Film career of James Finlayson

156 films and counting…
Another 200 to go?

Silent Era

1917

Soapsuds and Sirens

Uncredited part as printing press operative. With Gladys Varden, Bert Roach, Harry Lorraine and Walter Stephens. L-Ko comedy two-reeler. Directed by Noel M. Smith. Distributed by Universal. Released 24 Sep 1917.

1918

In Dutch

Five (!) different uncredited parts: young sailor; old sailor called Simon Seafoot; dining room customer; hotel clerk; and cabaret customer. With Alice Howell and Hughie Mack. Century Comedy two-reeler. Directed by John G. Blystone. Distributed by Universal. Released 19 Jun 1918.

1919

Never Too Old

With Charles Murray and Eva Thatcher. Mack Sennett comedy two-reeler. Directed by Richard Jones. Distributed by Paramount. Released 26 Jan 1919 (though originally scheduled for release on 29 Dec 1918).
Source: Sherk, Warren M., The Films of Mack Sennett: Credit Documentation from the Mack Sennett Collection at the Margaret Herrick Library, Scarecrow Press, 1998, p. 146.

The Village Smithy

With Louise Fazenda, Chester Conklin and Phyllis Haver.

Yankee Doodle in Berlin

With Bothwell Browne, Ford Sterling and Ben Turpin. Mack Sennett comedy five-reeler. Directed by F. Richard Jones. Distributed by Sol Lesser. Released 20 Mar 1919.
Sources: ‘For Art’s Sake – BEN TURPIN’, Ben Turpin Filmography – Sennett 1917-1927; Sherk, Warren M., The Films of Mack Sennett: Credit Documentation from the Mack Sennett Collection at the Margaret Herrick Library, Scarecrow Press, 1998, p. 225.

The Foolish Age

With Louise Fazenda, Chester Conklin and Ben Turpin. Mack Sennett comedy two-reeler. Distributed by Paramount. Released 13 Apr 1919.
Sources: Slapstick! magazine, Number 10, July 2004, p. 37; ‘For Art’s Sake – BEN TURPIN’, Ben Turpin Filmography – Sennett 1917-1927; Sherk, Warren M., The Films of Mack Sennett: Credit Documentation from the Mack Sennett Collection at the Margaret Herrick Library, Scarecrow Press, 1998, p. 62.

Love’s False Faces

With Chester Conklin and Marie Prevost. Mack Sennett comedy two-reeler. Directed by Richard Jones. Distributed by Paramount. Released 25 May 1919.
Sources: Film Fun, Vol. 31, No. 364, Aug 1919, p. 27; Slapstick! magazine, Number 10, July 2004, p. 37; Sherk, Warren M., The Films of Mack Sennett: Credit Documentation from the Mack Sennett Collection at the Margaret Herrick Library, Scarecrow Press, 1998, pp. 131-132.

Trying to Get Along

With Charles Murray, Charlotte Mineau and Kalla Pasha. Mack Sennett comedy two-reeler. Directed by Richard Jones. Distributed by Paramount. Released 6 Jul 1919.
Source: Sherk, Warren M., The Films of Mack Sennett: Credit Documentation from the Mack Sennett Collection at the Margaret Herrick Library, Scarecrow Press, 1998, pp. 209-210.

Treating ‘Em Rough

With Louise Fazenda, ‘Baldy’ Belmont, Pat Kelly, Ed Kennedy, Billy Bevan and Ford Sterling. Mack Sennett comedy two-reeler. Directed by Frederick W. Jackman. Distributed by Paramount. Released 3 Aug 1919.
Source: Sherk, Warren M., The Films of Mack Sennett: Credit Documentation from the Mack Sennett Collection at the Margaret Herrick Library, Scarecrow Press, 1998, p. 209.

The Dentist

With Charlie Murray, Marie Prevost and Ben Turpin. Mack Sennett comedy two-reeler. Distributed by Paramount. Released 17 Aug 1919.
Sources: Slapstick! magazine, Number 10, July 2004, p. 37; Sherk, Warren M., The Films of Mack Sennett: Credit Documentation from the Mack Sennett Collection at the Margaret Herrick Library, Scarecrow Press, 1998, p. 44.

Uncle Tom without the Cabin

With Ben Turpin, Charles Conklin and Marie Prevost. Mack Sennett comedy two-reeler. Directed by Ray Hunt. Distributed by Paramount. Released 31 Aug 1919.
Source: Sherk, Warren M., The Films of Mack Sennett: Credit Documentation from the Mack Sennett Collection at the Margaret Herrick Library, Scarecrow Press, 1998, p. 212.

Up in Alf’s Place

With Charlie Murray and Charlotte Mineau. Mack Sennett comedy two-reeler. Directed by Richard Jones. Distributed by Paramount. Released 12 Oct 1919.
Source: Sherk, Warren M., The Films of Mack Sennett: Credit Documentation from the Mack Sennett Collection at the Margaret Herrick Library, Scarecrow Press, 1998, p. 213.

The Speak-Easy

With Charlie Murray and Marie Prevost. Mack Sennett comedy two-reeler. Directed by Richard Jones. Distributed by Paramount. Released 21 Dec 1919.
Source: Sherk, Warren M., The Films of Mack Sennett: Credit Documentation from the Mack Sennett Collection at the Margaret Herrick Library, Scarecrow Press, 1998, p. 193.

1920

Down on the Farm

With Ben Turpin, Louise Fazenda and Marie Prevost. Mack Sennett comedy. Distributed by United Artists. Released 25 Apr 1920.

James Finlayson, whose performance of the part of the real estate dealer with a Turk’s tendencies, is a creation in pure comedy.

Sources: ‘THRONGS CROWD THEATER FOR BIG BILL’, Santa Ana Register, 29 Dec 1919, p. 5; Motion Picture News, 27 Mar 1920, p. 2924; Motion Picture News, 3 Apr 1920, p. 3009; Sherk, Warren M., The Films of Mack Sennett: Credit Documentation from the Mack Sennett Collection at the Margaret Herrick Library, Scarecrow Press, 1998, p. 51.

