Michael Martin-Harvey was the only son of the renowned Edwardian actor-manager, Sir John Martin Harvey, a celebrated figure in the world of theatre. Michael's artistic inclinations extended to a wide range of creative pursuits, including dance, the stage, poetry, painting, and pottery. Despite not inheriting his father's conventional good looks, Michael carved out a niche for himself in the film industry, often taking on character roles. Over the course of his career, he appeared in approximately a dozen films spanning the 1920s to the 1950s, with his most notable role being that of Charles Peace, the infamous Victorian criminal.
Michael's first foray into film was in The Only Way (1925),an adaptation of Charles Dickens' timeless novel, A Tale of Two Cities. His father, Sir John, played the role of Sidney Carton, a part he had previously portrayed on stage in 1899. The film was significant for being the first to reach a length of 10,000 feet.
Michael was married to Hester Margetson, a talented illustrator of children's books, and the couple shared a passion for dance. Together, they founded the Martin-Harvey Miniature Ballet, a small touring company that featured Michael's work with notable figures such as Frederick Ashton, Sergei Diaghilev, and Isadora Duncan.
In the 1950s, Michael collaborated with composer Margaret More to form the Hans Andersen Players, performing selected works by the renowned children's author. Michael's life was marked by his love of the arts, and he was deeply loved and respected by all who knew him. He passed away in 1974, leaving behind a legacy as a talented and multifaceted individual.
