Philip Stainton (9 April 1908 – 1 August 1961) was an English actor. Stainton appeared in several Ealing comedies and major international movies. He specialized in playing friendly or exasperated uniformed policemen, but also appeared in other comic and straight roles in British and Australian productions.
After beginning in repertory, in the postwar years he worked steadily in bit and featured parts in theatrical films; twice being directed by John Ford and once by John Huston when they shot on European or overseas locations. He first visited Australia as part of a touring company presenting Agatha Christie’s play Witness for the Prosecution.
Stainton and his actress wife immigrated to Australia in the late 1950s to appear in a series of live television plays as the medium was beginning in that country. From 1957 to 1959 he had the distinction to headline the first Australian sitcom Take That which was broadcast in Melbourne by HSV-7.
He also adapted and produced a version of the gaslight melodrama East Lynne which became a hit around the circuit of surviving music hall venues in the early 1960s and was subsequently revived. During a centenary performance at impresario George Miller's Bowl Music Hall (basement of The Capitol, Melbourne), he succumbed to a heart attack on 1 August 1961.
1959
as Clown
1956
as Police Constable
1956
as Bildad
1956
as Frankie's Agent
1955
as The Sergeant
1955
as Charlie Mann
1955
as Police sergeant
1954
as Mason, a doctor
1954
as Seaburyness Police Sergeant
1954
as Denton
1953
as John Brown-Pryce
1953
as Nobby Clarke
1952
as Putsi
1952
as Chairman of the Board of Governors (uncredited)
1952
as Police Constable
1951
as Constable
1950
as Jellyband
1949
as Principal Prison Officer
1949
as Café Manager
1949
as P.C. Spiller
1949
as Arthur Briggs (uncredited)
1949
as Detective Inspector
1949
as Mr. Ansty
1948
as Second Questioner
1947
as Sgt. Slack