Veteran British actor Michael Culver, best known for portraying Captain Needa in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and Major McBryde in A Passage to India, has died. He was 85. As per The Hollywood Reporter, Culver passed away on Tuesday, February 27, according to his representatives at Alliance Agents. No other details or cause of death were given. Born June 16, 1938, in London, England, Culver came from an acting family, with his father, mother, brother, and aunt all having theatrical careers. His own acting career began by performing at the Old Vic, Dundee Rep, and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. He would go on to star in several recurring roles on British television, including as Squire Armstrong in The Adventures of Black Beauty (1972–74), Major Erwin Brandt in the BBC drama Secret Army (1977–78), Ralph Saroyan in The House of Eliott (1992) and Prior Robert in Cadfael (1994–98). Culver also had guest roles in The Sweeney,...
- 3/14/2024
- TV Insider
The entertainment industry received sad news this morning as it was announced that actor Michael Culver has passed away at the age of 85 after a prolonged illness. His agents released a statement confirming the news.
We are very sad to confirm the passing of our friend and client Michael Culver. A career spanning over 50 years with notable roles in ‘Sherlock Holmes,’ ‘A Passage to India,’ ‘Secret Army’ and of course one of the most memorable death scenes in the ‘Star Wars’ franchise. Michael largely gave up acting in the early 2000s to concentrate his efforts on his political activism. It’s been an honor to have represented Michael for for the last decade and to have taken him to some of the best ‘Star Wars’ events in the UK and Europe. A real highlight was taking Michael to Celebration in Chicago in 2019. He was lost for words when he saw...
We are very sad to confirm the passing of our friend and client Michael Culver. A career spanning over 50 years with notable roles in ‘Sherlock Holmes,’ ‘A Passage to India,’ ‘Secret Army’ and of course one of the most memorable death scenes in the ‘Star Wars’ franchise. Michael largely gave up acting in the early 2000s to concentrate his efforts on his political activism. It’s been an honor to have represented Michael for for the last decade and to have taken him to some of the best ‘Star Wars’ events in the UK and Europe. A real highlight was taking Michael to Celebration in Chicago in 2019. He was lost for words when he saw...
- 3/13/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Fiction Horizon
The world of entertainment was shaken this morning when the news broke that actor Michael Culver has died following a long health battle at the age of 85. His agents went public with the following statement:
We are very sad to confirm the passing of our friend and client Michael Culver. A career spanning over 50 years with notable roles in ‘Sherlock Holmes,’ ‘A Passage to India,’ ‘Secret Army’ and of course one of the most memorable death scenes in the ‘Star Wars’ franchise. Michael largely gave up acting in the early 2000s to concentrate his efforts on his political activism. It’s been an honor to have represented Michael for for the last decade and to have taken him to some of the best ‘Star Wars’ events in the UK and Europe. A real highlight was taking Michael to Celebration in Chicago in 2019. He was lost for words when he saw...
We are very sad to confirm the passing of our friend and client Michael Culver. A career spanning over 50 years with notable roles in ‘Sherlock Holmes,’ ‘A Passage to India,’ ‘Secret Army’ and of course one of the most memorable death scenes in the ‘Star Wars’ franchise. Michael largely gave up acting in the early 2000s to concentrate his efforts on his political activism. It’s been an honor to have represented Michael for for the last decade and to have taken him to some of the best ‘Star Wars’ events in the UK and Europe. A real highlight was taking Michael to Celebration in Chicago in 2019. He was lost for words when he saw...
- 3/13/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Comic Basics
Malcolm Mowbray, the British director of “A Private Function,” died June 23, producer Deniz Erel confirmed to Variety. He was 74.
Mowbray was known for directing “The Revengers’ Comedies,” “Meeting Spencer,” “Out Cold” as well as the 1984 feature “A Private Function.”
Maggie Smith, Michael Palin, Richard Griffiths, Denholm Elliott, John Normington and Tony Haygarth starred in “A Private Function,” which Mowbray co-wrote. The dark comedy followed the citizens of a small English town in 1947 who were awaiting the wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Phillip. The citizens had to ration their food, but the royal celebration was the one exception. They gathered to prepare and raise a pig for the celebratory meal — but a couple, Smith’s Joyce and Palin’s Gilbert, decide to steal the pig in an act of rebellion. The film garnered six BAFTA wins, including original screenplay and best film.
