George Markstein, a multifaceted individual with a passion for journalism and a flair for crafting thrilling tales, emerged into this world on August 29, 1926, in the vibrant city of Berlin, Germany, where his family, of Jewish heritage, resided.
As the ominous specter of Nazism began to cast its dark shadow over the continent, Markstein's family, driven by a desire for safety and security, made the courageous decision to flee their homeland and settle in England, a move that would forever alter the trajectory of their lives.
Markstein embarked on his professional journey as a newspaper reporter for the esteemed Southport Guardian in the year 1947, where he honed his craft and developed a strong foundation in journalism. Subsequently, he transitioned to a prominent role as a journalist for the American military tabloid, the Overseas Weekly. This publication, notorious for its sensational and scandal-driven content, earned the moniker "Over Sexed Weekly" due to its provocative nature. Markstein, a key figure in the organization, served as the head of the London desk, overseeing operations and contributing to the paper's success.
As a talented individual, he made a notable shift from the realm of film to television, where he took on the role of a story consultant, lending his expertise to numerous episodes of ITC's esteemed production, Court Martial. His impressive range also extended to the iconic Danger Man, as he contributed to multiple episodes of this groundbreaking series. Additionally, Markstein's writing skills were showcased in Rediffusion's popular children's drama series, Send Foster, where he crafted compelling storylines for young audiences. Furthermore, his creative output did not stop there, as he was also involved in the scriptwriting process for Peter Yates's fictionalized feature film, Robbery, which drew inspiration from the infamous 1963 Great Train Robbery.
Patrick McGoohan's decision to depart from the popular television series Danger Man had a profound impact on the creative direction of the show. Markstein, a key figure in the production, seized the opportunity to rework the fundamental concepts that McGoohan had been developing since 1962. This reimagining ultimately gave rise to the iconic series known as The Prisoner.
As a testament to his creative vision, Markstein collaborated with McGoohan and producer David Tomblin on the inaugural episode, "Arrival", laying the groundwork for the series' unique tone and style. Subsequently, Markstein took on the role of script editor, overseeing the development of subsequent episodes and ensuring the consistency of the show's narrative voice.
Markstein's presence as a script editor was a recurring theme throughout the majority of episodes in the renowned television series, The Prisoner, where he made a brief yet notable appearance at the onset of almost every installment. His character, a bespectacled individual with a distinctive balding hairstyle, was often seen seated behind a desk, accepting a letter of resignation from the show's main protagonist, portrayed by the talented McGoohan.
Markstein, the original creator of the series, envisioned a traditional action-packed espionage storyline. However, as the show progressed, McGoohan, in his capacity as Executive Producer and owner of Everyman Films, exerted greater control over the direction of the series, leading to growing dissatisfaction on Markstein's part as an employee.
Markstein's departure from the series was a pivotal moment, yet his lasting impression was palpable, as a fleeting glimpse of his face continued to appear in the opening credits, a testament to the profound impact he had on the show.
