James Finlayson

James Finlayson

Deceased · Born: Aug 27, 1887 · Died: Oct 9, 1953

Personal Details

BornAug 27, 1887 Larbert, Falkirk, Scotland, UK

Biography

Jimmy Finlayson, a diminutive Scots-born comedian, was arguably the most instantly recognizable of the many clowns of silent screen slapstick. Born in Scotland, Finlayson began his working life as an apprentice in his father's iron foundry, but he soon discovered a passion for acting.

Finlayson befriended actor John Clyde, who convinced him to pursue a career in acting. He quit university and joined the Theatre Royal in Edinburgh, where he began to work in comedy with a local repertory company and in music hall.

In 1911, Finlayson crossed the Atlantic to appear on Broadway in the West End cast of "Bunty Pulls the Strings". He then embarked on a nationwide tour in vaudeville, accompanied by Alec Lauder. Ending up in California after four years on the road, Finlayson decided to settle in Hollywood.

Finlayson joined Mack Sennett in 1920 and began to appear in two-reelers, often co-starring with Ben Turpin. He also appeared in several films with Stan Laurel, including "Yes, Yes, Nanette", "Chasing the Chaser", and "Should Husbands Pay?".

Finlayson's prospects improved when he joined Hal Roach at Culver City in 1923. He started off as the antagonist in several of Stan Laurel's early solo efforts, but Roach recognized his potential and attempted to elevate him to first billing.

Finlayson's inimitable mannerisms, including his long double-take, squint, one-eyed stare, and raised eyebrow, usually followed by a palpable state of near-apoplexy, became a hallmark of his comedic style. He appeared in some of the best two-reelers Roach made at MGM and was involved as an integral part in most of Laurel & Hardy's feature films.

Finlayson continued to work in movie bit parts and walk-ons until his retirement in 1951, often with credits like 'loafer' or 'Scottish Farmer with Mustache'. He died two years later from a heart attack at his home in Hollywood.

