Frank Thornton

Acting

Frank Thornton

Born January 15, 1921 · Dulwich, London, England, UK

Died March 16, 2013 · aged 92

Frank Thornton Ball (15 January 1921 - 16 March 2013), professionally known as Frank Thornton, was an English actor. He was known for playing Captain Peacock in Are You Being Served? (1972-1985) and its sequel Grace & Favour and as Herbert "Truly" Truelove in Last of the Summer Wine.

Known For

The Three MusketeersThe Three Musketeers · 1973
The Three Musketeers
6.71973
MovieActionAdventure
In 17th century France, young D'Artagnan wants to join the King's Musketeers, but instead befriends three legendary musketeers—Athos, Porthos, and Aramis—and together, they become embroiled in the political intrigue surrounding King Louis XIII and his adversaries, particularly the powerful Cardinal Richelieu.
Gosford ParkGosford Park · 2001
Gosford Park
6.82001
MovieDramaMystery
In 1930s England, a group of pretentious rich and famous gather together for a weekend of relaxation at a hunting resort. But when a murder occurs, each one of these interesting characters becomes a suspect.
The Magic ChristianThe Magic Christian · 1969
The Magic Christian
5.81969
MovieComedy
Sir Guy Grand, the richest man in the world, adopts a homeless man, Youngman. Together, they set out to prove that anyone--and anything--can be bought.
The Bed Sitting RoomThe Bed Sitting Room · 1969
The Bed Sitting Room
5.91969
MovieComedyScience Fiction
In the hazy aftermath of World War III, the fallout from a 'nuclear misunderstanding' is producing strange mutations amongst the survivors, and the noble Lord Fortnum finds himself transforming into a bed sitting room.
Crooks and CoronetsCrooks and Coronets · 1969
Crooks and Coronets
8.51969
MovieComedy
Two crooks are hired to rob an eccentric old lady's estate, but once they get to know her, they can't bring themselves to do it.
Cracked NutsCracked Nuts · 1931
Cracked Nuts
8.01931
MovieComedyRomance
To impress his fiancee's aunt, a young man tries to become king in a small kingdom, but the people there have already crowned one, who has won this honor by gambling. So he plans a coup d'etat. He tries to achieve this with a bomb, but then something goes wrong...
The Private Life of Sherlock HolmesThe Private Life of Sherlock Holmes · 1970
The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes
6.81970
MovieAdventureMystery
When a bored Sherlock eagerly takes the case of Gabrielle Valladon following an attempt on her life, the search for her missing husband leads to Loch Ness and the legendary monster.
That's Your FuneralThat's Your Funeral · 1972
That's Your Funeral
4.31972
MovieComedy
Two funeral parlours fight one another for business, one of whom is more shady than the other.

