- published: 18 Mar 2013
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Frank Thornton Ball (15 January 1921 – 16 March 2013) was an English actor. He was known for playing Captain Peacock in Are You Being Served? and its sequel Grace & Favour (Are You Being Served? Again!) and as Truly in Last of the Summer Wine.
Frank Thornton Ball was born in Dulwich, London, the son of Rosina Mary (née Thornton) and William Ernest Ball. His father was an organist at St Stephen's Church, Dulwich, and his son learned to play for a short while. Music proved too difficult for him, however, and he wanted to act from an early age. His father, who worked in a bank, wanted him to get a "proper" job, so he began working in insurance after leaving Alleyn's School. He soon enrolled at a small acting school, the London School of Dramatic Art, and took evening classes. After two years working at the insurance company he was invited to become a day student at the acting school and persuaded his father to finance his studies.
During the Second World War Thornton was evacuated along with the drama school, and his first job was touring with four plays in Ireland, beginning in County Tipperary. After that he served as an airman in the Royal Air Force before ending the war as an officer. From the rank of leading aircraftman he was commissioned as a pilot officer on probation (emergency) on 1 December 1944. On 1 June 1945 his commission was confirmed and he was promoted to flying officer (war substantive). He was demobilised in 1947.
Captain Stephen Peacock is a fictional character from the BBC One comedy show, Are You Being Served?. He was played by Frank Thornton, who went on to take the popular role of Truly in Last of the Summer Wine.
Captain Peacock, the somewhat stuffy floorwalker, considers himself above the assistants with both his position and his dubious military record. Allegedly, despite his rank, Peacock began as a sweeper in the stockroom. By 1975 he has been working at Grace Brothers for 20 years.
The question most viewers asked was: in what corps was Peacock a captain? In the pilot episode Mrs. Slocombe mentions annoyance with Peacock's posh "Royal Signals Corps voice". Although Peacock later brags about being in the Royal Engineers and his experiences fighting Rommel in North Africa, Mr. Mash likes to tell the staff that Peacock served in the NAAFI instead, and probably didn't ever leave England. Although Peacock usually talks as if he were a member of an elite Commando unit, on two occasions he admits he was in the Royal Army Service Corps (logistics) - in addition, throughout the series he wears the RASC tie.Mr. Goldberg, who blackmails Peacock into hiring him to replace Mr. Tebbs, confirms that Peacock served in North Africa but hints that Peacock's real rank was Corporal.
Are You Being Served? is a British sitcom created and written by Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft, (Croft also co-directed) with contributions from Michael Knowles and John Chapman, for the BBC. The show follows the misadventures and mishaps of the staff of the retail ladies' and gentlemen's clothing ground floor departments of a fictional London department store called Grace Brothers.
Broadcast between 1972 and 1985 on BBC1, the sitcom itself spanned ten series totaling 69 parts — five of which are Christmas specials. Are You Being Served? was a great success in the UK and also captivated a large audience in Canada, Israel and Australia. In the United States, it gained a loyal and enthusiastic following when PBS television stations began airing reruns of it in the late 1980s, along with other popular classic "Britcoms". Since its original release, all ten series — including the Christmas specials — are available on DVD home video.
In 2004, the sitcom was ranked 20th in the countdown of Britain's Best Sitcom. It is regularly repeated worldwide - (PBS and BBC America in the United States; and BBC UKTV in Australia and New Zealand). From 7 October 2013 to 17 March 2014, 61 episodes of the series were repeated in the UK on BBC Two as part of Daytime Classics. A further season of repeats were shown on BBC2 during the spring and summer of 2015.
Frank may refer to:
Thornton may refer to:
Frank Thornton discusses Captain Peacock from Funny Blokes of British Comedy on PBS
Frank Thornton (1921-2013)
Frank Thornton Dies Aged 92
Trevor Bannister discusses Are You Being Served with Frank Thornton and Jeremy Lloyd
Frank Thornton recalls This Is Your Life
A look back at the life of Frank Thornton.
Frank Thornton as Captain Peacock in Are You Being Served
Bloopers with Mollie Sugden , Frank Thornton & Nerys Hughes
Walls - Caramel Flip Choc Bar - Frank Thornton (1967) British TV Adverts Commercials - TDA Archive
How Tall Is Frank Thornton? - Height Comparison!
