Michael Jayston Movies
After briefly toiling away as an apprentice accountant, Michael Jayston trained for a theatrical career at Britain's Guildhall School. Jayston made his professional debut at age 27 in The Amorous Prawn then made up for lost time by appearing in as many stage, film and TV projects as his schedule would allow. A Shakespearean specialist at such august organizations at the Old Vic and the RSC, he also thrived in contemporary roles, touring extensively in Peter Schaffer's Equus. His film roles include Czar Nicholas II in Nicholas and Alexandria (1971) and Captain Hardy in The Nelson Affair (1971), while numbering among his TV-miniseries credits are the internationally distributed Smiley's People and Tinker, Soldier, Sailor, Spy. In addition, Michael Jayston has starred in two weekly British TV series, playing Colonel Mustard in Cluedo (1991) and Bob in Outside Edge (1994). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
British director Peter Hall's 1968 filmization of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, starring the Royal Shakespeare Company, is faithful to the text and to the main plot, which involves the "bewitching" of several groups of mortals by a covey of mischievous invisible fairies. So why did critics complain? Hall's handling of Shakespeare's prose and iambic pentameter didn't bother the purists as much as the director's visual choices. Hall was criticized for staging the film in a typically rainy British winter rather than the mid-Summer alluded to in the play's title. The director responded by pointing out that the fairies, led by Oberon and Titania, were deliberately toying with the expectations and sensibilities of the Mortals -- thus, it made sense to confuse the "human" characters by playing havoc with the weather. Other stylistic alterations included updating the story to the 19th century, and the near-nudity of Judi Dench as Titania. Most of the film is shot in close-up (most effectively during the soliloquies of Diana Rigg, as Helena), not so much to hide budgetary deficiencies as to play better on television. Also featuring Ian Holm (as Puck) Barbara Jefford, Helen Mirren, Michael Jayston, Paul Rogers, Ian Richardson and David Warner, this Midsummer Night's Dream premiered in the U.S. on the CBS TV network on Sunday evening, February 9, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Derek Godfrey, Barbara Jefford, (more)
- 1972
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A star-studded cast highlights this musical adaptation of the classic fantasy tales of Lewis Carroll. One day young Alice (Fiona Fullerton) takes a nasty spill down the rabbit-hole and finds herself in the bizarre kingdom of Wonderland, where she encounters a number of strange and enchanted characters, including the playful White Rabbit (Michael Crawford), the manic March Hare (Peter Sellers), the mysterious Caterpillar (Ralph Richardson), the Doormouse (Dudley Moore), the imperious Queen of Hearts (Flora Robson), and the quizzical Mad Hatter (Robert Helpmann). The cast also includes Spike Milligan, Peter Bull, Roy Kinnear, and Michael Jayston as Lewis Carroll. Alice's Adventures In Wonderland won two prizes at the 1973 British Academy of Film and Theatre Awards -- for Georfrey Unsworth's photography and Anthony Mendelson's costume design. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Fiona Fullerton, Michael Crawford, (more)
Another slice of processed cheese from Herman Cohen, producer of Trog and other such wonders. This cheap occult programmer (ostensibly based on the novel Infernal Idol by Henry Seymour) stars Jack Palance as a demented art dealer & antique-shop owner who performs nightly rituals in honor of the African god Chuku, whom he believes will reward him with unimaginable wealth and power if he merely offers up the occasional human sacrifice or two. His methods are fairly creative, ranging from impalement, slashing and burning, to scaring people to death with an ooga-booga fright mask. What could have been boring, exploitive drivel is elevated to passable mediocrity by an over-the-top performance from the leering Palance and occasionally stylish touches from slumming director Freddie Francis, but most viewers will be left wondering why they bothered at all. ~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide
This biography of Oliver Cromwell recalls the political and religious struggles of 17th century England. Cromwell (Richard Harris) is the Anglican religious fanatic who fights corruption and Catholicism with equal zeal, while King Charles (Alec Guinness) is the vacillating monarch who believes his crown gives him a direct pipeline to the wisdom of God. Also starring Robert Morley and Timothy Dalton, Cromwell won an Academy Award for Best Costume Design and was nominated for Best Original Score. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Richard Harris, Alec Guinness, (more)
- 1973