Career

{"id":166587,"title":"The Further Perils of Laurel and Hardy","year":"1967","character":"","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-further-perils-of-laurel-and-hardy","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_166587.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_166587.jpg"},"released":1}
1967
{"id":168093,"title":"The Big Parade of Comedy","year":"1964","character":"Sergeant Major Finlayson in 'Bonnie Scotland' (archive footage)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-big-parade-of-comedy","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_168093.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_168093.jpg"},"released":1}
1964
The Big Parade of Comedy
The Big Parade of Comedy as Sergeant Major Finlayson in 'Bonnie Scotland' (archive footage)
{"id":22329,"title":"Royal Wedding","year":"1951","character":"Cabby (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/royal-wedding","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/5u37125e9b90.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/5u37125e9b90.jpg"},"released":1}
1951
Royal Wedding
Royal Wedding as Cabby (uncredited)
{"id":69346,"title":"Grand Canyon Trail","year":"1948","character":"Sheriff","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/grand-canyon-trail","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_69346.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_69346.jpg"},"released":1}
1948
{"id":174866,"title":"The Perils of Pauline","year":"1947","character":"Comic Chef","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-perils-of-pauline-1947","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_174866.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_174866.jpg"},"released":1}
1947
{"id":70070,"title":"Two Sisters from Boston","year":"1946","character":"Street Cleaner (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/two-sisters-from-boston","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_70070.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_70070.jpg"},"released":1}
1946
Two Sisters from Boston
Two Sisters from Boston as Street Cleaner (uncredited)
{"id":14704,"title":"She-Wolf of London","year":"1946","character":"Constable (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/she-wolf-of-london","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/1hj8gnr7fm70.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/1hj8gnr7fm70.jpg"},"released":1}
She-Wolf of London
She-Wolf of London as Constable (uncredited)
{"id":13698,"title":"To Be or Not to Be","year":"1942","character":"Scottish Farmer with Mustache (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/to-be-or-not-to-be-1942","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/699mdf69ol50.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/699mdf69ol50.jpg"},"released":1}
1942
To Be or Not to Be
To Be or Not to Be as Scottish Farmer with Mustache (uncredited)
{"id":95028,"title":"Saps at Sea","year":"1940","character":"Dr. J.H. Finlayson (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/saps-at-sea","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_95028.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_95028.jpg"},"released":1}
1940
Saps at Sea
Saps at Sea as Dr. J.H. Finlayson (uncredited)
{"id":12102,"title":"Foreign Correspondent","year":"1940","character":"Dutch Peasant (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/foreign-correspondent","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/26t9qmlr1nr0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/26t9qmlr1nr0.jpg"},"released":1}
Foreign Correspondent
Foreign Correspondent as Dutch Peasant (uncredited)
{"id":23121,"title":"The Flying Deuces","year":"1939","character":"Jailor","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-flying-deuces","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/47ic79n56pe0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/47ic79n56pe0.jpg"},"released":1}
1939
{"id":72398,"title":"Raffles","year":"1939","character":"Hansom Cab Driver","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/raffles","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_72398.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_72398.jpg"},"released":1}
Raffles
Raffles as Hansom Cab Driver
{"id":70530,"title":"Hollywood Cavalcade","year":"1939","character":"Keystone Cop","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/hollywood-cavalcade","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_70530.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_70530.jpg"},"released":1}
Hollywood Cavalcade
Hollywood Cavalcade as Keystone Cop
{"id":68680,"title":"A Chump at Oxford","year":"1939","character":"Baldy Vandevere (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/a-chump-at-oxford","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_68680.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_68680.jpg"},"released":1}
A Chump at Oxford
A Chump at Oxford as Baldy Vandevere (uncredited)
{"id":70247,"title":"Block-Heads","year":"1938","character":"Man on Stairs","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/block-heads","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/f82o89g0is40.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/f82o89g0is40.jpg"},"released":1}
1938
Block-Heads
Block-Heads as Man on Stairs
{"id":32606,"title":"Way Out West","year":"1937","character":"Mickey Finn","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/way-out-west","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/idng8aovmao0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/idng8aovmao0.jpg"},"released":1}
1937
Way Out West
Way Out West as Mickey Finn
{"id":73013,"title":"All Over Town","year":"1937","character":"MacDougal","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/all-over-town","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_73013.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_73013.jpg"},"released":1}
All Over Town
All Over Town as MacDougal
{"id":95282,"title":"Angel","year":"1937","character":"Barker's 2nd Butler (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/angel-1937","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_95282.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_95282.jpg"},"released":1}
Angel
Angel as Barker's 2nd Butler (uncredited)
{"id":73034,"title":"The Toast of New York","year":"1937","character":"Trick-Hat Inventor (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-toast-of-new-york","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_73034.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_73034.jpg"},"released":1}
The Toast of New York
The Toast of New York as Trick-Hat Inventor (uncredited)
{"id":72933,"title":"Pick a Star","year":"1937","character":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/pick-a-star","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_72933.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_72933.jpg"},"released":1}
Pick a Star
Pick a Star as Director
{"id":73425,"title":"The Bohemian Girl","year":"1936","character":"Captain Finn","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-bohemian-girl","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_73425.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_73425.jpg"},"released":1}
1936
The Bohemian Girl
The Bohemian Girl as Captain Finn
