Born in San Francisco, CA. A former stock, vaudeville and film performer, he became a director the hard way, starting as a prop boy for director James Cruze. He later ran errands for director William A. Wellman, who eventually made him assistant director. In 1934 the diminutive Barton (5 ft. 2 in., 112 lbs.) was given his first assignment as director (WAGON WHEELS). His output consisted mostly of routine light fare, including the "Five Little Peppers" series and several Abbott and Costello comedies (BUCK PRIVATES COME HOME, 1947; ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET FRANKENSTEIN, 1948; ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET THE KILLER, BORIS KARLOFF,1949). He started directing television series episodes in 1950 with "The Stu Erwin Show." Other series work included "Amos 'n' Andy," "The Great Gildersleeve," "Zorro" and "Dennis the Menace." Some of his Disney screen credits include THE SHAGGY DOG (1959) and ZORRO, THE AVENGER (1960). From 1961 he directed exclusively for TV, including the series "Hazel," "McHale's Navy," Petticoat Junction," "The Munsters" and "Family Affair." As a producer, Barton's credits include LOUISIANA HAYRIDE (1944), MEN IN HER DIARY (1945, assoc. producer), THE BEAUTIFUL CHEAT (1946) and THE NOOSE HANGS HIGH (1948).  Assistant Director 1932-33 at Paramount Pictures - films not specified, but he was an uncredited a.d. on MONKEY BUSINESS 1 nomination, 1 Award