In this low-budget offering with several familiar "B"-movie players (Chuck Connors, Peter Graves), truck drivers become addicted to amphetamines courtesy of a drugs racket within the trucking company itself, so an undercover agent is sent in to gather evidence. ~ Mark Hockley, All Movie Guide
- 1986
Returning to television after an overlong hiatus (save for a brief "revival" in the BBC radio serial "Slipback"), Doctor Who launched its 23rd season on September 6, 1986. In an unusual move, the producers decided to devote the entire season to a single continuity, with the overall title "The Trial of a Time Lord." The story was subdivided into four chapters, each given its own subtitle (those these subtitles did not appear onscreen), each running between two to four episodes. In "The Mysterious Planet, Episode 1," the Doctor (Colin Baker) is put on trial for his life for breaking the Laws of Time. The Valeyard (Michael Jayston), or chief prosecutor, endeavors to seal the Doctor's doom with selected videotaped examples of the Doctor's "treachery." Doctor Who: The Mysterious Planet, Episode 1 was written by Robert Holmes. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Colin Baker, Nicola Bryant, (more)
- 1986
In the tenth episode of the season-long continuity "The Trial of a Time Lord," the Doctor (Colin Baker) presents videotaped evidence which he hopes will clear him of charges that he has violated the Laws of Time. The tape shows the Doctor and his companion, Mel (Bonnie Langford), on board the spaceliner Hyperion III, attempting to solve a series of mysterious deaths. But the Valeyard (Michael Jayston), who is conducting the trial against the Doctor, is skeptical, since the images on the tape do not correspond with the facts -- or at least, with the facts as they currently exist. Written by Pip and Jane Baker and first broadcast on November 8, 1986, this episode is officially known as Doctor Who: The Trial of a Time Lord, Episode 10. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Colin Baker, Bonnie Langford, (more)
- 1986
In the 11th episode of the season-long continuity "The Trial of a Time Lord," the Doctor (Colin Baker) presents videotaped evidence that he and his companion, Mel (Bonnie Langford), used the Laws of Time to rescue the passengers of the spaceliner Hyperion III from the Vervoids, a species of voracious plants. But the Valeyard (Michael Jayston), determined to condemn the Doctor for violating the rules of the Time Lords, insists that the images on the videotape do not correspond with the actual facts. Curiously, both the Doctor and the Valeyard are telling the truth. Written by Pip and Jane Baker and first broadcast on November 15, 1986, this episode is officially known as "Terror of the Vervoids, Episode 3." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Colin Baker, Bonnie Langford, (more)
- 1986
In the 12th episode of the season-long continuity "The Trial of a Time Lord," the Valeyard (Michael Jayston), bent upon condemning the Doctor (Colin Baker) for violating the Laws of Time, argues that the Doctor's videotaped evidence does not correspond with the facts. But the Doctor argues that, contrary to those "facts," he and his companion, Mel (Bonnie Langford), were indeed responsible for rescuing the passengers of the spaceliner Hyperion III from being devoured by a series of ravenous plants -- and that the Hyperion III did not meet its doom in the Black Hole of Tartarus. Written by Pip and Jane Baker and first broadcast on November 22, 1986, Doctor Who: The Trial of a Time Lord, Episode 12 was actually the concluding installment of the four-part story arc "Terror of the Vervoids." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Colin Baker, Bonnie Langford, (more)
- 1986
The 23rd season of Doctor Who ended with chapter four of the 14-part adventure "The Trial of a Time Lord." Written by Pip and Jane Baker and titled Doctor Who: The Ultimate Foe, Episode 1 the two-episode conclusion of the story finds the Doctor (Colin Baker) still on trial for violating the laws of space. Facing a death sentence on a charge of genocide, the Doctor receives unexpected support from two old enemies: The Master (Anthony Ainley) and intergalactic con artist Glitz (Tony Selby). This episode originally aired on November 29, 1986. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Colin Baker, Bonnie Langford, (more)
- 1986
In the conclusion of the 14-episode continuity "The Trial of a Time Lord," the Doctor (Colin Baker) discovers the real reason that he has been put on trial for violating the Laws of Time. But his troubles are far from over, as he and his chief accuser, the Valeyard (Michael Jayston) embark upon a harrowing virtual-reality tour of the Matrix. The climax finds the Doctor locked in mortal combat with an evil incarnation of himself. Written by Pip and Jane Baker and originally telecast on December 6, 1986, this episode, officially known as Doctor Who: The Ultimate Foe, Episode 2, represented not only the final chapter of Doctor Who's 23rd season, but also Colin Baker's farewell appearance as the Doctor. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Colin Baker, Bonnie Langford, (more)
