Acting
Michael Jayston
Born October 29, 1935 · Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, England, UK
Died February 5, 2024 · aged 88
Michael James (born 29 October 1935), known professionally as Michael Jayston, was an English actor. He played Nicholas II of Russia in the film Nicholas and Alexandra (1971). He has also made many television appearances, which have included playing the Valeyard in all fourteen episodes of the Doctor Who serial The Trial of a Time Lord (1986) and appearing in the Only Fools and Horses episode "Tim…
Known For
King Lear · 1975King Lear
★ 10.01975
MovieDrama
King Lear, old and tired, divides his kingdom among his daughters, giving great importance to their protestations of love for him. When Cordelia, youngest and most honest, refuses to idly flatter the old man in return for favor, he banishes her and turns for support to his remaining daughters. But Goneril and Regan have no love for him and instead plot to take all his power from him. In a parallel, Lear's loyal courtier Gloucester favors his illegitimate son Edmund after being told lies about his faithful son Edgar. Madness and tragedy befall both ill-starred fathers.
Highlander III: The Sorcerer · 1994Highlander III: The Sorcerer
★ 4.81994
MovieFantasyAction
Deceived that he had won the Prize, Connor MacLeod wanders through the world; however, he is awakened from his peaceful life when an entombed immortal magician, Kane, escapes and comes seeking the Highlander.
Macbeth · 1970Macbeth
★ 6.01970
MovieDrama
Macbeth, the Thane of Glamis, receives a prophecy from a trio of witches that one day he will become King of Scotland. Consumed by ambition and spurred to action by his wife, Macbeth murders his king and takes the throne for himself.
Follow Me! · 1972Follow Me!
★ 7.61972
MovieComedyRomance
A strait-laced British banker hires an eccentric private detective to follow his free-spirited American wife, whom he suspects is cheating on him.
Doctor Who: Mindwarp · 1986Doctor Who: Mindwarp
★ 7.71986
MovieScience FictionDrama
As the Doctor's trial continues, evidence is presented showing his most recent adventure, one where he faces an old adversary, Sil. As a scientist conducts his unethical experiments to prolong the life of Sil's boss Kiv, the Doctor's memories of the events begins to return and an unpleasant surprise awaits him.
Nicholas and Alexandra · 1971Nicholas and Alexandra
★ 7.01971
MovieDramaWar
Tsar Nicholas II, the inept last monarch of Russia, insensitive to the needs of his people, is overthrown and exiled to Siberia with his family.
Zulu Dawn · 1979Zulu Dawn
★ 6.11979
MovieAdventureDrama
In 1879, the British suffer a great loss at the Battle of Isandlwana due to incompetent leadership.
Love's Labour's Lost · 1965Love's Labour's Lost
★ 8.01965
MovieDramaComedy
A scholarly king and his three companions swear off the society of women for three years, only to have a diplomatic visit from a French princess and her three ladies-in-waiting thwart their intentions.
Movies
King Lear · 1975King Lear
★ 10.01975
MovieDrama
King Lear, old and tired, divides his kingdom among his daughters, giving great importance to their protestations of love for him. When Cordelia, youngest and most honest, refuses to idly flatter the old man in return for favor, he banishes her and turns for support to his remaining daughters. But Goneril and Regan have no love for him and instead plot to take all his power from him. In a parallel, Lear's loyal courtier Gloucester favors his illegitimate son Edmund after being told lies about his faithful son Edgar. Madness and tragedy befall both ill-starred fathers.
Highlander III: The Sorcerer · 1994Highlander III: The Sorcerer
★ 4.81994
MovieFantasyAction
Deceived that he had won the Prize, Connor MacLeod wanders through the world; however, he is awakened from his peaceful life when an entombed immortal magician, Kane, escapes and comes seeking the Highlander.
Macbeth · 1970Macbeth
★ 6.01970
MovieDrama
Macbeth, the Thane of Glamis, receives a prophecy from a trio of witches that one day he will become King of Scotland. Consumed by ambition and spurred to action by his wife, Macbeth murders his king and takes the throne for himself.
Follow Me! · 1972Follow Me!
★ 7.61972
MovieComedyRomance
A strait-laced British banker hires an eccentric private detective to follow his free-spirited American wife, whom he suspects is cheating on him.
