Frank Leighton

Frank Leighton (1908–1962) was an Australian actor best known for two leading roles in films for Ken G. Hall, Thoroughbred (1936) and Tall Timbers (1937).

Biography

Leighton was born in Sydney and studied at St John's School, Darlinghurst, before winning a scholarship to Cleveland Boys High School. He was working for his father when he heard the theatrical firm J.C. Williamson Ltd were conducting voice trials at Her Majesty's Theatre. He auditioned and three months later was employed by the company in a production of The Lady of the Rose.[1] He worked for Williamsons over the next 13 years, acting in dramas, comedies and musicals, including productions of Blue Roses, Hold My Hand, Our Miss Gibbs, The Quaker Girl, The Merry Widow and The Maid of the Mountains opposite Gladys Moncrieff. He understudied for visiting star William Feversham in a production of The Prince and the Pauper.[2]

Leighton also acted in movies, starting with Two Minutes Silence (1933). His most notable credits were leading roles in Thoroughbred (1936) and Tall Timbers (1937) for Cinesound Productions. His co-star in Thoroughbred was Helen Twelvetrees with whom Ken G. Hall claims Leighton had an affair during filming.[3]

Later career

Leighton moved to London in 1937,[4] where he mostly worked in theatre.

He declared bankruptcy in 1950.[5]

Filmography
Year Title Role Notes
1933Two Minutes Silence
1934Operator 13Union MajorUncredited
1934Hide-OutNew Paree Cabaret HeadwaiterUncredited
1934Splendid FellowsThe Hon. Hurbert Montmorency
1936ThoroughbredTommy Dawson
1937Tall TimbersJim Thornton
1937The Last ChanceAlan Burmister
1938I See IceIce Rink ManagerUncredited
1938It's in the AirPvt. Bob Bullock
1957The ShiraleeFred, the Barman

TV

Theatre
  • The Lady of the Rose[6]
  • Blue Roses
  • Hold My Hand
  • Our Miss Gibbs
  • Mr Cinders
  • The Quaker Girl
  • The Merry Widow
  • Till, Darling
  • The Prince and the Pauper
  • My Lady's Dress
  • Blue Mountain Melody (1934)[7]
  • The Fleet's Lit Up (1939)[8]
  • Dish Ran Away (1950) – Whitehall

References
  1. 'Frank Leighton Leading Man', Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton), Friday 19 June 1936 p5
  2. 'IN SEARCH OF FAME, AN ACTOR'S AMBITION' The West Australian (Perth), Tuesday 27 April 193 p 11
  3. Ken G. Hall, Directed by Ken G Hall, Lansdowne Press, 1977 p 105.
  4. http://colsearch.nfsa.gov.au/nfsa/search/display/display.w3p;adv=;group=;groupequals=;holdingType=;page=0;parentid=;query=%22Frank%20Leighton%22;querytype=;rec=0;resCount=10
  5. "A Dispute With The Tax Man". The Herald. Victoria, Australia. 13 July 1950. p. 11. Retrieved 14 April 2020 – via Trove.
  6. "[?]wtertawments". Morning Bulletin. Queensland, Australia. 19 June 1936. p. 5. Retrieved 14 April 2020 – via Trove.
  7. "The human touch of Jim Bancks". The Mail. Adelaide. 5 July 1952. p. 7. Retrieved 14 April 2020 – via Trove.
  8. "Studios Seeking Frank Leighton". The Daily Telegraph. Sydney. 2 June 1939. p. 11. Retrieved 14 April 2020 – via Trove.
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