Michael Rennie

Michael Rennie Profile Photo

Characters played by Michael Rennie

Klaatu, alias Mr. Carpenter — The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)

Alien envoy from a planetary alliance, disguised as a human to understand Earth before delivering a warning.

Peter — The Robe (1953)

One of Jesus's apostles who receives the Robe of Christ at the story's conclusion, symbolizing the survival and continuity of the early Christian church.

Lord John Roxton — The Lost World (1960)

Experienced big-game hunter with prior knowledge of the plateau. He reveals hidden diamond deposits, survives romantic conflicts with Malone, and ensures the group's financial security by sharing the gems after their escape.

Arthur Nordlund — The Power (1968)

The government liaison to the committee, Nordlund appears to survive a psychic assault and remains involved as the investigation progresses. In the final confrontation, he is revealed to be the superhuman antagonist who has been eliminating rivals, before Prof. Jim Tanner kills him with awakened psychic powers.

Dr. Robert Fortness — Phone Call from a Stranger (1952)

A troubled alcoholic doctor returning home to confess his responsibility for a fatal car accident involving his colleague. His deep guilt and planned confession drive the emotional arc of the Fortness family storyline.

Rama Khan — Princess of the Nile (1954)

Rama Khan arrives in Hanwan with a powerful army and conspires with the Shaman to overthrow its rulers. He wants Princess Shalimar for himself and threatens to kill villagers unless she surrenders. His invasion leads to a battle in which Prince Haidi overcomes him.

Bernadotte — Désirée (1954)

French General who falls in love with Désirée, saves her from suicide, and eventually marries her. They have a son, Oscar, and settle into a happy life. He later joins Napoleon's council, is adopted by the Swedish king, becomes heir to the throne, and leads the coalition army against Napoleon.

Peter — Demetrius and the Gladiators (1954)

Disciple of Jesus Christ who plays a key role in the early Christian community and the robe's fate.

Captain John Winter — Third Man on the Mountain (1959)

A British mountaineer who is rescued by Rudi Matt after falling into a crevasse. Winter recognizes Rudi's climbing ability, recruits him for expeditions, and repeatedly urges Franz Lerner to support him. He ultimately helps Rudi's party conquer the Citadel and credits Rudi and his father for the victory.

Jean Valjean — Les Miserables (1952)

A former convict whose theft of bread to feed a starving family leads to a ten-year sentence in the galleys. After his release, Bishop Courbet's mercy helps him begin a new life as a respected town leader. He risks that security by revealing his identity at a trial, then promises the dying Fantine that he will care for Cosette.

Colin Travers — 5 Fingers (1952)

Colin Travers is a British counterintelligence officer sent to identify the spy supplying secret documents to the Germans. He becomes suspicious of Condesa Anna Staviska’s sudden wealth and installs an alarm on the ambassador’s safe, creating the trap that exposes Ulysses Diello’s activities and drives the plot toward his flight.

King Edward — The Black Rose (1950)

King Edward is the Norman ruler of England who welcomes Walter of Gurnie after his long journey in Cathay. Recognizing the cultural and scientific knowledge Walter has brought back, including gunpowder, he knights Walter and grants him a coat of arms.

Career Overview

Michael Rennie has 94 screen credits in a career dating back to 1931. Their work spans 2 cinematic universes — most prominently Demetrius Collection with 2 titles. Signature works include The Day the Earth Stood Still, The Lost World, The Third Man. Explore the interactive character relationship maps on each title page to trace how their roles connect across franchises.

Personal Facts

Known For
Acting
Gender
male
Known Credits
94
Birth Date
1909-08-25
Birth Place
Bradford, West Yorkshire, England, UK

Known For

Associated Universes

Universe traveler — spans 2 universes

Frequent Collaborators

Credits

Content sources

Related entry on Wikidata (Q1929042), public domain (CC0).