By Golly!

With Charles Murray and Fanny Kelly. Mack Sennett comedy two-reeler. Directed by Charles Murray. Distributed by Paramount. Released 6 Jun 1920.
Source: Sherk, Warren M., The Films of Mack Sennett: Credit Documentation from the Mack Sennett Collection at the Margaret Herrick Library, Scarecrow Press, 1998, p. 25.

Married Life

With Ben Turpin and Phyllis Haver. Mack Sennett comedy five-reeler. Distributed by Associated First National. Released 14 or 15 Jun 1920.
Sources: ‘For Art’s Sake – BEN TURPIN’, Ben Turpin Filmography – Sennett 1917-1927; Sherk, Warren M., The Films of Mack Sennett: Credit Documentation from the Mack Sennett Collection at the Margaret Herrick Library, Scarecrow Press, 1998, p. 137.

You Wouldn’t Believe It!

With Marie Prevost. Mack Sennett comedy two-reeler. Directed by Erle Kenton. Distributed by Paramount. Released 27 Jun 1920.
Sources: Sherk, Warren M., The Films of Mack Sennett: Credit Documentation from the Mack Sennett Collection at the Margaret Herrick Library, Scarecrow Press, 1998, p. 225; Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, 27 Jun 1920, p. 37.

Great Scott!

With Charles Murray, Ford Sterling, Eva Thatcher and Fanny Kelly. Mack Sennett comedy two-reeler. Directed by Charles Murray. Distributed by Paramount. Released 15 Aug 1920.
Source: Sherk, Warren M., The Films of Mack Sennett: Credit Documentation from the Mack Sennett Collection at the Margaret Herrick Library, Scarecrow Press, 1998, p. 76.

Don’t Weaken

With Charles Murray, Ford Sterling, ‘Baldy’ Belmont and Harriet Hammond. Mack Sennett comedy two-reeler. Directed by Mal St. Claire. Distributed by Paramount. Released 5 Sep 1920.
Source: Motion Picture News, 4 Sep 1920, p. 1941.

Love, Honor, and Behave

With Charles Murray, Ford Sterling, Phyllis Haver and Marie Prevost. Mack Sennett comedy five-reeler. Directed by Richard Jones and Erle Kenton. Distributed by Associated First National. Released 20 Nov 1920.
Source: Sherk, Warren M., The Films of Mack Sennett: Credit Documentation from the Mack Sennett Collection at the Margaret Herrick Library, Scarecrow Press, 1998, p. 129.

1921

A Small Town Idol

With Ben Turpin, Louise Fazenda, Marie Prevost and Charlie Murray. Mack Sennett comedy six-reeler. Released 20 Feb 1921. The film took over a year to make and cost $350,000.
Sources: ‘For Art’s Sake – BEN TURPIN’, Ben Turpin Filmography – Sennett 1917-1927; A SMALL TOWN IDOL, American Film Institute Catalog; Sherk, Warren M., The Films of Mack Sennett: Credit Documentation from the Mack Sennett Collection at the Margaret Herrick Library, Scarecrow Press, 1998, pp. 180-181.

The Unhappy Finish

With Charles Murray, Eddie Fitzgerald and Dot Farley. Mack Sennett comedy two-reeler. Directed by James Davis. Distributed by Paramount. Released 20 Feb 1921.
Source: Sherk, Warren M., The Films of Mack Sennett: Credit Documentation from the Mack Sennett Collection at the Margaret Herrick Library, Scarecrow Press, 1998, p. 213.

She Sighed by the Seaside

With Ben Turpin and Marie Prevost. Mack Sennett comedy two-reeler. Directed by Erle Kenton. Distributed by Associated First National. Released 8 May 1921.
Source: Sherk, Warren M., The Films of Mack Sennett: Credit Documentation from the Mack Sennett Collection at the Margaret Herrick Library, Scarecrow Press, 1998, pp. 175-176.

Home Talent

With Ben Turpin, Phyllis Haver and Charlie Murray. Four reeler directed by Mack Sennett. Distributed by Associated Producers. Released 22 May 1921.
Sources: ‘For Art’s Sake – BEN TURPIN’, Ben Turpin Filmography – Sennett 1917-1927; Sherk, Warren M., The Films of Mack Sennett: Credit Documentation from the Mack Sennett Collection at the Margaret Herrick Library, Scarecrow Press, 1998, p. 105.

Love’s Outcast

With Ben Turpin, Billy Bevan and Phyllis Haver. Mack Sennett comedy two-reeler. Directed by J.A. Waldron. Distributed by Associated First National. Released 17 Jul 1921.
Source: Sherk, Warren M., The Films of Mack Sennett: Credit Documentation from the Mack Sennett Collection at the Margaret Herrick Library, Scarecrow Press, 1998, p. 132.

Hard Knocks and Love Taps

With Charles Murray and Charlotte Mineau. Mack Sennett comedy two-reeler. Directed by Roy Del Ruth. Distributed by Associated First National. Released 24 Jul 1921.
Source: Sherk, Warren M., The Films of Mack Sennett: Credit Documentation from the Mack Sennett Collection at the Margaret Herrick Library, Scarecrow Press, 1998, p. 79.

