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Monday 17 October 2011

Caught On Camera

'A Still Tongue Makes A Happy Life'

    Such a phrase or saying could be no more fitting than for this character. Although he is never heard to utter one sylable in the Prisoner does not mean to say that the Butler cannot speak. Indeed there are two moments when it is suggested that the Butler can speak. In A B & C No.2 is talking to someone who has telephoned him to say that No.6 is at the Green Dome to see him, to which No.2 replies 'Is he. Send him in.' And who is it who shows No.6 into No.2's office - the Butler! Also during It's Your Funeral No.2 tells the Butler, again when No.6 has come calling, 'I told you I didn't want to see anyone, tell him to go away' TELL HIM TO GO AWAY, how could the Butler do that his he could not speak? Over the years, it has been assumed by certain fans that the Butler is a mute, simply because the Butler is not heard to speak.    Be seeing you.

2 comments:

  1. The Butler seems to never express his feelings, with the exception of "Fall Out".

    However, in "The Chimes of Big Ben" when Number 6 is making his speech in the Exhibition hall and Number 2 says "Spoken like a true artist", watch the Butler in the background. He nods in approval of what Number 2 said. I can't think of any other times when the Butler expresses his feelings.

    Be seeing you
    ZM72

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  2. Hello ZM72,

    Yes, you are perfectly correct in your observation, and perhaps for the only time does our diminutive friend the Butler show an expression of feeling. Even when he is turned on by an outraged No.2, and told to get out of the house, the Butler remains passive. He doesn't even flinch when No.2 looks to be about to strike him with the back of his hand in 'Hammer Into Anvil.'

    Regards
    David
    BCNU

    ReplyDelete