(The Kid / Number 48) 1942 – 2003
Introduction by TPF Editor Alan Jones
It was with great sadness that we heard Alexis Kanner had died of a heart attack at his London home on Saturday, 13th December 2003. The majority of those reading this will know him best for his three roles in The Prisoner. Kanner played the photographer in The Girl Who Was Death, The Kid in Living In Harmony and Number 48 in Fall Out. It was through these performances that his popularity with Prisoner fans was assured though he also appeared in many other film and TV roles including:
Reach For Glory (1963)
Crossplot (1969)
Goodbye Gemini (1970)
Connecting Rooms (1970)
Kings And Desperate Men (shown 1983 – filmed 1977 – also co-writer, producer & director)
Nightfall (1988)
UFO – The Cat With Ten Lives (1970)
The Saint – The Ever-Loving Spouse (1964)
Softly Softly (1966 – 1970)
Much has already been written about Alexis Kanner and his TV/film performances elsewhere, so by way of our own personal tribute to Alexis, we look back to 1996 and reproduce the words of his fans from issue 29 of the Penny Farthing magazine. We hope reading them brings a smile to your face in remembrance of the actor and man, Alexis Kanner.
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Portmeirion, August 15th - 18th, 1996
The news was well and truly out - in addition to the very charming Norma West, Alexis Kanner would be appearing over the weekend. The buzz of excitement around the Village was infectious as the news was officially announced. Some of us had known for sure, almost as long as Kanner himself. The problem had been, of course, that the news was just too thrilling for some people to keep to themselves and who could blame them!
Alexis Kanner certainly made the difference for many Six of One members visiting
this year's convention.
Alan Jones
Last December we met for lunch in Los Angeles (I was in town to discuss casting and locations for the Prisoner movie with McGoohan and the producers, but don't tell anyone*) and Alexis said he was planning to move back to the UK during 1996. *joke, joke ... Sure enough, I had a call mid-July - he was in London. When Alexis heard the convention was four weeks away, he wanted to be there, but couldn't make a commitment until he had other dates confirmed. In the end it was less than a week before the convention when he was finally able to call Roger Langley in Portmeirion on Sunday (the Langleys had come to the village for a relaxed and peaceful pre-Con week) and make definite arrangements. Much excitement and flurries of activity as the word went round, schedules were rearranged, accommodation was sorted and arrivals co-ordinated. The easiest way of getting Alexis to the village was the relatively short train journey from London to Liverpool, then the scenic route over the hills in my car. The weather was perfect, the journey hitch-free, the weekend well-set. The rest you know. Alexis had fun and was delighted with his welcome, although I dare say his writing arm was cramped by the end of the weekend. As for the future ... no doubt there will be welcome news of a Kanner stage appearance before too long, and I'm sure 601 will have the news early.
Arabella McIntyre-Brown
Alan writes ... Many thanks to Arabella for helping to make Alexis Kanner's visit to PortmeiriCon '96 possible. It was the highlight of my convention and the following views from members of the Liverpool Group echo that sentiment.
Everyone who attended this year's convention will remember it as Alexis Kanner's first visit to Portmeirion and to a convention. My favourite moments were when I met him and when he put on a top hat at the same rakish angle as he does in Fall Out (I hope my photos turn out ok). Many thanks to all who organised the convention, to the sun that shone all day, to Portmeirion - who provided the heavenly setting, to our special guests and to all members of Six of One who made my convention so very special.
Isobel Smith
I suppose the highlight of the weekend has to be Alexis Kanner being interviewed in the open air late on Sunday afternoon. It allowed everyone to see and hear him in beautiful surroundings. Just imagine if Patrick McGoohan had been there!
Sylvia Clarke
Sunday 18th August
One of my most vivid remembrances of this year 's convention was when Geoff Lake and I walked from the Hercules Hall and on to the chess lawn to see the assembled throng waiting for the Alexis Kanner interview.
The impressive sight of everyone sitting or lying on the grass in the brilliant afternoon sun was only bettered by the atmosphere - a tangible ‘buzz’ of excitement.
There was a real feeling of joy and, as a smiling Alexis moved to the table to begin the interview, even he seemed awestruck.
"Look at this!" he said.
Definitely a moment that many will cherish for years to come.
Alan Jones
Sunday was brighter, sunnier and warmer than Saturday! It was, as they say, a "beautiful day' on which, no doubt, the flavour was 'strawberry'. More quiz, chess, rook-bashing (good job it wasn't a rebellious bishop!), another stroll on the beach, another pint in the bar, chilling out on the grass near the piazza, another ice-cream, etc.
The main difference on Sunday was the presence of Alexis Kanner! I eventually managed to obtain his autograph at about 7.00pm. I had the good fortune to cross Alexis Kanner's path earlier on by the hotel. He was being interviewed and filmed about the forthcoming Prisoner movie project; Patrick McGoohan, with whom he is very good friends; and the fact that this was his first visit to Portmeirion.
After the interview, Alexis prepared to walk back up to the hotel. As he gathered up his briefcase, I thought that this was the best, and possibly only, chance to have my photograph taken with him.
I moved in to make my request and Alexis kindly obliged. Not only did he oblige, but as he set down his briefcase on top of my foot, he apologised to me! Alexis Kanner - rebel 48 apologising to me!! No! No! Alexis, it was entirely my fault for inconveniently having my foot under your briefcase. I’m not worthy, etc! And then to cap it all, just as I’m wondering whether it would be too forward to ask to shake his hand for the photograph, he puts his arm around my shoulder like we're old mates on holiday! I was happy. Alexis Kanner and Norma West in close contact within 24 hours - what more could I ask?
Mark Wade
A very pleasant part of the convention was just how accessible our guests were and how much they added to the 'feel good factor' around the village.
Everyone I spoke to had a tale to tell of their meetings with Norma West and Alexis Kanner. They were always courteous and amiable and were only too pleased to sign autographs or have their photo taken with yet another happy Prisoner fan. In return, Norma and Alexis also seemed to be genuinely enjoying themselves. Already admired for their parts in the Prisoner, they also earned many fans’ gratitude and respect.
Alan Jones
The guest stars were plentiful, entertaining and very friendly and approachable – true professionals in fact. There is no doubt that Alexis Kanner stole the show and the atmosphere on the chess lawn before his interview, with everyone singing and clapping to ‘Dry Bones’ must be the high point of the weekend for everybody.
Elaine Sutton
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