1922

• The Crossroads of New York
  With George O’Hara, Noah Beery and Ethel Grey Terry. Mack Sennett comedy six-reeler. Directed by F. Richard Jones. Distributed by Associated First National. Released 21 May 1922.
  Source: Sherk, Warren M., The Films of Mack Sennett: Credit Documentation from the Mack Sennett Collection at the Margaret Herrick Library, Scarecrow Press, 1998, p. 39.
• Ma and Pa
  With Billy Bevan, Mildred June, Kewpie Morgan and Dot Farley. Mack Sennett comedy two-reeler. Directed by Roy Del Ruth. Distributed by Associated First National. Released 17 Jun 1922.
  Sources: Sherk, Warren M., The Films of Mack Sennett: Credit Documentation from the Mack Sennett Collection at the Margaret Herrick Library, Scarecrow Press, 1998, p. 134; ‘Some Short Reels’, The Film Daily, 3 Sep 1922.
• Homemade Movies
  With Ben Turpin and Phyllis Haver. Mack Sennett comedy two-reeler. Directed by Ray Grey and Gus Meins. Distributed by Associated First National. Released 15 Jul 1922.
  Sources: Sherk, Warren M., The Films of Mack Sennett: Credit Documentation from the Mack Sennett Collection at the Margaret Herrick Library, Scarecrow Press, 1998, pp. 105-106; ‘For Art’s Sake – BEN TURPIN’, Ben Turpin Filmography – Sennett 1917-1927; ‘Mack Sennett Latest Is “Homemade Movies’, Motion Picture News, 29 Jul 1922.
• Hook, Line and Sinker
  With Snub Pollard and Marie Mosquini. Hal Roach comedy two-reeler. Directed by Charles Parrott. Distributed by Pathé. Released 12 Nov 1922.
  Source: ‘Big Films Scheduled For November Issue‘, Exhibitors Herald, 18 Nov 1922, p. 65.

1923

• A Tough Winter
  With Snub Pollard and Marie Mosquini.
• Before The Public
  Starring Snub Pollard. James appears in a minor role as both projectionist and sound effects operator. Hal Roach comedy two-reeler. Directed by Charles Parrott. Distributed by Pathé. Released 4 Mar 1923.
  Sources: Exhibitors Trade Review, vol. 13, no. 14, 3 Mar 1923; ‘Hal Roach Comedies’, Motion Picture News Booking Guide, Oct 1923, p. 67.
• The Noon Whistle
  With Stan Laurel. One-reeler, the first Hal Roach film to feature Stan Laurel as a star. Directed by George Jeske. Distributed by Pathé. Released 29 Apr 1923.
• White Wings
  Cameo role where James has his tooth pulled out by Stan Laurel. Hal Roach one-reeler. Directed by George Jeske. Distributed by Pathé. Released 13 May 1923.
• Sold at Auction!
  With Snub Pollard.
• Pick and Shovel
  With Stan Laurel. Hal Roach one-reeler. Directed by George Jeske. Distributed by Pathé. Released 17 Jun 1923.
• The Courtship Of Miles Sandwich
  With Snub Pollard and Marie Mosquini. Hal Roach comedy two-reeler. Directed by Charles Parrott. Distributed by Pathé. Released 23 Jun 1923. A parody of THE COURTSHIP OF MILES STANDISH (1923).
  Sources: ‘Short Subjects’, The Film Daily, 24 Jun 1923, p. 11; ‘Hal Roach Comedies’, Motion Picture News Booking Guide, Oct 1923, p. 67.
• Where’s My Wandering Boy this Evening?
  

With Ben Turpin and Dot Farley. Sennett-Pathé comedy two-reeler. Directed by John A. Waldron. Released 8 Jul 1923.
Sources: Shelbyville Republican, 14 July 1923; ‘For Art’s Sake – BEN TURPIN’, Ben Turpin Filmography – Sennett 1917-1927; Sherk, Warren M., The Films of Mack Sennett: Credit Documentation from the Mack Sennett Collection at the Margaret Herrick Library, Scarecrow Press, 1998, p. 219.

Hollywood
Cameo role. James was listed by Motion Picture News as one of the “fifty film celebrities in the cast”. Eight-reeler comedy-drama produced by Famous Players-Lasky Corp. Directed by James Cruze. Distributed by Paramount. Released 11 Aug 1923.
Sources: Motion Picture News, 2 Jun 1923; HOLLYWOOD, American Film Institute Catalog.

Pitfalls of a Big City
With Ben Turpin and Dot Farley. Mack Sennett comedy two-reeler. Directed by John A. Waldron. Distributed by Pathé. Released 2 Sep 1923.
Sources: ‘TURPIN PICTURE FINALLY FINISHED’, Davenport Democrat and Leader, 3 June 1923; ‘For Art’s Sake – BEN TURPIN’, Ben Turpin Filmography – Sennett 1917-1927; Sherk, Warren M., The Films of Mack Sennett: Credit Documentation from the Mack Sennett Collection at the Margaret Herrick Library, Scarecrow Press, 1998, p. 158.

• A Man About Town
  With Stan Laurel. Directed by George Jeske. Released 16 Sep 1923.
• Roughest Africa
  With Stan Laurel.
• Frozen Hearts
  With Stan and Mae Laurel.
• The Whole Truth
  With Stan Laurel. Directed by Ralph Ceder. Released 4 Nov 1923.

• The Soilers
  With Stan Laurel.
• Scorching Sands
  With Stan Laurel and Katherine Grant. Released 9 Dec 1923.
• Fully Insured
  With Snub Pollard, Blanche Mehaffey and George Rowe. Hal Roach comedy one-reeler. Released Dec 1923.
  Source: Motion Picture News, 15 Dec 1923.

• Mother’s Joy
  With Stan Laurel. Directed by Ralph Ceder. Released 23 Dec 1923.

1924

Mr Roach, in the short-subject comedy department, has just launched a new producing unit in which James Finlayson, who has been appearing in important roles in the Stan Laurel comedies, will be prominently cast.

Source: ‘Hal Roach Engaged on Big Production List for Pathe’, Moving Picture World, 8 Mar 1924, p. 111.

• Smithy
  With Stan Laurel. Hal Roach comedy two-reeler. Distributed by Pathé. Released Jan 1924.
  

Postage Due
With Stan Laurel. Directed by George Jeske. Distributed by Pathé. Released 17 Feb 1924.

