Ron Grainer * The Prisoner (Variation On A Theme)

Even as a kid I have always been fascinated by the wacky arrangement of this cult Grainer theme, wondering how on earth did this genius come up with such an unusual piece of music that stuck in my head ever since it first aired on British Tv in September of 67.
I think Grainer was fourth choice of McGoohan's for a theme after Ted Astley (who was busy with The Saint) was unavailable, Robert Farnon (who provided a theme which apparently was like listening to "a bad toothache"), next up came Wilfred Joseph's attempt, which like Farnon's theme, was deemed not commercial enough to sell on the high street.
Then enter Ron Grainer of whom contributed a gentle theme for the show, and titled Age Of Elegance. Pat McGoohan attended Ron's music session at Denham recording studio's, and urged Grainer to pace up his theme to suit the shows opening titles.
When eventually the theme by Ron that appeared on a RCA 45rpm on 13th Oct 1967, he had reverted back to his Age Of Elegance theme, (was it to spite McGoohan)?
Here is a selection of Ron's theme's which start with his first attempts, and on to his single release. After which comes (and thank god for the mighty god's at Network then in 2008) whom supplied us with the Original Soundtrack (3 cd set), that contains how poor Ron struggled with McGoohan's demands at giving him what he wanted to hear.
And what a theme it turned out. And some say that Patrick McGoohan played drums on the recording session.........hmmm???????

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