American film director who directed 58 films between 1932 and 1951, working with Randolph Scott, Anna May Wong, John Wayne, Peter Lorre, George Raft, Bel Lugosi, Judy Garland, Eddie Cantor and Hoagy Carmichael.

He studied at the University of Pennsylvania and broke into the industry as an assistant director at the Paramount-Famous Players Studio on Long Island. He came to Hollywood in 1926 and worked as an assistant director at First National. He began directing in 1932 for Universal.

He was under contract with MGM from 1934 to 1941. In December 1940, he married Ann Morriss, an actress who was also under contract with MGM. In November 1944 he signed a contract with RKO to make two films a year for two years, starting with Johnny Angel and George Raft.