- 1986
In the second episode of the season-long continuity "The Trial of a Time Lord," the Doctor (Colin Baker) faces a death sentence unless he can prove that his breaking of the Laws of Time was for a good purpose. As evidence for the prosecution, the Valeyard (Michael Jayston) shows the Doctor and his travelling companion, Peri (Nicola Bryant), acting in a highly suspicious manner on the earthlike planet Ravolox. Subtitled "The Mysterious Planet," this chapter of "The Trial of a Time Lord" was written by Robert Holmes and originally aired on September 13, 1986. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Colin Baker, Nicola Bryant, (more)
- 1986
In the third episode of the season-long continuity "The Trial of the Time Lord," the Doctor (Colin Baker), on trial for his life, is confronted with videotaped evidence of his "disobedient" behavior on the planet Ravolox. It is up to the Doctor and his companion, Peri (Nicola Bryant), that their mission to Ravolox was intended to rescue the inhabitants from malevolent con artist Glitz (Tony Selby). Written by Robert Holmes and originally telecast on September 20, 1986, Doctor Who: The Trial of a Time Lord, Episode 3 was technically the third chapter of a story arc subtitled "The Mysterious Planet." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Colin Baker, Nicola Bryant, (more)
- 1986
In the fourth episode of the season-long continuity "The Trial of the Time Lord," the Valeyard (Michael Jayston) uses videotaped evidence in hopes of proving that the Doctor (Colin Baker) was guilty of breaking the Laws of Time on the planet Ravolox. But the Doctor contends that he and his companion, Peri (Nicola Bryant), were actually responsible for saving Ravolox from the villainous machinations of intergalactic con artist Glitz (Tony Selby). Written by Robert Holmes and originally telecast on September 27, 1986, Doctor Who: The Trial of a Time Lord, Episode 4 was technically the concluding chapter of a four-part story arc subtitled "The Mysterious Planet." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Colin Baker, Nicola Bryant, (more)
- 1986
Subtitled "Mindwarp," the second story arc of the 14-week Doctor Who continuity "The Trial of a Time Lord" began on October 4, 1986. In the first of the arc's four episodes, the Valeyard (Michael Jayston), still bent on condemning the Doctor (Colin Baker) for breaking the Laws of Time, offers videotaped evidence between the Doctor and the infamous Sil (Nabil Shaban) on the latter's home planet, Thoros Beta. Written by Philip Martin, "Mindwarp, Episode 1" is listed in most sources as Doctor Who: The Trial of a Time Lord, Episode 5. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Colin Baker, Nicola Bryant, (more)
- 1986
In the sixth episode of the season-long continuity "The Trial of a Time Lord," the Valeyard (Michael Jayston) continues to prosecute the Doctor (Colin Baker) for violating the Laws of Time. Videotaped evidence shows the Doctor and Peri (Nicola Bryant) travelling to the planet Thoros Beta, apparently to commisserate with intergalactic outlaw Sil (Nabil Shaban). But the Doctor contends that his mission to Thoros Beta was meant to be beneficial, citing the fact that scientist Crozier (Patrick Ryecart) intended to alleviate the suffering of the planet's leader, Kiv (Christopher Ryan), by using the Doctor's body as the temporary home for Kiv's brain. Will the Doctor be able to prove his point -- or will his erratic behavior, caught on video, condemn him to death? Written by Philip Martin and originally telecast on October 11, 1986, "Mindwarp, Episode 2" is listed in most sources as Doctor Who: The Trial of a Time Lord, Episode 6. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Colin Baker, Nicola Bryant, (more)
- 1986
In the seventh episode of the season-long continuity "The Trial of a Time Lord," videotaped evidence presented by the Valeyard (Michael Jayston) would seem to prove that the Doctor (Colin Baker) is not only guilty of violating the Laws of Time, but was also responsible for various acts of treachery on the planet Thoros Beta. Certainly, the evidence suggests an evil alliance between the Doctor and the infamous Sil (Nabil Shaban). Making matters worse, Peri (Nicola Bryant), the only person able to clear the Doctor of the charges against him, is nowhere to be found. Written by Philip Martin and originally telecast on October 18, 1986, "Mindwarp, Episode 3" is listed in most sources as Doctor Who: The Trial of a Time Lord, Episode 7. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Colin Baker, Nicola Bryant, (more)
- 1986