In 1989, Mowbray directed the black comedy “Out Cold,...
Mowbray was known for directing “The Revengers’ Comedies,” “Meeting Spencer,” “Out Cold” as well as the 1984 feature “A Private Function.”
Maggie Smith, Michael Palin, Richard Griffiths, Denholm Elliott, John Normington and Tony Haygarth starred in “A Private Function,” which Mowbray co-wrote. The dark comedy followed the citizens of a small English town in 1947 who were awaiting the wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Phillip. The citizens had to ration their food, but the royal celebration was the one exception. They gathered to prepare and raise a pig for the celebratory meal — but a couple, Smith’s Joyce and Palin’s Gilbert, decide to steal the pig in an act of rebellion. The film garnered six BAFTA wins, including original screenplay and best film.
In 1989, Mowbray directed the black comedy “Out Cold,...
- 6/26/2023
- by Charna Flam
- Variety Film + TV
The fight to uncover the truth behind society’s most devious crimes is important in any era. That’s certainly the case for the title protagonist on the period British television series, ‘Cadfael.’ The eponymous medieval detective, Brother Cadfael, was played by Derek Jacobi, on the show, which is set in the 12th century in England, and […]
The post The Title Medieval Detective Discovers That Not All Pilgrims are as Pious as They Seem on Cadfael appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post The Title Medieval Detective Discovers That Not All Pilgrims are as Pious as They Seem on Cadfael appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 4/24/2021
- by Karen Benardello
- ShockYa
My aunt, Margery Mason, who has died aged 100, was an actor, writer and theatre manager. She was a founder member of the Actors' Company and made appearances in diverse productions, from Midsomer Murders to a Harry Potter film.
Born and brought up in Hackney, east London, she came from a modest background, and after rudimentary education left school at 15. Her parents ran a semi-professional dramatic company, from which Margery's acting career developed. Initially she performed in their company at working men's clubs in the East End of London, starting as principal boy in pantos, then succeeding to adult parts, sometimes competing with her mother for the starring female roles. Her father ran an early cinema, the Hackney Bioscope, and subsequently established the Impartial Film Report, which distributed weekly film reviews to the then many independent cinemas. Margery attended film trade showings, wrote reviews and helped produce the Report.
Before the...
Born and brought up in Hackney, east London, she came from a modest background, and after rudimentary education left school at 15. Her parents ran a semi-professional dramatic company, from which Margery's acting career developed. Initially she performed in their company at working men's clubs in the East End of London, starting as principal boy in pantos, then succeeding to adult parts, sometimes competing with her mother for the starring female roles. Her father ran an early cinema, the Hackney Bioscope, and subsequently established the Impartial Film Report, which distributed weekly film reviews to the then many independent cinemas. Margery attended film trade showings, wrote reviews and helped produce the Report.
Before the...
- 2/18/2014
- The Guardian - Film News
Last Tango in Halifax
Cadfael lead man Derek Jacobi is set to return to BBC One in a new sitcom called Last Tango in Halifax. The show has been produced by the Red Production Company and will form part of the BBC’s autumn line up.
Jacobi plays a pensioner named Alan Buttershaw who reconnects with his high school sweetheart Celia (Anne Reid) on Facebook. The duo are both widowers but their adult daughters aren’t exactly supportive of their budding romance. Mi5 actress Nicola Walker plays Buttershaw’s daughter — a single parent who runs her own farm. Celia’s daughter (Sarah Lancashire) is the glamorous headmistress of the local high school. She is also single and seemingly more interested in her mother’s affairs than her own. Precise air dates have yet to be revealed but Last Tango in Halifax is expected to hit the airwaves some time in September.
Cadfael lead man Derek Jacobi is set to return to BBC One in a new sitcom called Last Tango in Halifax. The show has been produced by the Red Production Company and will form part of the BBC’s autumn line up.
Jacobi plays a pensioner named Alan Buttershaw who reconnects with his high school sweetheart Celia (Anne Reid) on Facebook. The duo are both widowers but their adult daughters aren’t exactly supportive of their budding romance. Mi5 actress Nicola Walker plays Buttershaw’s daughter — a single parent who runs her own farm. Celia’s daughter (Sarah Lancashire) is the glamorous headmistress of the local high school. She is also single and seemingly more interested in her mother’s affairs than her own. Precise air dates have yet to be revealed but Last Tango in Halifax is expected to hit the airwaves some time in September.
