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] Leighton moved to London in 1937,[4] where he mostly worked in theatre.
Selected filmography
- Two Minutes Silence (1933)
- Splendid Fellows (1934)
- Thoroughbred (1936)
- The Last Chance (1937)
- Tall Timbers (1937)
- It's in the Air (1938)
- The Shiralee (1957)