Movies

The Three MusketeersThe Three Musketeers · 1973
The Three Musketeers
6.71973
MovieActionAdventure
In 17th century France, young D'Artagnan wants to join the King's Musketeers, but instead befriends three legendary musketeers—Athos, Porthos, and Aramis—and together, they become embroiled in the political intrigue surrounding King Louis XIII and his adversaries, particularly the powerful Cardinal Richelieu.
Gosford ParkGosford Park · 2001
Gosford Park
6.82001
MovieDramaMystery
In 1930s England, a group of pretentious rich and famous gather together for a weekend of relaxation at a hunting resort. But when a murder occurs, each one of these interesting characters becomes a suspect.
The Magic ChristianThe Magic Christian · 1969
The Magic Christian
5.81969
MovieComedy
Sir Guy Grand, the richest man in the world, adopts a homeless man, Youngman. Together, they set out to prove that anyone--and anything--can be bought.
The Bed Sitting RoomThe Bed Sitting Room · 1969
The Bed Sitting Room
5.91969
MovieComedyScience Fiction
In the hazy aftermath of World War III, the fallout from a 'nuclear misunderstanding' is producing strange mutations amongst the survivors, and the noble Lord Fortnum finds himself transforming into a bed sitting room.
Crooks and CoronetsCrooks and Coronets · 1969
Crooks and Coronets
8.51969
MovieComedy
Two crooks are hired to rob an eccentric old lady's estate, but once they get to know her, they can't bring themselves to do it.
Cracked NutsCracked Nuts · 1931
Cracked Nuts
8.01931
MovieComedyRomance
To impress his fiancee's aunt, a young man tries to become king in a small kingdom, but the people there have already crowned one, who has won this honor by gambling. So he plans a coup d'etat. He tries to achieve this with a bomb, but then something goes wrong...
The Private Life of Sherlock HolmesThe Private Life of Sherlock Holmes · 1970
The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes
6.81970
MovieAdventureMystery
When a bored Sherlock eagerly takes the case of Gabrielle Valladon following an attempt on her life, the search for her missing husband leads to Loch Ness and the legendary monster.
That's Your FuneralThat's Your Funeral · 1972
That's Your Funeral
4.31972
MovieComedy
Two funeral parlours fight one another for business, one of whom is more shady than the other.
Carry On Screaming!Carry On Screaming! · 1966
Carry On Screaming!
6.51966
MovieComedyHorror
The sinister Dr. Watt has an evil scheme going—he's kidnapping beautiful young women and turning them into mannequins to sell to local stores. Fortunately for him, Detective Sergeant Bung is on the case, and he doesn't have a clue!
The Tomb of LigeiaThe Tomb of Ligeia · 1964
The Tomb of Ligeia
6.41964
MovieHorrorDrama
Verden Fell is shattered after the death of his lovely wife. But, after an unexpected encounter with Lady Rowena Trevanion, Fell soon finds himself married again. Nevertheless, his late wife's spirit seems to hang over the dilapidated abbey that Fell shares with his new bride. Lady Rowena senses that something is amiss and, when she investigates, makes a horrifying discovery -- learning that Fell's dead wife is closer than she ever imagined possible.
No Sex Please - We're BritishNo Sex Please - We're British · 1973
No Sex Please - We're British
5.21973
MovieComedy
A porn-store owner orders some new stuff from his supplier, but the delivery address gets mixed with the address of the local Barclays Bank. Here, David (the bank's assistant manager) and his new wife are shocked when photos, then films and finally two girls are sent to them in their bank-supplied flat. They and the bank's head cashier then hatch a plan to get rid of the porn—without letting their boss, the local police and David's mother in on what is happening.
Run For Your WifeRun For Your Wife · 2012
Run For Your Wife
4.42012
MovieComedy
John Smith has been happily involved in a bigamous marriage for five years. He lives with Stephanie in Finsbury and Michelle in Stockwell. Fortunately, for John, he's a taxi driver which involves varying shift work! Simple? Well, when John unwittingly becomes a have-a-go hero and the Finsbury and Stockwell police forces discover something suspicious in their paperwork, John's happy bubble is about to be burst. The action of the movie takes place during the next hectic 24 hours as John, with the assistance of his gullible neighbor Gary, rush between North and South London attempting to thwart the police and prevent the two loving wives coming face to face!