Zeb vs. Paprika
With Stan Laurel. Directed by Ralph Ceder. Distributed by Pathé. Released 16 Mar 1924.
The film is a parody of the classic horse racing event on 20 October 1923, between American Kentucky Derby winner Zev and British Derby winner Papyrus, which attracted a crowd estimated at close to 50,000 people.
Sources: “Zeb vs. Paprika” Heads Pathe March 16 Bill, Motion Picture News, 15 March 1924; Motion Picture News Vol. XXX No. 17 Booking Guide Section, 25 Oct 1924, p. 69.

Brothers Under the Chin
With Stan Laurel. Directed by Ralph Ceder. Distributed by Pathé. Released 13 Apr 1924.
Sources: The Film Daily, 6 Apr 1924, p. 16; Motion Picture News Vol. XXX No. 17 Booking Guide Section, 25 Oct 1924, p. 69.

Near Dublin
With Stan Laurel. Directed by Ralph Ceder. Distributed by Pathé. Released 11 May 1924.
Source: Motion Picture News Vol. XXX No. 17 Booking Guide Section, 25 Oct 1924, p. 69.

Rupert of Hee-Haw
With Stan Laurel. The film was a lampoon of Rupert of Hentzau, the sequel to The Prisoner of Zenda. Directed by Percy Pembroke. Distributed by Pathé. Released 8 Jun 1924.
Sources: ‘Rupert of Hee-Haw‘, Moving Picture World, 7 Jun 1924, p. 578; Motion Picture News Vol. XXX No. 17 Booking Guide Section, 25 Oct 1924, p. 69.

Wide Open Spaces
With Stan Laurel. A parody of the 1923 William S. Hart film Wild Bill Hickok (it’s original title was Wild Bill Hiccough). Directed by George Jeske. Distributed by Pathé. Released 6 Jul 1924.
Sources: ‘Laurel Kids Bill Hart’, Camera!, 15 Dec 1923, p. 10; Motion Picture News Vol. XXX No. 17 Booking Guide Section, 25 Oct 1924, p. 69.

Short Kilts
With Stan Laurel.

• The Sky Plumber
  With Arthur Stone. A Hal Roach comedy two-reeler. Directed by James Davis. Distributed by Pathé. Released 26 Oct 1924.
  Source: Moving Picture World, 25 Oct 1924, p. 673.
• Hot Heels
  

Starring role. Roach-Pathé comedy two-reeler. Directed by George Jeske.
Source: The Film Daily, 2 Nov 1924.

Are Blond Men Bashful?
With Arthur Stone. The third release of the first series of ‘True Detective Stories’. A Hal Roach comedy. Co-directed by James Davis and Nick Barrows. Distributed by Pathé. Released 23 Nov 1924.
Source: ‘Strong Numbers Mark Pathe’s List for Week of Nov. 23rd’, Moving Picture World, 22 Nov 1924, p. 341.

1925

• Tell It to a Policeman
  With Glen Tryon and Blanche Mehaffey. Roach-Pathé comedy two-reeler directed by Fred Guiol. Released 24 May 1925.
  Source: Motion Picture News, 23 May 1925, p. 2554.
• Sure-Mike!
  With Martha Sleeper. Also featured fellow Scot William Gillespie. Pathé comedy one-reeler. Directed by Fred Guiol.
  Source: Motion Picture News, 23 May 1925, p. 2554.
• In the Grease
  Starring role (billed as Jimmy Finlayson). Pathé comedy one-reeler.
  Source: The Film Daily, 21 Jun 1925.
• Thundering Landlords
  With Glen Tryon and Fay Wray. Roach-Pathé comedy two-reeler.
  Source: The Film Daily, 14 Jun 1925.
• Chasing the Chaser
  Starring role (billed as Jimmie Finlayson). Directed by Stan Laurel. Pathé comedy one-reeler. Released 5 July 1925.
  Sources: Motion Picture News, 4 Jul 1925, p. 98; Moving Picture World, 4 Jul 1925, p. 50; Exhibitors Herald, 1 Aug 1925, p. 84; Massa, Steve and Model, Ben, “Drag Shows”, Cruel and Unusual Comedy: Social Commentary in the American Slapstick Film, 1 May 2009.
• Yes, Yes, Nanette
  Starring role (billed as Jimmie Finlayson). Also featuring Oliver Hardy. Directed by Stan Laurel and Clarence Hennecke. Comedy one-reeler distributed by Pathé. Released 19 July 1925.
  Sources: Motion Picture News, 18 Jul 1925, p. 320; Motion Picture News, 22 Aug 1925, p. 976.
• Madame Sans Jane
  With Glen Tryon and Fay Wray. Roach-Pathé comedy two-reeler.
  Sources: Exhibitors Trade Review, 12 Sep 1925, p. 40; Exhibitors Trade Review, 12 Sep 1925, p. 42.
• Unfriendly Enemies
  Starring role. Comedy one-reeler distributed by Pathé.
  Sources: Exhibitors Trade Review, 12 Sep 1925, p. 42; Motion Picture News, 2 Jan 1926.
• Innocent Husbands
  With Charley Chase and Katherine Grant. Also featured fellow Scot William Gillespie. Hal Roach comedy two-reeler. Distributed by Pathé.
  Source: Moving Picture World, 1 Aug 1925, p. 575.
• The Caretaker’s Daughter
  With Charley Chase. Comedy two-reeler distributed by Pathé.
  Source: Exhibitors Trade Review, 10 Oct 1925, p. 40.
• Cuckoo Love
  With Glen Tryon. Hal Roach comedy two-reeler distributed by Pathé. Directed by Fred Guiol.
  Sources: Motion Picture News, 17 Oct 1925; Moving Picture World, 17 Oct 1925.
• Flaming Flappers
  With Glen Tryon. Hal Roach comedy two-reeler distributed by Pathé.
  Sources: Exhibitors Trade Review, 19 Dec 1925, p. 27; Exhibitors Trade Review, 2 Jan 1926, p. 13.

