Biography

Hal Roach hired him in the early 20's as a comedian called Paul Parrott but his talent was as a film director. He was also a good writer turning out many scripts for Laurel and Hardy and directed 22 of their films, more than any other of their directors. His first film with them was the silent Their Purple Moment (1928), followed a year later with Two Tars (1928). The reason for his success was that he not only encouraged innovation but made suggestions that strengthened the films. his last silent film with them was Habeas Corpus (1928), while his first sound film the following year, Perfect Day (1929), was one of their biggest hits of the time. When Hal Roach started planning a feature film for Laurel and Hardy, James was responsible for convincing Stan that it would work and directed Pardon Us (1931), which was a big success. He continued with some of their well known shorts such as The Music Box (1932), County Hospital (1932), and Twice Two (1933). He would no doubt have continued with the Boys but his drinking and drug use got out of control and he became unreliable and eventually died at the young age of 41.
- IMDb mini biography by: tonyman5