- 8/14/2012
- by Edited by K Kinsella
Cinema Retro has received the following press release:
The leading ‘Best British TV’ streaming service Acorn TV is now streaming full seasons of several popular British mystery and drama series, along with two critically acclaimed Canadian series. This week Acorn TV also has a special Memorial Day Weekend Midsomer Marathon with the first 22 episodes of its best-selling series,Midsomer Murders, and the U.S. debut of John Nettles final episodes.
Acorn TV is currently streaming a full season of Helen Mirren in Prime Suspect; the final seasons of the universally acclaimed Canadian dramedy Slings & ARROWSand Derek Jacobi’s mystery series Cadfael; the U.S. debut of the newest season of Murdoch Mysteries; Lynda La Plante’s Trial & Retribution; John Mortimer’s Under The Hammer; the final episodes of WWII drama Wish Me Luck; Richard Griffiths (Harry Potter) in Pie In The Sky; and John Nettles final episodes with Midsomer Murders,...
The leading ‘Best British TV’ streaming service Acorn TV is now streaming full seasons of several popular British mystery and drama series, along with two critically acclaimed Canadian series. This week Acorn TV also has a special Memorial Day Weekend Midsomer Marathon with the first 22 episodes of its best-selling series,Midsomer Murders, and the U.S. debut of John Nettles final episodes.
Acorn TV is currently streaming a full season of Helen Mirren in Prime Suspect; the final seasons of the universally acclaimed Canadian dramedy Slings & ARROWSand Derek Jacobi’s mystery series Cadfael; the U.S. debut of the newest season of Murdoch Mysteries; Lynda La Plante’s Trial & Retribution; John Mortimer’s Under The Hammer; the final episodes of WWII drama Wish Me Luck; Richard Griffiths (Harry Potter) in Pie In The Sky; and John Nettles final episodes with Midsomer Murders,...
- 5/24/2012
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
I Claudius. Acorn media
Written by Kieran Kinsella
In a list compiled by the British Film Institute of the 100 greatest British TV shows of all time, I Claudius ranked 12th. Earlier this year The Guardian newspaper chose I Claudius as the best British TV costume drama of all time and if that wasn’t enough the Roman era drama also won three BAFTA’s and an Emmy when it was originally broadcast no less than 35 years ago. Needless to say, Acorn Media’s March release of the complete series is likely to cause quite a stir.
Before I get into the mechanics of the story let me begin by talking a little about the cast. Cadfael star Derek Jacobi takes on the title role and performs brilliantly as both the young stuttering Claudius and the aged man reflecting on his life. His deranged predecessor Caligula is played by 1984 star John Hurt...
Written by Kieran Kinsella
In a list compiled by the British Film Institute of the 100 greatest British TV shows of all time, I Claudius ranked 12th. Earlier this year The Guardian newspaper chose I Claudius as the best British TV costume drama of all time and if that wasn’t enough the Roman era drama also won three BAFTA’s and an Emmy when it was originally broadcast no less than 35 years ago. Needless to say, Acorn Media’s March release of the complete series is likely to cause quite a stir.
Before I get into the mechanics of the story let me begin by talking a little about the cast. Cadfael star Derek Jacobi takes on the title role and performs brilliantly as both the young stuttering Claudius and the aged man reflecting on his life. His deranged predecessor Caligula is played by 1984 star John Hurt...
- 2/16/2012
- by admin
Derek Jacobi
N Campion
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Cadfael lead man Derek Jacobi is set to star alongside veteran actress Anne Reid (The Mother) in a new BBC comedy serial called Antony and Cleopatra. The series is written by Sally Wainwright (Scott & Bailey) and it tells the tale of two high school sweethearts who are reunited 60 years after they last met. Alan (Jacobi) and Celia (Reid) are both widowed and their adult children have mixed feelings about their efforts to rekindle the flames of love.
Aside from the principal actors, the BBC have assembled an amazing support cast for the six part series that is likely to air some time next winter. Sarah Lancashire (Lark Rise to Candleford) plays Celia’s daughter while recent Best British TV interviewee Dean Andrews (The Case) and Nicola Walker (Mi5) are among Alan’s extended family.