In the eighth episode of the season-long continuity "The Trial of the Time Lord," the Doctor (Colin Baker) refutes videotaped evidence of his "treachery" on the planet Thoros Beta. It doesn't look good for the Doctor, however, since the tapes suggest that he willingly served up a reluctant Peri (Nicola Bryant) as a body donor in a brain-transplant experiment performed by scientist Crozier (Patrick Ryecart) on the planet's leader Kiv (Christopher Ryan). The outraged Time Lords, ignoring the Doctor's insistence that the evidence is entirely misleading, are forced to take drastic measures. This episode served as the series swan song for co-star Nicola Bryant. Written by Philip Martin and originally telecast on October 24, 1986, Doctor Who: The Trial of a Time Lord, Episode 8 is actually the concluding chapter of the four-part story arc "Mindwarp." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Colin Baker, Nicola Bryant, (more)
- 1986
The season-long Doctor Who adventure "The Trial of a Time Lord" continued on November 1, 1986 with episode one of the story's third chapter, "Terror of the Vervoids" (a subtitle that did not appear onscreen). Still defending himself against charges of breaking the Laws of Time, the Doctor (Colin Baker) presents videotaped evidence of his innocence. It should not surprise fans of the series that the evidence consists of events that have yet to transpire, and that the Doctor has suddenly acquired a new companion: Earth girl Melanie "Mel" Bush (Bonnie Langford). Doctor Who: The Trial of a Time Lord, Episode 9 was written by Pip and Jane Baker. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Colin Baker, Lynda Bellingham, (more)
- 1979
- PG
The wife of a greedy Yankee entrepreneur comes back to haunt him after he scares her to death in this thriller. He is after her fortune and must try several times before he succeeds. Because she is mentally exhausted from being frightened all the time, she commits suicide. The dastardly husband soon begins experiencing her ghostly presence. The question is--is she really a ghost, or is she playing mind games similar to those he played on her? He tends to believe the former. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Cliff Robertson, Jean Simmons, (more)
- 1985
In this British made-for-TV movie, an older man begins a correspondence and finds himself tangled up in a mystery. ~ Iotis Erlewine, All Movie Guide
- 1995
- PG13
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Conner MacLeod (Christopher Lambert) returns in this, the third film in the Highlander series. MacLeod is an "Immortal," a 16th century Scottish soldier who has been both blessed and cursed with the gift of eternal life. After the death of his beloved wife (a common occurrence for him, but one he's never gotten used to), MacLeod travels to Japan during the feudal era where he encounters a fellow immortal, the wizard and swordsman Nakano (Mako). Nakano and MacLeod become friends, and the Scott learns many valuable lessons from the wise magician; however, when Nakamo's arch enemy Kane (Mario Van Peebles) -- an immortal who has pledged himself to evil -- finds the sorcerer's hideaway, he promptly chops off the magician's head. The attack causes Nakamo's cave to collapse with Kane trapped inside, and McLeod narrowly escapes. Moving into the 20th century, MacLeod is in New York City where he's become romantically involved with Alex Johnson (Deborah Unger), an archeologist who is planning a dig in Japan; however, the site she's excavating just so happens to be the cave where Kane remains trapped inside. Once the villain is freed, he sets out to find MacLeod and determine once and for all who is to be the final immortal. Highlander: The Final Dimension was trimmed of two sex scenes for its American theatrical release, though they were restored when the film was brought out on home video. Despite the suggestion of the title "The Final Dimension," a fourth Highlander film was released in 2000. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Christopher Lambert, Mario Van Peebles, (more)
This 1973 production of the renowned novel by Charlotte Brontë features Sorcha Cusack as the title character, a young woman who goes to work for the mysterious Mr. Rochester (Michael Jayston). She notices that something strange is going on in the house, but since he does not allow her to enter certain areas, it is difficult for her to uncover the truth. As her feelings toward Rocheser begin to change into something more serious, she fears what secrets he is keeping from her. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
- 1974
The British-taped A Coffin for the Bride stars Michael Jayston as physical fitness nut Mark Walker. It turns out that Walker is a nut in more ways than one: His primary method of keeping financially fit is to commit murder. His modus operandi is to work his way into the confidence of out-of-shape wealthy women, lure them into marriage, and then put them out of the way--six feet under. The brilliant British actress Helen Mirren costars in a dual role, as both the victim and vanquisher of the enterprising Mr. Walker. A Coffin for the Bride was given its first American showing on ABC's latenight anthology Wide World Mystery. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