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the ForumA Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum · 1966
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
6.11966
MovieMusicComedy
A wily slave must unite a virgin courtesan and his young smitten master to earn his freedom.
Red, White, and ZeroRed, White, and Zero · 1968
Red, White, and Zero
5.01968
MovieComedyMusic
Composed of three shorts – Ride of the Valkyrie, The White Bus, and Red and Blue – from three of Britain’s most-celebrated directors - Lindsay Anderson, Peter Brook, and Tony Richardson. Comic legend Zero Mostel stars as an opera singer (in full costume) navigating the London transport network as he attempts to reach Covent Garden in 'Ride of the Valkyrie'. Scripted by Shelagh Delaney, 'The White Bus' blends realism, drama, and poetry as a despondent young woman travels home to the North of England. And Vanessa Redgrave stars in Tony Richardson’s romantic reverie and musical featurette 'Red and Blue'. Produced in 1967, but ultimately shelved.
Ride of the ValkyrieRide of the Valkyrie · 1977
Ride of the Valkyrie
6.31977
MovieComedy
An opera singer, dressed in full costume and dress, must navigate through the busy city streets to get to the theater in time for his performance. Filmed for the shelved portmanteau film 'Red, White and Zero' in 1967.
The BFGThe BFG · 1990
The BFG
6.41990
MovieAnimationFamily
Sophie is snatched from her orphanage early one morning by the BFG (Big Friendly Giant), whom she witnesses engaged in mysterious activities. She is soon put at ease, as she learns that BFG's job is to collect, catalog and deliver pleasant dreams to children. She joins him that night, but a mean giants follow them, planning to eat the children of the world.
The Assassination BureauThe Assassination Bureau · 1969
The Assassination Bureau
6.71969
MovieActionAdventure
In 1908 London, a women's rights campaigner discovers the Assassination Bureau Limited, an organization that kills for justice. When its motives are called into question, she commissions the assassination of its chairman. Knowing that his colleagues have recently become more motivated by greed than morality, he turns the situation into a challenge for his board members: kill him or be killed.
VictimVictim · 1961
Victim
7.51961
MovieDramaCrime
A web of blackmail and murder attracts the attention of a barrister with a seemingly idyllic life, threatening to derail his career on the path of success.
Side by SideSide by Side · 1975
Side by Side
6.71975
MovieComedyMusic
Glam Rock musical comedy about two clashing nightclubs
What's a Carry On?What's a Carry On? · 1998
What's a Carry On?
7.71998
MovieDocumentaryTV Movie
Documentary commemorating the 40th anniversary of the 'Carry On' comedy film series. Archive clips and out-takes are mixed with interviews with the cast.
The Wild AffairThe Wild Affair · 1965
The Wild Affair
5.31965
MovieComedy
Young office assistant Majorie will marry soon, however, she's plagued by doubts if her fiance is the right one. On her last day at work, her male colleagues don't miss a chance to comfort her...and flirt.
A Flea in Her EarA Flea in Her Ear · 1968
A Flea in Her Ear
6.51968
MovieComedy
Suspecting that her husband might be having an affair, a wife plots to catch him in the act.
The Making of Gosford ParkThe Making of Gosford Park · 2002
The Making of Gosford Park
5.32002
MovieDocumentary
A behind-the-scenes look at the making of Robert Altman's 2001 film 'Gosford Park'. Cast and crew relate some of their experiences with making the film.
The Bliss of Mrs. BlossomThe Bliss of Mrs. Blossom · 1968
The Bliss of Mrs. Blossom
6.81968
MovieComedy
Harriet Blossom is married to Robert Blossom, a businessman who'd rather spend the night at his bra factory than at home with her. One day, Harriet's sewing machine breaks, so Robert sends a repairman, Ambrose, to fix it. It's lust at first sight for Harriet, who convinces Ambrose to hide out in the attic for a tryst. When her new beau shows no desire to leave, the pair begin a years-long love affair right under Robert's nose.