1926

• A Punch in the Nose
  Hal Roach comedy two-reeler distributed by Pathé. Released 3 Jan 1926.
  Source: Motion Picture News, 2 Jan 1926, p. 52.
• What’s the World Coming To?
  Supporting role. With Clyde Cook and Katherine Grant. Hal Roach comedy two-reeler distributed by Pathé. Directed by Richard Wallace. Released 17 Jan 1926.
  Source: Motion Picture News, 2 Jan 1926, p. 480.
• Your Husband’s Past
  With Vivian Oakland and Tyler Brooke. Hal Roach comedy two-reeler distributed by Pathé.
  Sources: Motion Picture News, 13 Feb 1926, p. 802; Exhibitors Trade Review, 30 Jan 1926, p.30.
• Dizzy Daddies
  With Tyler Brooke and Gertrude Astor. Comedy two-reeler directed by Richard Wallace and distributed by Pathé. Released 20 Mar 1926.
• Wife Tamers
  With Lionel Barrymore, Clyde Cook, Gertrude Astor and Vivian Oakland.  Released 28 Mar 1926.  Hal Roach comedy two-reeler distributed by Pathé.  Directed by James W. Horne.
  Source: Motion Picture News, 27 Mar 1926. 
• Madame Mystery
  Joint starring role with Theda Bara. Also featuring Tyler Brooke and Oliver Hardy. Comedy two-reeler distributed by Pathé. Released 17 Apr 1926.
• Don Key
  With Stuart Holmes and Vivien Oakland. Hal Roach comedy two-reeler distributed by Pathé. Directed by Grover Jones and Hal Yates.
  Source: Moving Picture World, 22 May 1926.

• Never Too Old
  With Claude Gillingwater and Vivien Oakland. Hal Roach comedy two-reeler distributed by Pathé.
  Source: Moving Picture World, 26 Jun 1926.
• The Merry Widower
  With Ethel Clayton and Tyler Brooke. Hal Roach comedy two-reeler distributed by Pathé. Directed by Richard Wallace and Stan Laurel.
  Sources: Motion Picture News, 31 Jul 1926; Moving Picture World, 31 Jul 1926; The Film Daily, 22 Aug 1926, p. 11.

• Raggedy Rose
  With Mabel Normand, Max Davidson and Anita Garvin.
• Should Husbands Pay?
  

Starring role (billed as Jimmy Finlayson). Directed by Stan Laurel. Hal Roach Studios. Comedy two-reeler distributed by Pathé. Released 5 Sep 1926.
Sources: Motion Picture News, Vol. XXXIV No. 10, 4 Sep 1926, p. 830c; Motion Picture News, Vol. XXXIV No. 11, 11 Sep 1926, p. 1006.

Wise Guys Prefer Brunettes
Jimmy Finlayson as the Dean. With Helene Chadwick and Ted Healy. Hal Roach comedy two-reeler distributed by Pathé. Directed by Stan Laurel.
Sources: Motion Picture News, 2 Oct 1926; Motion Picture News, 16 Oct 1926, p. 1493.

1927

• Anything Once!
  With Mabel Normand and Max Davidson.
• Love ‘Em and Weep
  With Mae Busch and Stan Laurel (and Oliver Hardy in a minor role). Hal Roach comedy two-reeler. Directed by Fred Guiol. Later remade as CHICKENS COME HOME (1931).
  Source: Neibaur, James L., Movie Comedians – The Complete Guide, McFarland, 1986.
• With Love and Hisses
  With Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Hal Roach comedy two-reeler. Directed by Fred Guiol.
  Source: Neibaur, James L., Movie Comedians – The Complete Guide, McFarland, 1986.
• Sugar Daddies
  With Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Hal Roach comedy two-reeler. Directed by Fred Guiol. Released 10 Sep 1927.
  Source: Neibaur, James L., Movie Comedians – The Complete Guide, McFarland, 1986.
• Flying Elephants
  With Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Hal Roach comedy two-reeler. Directed by Fred Butler.
  Source: Neibaur, James L., Movie Comedians – The Complete Guide, McFarland, 1986.
• Fighting Fathers
  With Max Davidson and Martha Sleeper.  Released 10 Dec 1927.  Hal Roach comedy two-reeler distributed by MGM.  Directed by Fred Guiol.

1928

• Should Tall Men Marry?
  With Stan Laurel and Martha Sleeper. Directed by Clyde Bruckman. Produced by Hal Roach.
• Ladies’ Night in a Turkish Bath
  With Dorothy Mackaill and Jack Mulhall. First National comedy drama. Released 1 Apr 1928.
  Source: Motion Picture News, 14 Apr 1928, p. 1213.
• Old Wives Who Knew
  With Hallam Cooley and Anita Garvin. Fox comedy two-reeler. Directed by Billy West. Distributed by Imperial. Released 8 Apr 1928.
  Sources: FOX CASTS THREE, The Film Daily, 12 Dec 1927, p. 7; FOUR FEATURES FINISHED BY FOX FILMS, Motion Picture News, 7 Jan 1928, p. 63; Motion Picture News, 26 May 1928, p. 1787; The Film Daily, 8 Apr 1928, p. 10; Motion Picture News, 10 Nov 1928, p. 1482.
• Lady Be Good
  With Dorothy Mackaill and Jack Mulhall. First National comedy drama six-reeler. Released May 1928.
  Source: Motion Picture News, 2 June 1928, p. 1906.
• Show Girl
  Supporting role in First National Pathe comedy drama starring Alice White. Directed by Alfred Santell. Released 23 Sep 1928 (USA), 7 Oct 1929 (UK).
  Sources: Motion Picture News, 11 May 1929; The Bioscope, 9 Jan 1929, pp. 57-58.
• Bachelor’s Paradise
  Tiffany-Stahl Productions.
  Source: Motion Picture News, 23 June 1928.

