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.