Frank Leighton (1908–1962) was an Australian actor best known for two leading roles in films for

Ken G. Hall Kenneth George Hall, AO, OBE (22 February 1901 – 8 February 1994), better known as Ken G. Hall, was an Australian film producer and director, considered one of the most important figures in the history of the Australian film industry. ...

, ''

Thoroughbred The Thoroughbred is a horse breed best known for its use in horse racing. Although the word ''thoroughbred'' is sometimes used to refer to any breed of purebred horse, it technically refers only to the Thoroughbred breed. Thoroughbreds are ...

'' (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''. 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 ''Our Miss Gibbs'' is an Edwardian musical comedy in two acts by 'Cryptos' and James T. Tanner, with lyrics by Adrian Ross and Percy Greenbank, music by Ivan Caryll and Lionel Monckton. Produced by George Edwardes, it opened at the Gaiety T ...

'', ''

The Quaker Girl ''The Quaker Girl'' is an Edwardian musical comedy in three acts with a book by James T. Tanner, lyrics by Adrian Ross and Percy Greenbank, and music by Lionel Monckton. In its story, ''The Quaker Girl'' contrasts dour Quaker morality with Pa ...

'', ''

The Merry Widow ''The Merry Widow'' (german: Die lustige Witwe, links=no ) is an operetta by the Austro-Hungarian composer Franz Lehár. The librettists, Viktor Léon and Leo Stein, based the story – concerning a rich widow, and her countrymen's attempt ...

'' and ''

The Maid of the Mountains ''The Maid of the Mountains'', called in its original score a musical play, is an operetta or "Edwardian" musical comedy in three acts. The music was by Harold Fraser-Simson, with additional music by James W. Tate, lyrics by Harry Graham and ...

'' opposite

Gladys Moncrieff Gladys Moncrieff (13 April 1892 – 8 February 1976) was an Australian singer who was so successful in musical theatre and recordings that she became known as 'Australia's Queen of Song' and 'Our Glad'. Life and career Early years Moncrieff ...

. He understudied for visiting star William Feversham in a production of ''

The Prince and the Pauper ''The Prince and the Pauper'' is a novel by American author Mark Twain. It was first published in 1881 in Canada, before its 1882 publication in the United States. The novel represents Twain's first attempt at historical fiction. Set in 1547 ...

''. Leighton also acted in movies, starting with '' Two Minutes Silence'' (1933). His most notable credits were leading roles in ''

'' (1936) and '' Tall Timbers'' (1937) for

Cinesound Productions Cinesound Productions Pty Ltd was an Australian feature film production company, established in June 1931, Cinesound developed out of a group of companies centred on Greater Union Theatres, that covered all facets of the film process, from produ ...

. His co-star in ''Thoroughbred'' was

Helen Twelvetrees Helen Marie Twelvetrees ( Jurgens; December 25, 1908 – February 13, 1958) was an American actress. She starred in Hollywood films in the sound film era from 1929 to 1939. Many of her roles were of "suffering women". She has a star on the Holly ...

with whom Ken G. Hall claims Leighton had an affair during filming.

Later career

Leighton moved to London in 1937, where he mostly worked in theatre. He declared bankruptcy in 1950.

Filmography

TV

*'' Reunion Day'' (1962)

Theatre

*''The Lady of the Rose'' *''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) *''The Fleet's Lit Up'' (1939) *''Dish Ran Away'' (1950) – Whitehall

References

External links

*
Frank Leighton Australian theatre credits
at

AusStage AusStage: The Australian Live Performance Database is an online database which records information about live performances in Australia, providing records of productions from the first recorded performance in Australia (1789, by convicts) up unt ...

Frank Leighton
at National Film and Sound Archive {{DEFAULTSORT:Leighton, Frank 1908 births 1962 deaths Australian male film actors Australian male stage actors Australian emigrants to England Male actors from Sydney 20th-century Australian male actors