1929

• Liberty
  With Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Produced by Hal Roach. Directed by Leo McCarey, Lloyd French and James Horne. Distributed by MGM. Filmed between 1 Oct and 19 Nov 1928. Released 26 Jan 1929.
  Source: Skretvedt, Randy, Laurel and Hardy: The Magic Behind the Movies, p. 136.
• Big Business
  With Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Produced by Hal Roach. Directed by James W. Horne. Distributed by MGM. Filmed 19-26 Dec 1928. Released 20 Apr 1929.
  Source: Skretvedt, Randy, Laurel and Hardy: The Magic Behind the Movies, p. 144.
• Puckered Success
  Guest star role, with Donald Haines as Smitty. Pathe comedy two-reeler.
  Sources: Motion Picture News, 1 Jun 1929, p. 1892; ‘Three Guest Stars in Comedy’, The Film Daily, 13 Jun 1929, p. 6.

Talkies

1929

• Two Weeks Off
  Jimmie Finlayson as Pa Weaver. Starring Dorothy Mackaill and Jack Mulhall. First National romantic comedy. Directed by William Beaudine. Released 12 May 1929.
  Sources: Motion Picture News, 29 June 1929, p. 2341; AMUSEMENTS, Bay of Plenty Times, 20 February 1930; TWO WEEKS OFF (1929), AFI Catalog of Feature Films.
• Men O’War
  With Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Produced by Hal Roach. Directed by Lewis R. Foster. Distributed by MGM. Filmed circa 11-18 May 1929. Released 29 Jun 1929.
  Source: Skretvedt, Randy, Laurel and Hardy: The Magic Behind the Movies, p. 166.
• Hard to Get
  With Dorothy Mackaill and Louise Fazenda. Produced and Distributed by First National Pictures. Directed by William Beaudine. Released 8 Sep 1929.
  Sources: Motion Picture News, 5 Oct 1929; Harrison’s Reports, 5 Oct 1929, p. 159.
• The House-gow
  With Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Produced by Hal Roach. Directed by James Parrott. Distributed by MGM. Filmed between 30 Aug and 14 Sep 1929. Released 16 Nov 1929.
  Source: Skretvedt, Randy, Laurel and Hardy: The Magic Behind the Movies, p. 177.
• Wall Street
  Supporting role. Produced and Distributed by Columbia Pictures. Directed by Roy William Neill. Released 1 Dec 1929.
  Sources: The Film Daily, 6 Nov 1929, p. 9; Harrison’s Reports, 30 Nov 1929, p. 191; Motion Picture News, 30 Nov 1929, p. 75; WALL STREET, American Film Institute Catalog.

1930

• Night Owls
  With Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Produced by Hal Roach. Directed by James Parrott. Distributed by MGM. Filmed between mid Oct and early Nov 1929. Released 4 Jan 1930.
  Source: Skretvedt, Randy, Laurel and Hardy: The Magic Behind the Movies, p. 183.
• The Dawn Patrol
• For The Defense
  Supporting role. Pre-Code crime drama starring William Powell. Directed by John Cromwell. Released 26 July 1930.
  Sources: OCTAGON’S NEXT CHANGE, Evening Star, 14 July 1931; FOR THE DEFENSE (1930), AFI Catalog of Feature Films.
• Dollar Dizzy
  With Charley Chase, Thelma Todd and Edgar Kennedy. Hal Roach comedy three-reeler. Directed by James Horne.
  Source: Neibaur, James L., Movie Comedians – The Complete Guide, McFarland, 1986.
• Another Fine Mess
  With Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Produced by Hal Roach. Directed by James Parrott. Distributed by MGM. Filmed between late Sep and early Oct 1930. Released 29 Nov 1930.
  Source: Skretvedt, Randy, Laurel and Hardy: The Magic Behind the Movies, p. 206.

1931

• Chickens Come Home
  With Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Comedy three-reeler produced by Hal Roach. Directed by James W. Horne. Distributed by MGM. Filmed early-mid Jan 1931. Released 21 Feb 1931.
  Source: Skretvedt, Randy, Laurel and Hardy: The Magic Behind the Movies, p. 210.
• Second Hand Kisses
  With Louise Fazenda. Directed by Lewis R. Foster. Produced by Lawrence J. Darmour.
• Our Wife
  With Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Comedy two-reeler produced by Hal Roach. Directed by James W. Horne. Distributed by MGM. Filmed early-mid Mar 1931. Released 16 May 1931.
  Source: Skretvedt, Randy, Laurel and Hardy: The Magic Behind the Movies, p. 215.
• One of the Smiths
  With Charley Chase. Hal Roach comedy two-reeler. Directed by James Parrott. Distributed by MGM. Released 23 May 1931.
  Source: Neibaur, James L., Movie Comedians – The Complete Guide, McFarland, 1986.
• Stout Hearts and Willing Hands
  Appeared as a Keystone Cop along with Chester Conklin, Mack Swain, Clyde Cook, Ford Sterling, Bobby Vernon and Hank Mann.
  Sources: ‘The Keystone Cops Return’, American Cinematographer, May 1931, pp. 16-17; New Movie Magazine, Aug 1931, p. 70.
• Pardon Us
  With Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Produced by Hal Roach. Directed by James Parrott. Distributed by MGM. Filmed between 24 Jun and 1 Dec 1930. Released 15 Aug 1931.
  Source: Skretvedt, Randy, Laurel and Hardy: The Magic Behind the Movies, p. 200.
• A Mellon-Drama
  With Clark and McCullough. RKO comedy. Distributed by Pathé.
  Source: Motion Picture Herald, 5 Sep 1931, p. 45.
• A Clean-up on the Curb
  With Rosco Ates. Radio Pictures comedy two-reeler. Directed by Lloyd French. Released 12 Sep 1931.
  Source: Motion Picture Herald, 16 May 1931, p. 68.
• Beach Pajamas
  Part of the Travelling Man series featuring Louis John Bartels. With Vernon Dent. RKO comedy two-reeler. Directed by Roscoe (Fatty) Arbuckle. Distributed by Pathé. Released 21 Sep 1931.
  Sources: LA Evening Express, 26 May 1931, p. 13; LA Times, 26 Jul 1931, p. 95.
• One Good Turn
  With Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Comedy two-reeler produced by Hal Roach. Directed by James W. Horne. Distributed by MGM. Filmed mid-late Jun 1931. Released 31 Oct 1931.
  Source: Skretvedt, Randy, Laurel and Hardy: The Magic Behind the Movies, p. 219.
• Hasty Marriage
  With Charley Chase. Hal Roach comedy two-reeler. Directed by Gil Pratt. Distributed by MGM. Released 19 Dec 1931.
  Sources: Neibaur, James L., Movie Comedians – The Complete Guide, McFarland, 1986; The Film Daily, 7 Oct 1931, p. 8.

