Philip Stainton

Philip Stainton (9 April 1908 – 1 August 1961) was a prolific English actor best known for his steady work in British cinema during the post‑war era, especially in the celebrated Ealing comedies. He frequently portrayed friendly or exasperated uniformed policemen, a niche that earned him recurring roles such as P.C. Spiller in Passport to Pimlico and the eponymous Sergeant in The Ladykillers. His screen presence was marked by a blend of understated authority and subtle comic timing, allowing him to transition seamlessly between bit parts and featured supporting roles. While his early career began in repertory theatre, Stainton quickly moved into film, appearing in high‑profile productions directed by legends like John Ford (Mogambo) and John Huston (The Quiet Man), often when those directors shot on European or overseas locations. In addition to his film work, he cultivated a reputation on stage, touring Australia with an Agatha Christie troupe for Witness for the Prosecution, which foreshadowed his later relocation.

In the late 1950s Stainton and his actress wife emigrated to Australia, where he became a pioneer of early Australian television. From 1957 to 1959 he head‑lined Take That, the first Australian sitcom broadcast by Melbourne’s HSV‑7, showcasing his adaptability to the new medium. He also revived the Victorian‑era melodrama East Lynne, adapting and producing it for music‑hall circuits where it enjoyed considerable popularity. Tragically, during a centenary performance at George Miller’s Bowl Music Hall in Melbourne, Stainton suffered a fatal heart attack on 1 August 1961. His legacy endures through a diverse filmography that spans classic British comedy, adventure epics, and pioneering Australian TV, reflecting a career marked by versatility, dedication, and a distinctive on‑screen charm.