For 18 years 'Once Upon a Time' has been a subscribing club with a hard copy magazine. We are now changing to a totally online club without subscription. ONCE UPON A TIME (OUAT) is an American non-profit fan club for a very unusual British TV series - THE PRISONER - which has been called, among other things, 'the first anti-government spy series' .... 'The first TV classic', etc. It is possibly the only TV series in which the leading actor had to go into hiding after the last episode was aired in England because angry viewers did not understand the controversial ending. The effect on even normally docile viewers after watching THE PRISONER is not predictable. Some claim that the show ended without explaining the meaning of many of the perplexing aspects of it. Many find it bewildering and want to forget it.

But, if you are one of those who find it fascinating stuff and kind of hypnotic, yet find yourself still wondering about No.6 and his heroic stance against the controllers of the "Village", then 'Once Upon a Time' will help you learn more about the series. For one thing we have INFORMATION.

Those of us who enjoy THE PRISONER are fortunate in several ways. First, the film location is available to visit and wander through - Hotel Portmeirion in North Wales - and if you are lucky enough to visit there, you will experience some of the sensations felt by the Prisoner. You can, for example, run along the wonderful golden sands and shout "I am a free man/woman". Nobody will lead you away - they've seen it all before. Unlike No.6, you'll be able to leave. Second, all 17 episodes are available on videotape, allowing us to watch it whenever we wish.

The series owes much of its lasting interest to a certain magic added to it by its executive producer and star, Patrick McGoohan.

THE PRISONER can be almost anything you want it to be. It is a spy adventure series, but it can also focus on individual liberty and the effect of society on a person.

This enigmatic series leaves many viewers wondering and asking. What does it all mean? Who is Number One? What is Rover - the large white balloon? What does 'the Village' represent? Who runs 'the Village' anyway? Does Number Six really escape?

'Once Upon a Time' does not mount campaigns. We do not march in protest. We do not picket the White House. We just keep fans interested in THE PRISONER. We believe the Prisoner will do the rest.

'Once Upon a Time' acknowledges ITC ENTERTAINMENT / POLYGRAM as the sole copyright holder of THE PRISONER. We appreciate having permission from ITC to use their material.