Actors: Prince Bagdasarian (miscellaneous crew), Sherry Gunderman (miscellaneous crew), Tom Shell (producer), Lawrence Pressman (actor), Peter Sherayko (actor), Tim Carroll (miscellaneous crew), Gary Carlos Cervantes (actor), Patrick Bergin (actor), James Blackburn (actor), John Diehl (actor), C. Thomas Howell (actor), Jason Connery (actor), James Gammon (actor), Mark Adler (composer), Arturo Lopez Uscanga (miscellaneous crew),
Plot: Jericho. In the 1880's. Three women of the wild West, widows of an outlawed gang of brothers recently hanged, find themselves running for their lives from a corrupt posse of vigilantes, mystical Indians and a hornet's nest of villains - all are convinced that our mismatched widows hold the key to the whereabouts of their husbands' missing bank loot and a mysterious treasure. Along the way, the women must find the courage to trust, care and kill for one another, blazing the trail to their destiny. A destiny buried on The Far Side of Jericho.
Keywords: bank-robbery, bound-and-gagged, crooked-sheriff, embezzlement, ghost, hanging, posse, rape, rattlesnake, whippingActors: Ralph Bucko (actor), Roy Bucko (actor), Bob Burns (actor), Steve Darrell (actor), Art Dillard (actor), Fred Graham (actor), Herman Hack (actor), Pamela Blake (actress), Paul Gangelin (writer), R. Dale Butts (composer), R.G. Springsteen (director), Harry Keller (editor), Chick Hannan (actor), Paul Hurst (actor), Francis McDonald (actor),
Plot: During the Civil War many TRailhead ranchers have been killed or driven from their land by a ruthless gang of raiders. The secret leader of the gang is Bill Sanger ('James Nolan (I)' (qv)), who poses as a rancher but is actually the head man of an eastern syndicate seeking to buy up the land through which railroads will be constructed at the war's end. Learning the newspaper publisher John Thornton ('Jason Robards Sr.' (qv))has received a letter giving away the agenda of Sanger, and the latter kills Tornton, and then manages to cast the suspicion of the gang activities upon the dead man and his son, Frank ('Jay Kirby (I)' (qv)) whom the gang has kidnapped. U. S. Marshal Monte Hale ('Monte Hale' (qv))is convinced of the Thronton's innocence but finds himself opposed by the citizens and ranchers with the exception of Eli Walker ('Paul Hurst (I)' (qv)), and Cathy Thornton ('Pamela Blake' (qv)), daughter of John and sister of Frank.
Keywords: 1860s, actor-shares-first-and-last-name-with-character, actor-shares-first-name-with-character, actor-shares-last-name-with-character, ambush, american-civil-war, brother, bullet, cattle-rancher, cattlemanFrank Thornton, a.k.a. Captain Peacock talks about his character from Are You Being Served as part of PBS' Funny Blokes of British Comedy.
Frank Thornton (born Frank Thornton Ball; 15th January 1921 - 16th March 2013) was an English actor. He was known for playing Captain Peacock in 'Are You Being Served'? and its sequel 'Grace & Favour' (Are You Being Served Again), and as Truly in Last of the Summer Wine.
The actor Frank Thornton who played Captain Peacock in Are You Being Served, has died at the age of 92. After working on stage and in films during the 1950s, he became a familiar face on British television appearing alongside Tony Hancock, Benny Hill and Spike Milligan. Latterly he played Truly Truelove, in Last Of The Summer Wine. But he'll be best remembered as the pompous Captain Peacock.
Trevor Bannister talks about his thoughts of what comes first, the situation or the characters. Also, discusses the beginning of Are You Being Served and how he and Frank Thornton came to be cast in AYBS.
http://www.bigredbook.info/frank_thornton.html Frank Thornton was surprised by Michael Aspel for This Is Your Life in October 1998. In an interview recorded in October 2009, Frank and his wife Beryl recall their memories of the show...
A look back at the life of Frank Thornton. The actor Frank Thornton who played Captain Peacock in Are You Being Served, has died at the age of 92. After working on stage and in films during the 1950s, he became a familiar face on British television appearing alongside Tony Hancock, Benny Hill and Spike Milligan. Latterly he played Truly Truelove, in Last Of The Summer Wine. But he'll be best remembered as the pompous Captain Peacock as David Sillito reports.
Are You Being Served actor Frank Thornton who played Captain Peacock dies aged 92
Find out how tall Frank Thornton is! To help visualize his height, we've included a side by side comparison with other celebrities, short and tall!
