In New York from 1925. Had a brief stint with the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, followed by various jobs on Broadway. Asked to direct an all-black revue, "Harlem", in February 1929. Continued directing for the theatre until 1942. Arrived in Hollywood in 1932, working as writer, producer and director until 1959. Best known for his popular bucolic comedy
The Egg and I (1947), starring
Claudette Colbert and
Fred MacMurray.