N Campion
Click here to friend Best British TV on Facebook or here to follow us on Twitter
Cadfael lead man Derek Jacobi is set to star alongside veteran actress Anne Reid (The Mother) in a new BBC comedy serial called Antony and Cleopatra. The series is written by Sally Wainwright (Scott & Bailey) and it tells the tale of two high school sweethearts who are reunited 60 years after they last met. Alan (Jacobi) and Celia (Reid) are both widowed and their adult children have mixed feelings about their efforts to rekindle the flames of love.
Aside from the principal actors, the BBC have assembled an amazing support cast for the six part series that is likely to air some time next winter. Sarah Lancashire (Lark Rise to Candleford) plays Celia’s daughter while recent Best British TV interviewee Dean Andrews (The Case) and Nicola Walker (Mi5) are among Alan’s extended family.
- 1/12/2012
- by admin
Derek Jacobi has signed up to play the lead role in BBC One romantic comedy Antony And Cleopatra. The Cadfael star will appear opposite Anne Reid in the series, written by Scott & Bailey's Sally Wainwright. The six-part drama will follow childhood sweethearts Alan (Jacobi) and Celia (Reid) as they are reunited after 60 years and begin to rekindle their romance. Sherlock's Euros Lyn will direct, while Five Daughters star Sarah Lancashire, Spooks actress Nicola Walker, Fresh Meat's Tony Gardner, Life On Mars star Dean Andrews and comedienne Ronni Ancona will play supporting roles. "I can't remember being this excited about writing (more)...
- 1/11/2012
- by By Morgan Jeffery
- Digital Spy
British audiences love a quality crime thriller series to immerse themselves into. To celebrate the release of ITV’s Crime Thriller DVD Collection (available now) and the upcoming ITV3 Crime Thriller Awards on October 11th, we have compiled a list of some of Britain’s best-loved crime thriller shows, complete with the iconic, sleuth characters that have since formed legacies of their own.
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
Jeremy Brett’s portrayal of the daring detective with his faithful sidekick, Dr. Watson, remains one of the most popular portrayals despite the numerous reimaginings of the infamous and ingenious super sleuth. Before Brett’s tragic death in 1995, he ignited new energy into the role of Sherlock Holmes that British audiences fell in love with, portraying one of the truest screen adaptations of the many Holmes tales. The answer to whether Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are incomparable to any other pair of detectives is elementary!
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
Jeremy Brett’s portrayal of the daring detective with his faithful sidekick, Dr. Watson, remains one of the most popular portrayals despite the numerous reimaginings of the infamous and ingenious super sleuth. Before Brett’s tragic death in 1995, he ignited new energy into the role of Sherlock Holmes that British audiences fell in love with, portraying one of the truest screen adaptations of the many Holmes tales. The answer to whether Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are incomparable to any other pair of detectives is elementary!
- 9/28/2011
- by Kat
- Nerdly
Endeavour has been picked up by PBS to air on Masterpiece Mystery in the Us next year. The ITV Inspector Morse prequel drama, starring Ashes to Ashes actor Shaun Evans, will mark the 25th anniversary of the iconic detective, originally played by the late John Thaw. The drama will be set in 1965 and follow the story of a missing schoolgirl in Oxford. It is written by Russell Lewis, who has also worked on Lewis and Cadfael. "Inspector (more)...
- 8/8/2011
- by By Tom Eames
- Digital Spy
Shaun Evans has been cast as Endeavour Morse in ITV's prequel to the popular detective series. Endeavour, which is written by Russell Lewis (Lewis, Cadfael), will explore the origins of the character, famed for his love of crosswords, classical music and real ale. Evans, whose TV credits include The Take and Come Rain Come Shine, will play the younger version of the Oxford detective originally made famous to TV audiences by John Thaw. "Morse as a young man is a wonderful character that I'm very excited to be playing. My hope is that we can compliment what's come before, by telling a great story, and telling it well," said Evans. Endeavour will be part of the 25th anniversary celebrations of the first episode of Morse, which aired on ITV in 1987. Thaw went on to film 33 more stories over the next 13 years. (more)...
- 8/3/2011
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
It's always quite interesting to see television meet Shakespeare. Last year, Acorn Media gave us a brilliant meeting of the two in the Blu-ray release of the Canadian series Slings & Arrows, an utterly brilliant dark comedy that followed a dysfunctional theater troupe as it attempted to put on adaptations of Hamlet, Macbeth, and King Lear. Now, this year, Acorn Media's documentary imprint Athena will be putting out more Shakespeare, this time in the form of a documentary titled Discovering Hamlet.