LOTW#9 Radio Version 'How Errol Flynn Discovered the Secret scar of Nora Batty' All the episodes have a linking script added by Peter Sallis, which is just as witty as the programs themselves, and it really helps you to imagine what is going on. Excellent end of the day/Bedtime listening....... Compo, Truly and Clegg meet Billy Hardcastle, who claims that he is a direct descendant of Robin Hood. Auntie Wainwright sells old golf clothing and clubs to Barry. Director: Alan J.W. Bell Writer: Roy Clarke Stars: Bill Owen, Peter Sallis, Frank Thornton
When Captain Peacock backs out of a boxing match with a member of a rival department, Mr. Humphries steps in to defend the floorwalker's honor. Staring: John Inman, Mollie Sugden, Frank Thornton, Trevor Bannister, Wendy Richard, Nicolas Smith, Harold Bennett, Alfie Bass and Arthur English. By: Jeremy Lloyd, David Croft and Michael Knowles. 1979
The Unleavened Bread Bible Study with David Eells presents: Rejection, Faction & Healing (01) Frank Thornton - Miscellaneous Series 03/18/2012 (1:48:09) Part 1 of 2 Visit http://www.unleavenedbreadministries.org for all our audio and video bible studies, books, and much more. Listen or download all our AUDIO bible studies at: http://audiofarm.org/ubm
The Unleavened Bread Bible Study with David Eells presents: Rejection, Faction & Healing (02) Frank Thornton - Miscellaneous Series 03/25/2012 (38:53) Part 2 of 2 Visit http://www.unleavenedbreadministries.org for all our audio and video bible studies, books, and much more. Listen or download all our AUDIO bible studies at: http://audiofarm.org/ubm
Mr. Goldberg is hired as Grace Brothers' new junior salesman and threatens to destroy Captain Peacock's reputation with different memories of their army days. Staring: John Inman, Mollie Sugden, Frank Thornton, Trevor Bannister, Wendy Richard, Nicolas Smith, Harold Bennett, Alfie Bass and Arthur English. By: Jeremy Lloyd, David Croft and Michael Knowles. 1979
What exactly is going on between the married Captain Peacock and Mr. Rumbold's secretary? Staring: John Inman, Mollie Sugden, Frank Thornton, Trevor Bannister, Wendy Richard, Arthur Brough and Nicolas Smith. By: Jeremy Lloyd, David Croft and Michael Knowles. 1976-7
It is Young Mr. Grace's birthday and the staff does their best to plan a more festive event than the usual free lunch in the canteen. Staring: John Inman, Mollie Sugden, Frank Thornton, Trevor Bannister, Wendy Richard, Nicolas Smith, Harold Bennett and Arthur English. By: Jeremy Lloyd, David Croft and Michael Knowles. 1978
When sales dip, Young Mr. Grace is forced to make some cutbacks. Some in going to have to go - but who is it to be? Staring: John Inman, Mollie Sugden, Frank Thornton, Trevor Bannister, Wendy Richard, Nicolas Smith, Harold Bennett and Arthur English. By: Jeremy Lloyd, David Croft and Michael Knowles. 1978
Mrs. Slocombe applies for a promotion but begins to question her decision after a few days of substituting for Mr. Rumbold. Staring: John Inman, Mollie Sugden, Frank Thornton, Trevor Bannister, Wendy Richard, Nicolas Smith, Harold Bennett, Alfie Bass and Arthur English. By: Jeremy Lloyd, David Croft and Michael Knowles. 1979
Seasonal illnesses have most of the staff down, but it's all an act for Mr. Lucas, who feigns an illness to spend the day with his girlfriend. Staring: John Inman, Mollie Sugden, Frank Thornton, Trevor Bannister, Wendy Richard, Arthur Brough and Nicolas Smith. By: Jeremy Lloyd, David Croft and Michael Knowles. 1975
Frank Thornton, a.k.a. Captain Peacock talks about his character from Are You Being Served as part of PBS' Funny Blokes of British Comedy.
Trevor Bannister talks about his thoughts of what comes first, the situation or the characters. Also, discusses the beginning of Are You Being Served and how he and Frank Thornton came to be cast in AYBS.
FRANK THORNTON INTERVIEW 'CARRY ON...' ACTOR Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the 'Carry On...' franchise Produced by Helen James Productions Ltd office@helenjamesproductions.co.uk www.helenjamesproductions.co.uk
http://www.bigredbook.info/frank_thornton.html Frank Thornton was surprised by Michael Aspel for This Is Your Life in October 1998. In an interview recorded in October 2009, Frank and his wife Beryl recall their memories of the show...
Frank Thornton Mollie Sugden John Inman Wendy Richard.
Frank Thornton, Mollie Sugden, John Inman, Wendy Richard remember Are You Being Served?
Frank Thornton (born Frank Thornton Ball; 15th January 1921 - 16th March 2013) was an English actor. He was known for playing Captain Peacock in 'Are You Being Served'? and its sequel 'Grace & Favour' (Are You Being Served Again), and as Truly in Last of the Summer Wine.
Vice Chairman, Board of Supervisors, Mr. Frank Thornton
A look back at the life of Frank Thornton. The actor Frank Thornton who played Captain Peacock in Are You Being Served, has died at the age of 92. After working on stage and in films during the 1950s, he became a familiar face on British television appearing alongside Tony Hancock, Benny Hill and Spike Milligan. Latterly he played Truly Truelove, in Last Of The Summer Wine. But he'll be best remembered as the pompous Captain Peacock as David Sillito reports.