Doctor Who: Mindwarp · 1986Doctor Who: Mindwarp
★ 7.71986
MovieScience FictionDrama
As the Doctor's trial continues, evidence is presented showing his most recent adventure, one where he faces an old adversary, Sil. As a scientist conducts his unethical experiments to prolong the life of Sil's boss Kiv, the Doctor's memories of the events begins to return and an unpleasant surprise awaits him.
Nicholas and Alexandra · 1971Nicholas and Alexandra
★ 7.01971
MovieDramaWar
Tsar Nicholas II, the inept last monarch of Russia, insensitive to the needs of his people, is overthrown and exiled to Siberia with his family.
Zulu Dawn · 1979Zulu Dawn
★ 6.11979
MovieAdventureDrama
In 1879, the British suffer a great loss at the Battle of Isandlwana due to incompetent leadership.
Love's Labour's Lost · 1965Love's Labour's Lost
★ 8.01965
MovieDramaComedy
A scholarly king and his three companions swear off the society of women for three years, only to have a diplomatic visit from a French princess and her three ladies-in-waiting thwart their intentions.
Element of Doubt · 1996Element of Doubt
★ 6.51996
MovieThriller
A woman has doubts about the intentions of her husband, even to the point where she thinks he might kill her.
Doctor Who: Terror of the Vervoids · 1986Doctor Who: Terror of the Vervoids
★ 4.71986
MovieDramaScience Fiction
As evidence for the defense at his ongoing trial, the Doctor presents an adventure from his future when he is travelling with a computer programmer named Mel. Answering a mysterious distress call from the space liner Hyperion III, they find that the passengers aboard include unscrupulous scientists, secret agents, saboteurs, thieves and a murderer. And lurking in the shadows are the Vervoids, the product of sinister botanical experiments, who will stop at nothing to destroy all non-plant life.
First Kid · 1996First Kid
★ 5.81996
MovieComedyFamily
Some say that to be the leader of a country is one of the loneliest jobs in the world. But being the child of a world leader can be doubly so. Constantly surrounded by security officers, restricted in movements and having almost every waking moment carefully monitored makes normalcy an impossibility. No one knows this better than young Luke Davenport, the son of U.S. President Davenport. He vents his loneliness, frustration and feelings of isolation from family and friends by being a brat to his private Secret Service agent. When the agent snaps from the strain in front of the First Lady, a new agent is assigned to Luke. He turns out to be the enormous Sam Simms, a bit of a rogue who managed to rise through the ranks by sheer determination rather than strict adherence to Secret-Service protocol. At first, Luke tries all his old tricks upon Sam. But instead of getting angry, Sam seems to actually understand.
Cromwell · 1970Cromwell
★ 6.61970
MovieDramaHistory
Disgusted with the policies of King Charles I, Oliver Cromwell plans to take his family to the New World. But on the eve of their departure, Cromwell is drawn into the tangled web of religion and politics that will result in the English Civil War.
The Merchant of Venice · 1973The Merchant of Venice
★ 8.51973
MovieDramaTV Movie
An Edwardian take on the Shakespeare play starring Laurence Olivier.
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea · 199720,000 Leagues Under the Sea
★ 5.81997
MovieAdventureAction
In the 19th century, an expert marine biologist is hired by the government to determine what's sinking ships all over the ocean. His daughter follows him. They are intercepted by a mysterious captain Nemo and his incredible submarine.
From a Far Country · 1981From a Far Country
★ 4.61981
MovieDramaHistory
This heroic story follows the life of Karol Wojtyla, a Polish Roman catholic who ascends the throne of St. Peter as Pope John Paul II. As a young boy, Karol is a bright and talented student. Archbishop Sapieha recognizes the very special, moving qualities Karol possesses and encourages him to consider the priesthood. Although determined to study Polish literature, Karol turns to the church; he is ordained and studies in Italy, France, and Belgium. Torn by fear and repression in post-Stalin Eastern Europe, Karol becomes a poisonous thorn in the communists' side. His deer reverence and commitment return him to Poland as Pope John Paul II.
The Internecine Project · 1974The Internecine Project
★ 6.01974
MovieThrillerDrama
Offered a job as a presidential adviser, a professor is forced to dispose of those who knew him when he was a spy.