{"id":73312,"title":"Bonnie Scotland","year":"1935","character":"Sgt. Maj. Finlayson","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/bonnie-scotland","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_73312.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_73312.jpg"},"released":1}
1935
Bonnie Scotland
Bonnie Scotland as Sgt. Maj. Finlayson
{"id":73778,"title":"Thicker Than Water","year":"1935","character":"Auction Manager","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/thicker-than-water-1935","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_73778.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_73778.jpg"},"released":1}
Thicker Than Water
Thicker Than Water as Auction Manager
{"id":74680,"title":"The Devil's Brother","year":"1933","character":"Lord Rocburg","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-devils-brother-1933","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_74680.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_74680.jpg"},"released":1}
1933
The Devil's Brother
The Devil's Brother as Lord Rocburg
{"id":74539,"title":"Me and My Pal","year":"1933","character":"Peter Cucumber","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/me-and-my-pal","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_74539.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_74539.jpg"},"released":1}
Me and My Pal
Me and My Pal as Peter Cucumber
{"id":74877,"title":"The Chimp","year":"1932","character":"Ringmaster","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-chimp","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_74877.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_74877.jpg"},"released":1}
1932
The Chimp
The Chimp as Ringmaster
{"id":74174,"title":"Pack Up Your Troubles","year":"1932","character":"General","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/pack-up-your-troubles-1932","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_74174.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_74174.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":30634,"title":"Chickens Come Home","year":"1931","character":"Butler","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/chickens-come-home","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_30634.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_30634.jpg"},"released":1}
1931
{"id":75333,"title":"One Good Turn","year":"1931","character":"A Community Player","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/one-good-turn","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_75333.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_75333.jpg"},"released":1}
One Good Turn
One Good Turn as A Community Player
{"id":75226,"title":"Our Wife","year":"1931","character":"Father of the bride","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/our-wife-1931","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_75226.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_75226.jpg"},"released":1}
Our Wife
Our Wife as Father of the bride
{"id":166543,"title":"Pardon Us","year":"1931","character":"Schoolteacher","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/pardon-us","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/3klkf0k0dikg.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/3klkf0k0dikg.jpg"},"released":1}
Pardon Us
Pardon Us as Schoolteacher
{"id":95488,"title":"The Dawn Patrol","year":"1930","character":"Field Sergeant","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-dawn-patrol-1930","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_95488.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_95488.jpg"},"released":1}
1930
The Dawn Patrol
The Dawn Patrol as Field Sergeant
{"id":75625,"title":"Another Fine Mess","year":"1930","character":"Col. Wilburforce Buckshot (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/another-fine-mess","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_75625.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_75625.jpg"},"released":1}
Another Fine Mess
Another Fine Mess as Col. Wilburforce Buckshot (uncredited)
{"id":75536,"title":"Night Owls","year":"1930","character":"Meadows","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/night-owls-1930","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_75536.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_75536.jpg"},"released":1}
Night Owls
Night Owls as Meadows
{"id":75612,"title":"For the Defense","year":"1930","character":"Parrott","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/for-the-defense","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_75612.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_75612.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":75904,"title":"Men O'War","year":"1929","character":"Soda jerk","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/men-owar-1929","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_75904.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_75904.jpg"},"released":1}
1929
Men O'War
Men O'War as Soda jerk
{"id":75780,"title":"Big Business","year":"1929","character":"Homeowner","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/big-business-1929","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_75780.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_75780.jpg"},"released":1}
Big Business
Big Business as Homeowner
{"id":76019,"title":"Flying Elephants","year":"1928","character":"Saxophonus","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/flying-elephants","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_76019.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_76019.jpg"},"released":1}
1928
Flying Elephants
Flying Elephants as Saxophonus
{"id":76098,"title":"The Second 100 Years","year":"1927","character":"Browne Van Dyke","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-second-100-years","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_76098.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_76098.jpg"},"released":1}
1927
The Second 100 Years
The Second 100 Years as Browne Van Dyke
{"id":76109,"title":"No Man's Law","year":"1927","character":"Jack Belcher","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/no-mans-law-1927","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_76109.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_76109.jpg"},"released":1}
No Man's Law
No Man's Law as Jack Belcher
{"id":76191,"title":"Raggedy Rose","year":"1926","character":"Simpson Sniffle","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/raggedy-rose","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_76191.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_76191.jpg"},"released":1}
1926
Raggedy Rose
Raggedy Rose as Simpson Sniffle
{"id":76242,"title":"Yes, Yes, Nanette","year":"1925","character":"Hillory, the new husband","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/yes-yes-nanette","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_76242.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_76242.jpg"},"released":1}
1925
Yes, Yes, Nanette
Yes, Yes, Nanette as Hillory, the new husband
{"id":76358,"title":"The Soilers","year":"1923","character":"Smacknamara","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-soilers","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_76358.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_76358.jpg"},"released":1}
1923
The Soilers
The Soilers as Smacknamara