He was the director who gave Stan Laurel the freedom to do things his way in films.
Worked as a director at Universal Pictures from 1936-37, at Paramount Pictures from 1949-53.
Joined Hal Roach Studios as a writer/gagman in 1923, the same year as director Leo McCarey.
Prolific composer, songwriter, author and director, educated at the University of California. He began his directorial and film-writing career in 1920. He also worked as a newspaperman in San Francisco. He joined ASCAP in 1960.
Originally started as a journalist.
Brought Laurel and Hardy into sound with the film Unaccustomed As We Are and gave Stan the freedom to innovate the way he wanted.
Gave James Finlayson his first talking scenes in the Laurel and Hardy film Men O' War.