Finisterre · 2003Finisterre
★ 8.52003
MovieDocumentary
London has always been a source of influence, inspiration and curiosity - Finisterre tries to identify the dreams that London holds for so many. Presented and scored by Saint Etienne, the film enraptures with a journey through the ultimate city of possibilities - from John Nash and Berthold Lubetkin to Hendon FC and Hampstead Heath via the New Piccadilly cafe. A genuinely moving meditation on the capital in all its tawdry glory, with extra features and deluxe booklet
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland · 1972Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
★ 6.31972
MovieFamilyFantasy
An all-star cast highlights this vibrant musical adaptation of Lewis Carroll's immortal tale. One day, plucky young Alice follows a white rabbit down a hole and discovers a world of bizarre characters.
Tales That Witness Madness · 1973Tales That Witness Madness
★ 5.51973
MovieHorrorComedy
Enigmatic asylum owner Dr Tremayne houses four very special cases. Visited by his colleague Nicholas, Tremayne explains his amazing and controversial theories as to why each patient went mad, be they a ritualistic 'luau', a time-travelling bicycle, a toy tiger, and a tree stump.
The Homecoming · 1973The Homecoming
★ 6.21973
MovieDrama
In a dreary North London flat, the site of perpetual psychological warfare, a philosophy professor visits his family after a nine-year absence and introduces the four men - father, uncle and two brothers - to his wife.
A Midsummer Night's Dream · 1968A Midsummer Night's Dream
★ 6.31968
MovieComedyFantasy
Peter Hall's film adaptation of Shakespeare's comedy, filmed in and around an English country house and starring actors from the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Dominique · 1980Dominique
★ 4.91980
MovieDramaHorror
The wife of a greedy man comes back to haunt him after he scares her to death.
Bequest to the Nation · 1973Bequest to the Nation
★ 6.51973
MovieDramaHistory
Set before the Battle of Trafalgar, this is the story of relationship between Admiral Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton during the Napoleonic Wars.
Craze · 1974Craze
★ 5.11974
MovieHorrorThriller
A demented art dealer and antique shop owner performs nightly rituals in honour of the African god Chuku, whom he believes will reward him with unimaginable wealth and power if he merely offers human sacrifice.
TV Shows
Coronation Street · 1960Coronation Street
★ 5.31960
Series
The residents of Coronation Street are ordinary, working-class people, and the show follows them through regular social and family interactions at home, in the workplace, and in their local pub, the Rovers Return Inn. Britain's longest-running soap.
Midsomer Murders · 1997Midsomer Murders
★ 7.51997
SeriesCrimeDrama
The peacefulness of the Midsomer community is shattered by violent crimes, suspects are placed under suspicion, and it is up to a veteran DCI and his young sergeant to calmly and diligently eliminate the innocent and ruthlessly pursue the guilty.
Doctor Who · 1963Doctor Who
★ 7.91963
SeriesDrama
The adventures of The Doctor, a time-traveling humanoid alien known as a Time Lord. He explores the universe in his TARDIS, a sentient time-traveling spaceship. Its exterior appears as a blue British police box, which was a common sight in Britain in 1963 when the series first aired. Along with a succession of companions, The Doctor faces a variety of foes while working to save civilizations, help ordinary people, and right many wrongs.
Casualty · 1986Casualty
★ 6.21986
SeriesDrama
Drama series about the staff and patients at Holby City Hospital's emergency department, charting the ups and downs in their personal and professional lives.
Holby City · 1999Holby City
★ 5.81999
SeriesDrama
Drama series about life on the wards of Holby City Hospital, following the highs and lows of the staff and patients.
Heartbeat · 1992Heartbeat
★ 7.21992
SeriesCrimeDrama
Set during the 1960s in the fictional North Yorkshire village of Aidensfield, this enduringly popular series interweaves crime and medical storylines.
Crown Court · 1972Crown Court
★ 5.71972
SeriesDrama
Crown Court is an afternoon television courtroom drama produced by Granada Television for the ITV network that ran from 1972, when the Crown Court system replaced Assize courts and Quarter sessions in the legal system of England and Wales, to 1984.
Sherlock Holmes · 1984Sherlock Holmes
★ 8.21984
SeriesCrimeDrama
Sherlock Holmes uses his abilities to take on cases by private clients and those that the Scotland Yard are unable to solve, along with his friend Dr. Watson.
BBC Play of the Month · 1965BBC Play of the Month
★ 5.31965
SeriesDrama
A BBC television anthology series featuring productions of classic and contemporary stage plays usually broadcast on BBC1. Each production featured a different work, often using prominent British stage actors in the leading roles. The series was transmitted from October 1965 to September 1983.