TV Shows

Coronation StreetCoronation Street · 1960
Coronation Street
5.31960
Series
The residents of Coronation Street are ordinary, working-class people, and the show follows them through regular social and family interactions at home, in the workplace, and in their local pub, the Rovers Return Inn. Britain's longest-running soap.
CasualtyCasualty · 1986
Casualty
6.21986
SeriesDrama
Drama series about the staff and patients at Holby City Hospital's emergency department, charting the ups and downs in their personal and professional lives.
Richard & JudyRichard & Judy · 2001
Richard & Judy
3.42001
Series
Richard & Judy was a British chat show presented by the married couple Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan. The show originally aired on Channel 4, from 2001 to 2008, but later moved to digital channel, Watch, in October 2008. The programme featured a number of celebrities and a book club. Its final episode aired in July 2009 due to low ratings.
The AvengersThe Avengers · 1961
The Avengers
7.81961
SeriesCrime
A quirky spy show of the adventures of eccentrically suave British Agent John Steed and his predominantly female partners. Jonathan Steed - an urbane, proper gentleman spy - teams with various assistants throughout the series' run, including Dr. David Keel, Cathy Gale, Emma Peel and Tara King, to repeatedly save the world from diabolical schemes plotted by equally diabolical evil-doers (among them robots and man-eating monsters).
Crown CourtCrown Court · 1972
Crown Court
5.71972
SeriesDrama
Crown Court is an afternoon television courtroom drama produced by Granada Television for the ITV network that ran from 1972, when the Crown Court system replaced Assize courts and Quarter sessions in the legal system of England and Wales, to 1984.
The Sooty ShowThe Sooty Show · 1955
The Sooty Show
6.41955
SeriesComedy
The Sooty Show is a British children's Puppet series which aired on the BBC from 1955 to 1967 and ITV from 1968 to 1992. It follows the adventures and comedic day to day life of puppets Sooty, Sweep and Soo with their owner Harry Corbett, and in later years, his son Matthew.
Last of the Summer WineLast of the Summer Wine · 1973
Last of the Summer Wine
7.11973
SeriesComedy
Unencumbered by wives, jobs or any other responsibilities, three senior citizens who've never really grown up explore their world in the Yorkshire Dales. They spend their days speculating about their fellow townsfolk and thinking up adventures not usually favored by the elderly. Last of the Summer Wine premiered as an episode of Comedy Playhouse in 1973. The show ran for 295 episodes until 2010. It is the longest running comedy Britain has produced and the longest running sitcom in the world.
Blankety BlankBlankety Blank · 1979
Blankety Blank
5.31979
SeriesComedyFamily
Blankety Blank is a British comedy game show based on the 1977–1979 Australian game show Blankety Blanks. The British version ran from 18 January 1979 to 12 March 1990 on BBC One, hosted first by Terry Wogan and later by Les Dawson. Regular members of the celebrity panel on this version included Kenny Everett, Lorraine Chase, Gareth Hunt, Gary Davies, and Cheryl Baker. A revival fronted by Lily Savage was produced by the BBC from 26 December 1997 to 28 December 1999, followed by ITV from 7 January 2001 to 10 August 2002. This version was produced by Grundy, then Thames.
Danger ManDanger Man · 1960
Danger Man
7.41960
SeriesDrama
Danger Man is a British television series which was broadcast between 1960 and 1962, and again between 1964 and 1968. The series featured Patrick McGoohan as secret agent John Drake. Ralph Smart created the programme and wrote many of the scripts. Danger Man was financed by Lew Grade's ITC Entertainment.
The ChampionsThe Champions · 1968
The Champions
6.51968
SeriesSci-Fi & Fantasy
After a plane carrying three Agents crashes in the Himalayas, they are rescued by an advanced civilisation secretly living in Tibet who grant them enhanced versions of the ordinary five senses, and intellectual and physical abilities.
The GoodiesThe Goodies · 1970
The Goodies
7.61970
SeriesComedy
A British television comedy series of the 1970s and early 1980s, combining surreal sketches and situation comedy.
Are You Being Served?Are You Being Served? · 1972
Are You Being Served?
7.31972
SeriesComedy
This comedy series, which follows the exploits of employees at London's fictional "Grace Brothers" department store, is full of sexual innuendo, slapstick, visual gags, and double entendres. Much of the show's humor parodies Britain's class system, and many of the show's characters are based on stereotypes of the period, including the effeminate Mr. Humphries and the rich, but stingy, store owner.
SykesSykes · 1972
Sykes
6.71972
SeriesComedy
Classic sitcom starring Eric Sykes and Hattie Jacques as brother and sister twins who have to tackle the trials and tribulations of suburban life.
Dixon of Dock GreenDixon of Dock Green · 1955
Dixon of Dock Green
6.01955
SeriesDrama
Dixon of Dock Green was a BBC television series following the activities of police officers at a fictional Metropolitan Police station in the East End of London from 1955 to 1976. Some episodes were later remade as a BBC radio series in 2005 and 2006.
Sunday Night TheatreSunday Night Theatre · 1950
Sunday Night Theatre
3.51950
SeriesDrama