Shakespeare isn't the only connection this release has to previous Acorn titles. The director of the play it focuses on is Derek Jacobi, who played the titular character in Acorn's November release Cadfael. Also recognizable is a pre-Harry Potter Kenneth Branagh, who stars in the production as eponymous prince of Denmark.
The documentary was filmed in 1988, and if it wasn't for the recognizable faces, you wouldn't be able to tell.
Shakespeare isn't the only connection this release has to previous Acorn titles. The director of the play it focuses on is Derek Jacobi, who played the titular character in Acorn's November release Cadfael. Also recognizable is a pre-Harry Potter Kenneth Branagh, who stars in the production as eponymous prince of Denmark.
The documentary was filmed in 1988, and if it wasn't for the recognizable faces, you wouldn't be able to tell.
- 1/19/2011
- by Sam McPherson
- TVovermind.com
Cadfael is "enchanting." I know this, because that review (by the Washington Post), is on the covers of all four sets of the medieval mystery series. I don't need to be told that, though, because the series really speaks for itself. From the first moments of the opening titles, which show intricate and macabre carvings in a dim light, the entire tone of the series is set.
Derek Jacobi portrays the titular monk, who is essentially the only voice of reason for many of the show's thirteen mysteries, which are spread out over thirteen discs. Cadfael (pronounced Cad-file) as a character is fine, and Jacobi does a great job with the character. Meanwhile, some of the dialogue is a little cheesy -- too often we see the clear stereotypical line between mumbling lowlifes and eloquent, well, everyone else. As such, a lot of the acting is a little overdone. Thankfully,...
Derek Jacobi portrays the titular monk, who is essentially the only voice of reason for many of the show's thirteen mysteries, which are spread out over thirteen discs. Cadfael (pronounced Cad-file) as a character is fine, and Jacobi does a great job with the character. Meanwhile, some of the dialogue is a little cheesy -- too often we see the clear stereotypical line between mumbling lowlifes and eloquent, well, everyone else. As such, a lot of the acting is a little overdone. Thankfully,...
- 11/25/2010
- by Sam McPherson
- TVovermind.com
Seen on PBS.s Mystery! in the late 1990s and based on the best-selling books by Ellis Peters, Cadfael: The Complete Collection has arrived on DVD from Acorn Media, and M&C is giving away a copy autographed by Sir Derek Jacobi! Featuring all 13 episodes from the acclaimed series, Cadfael: Complete Collection sees Jacobi (I, Claudius; Gosford Park; Hamlet) in the role of Brother Cadfael, a warrior turned monk who solves crimes in war-torn medieval England. Filled with pitch-perfect period detail, the award-winning series also features stars Julian Firth (Sylvia) and Michael Culver (A Passage to India) and offers a riveting glimpse into the past. Once a Crusader, now a man of the cloth, the worldly but humble...
- 11/4/2010
- by Patrick Luce
- Monsters and Critics
If you are at a loss as to what to give the mystery lover on your holiday list, consider the wonderful complete collection of Cadfael. Acorn Media presents 13 discs of medieval mysteries starring Sir Derek Jacobi as the intuitive Brother Cadfael. The adventures of Brother Cadfael are based on the novels of Ellis Peters (the pen name for the series of well renowned historian and writer Edith Pargeter.) Set in a time period not covered by many authors, a time of bitter civil war between two cousins Stephen and Maud for the throne of England, Cadfael brings to life the customs and styles of 12th century Shrewsbury centered around the monastery. Within the community the...
- 11/3/2010
- by June L.
- Monsters and Critics
BBC America said Monday that it has signed a two-year, multimillion-dollar deal with Granada International that will provide the channel with 160 hours of drama programming. BBC America said it will have access to a wide range of Granada's new and catalog drama titles through the deal, but the specific programs in the agreement have yet to be determined. Some of the titles under consideration are Sharpe, which stars Sean Bean; 40 Something, featuring Hugh Laurie, Caedfael, starring Derek Jacobi; Moll Flanders, with Alex Kingston; and A Dangerous Man, featuring Ralph Fiennes. It's likely that Sharpe will end up as one of the titles in the deal since BBC America announced in August that it is co-producing a new miniseries, Sharpe's Challenge, which also stars Bean and will air on BBC America next year. The mini is a Picture Palace/Celtic Films Entertainment/BBC America production.
- 9/12/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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