really rips!
Patrick McGoohan - the most English of Americans.
@movement26 He was one of the original choices but he objected to the sex scenes and put forward fellow Hell Drivers actor Sean Connery.
@Rich27014
lol, didnt it just. It really was the greatest
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