Arthur Rigby Jun

Arthur RIGBY Jnr (1900-1971)

Arthur RIGBY Jnr appeared only once at the Leas Pavilion Theatre – in Curios from 31 August to 5 September 1925.

Others appearing in this production were Geoffrey HAZEL, Gladys FRASER, Hasting CANLER, Lauri JAYE, Madge DISTON ad Molly MOORE.

There is some confusion about the name Arthur RIGBY as his father (born William Septimus TURNER) was also a performer who took the name Arthur RIGBY. This meant that, while both were active in the theatre, the son was credited as Arthur RIGBY Jnr. Later the Jnr was dropped.

Tracing the family is complicated by the fact that Arthur RIGBY Snr used the names fairly indiscriminately eg in the 1901 census he appears as RIGBY but in 1911 as TURNER. He married Mary TURNER (a cousin or coincidence?) and they had two children Arthur Jnr and Mary Victoria. Mary Victoria married into another theatrical family. Her spouse was Leo FRANKLYN and they had a son, William, who had a career in stage, film, TV and radio but may be best known to TV audiences for the “You Know Who” adverts for Schweppes

As Arthur RIGBY he appeared in the 1949 film The Blue Lamp which introduced the character of PC George DIXON. Arthur RIGBY then went on to play Sgt FLINT in 253 episodes of the TV series Dixon of Dock Green from 1955 – 1965.

As well as his appearance in The Blue Lamp he appeared in a number of other films. A filmography can be found on Wikipedia.

The Radio Times Archive has listings of all his appearances. genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules

The Stage Archive has a great many references to Arthur RIGBY, including the deaths of father and son. It is not always possible to decide which Arthur RIGBY is referred to except after Arthur RIGBY Snr’s death in about 1943.

archive.thestage.co.uk

In addition to his acting career, Arthur RIGBY was a writer. He wrote, together with Stanley LUPINO, a musical play in two acts - So This Is Love. Details of this play can be found on the University of Kent Special Collections and Archives – theatre collections – record view.

This play was filmed twice as 1) LOVE LIES in 1932 and 2) Lucky to Me in 1939.

He also (with Stanley BRIGHTMAN) wrote the musical comedy Darling, I Love You which was filmed as The Little Drummer Boy in 1935.

Photos and a full list of credits of Arthur RIGBY can be found on: www.eveleyman.com/ActorCredit.aspx?ActorID=35831

Arthur RIGBY married Sheila MACEVOY and died in Hastings on 25th April 1971 aged 71.