Frank Thornton, a.k.a. Captain Peacock talks about his character from Are You Being Served as part of PBS' Funny Blokes of British Comedy.
Frank Thornton (born Frank Thornton Ball; 15th January 1921 - 16th March 2013) was an English actor. He was known for playing Captain Peacock in 'Are You Being Served'? and its sequel 'Grace & Favour' (Are You Being Served Again), and as Truly in Last of the Summer Wine.
The actor Frank Thornton who played Captain Peacock in Are You Being Served, has died at the age of 92. After working on stage and in films during the 1950s, he became a familiar face on British television appearing alongside Tony Hancock, Benny Hill and Spike Milligan. Latterly he played Truly Truelove, in Last Of The Summer Wine. But he'll be best remembered as the pompous Captain Peacock.
Trevor Bannister talks about his thoughts of what comes first, the situation or the characters. Also, discusses the beginning of Are You Being Served and how he and Frank Thornton came to be cast in AYBS.
http://www.bigredbook.info/frank_thornton.html Frank Thornton was surprised by Michael Aspel for This Is Your Life in October 1998. In an interview recorded in October 2009, Frank and his wife Beryl recall their memories of the show...
A look back at the life of Frank Thornton. The actor Frank Thornton who played Captain Peacock in Are You Being Served, has died at the age of 92. After working on stage and in films during the 1950s, he became a familiar face on British television appearing alongside Tony Hancock, Benny Hill and Spike Milligan. Latterly he played Truly Truelove, in Last Of The Summer Wine. But he'll be best remembered as the pompous Captain Peacock as David Sillito reports.
Are You Being Served actor Frank Thornton who played Captain Peacock dies aged 92
Find out how tall Frank Thornton is! To help visualize his height, we've included a side by side comparison with other celebrities, short and tall!
28/11/67 With Anthony Sagar & Frank Thornton
Frank Thornton Mollie Sugden John Inman Wendy Richard.
Classic British Radio Comedy With Frank Thornton
Classic British Radio Comedy With Frank Thornton
Classic British Radio Comedy With Jimmy Edwards And Frank Thornton
Harold books a Christmas holiday in Majorca, but when it's cancelled, he decides to have a Christmas party instead. Featuring Frank Thornton.
The misadventures of the staff of a retail floor of a major department store. Creators:Jeremy Lloyd, David Croft Stars:Mollie Sugden, John Inman, Frank Thornton Mrs. Betty Slocombe Mr. Wilberforce Clayborne Humphries Miss Shirley Brahms Nicholas Smith Nicholas Smith Mr. Cuthbert Rumbold Are You Being Served Full Episodes Are You Being Served Season 1 Are You Being Served Season 2 Are You Being Served Season 3 Are You Being Served Season 4 Are You Being Served Season 5 Are You Being Served Season 6 Are You Being Served Season 7
The Full movie of the hit 70's TV show Bless this House. 1970s English suburbia: middle-aged homeowner Sid Abbot just wants to get on with building his illegal whisky still, but is frustrated by his workshy son, and otherworldly daughter. Then the rude and arrogant Ronald Baines and his family move in next door. The film starred many of the main stars from the TV series but some were missing and were replaced; most notable Robin Stewart, who was replaced by Robin Askwith due to the fact he'd already been booked for the summer season on Bournemouth Pier and couldn't find time to also appear in the film. Cast - Sid James as Sid Abbot Diana Coupland as Jean Abbot Terry Scott as Ronald Baines June Whitfield as Vera Baines Peter Butterworth as Trevor Lewis Sally Geeson as Sally Abbot Robin ...
24th December 1973 - Harold books a Christmas holiday in Majorca, but when it's cancelled, he decides to have a Christmas party instead. Featuring Frank Thornton. Note: This is the rare originally transmitted 46 minute edit. A 42 minute edit exists on DVD. View The (FINAL EPISODE EVER!) The 1974 Christmas Special Extended Version Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcUGxY3eyoQ
LOTW#9 Radio Version 'How Errol Flynn Discovered the Secret scar of Nora Batty' All the episodes have a linking script added by Peter Sallis, which is just as witty as the programs themselves, and it really helps you to imagine what is going on. Excellent end of the day/Bedtime listening....... Compo, Truly and Clegg meet Billy Hardcastle, who claims that he is a direct descendant of Robin Hood. Auntie Wainwright sells old golf clothing and clubs to Barry. Director: Alan J.W. Bell Writer: Roy Clarke Stars: Bill Owen, Peter Sallis, Frank Thornton