Charley, a long-time companion and collaborator of Stan Laurel, initially shared the Music Hall stages of England and Scotland with his friend before embarking on a new adventure in America. His remarkable aptitude for crafting comedy led him to the renowned Hal Roach studio in 1928, where he would go on to make a lasting impact.
Although Charley occasionally appeared in minor roles within numerous films, his true calling lay in writing and directing. He formed a formidable partnership with Stan Laurel, directing eight of their iconic films, although it's worth noting that Stan often took the reins, allowing Charley to focus on planning and developing the storylines.
Charley's directing credits include the notable films Them Thar Hills (1934),The Live Ghost (1934),Tit for Tat (1935),and the feature-length March of the Wooden Soldiers (1934),which he co-directed with Gus Meins.