1932

• Thunder Below
  Played the part of Scotty in this Tallulah Bankhead melodrama. Directed by Richard Wallace. Produced and distributed by Paramount Pictures. Released 17 Jun 1932.
  Sources: Photoplay, vol. XLII, no. 2, Jul 1932, p. 127; AFI Catalog.
• Pack Up Your Troubles
  Played the part of The General. With Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Hal Roach comedy. Directed by George Marshall and Ray McCarey. Distributed by MGM. Released 17 Sep 1932.
  Sources: Photoplay, vol. XLII, no. 4, Sep 1932, p. 122; AFI Catalog.

1933

• Thru Thin and Thicket, or Who’s Zoo in Africa
  Played the part of Professor Backwash. With Eddie Borden, Gracye Hampton and Dorothy Granger. Masquers’ Comedy No. 3, 18 mins short. Produced by Louis Brock. Directed by Mark Sandrich. Distributed by RKO. Released 20 Jan 1933.
  Sources: The Film Daily, 12 Nov 1932, p. 4; Hollywood Filmograph, 24 Dec 1932, p. 10; Variety, 31 Jan 1933, p. 12; The Film Daily, 1 Feb 1933, p. 6; Harrison’s Reports, 20 May 1933, Vol. XV, No. 20.
• Fra Diavolo
  With Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Hal Roach comedy.
  Source: The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Feb 1933.
• His Silent Racket
  With Charley Chase and Muriel Evans. Hal Roach comedy two-reeler. Directed by Charley Chase.
  Sources: The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Feb 1933; Neibaur, James L., Movie Comedians – The Complete Guide, McFarland, 1986.
• Hocus Focus
  With Clark & McCullough. RKO-Radio comedy two-reeler. Released 3 Mar 1933.
  Source: The Film Daily, 10 Apr 1933, p. 4.
• So This Is Harris
  Cameo role as a golf pro. Three reel RKO Radio musical comedy starring Phil Harris. Produced by Lou Brock. Directed by Mark Sandrich. Released 28 March 1933. The film won Best Short Subject Comedy at 6th Annual Academy Awards.
  Source: Motion Picture Herald, vol. III, no. 8, 20 May 1933, p. 42.
• Strictly in Confidence (aka Confidential Ladies)
  Played the role of Mac. Directed by Clyde Cook. A Warner Brothers First National production. Released 1933.
  Source: British Film Institute.

1934

• Oh, No, Doctor
  Played the role of a manservant called Axminster [a type of carpet] alongside Jack Hobbs. Directed by George King. A George King Productions production. Released 6 Feb 1934.
  Source: British Film Institute.
• Trouble in Store
  With Jack Hobbs. British comedy.
  Sources: Portsmouth Evening News, 2 June 1934, p.3; Bucks Herald, 6 Jul 1934, p. 9; Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough, 22 Sep 1934, p. 3; British Film Institute.
• Big Business
  Played the role of a police constable. Directed by Cyril Gardner. A Warner Brothers First National production. Released 4 Mar 1934.
  Source: British Film Institute.
• Dick Turpin Highwayman
  Played the role of Jeremy with Victor McLaglen as Dick Turpin. Directed by W. Victor Hanbury and John Stafford. A John Stafford Productions Ltd production. Released 21 May 1934.
  Source: British Film Institute.
• Nine Forty-Five (aka 9.45)
  Played the role of police constable Doyle. Starring Binnie Barnes. Directed by George King. A Warner Brothers First National production. Released 3 Sep 1934.
  Source: British Film Institute.

1935

• Father and Son
  Played the role of Bidad. Directed by Monty Banks. A Warner Brothers First National production. Released 7 Jan 1935.
  Source: British Film Institute.
• What Happened to Harkness
  With Robert Hale. British comedy. Directed by Milton Rosmer. A Warner Brothers First National production. Released 11 Feb 1935.
  Sources: The Kinematograph YearBook, 1935, p. 81; Berks and Oxon Advertiser, 16 Aug 1935, p. 8; British Film Institute.
• Dandy Dick
  British International Pictures comedy starring Will Hay. Directed by William Beaudine. Released 22 Jul 1935. James Finlayson’s scenes from the initial trade showing on 11 Feb 1935 appear to have been cut from the final release.
  Source: ‘FIVE FROM B.I.P.’, The Era, 6 Feb 1935, p. 20.
• Who’s Your Father
  With Lupino Lane and Nita Harvey. Directed by Lupino Lane as ‘Henry William George’ [his actual Christian names]. A Lupino Lane Productions / St. George’s Productions production. Released 22 Jul 1935.
  Source: British Film Institute.
• Handle With Care (aka Look Out, Mr. Haggis)
  Played the role of Jimmy. With Jack Hobbs and Molly Lamont. Directed by Redd Davis. An Embassy Film Company production. Released 2 Sep 1935.
  Source: British Film Institute.
• Thicker Than Water
  With Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy and Daphne Pollard. Hal Roach comedy two-reeler. Directed by James Horne. Distributed by M-G-M. Released 29 Jul 1935.
  Sources: The Film Daily, 29 Jul 1935, p. 11; Motion Picture Daily, 29 Jul 1935, p. 8.
• Bonnie Scotland
  With Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Hal Roach feature-length comedy drama. Directed by James Horne. Distributed by M-G-M. Filming commenced May 1935. Released 23 Aug 1935.
  Sources: The Film Daily, 29 Apr 1935, p. 7; Harrison’s Reports, 31 Aug 1935, vol. XVII, No. 35.
• Manhattan Monkey Business
  With Charley Chase and Joyce Compton. Hal Roach comedy two-reeler. Directed by Charley Chase and Harold Law.
  Source: Neibaur, James L., Movie Comedians – The Complete Guide, McFarland, 1986.