Sunday Night Theatre was a long-running series of televised live television plays screened by BBC Television from early 1950 until 1959. The productions for the first five years or so of the run were re-staged live the following Thursday, partly because of technical limitations in this era, and the theatrical basis of early television drama. Some of the earliest collaborations between Rudolph Cartier and Nigel Neale were produced for this series, including Arrow to the Heart and Nineteen Eighty-Four. The Sunday night drama slot was subsequently renamed The Sunday-Night Play which ran for four seasons between 1960 and 1963. ITV transmitted its own unrelated run of Sunday Night Theatre between 1971 and 1974.
The New AvengersThe New Avengers · 1976
The New Avengers
7.11976
SeriesDrama
The New Avengers is a British secret agent fantasy adventure television series broadcast during 1976 and 1977. It is a sequel to the 1960s series The Avengers and was developed by Albert Fennell and Brian Clemens. A joint United Kingdom-France-Canada production, the show picks up the adventures of John Steed and his team of Avengers fighting evil plots and world domination. Whereas in the original series Steed had almost always been partnered with a woman, in the new series he had two partners: Mike Gambit, a top agent, crack marksman and trained martial artist, and Purdey, a former trainee with The Royal Ballet who was an amalgam of many of the best talents from Steed's previous female partners.
The Adventures of William TellThe Adventures of William Tell · 1958
The Adventures of William Tell
6.81958
Series
The Adventures of William Tell is a British swashbuckler adventure series, first broadcast on the ITV network in 1958, and produced by ITC Entertainment.
The Kenny Everett Television ShowThe Kenny Everett Television Show · 1982
The Kenny Everett Television Show
7.31982
SeriesComedy
Sketch comedy show starring Kenny Everett.
Steptoe and SonSteptoe and Son · 1962
Steptoe and Son
7.81962
SeriesComedy
Steptoe and Son is a British sitcom written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson about a father and son played by Wilfred Brambell and Harry H. Corbett who deal in selling used items. They live on Oil Drum Lane, a fictional street in Shepherd's Bush, London. Four series were broadcast by the BBC from 1962 to 1965, followed by a second run from 1970 to 1974. Its theme tune, "Old Ned", was composed by Ron Grainer. The series was voted 15th in a 2004 BBC poll to find Britain's Best Sitcom. It was remade in the US as Sanford and Son, in Sweden as Albert & Herbert and in the Netherlands as Stiefbeen en zoon. In 1972 a movie adaptation of the series, Steptoe and Son, was released in cinemas, with a second Steptoe and Son Ride Again in 1973.
The Man in Room 17The Man in Room 17 · 1965
The Man in Room 17
6.31965
SeriesCrimeDrama
The Man in Room 17 is a British television series which ran for two seasons in the mid-1960s, produced by the Northern ITV franchise, Granada Television. Key to the series' success was the involvement of writer/producer Robin Chapman. The show was set in Room 17 of the Department of Social Research, where former wartime agent-turned-criminologist Edwin Oldenshaw solved difficult police cases through theory and discussions with his assistants. The novelty of the series was that Oldenshaw and his colleagues never needed to leave their office in order to resolve cases, preferring to spend their time playing the Japanese board game of Go. They simply provided their prognosis and left the police to do the cleaning up. Different directors were often appointed to film the Room 17 and outside-world scenes independently, to maintain a sense of distance between the two worlds.
Hancock's Half HourHancock's Half Hour · 1956
Hancock's Half Hour
7.41956
SeriesComedy
Hancock's Half Hour is a BBC television comedy series of the 1950s and 60s written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson. The series starred Tony Hancock with Sid James. The final series, renamed simply Hancock, starred Hancock alone. Comedian Tony Hancock starred in the show, playing an exaggerated and much poorer version of his own character and lifestyle, Anthony Aloysius St John Hancock, a down-at-heel comedian living at the dilapidated 23 Railway Cuttings in East Cheam. The series was influential in the development of the situation comedy, with its move away from radio variety towards a focus on character development.
The CheatersThe Cheaters · 1960
The Cheaters
8.01960
SeriesDrama
Fall of EaglesFall of Eagles · 1974
Fall of Eagles
7.01974
SeriesDrama
"Fall of Eagles" is a 13-part British television drama aired by the BBC in 1974. The series portrays historical events from 1848 to 1918, dealing with the collapse of the ruling dynasties of Austria-Hungary (the Habsburgs), Germany (the Hohenzollerns) and Russia (the Romanovs).
From a Bird's Eye ViewFrom a Bird's Eye View · 1970
From a Bird's Eye View
6.01970
SeriesComedy
From a Bird's Eye View is a 1970 ATV and ITC Entertainment co-produced sitcom. In the United States it aired on NBC, which had originally ordered the series as an entry in the 1969-70 TV season but pushed it back to the 1970-71 season as a mid-season replacement. The series followed two International Airlines stewardesses, a scatterbrained Briton and a savvy American, as they flew the London-European routes. The series ran for 16 25-minute colour episodes. The series was not a big success in either the UK or the US, but ITC re-used the format for the Shirley MacLaine series Shirley's World. That show also flopped, but ran to one more episode than From a Bird's Eye View.