The Prisoner
Synopsis
A cardinal is arrested for treason against the state. He is a popular hero of his people, for his resistance against the Nazis during the war and his resistance when his country again fell to a totalitarian conqueror. In prison, his interrogator is determined to extract a confession of guilt, and thus destroy his power over his people.
Top Cast
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Alec Guinness
The Cardinal
Jack Hawkins
The Interrogator
Wilfrid Lawson
The Jailer
Kenneth Griffith
The Secretary
Jeanette Sterke
The Girl
Ronald Lewis
The Guard
Raymond Huntley
The General
Mark Dignam
The Governor
Gerard Heinz
The Doctor
Percy Herbert
Soldier (uncredited)
Oscar Quitak
Cafe Waiter (uncredited)
Denis Shaw
Plainclothesman (uncredited)
Release History & Theatrical Window
December 11, 1955
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Peter Glenville
- Screenplay & Story
- Bridget Boland
- Original Score
- Benjamin Frankel
- Original Title
- The Prisoner
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 35m
- Production Studios
- Facet Productions, London Independent Producers
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Peter Glenville
Bridget Boland
Benjamin Frankel
Reginald H. Wyer
Frederick Wilson
Sydney Box, Vivian Cox
Department Leadership Roster
Peter Glenville
Director
Bridget Boland
Writer
Reginald H. Wyer
Director of Photography
Frederick Wilson
Editor
Vivian Cox
Producer
Julie Harris
Costume Design
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Universal — Suitable for all audiences.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Prisoner.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The Prisoner.
New English Movies
New in English
Dual Audio Hindi Movies 5 to 7
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Prisoner
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Prisoner about?
A cardinal is arrested for treason against the state. He is a popular hero of his people, for his resistance against the Nazis during the war and his resistance when his country again fell to a totalitarian conqueror. In prison, his interrogator is determined to extract a confession of guilt, and thus destroy his power over his people.
Who directed The Prisoner?
The Prisoner was directed by Peter Glenville.
Who stars in The Prisoner?
The principal cast of The Prisoner includes Alec Guinness, Jack Hawkins, Wilfrid Lawson, Kenneth Griffith, Jeanette Sterke.
When was The Prisoner released and how long is it?
The Prisoner was released in 1955 with a total runtime of 1h 35m.
Who composed the musical score for The Prisoner?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Prisoner was composed by Benjamin Frankel.
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Prisoner?
The Prisoner holds official age classifications: GB: U (Universal — Suitable for all audiences.).