1936

• Life Hesitates at 40
  With Charley Chase and Joyce Compton. Hal Roach comedy two-reeler. Directed by Charley Chase and Harold Law.
  Source: Neibaur, James L., Movie Comedians – The Complete Guide, McFarland, 1986.

1937

• All Over Town
  Played the part of MacDougal in this Olsen and Johnson comedy. Directed by James Horne. Distributed by Republic. Released 8 Sep 1937.
  Sources: The Film Daily, 26 Aug 1937, p. 11; Motion Picture Herald, vol. 128, no. 9, 28 Aug 1937; Hollywood, vol. 26, no. 10, Nov 1937, p.56.
• This Way Please
  

Played the role of a policeman. Starring Charles Rogers and Betty Grable and featuring Fibber McGee and Molly. Directed by Robert Florey. Distributed by Paramount. Released 7 Oct 1937.

1938

Carefree

Uncredited part as man on golf course. Starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgers. RKO Radio Pictures musical comedy. Directed by Mark Sandrich. Distributed by RKO Radio Pictures. Released 2 Sep 1938.
Sources: British Film Institute, ‘Carefree’, BFI identifier 25654; CAREFREE (1938), American Film Institute Catalog.

1939

• Dog-Gone
  Starring role, with Muriel Evans. Radio Flash comedy. Running time 16 mins. Distributed by RKO.
  Sources: Boxoffice, 20 May 1939, p. 89; Motion Picture Herald, 6 May 1939, p. 39.
• Hollywood Cavalcade
  Played a Keystone Cop alongside Hank Mann and Heinie Conklin. The film also features Buster Keaton, Ben Turpin and Mack Sennett. Running time 96 mins. Directed by Irving Cummings. Produced and distributed by Twentieth Century-Fox. Released 13 Oct 1939.
  Sources: The Movies … and the People Who Make Them, vol. I, no. 52, p. 132; Motion Picture Herald, vol. 137, no. 1, 7 Oct 1939, p. 35; AFI Catalog.
• The Flying Deuces
  

  Previewed at the Pantages Theatre, Hollywood, to an audience that howled.

  Played the part of the jailer. Borris Morris produced Laurel and Hardy comedy. Directed by A. Edward Sutherland. Distributed by RKO. Released 3 Nov 1939.
  Sources: Motion Picture Herald, 14 Oct 1939, pp. 38 and 42.

• The Great Victor Herbert
  Cameo role as a lamplighter. Musical with Allan Jones, Mary Martin and Walter Connolly. Directed by Andrew L. Stone. Distributed by Paramount.
  Sources: Hollywood Spectator, 9 Dec 1939, p. 6; The Box Office Digest, vol. 10, no. 13, 30 Nov 1939, p. 8.

1943

• Yanks Ahoy
  With William Tracy and Joe Sawyer. Hal Roach Streamliner comedy. Produced by Fred Guiol. Directed by Kurt Neumann. Running time 55 mins. Distributed by United Artists.
  Source: The Film Daily, 29 Jun 1943, p. 7.
  
• Happy Times and Jolly Moments
  Warner Bros. compilation of “olde time slapstick clips”. Running time 20 mins.
  Source: Showmen’s Trade Review, 31 Jul 1943, p. 37.

1947

• The Perils of Pauline
  Paramount musical comedy starring Betty Hutton. Cameo role as a comic chef alongside Chester Conklin and Hank Mann. The film also features Snub Pollard, Bert Roach and Heinie Conklin. Running time 92 mins.
  Source: Showmen’s Trade Review, 31 May 1947, p. 18; Showmen’s Trade Review, 14 Jun 1947; The Film Daily, 26 May 1947, p. 8.

• Bob, Son of Battle
  20th-Fox drama. Running time 103 mins.
  Source: Showmen’s Trade Review, 7 Jun 1947, p. 20.

1948

• Julia Misbehaves
  With Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon. MGM romantic comedy. Running time 99 mins. Released 8 Aug 1948.
  Source: ‘Briefs From the Lots’, Variety, 21 Jan 1948, p. 9.

• Grand Canyon Trail
  With Roy Rogers. Republic musical western. Running time 65 mins. Released 15 Nov 1948.
  Sources: Motion Picture Herald, 27 Nov 1948; Showmen’s Trade Review, 27 Nov 1948, p. 18.

1949

• Down Memory Lane
  Features two scenes of James, with Ben Turpin and Charles Murray respectively, culled from HOME TALENT (1921). Eagle Lion comedy. Running time 72 mins.
  Source: Showmen’s Trade Review, 10 Sep 1949, p. 35.

1951

• Royal Wedding
  Played the part of a cabdriver. MGM musical comedy starring Fred Astaire and Jane Powell. Directed by Stanley Donen. Running time 93 mins. Released as ‘Wedding Bells’ in the UK.
  Sources: Film Bulletin, vol. 19, no. 5, 26 Feb 1951, p. 11; ROYAL WEDDING (1951), AFI Catalog of Feature Films.