Tales of the Unexpected · 1979Tales of the Unexpected
★ 6.81979
SeriesDrama
A British television anthology of stories, often with sinister and wryly comedic undertones, and a twist at the end. With early episodes written and presented by Roald Dahl, the series featured a plethora of big name guest stars.
Foyle's War · 2002Foyle's War
★ 7.92002
SeriesMysteryDrama
As WW2 rages around the world, DCS Foyle fights his own war on the home-front as he investigates crimes on the south coast of England. Foyle's War opens in southern England in the year 1940. Later series sees the retired detective working as an MI5 agent operating in the aftermath of the war.
ITV Playhouse · 1967ITV Playhouse
★ 7.01967
SeriesDrama
ITV Playhouse is a British comedy-drama TV series that ran from 1967 to 1983, which featured contributions from playwrights such as Dennis Potter, Rhys Adrian and Alan Sharp. The series began in black and white, but was later shot in colour and was produced by various companies for the ITV network, a format that would inspire Dramarama. Actors appearing in the series included Leslie Anderson, Gwen Nelson, Ricky Alleyne, Pat Heywood, Michael Elphick, Ian Hendry, Edward Woodward, Margaret Lockwood, Jessie Matthews and Lloyd Peters.
The Wednesday Play · 1964The Wednesday Play
★ 5.21964
SeriesDrama
An anthology series of television plays which aired on BBC1 from October 1964 to May 1970. The plays were usually written for television, although adaptations from other sources also featured.
UFO · 1970UFO
★ 7.81970
SeriesSci-Fi & FantasyDrama
A secret, high-technology international agency called SHADO defends Earth from alien invaders.
The Ruth Rendell Mysteries · 1987The Ruth Rendell Mysteries
★ 6.61987
SeriesDramaMystery
The Ruth Rendell mysteries is a British television series made by TVS and Meridian Television for ITV between 2 August 1987 and 11 October 2000.
Thriller · 1973Thriller
★ 6.91973
SeriesDramaCrime
Thriller is a British television series, originally broadcast in the UK from 1973 to 1976. It is an anthology series: each episode has a self-contained story and its own cast. As the title suggests, each story is a thriller of some variety, from tales of the supernatural to down-to-earth whodunits.
ITV Saturday Night Theatre · 1969ITV Saturday Night Theatre
★ 7.01969
Series
Anthology series of dramatic works.
Worlds Beyond · 1986Worlds Beyond
★ 5.81986
SeriesDramaSci-Fi & Fantasy
Worlds Beyond is a British television anthology broadcast on ITV from 1986 to 1988, based on real-life supernatural experiences described in archival documents from the Society for Psychical Research. A book was also released to accompany the series.
BBC2 Play of the Week · 1977BBC2 Play of the Week
★ 7.01977
SeriesDramaComedy
An anthology of plays and novels adapted into feature length TV movies, broadcast on BBC2 from September 1977 to April 1979.
Detective · 1964Detective
★ 9.01964
SeriesCrime
A BBC anthology series featuring adaptations of detective stories over 45 episodes in three seasons that ran from 1964 to 1969. As with many BBC programmes made before the early 1970s, many of its episodes no longer exist. Of the eighteen episodes from the first season only twelve are currently known to exist; likewise six of the sixteen editions from the second run are considered lost, and just one of the final ten survives in the archives.
Callan · 1967Callan
★ 7.01967
SeriesDrama
Callan is the title of a British television series set in the murky world of espionage. Originally produced by ABC Weekend Television and later Thames Television, it was aired on the ITV network over four seasons spread out between 1967 and 1972. The series starred Edward Woodward as David Callan, a reluctant professional killer for a shadowy branch of the British Government's intelligence services known as 'the Section'.
Press Gang · 1989Press Gang
★ 7.51989
SeriesComedyDrama
The activities of the staff at The Junior Gazette, a children's weekly newspaper produced by a group of school pupils.
Remembers… · 2022Remembers…
★ 7.02022
SeriesDocumentary
What are the secrets of our favourite TV shows? Famous names from both sides of the camera reflect on making some of the most popular and influential programs of all time.
Churchill's People · 1974Churchill's People
★ 5.01974
SeriesDrama
Churchill's People is a British anthology series based on A History of the English-Speaking Peoples, Winston Churchill's four-volume history of Britain and its former colonies. 26 episodes were produced by the BBC and initially broadcast from 30 December 1974 to 23 June 1975.