Frank Leighton (1908–1962) was an Australian actor best known for two leading roles in films forKen G. Hall,Thoroughbred (1936) andTall Timbers (1937).
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 firmJ.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 ofThe Lady of the Rose.[1] He worked for Williamsons over the next 13 years, acting in dramas, comedies and musicals, including productions ofBlue Roses,Hold My Hand,Our Miss Gibbs,The Quaker Girl,The Merry Widow andThe Maid of the Mountains oppositeGladys Moncrieff. He understudied for visiting starWilliam Feversham in a production ofThe Prince and the Pauper.[2]
Leighton also acted in movies, starting withTwo Minutes Silence (1933). His most notable credits were leading roles inThoroughbred (1936) andTall Timbers (1937) forCinesound Productions. He sang briefly inTall Timbers where he was called "a solid hero".[3] His co-star inThoroughbred wasHelen Twelvetrees with whom Ken G. Hall claims Leighton had an affair during filming.[4][5]
Leighton moved to London in 1937,[6] where he mostly worked in theatre.
He declared bankruptcy in 1950.[7]
Leighton died in 1962 of a brain hemmorage. He was on board the shipCanberra while returning to Australia from Britain. He was 56 years old and left behind a widow and six year old daughter.[8]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1933 | Two Minutes Silence | ||
| 1934 | Operator 13 | Union Major | Uncredited |
| 1934 | Hide-Out | New Paree Cabaret Headwaiter | Uncredited |
| 1934 | Splendid Fellows | The Hon. Hurbert Montmorency | |
| 1936 | Thoroughbred | Tommy Dawson | |
| 1937 | Tall Timbers | Jim Thornton | |
| 1937 | The Last Chance | Alan Burmister | |
| 1938 | I See Ice | Ice Rink Manager | Uncredited |
| 1938 | It's in the Air | Pvt. Bob Bullock | |
| 1957 | The Shiralee | Fred, the Barman |