Frank Thornton - Actor Profile

Frank Thornton

Acting
Updated: May 11, 2026
50Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Jan 15, 1921
Birth Place: Dulwich, London, England, UK

About Frank Thornton

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: ActingIndustry Veteran

Frank Thornton Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of Frank Thornton reflects a strong mix of popular and critically appreciated roles. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

A large portion of Frank Thornton's work falls within the Comedy genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.

Success Ratio

Approximately 62% of Frank Thornton's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.

One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Danny the Dragon, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best Frank Thornton Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Frank Thornton's career based on audience ratings.

★10.0
Danny the Dragon (1966) movie poster
★10.0

Danny the Dragon: Gavin, Jean and Peter meet Danny the Dragon, an unintentional visitor from outer space. Danny and the children encounter

Danny the Dragon

1966•Family
★10.0
Wendy Richard: A Life on the Box (2001) movie poster
★10.0

Wendy Richard: A Life on the Box: Profile of actress Wendy Richard's remarkable television career, featuring classic clips and contributions from colleagu

Wendy Richard: A Life on the Box

2001•Documentary
★9.0
If There Weren't Any Blacks You'd Have to Invent Them (1968) movie poster
★9.0

If There Weren't Any Blacks You'd Have to Invent Them: Set in a cemetery, the film tells the story of a young man whom a blind man wrongly imagines to be black, and explores t

If There Weren't Any Blacks You'd Have to Invent Them

1968•Drama
★9.0
Doomsday at Eleven (1962) movie poster
★9.0

Doomsday at Eleven: A bomb is placed in a maternity home.

Doomsday at Eleven

1962•Drama
★8.5
Crooks and Coronets (1969) movie poster
★8.5

Crooks and Coronets: Two crooks are hired to rob an eccentric old lady's estate, but once they get to know her, they can't bring themselves t

Crooks and Coronets

1969•Comedy

Full Filmography

Every movie Frank Thornton has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2022 Are You Being Served? Secrets & Scandals Archive Footage Hit Similar →
2005 The Funny Blokes of British Comedy Self Hit Similar →
2002 The Making of Gosford Park Self (uncredited) Flop Similar →
2001 Gosford Park Mr. Burkett Hit Similar →
2001 Wendy Richard: A Life on the Box Self Super Hit Similar →
1998 What's a Carry On? Self (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1995 The Old Curiosity Shop - Hit Similar →
1990 The BFG Mr. Tibbs (voice) Average Similar →
1980 The Taming of the Shrew Gremio Super Hit Similar →
1977 Ride of the Valkyrie - Average Similar →
1975 Side by Side Inspector Crumb Hit Similar →
1973 The Three Musketeers Man in Small Carriage (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1973 No Sex Please - We're British Glass Shop Manager Flop Similar →
1973 Steptoe & Son Ride Again Mr. Russell Hit Similar →
1972 Our Miss Fred British Colonel Average Similar →
1972 Bless This House Mr. Jones Average Similar →
1970 The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer Tom Stoddart Average Similar →
1970 The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes Porter Hit Similar →
1970 All the Way Up Mr Driver Hit Similar →
1970 Some Will, Some Won't Purvis Flop Similar →
1969 The Magic Christian Police Inspector Average Similar →
1969 The Bed Sitting Room The BBC Average Similar →
1969 Crooks and Coronets Cyril Super Hit Similar →
1969 The Assassination Bureau Elevator victim (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1969 Till Death Us Do Part Valuation Officer Super Hit Similar →
1968 A Flea in Her Ear Charles, the Butler Hit Similar →
1968 The Bliss of Mrs. Blossom Factory Manager Hit Similar →
1968 If There Weren't Any Blacks You'd Have to Invent Them The Undertaker Super Hit Similar →
1968 30 Is a Dangerous Age, Cynthia! Registrar Flop Similar →
1966 Lucy in London Passport Officer Hit Similar →
1966 A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum Slave Driver Average Similar →
1966 Carry On Screaming! Mr. Jones Hit Similar →
1966 Danny the Dragon - Super Hit Similar →
1965 The Wild Affair Wine Shop Manager Flop Similar →
1965 The Early Bird Drunken Doctor Super Hit Similar →
1965 The Big Job Bank Official Hit Similar →
1964 The Tomb of Ligeia Peperel Average Similar →
1964 The Comedy Man Producer Hit Similar →
1962 It's Trad, Dad! TV Director Average Similar →
1962 Operation Stogie Hotel receptionist (uncredited) Average Similar →
1962 Doomsday at Eleven BBC Announcer Super Hit Similar →
1961 Victim George - Henry's Assistant (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1961 The Impersonator Police Sargeant Average Similar →
1956 Cloak Without Dagger False James Markley Super Hit Similar →
1956 Johnny, You're Wanted Police Inspector Hit Similar →
1955 Portrait of Alison Police Photographer Average Similar →
1954 The Silent Witness The Barman (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1954 Radio Cab Murder Inspector Finch Average Similar →
1935 The Florentine Dagger (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1931 Cracked Nuts Revolutionary Super Hit Similar →

Frank Thornton - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Frank Thornton?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Frank Thornton is "Danny the Dragon" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has Frank Thornton acted in?

Frank Thornton has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Frank Thornton?

Other notable films include "Wendy Richard: A Life on the Box", "If There Weren't Any Blacks You'd Have to Invent Them", and "Doomsday at Eleven".

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