Studied painting at the Chicago Art Institute and the Art Students League in New York City

Because of financial considerations, abandoned art studies and took job as a newspaper reporter in Rochester, New York

Began working as a newspaper cartoonist for the New York Globe& and the Evening World

Hired as an animator by Barre studios (date approximate)

Appointed editor-in-chief of an animation studio founded by William Randolph Hearst; worked with Walter Lantz on "The Katzenjammmer Kids" and "Silk Hat Harry"

Worked at Bray studio until it discontinued its animation unit

Moved to Los Angeles (date approximate)

Hired as a gag writer on one- and two-reelers

First feature, "His Nibs"

Helmed series of All-Star Comedy two-reelers starring Charlie Murray

Returned to feature filmmaking with "Restless Wives" and "The New School Teacher"; wrote screenplay for the latter

Signed to a four-year contract by Famous Players-Lasky Corportation; made 10 silent films, many starring Richard Dix

First film with W C Fields, "So's Your Old Man"

Helmed second Fields vehicle, "Running Wild"

Made what is arguably his best silent comedy "Feel My Pulse", with Bebe Daniels

Shot "Saturday's Children" as a silent; film reissued as a partial talkie

Put under contract at RKO; directed "Smart Woman"

Enjoyed a box-office hit with "Gabriel Over the White House" for MGM

Garnered praise for his direction of "The Affairs of Cellini"

Helmed the Claudette Colbert comic vehicle "She Married Her Boss"

Earned first Oscar nomination for Best Director for the screwball comedy "My Man Godfrey"

Received second Best Director Academy Award nomination for "Stage Door"; first of three films with Ginger Rogers

Co-wrote screenplay (with Allan Scott) and directed "The Primrose Path", featuring a strong performance from Ginger Rogers

Directed Irene Dunne in two films, "Unfinished Business" and "Lady in a Jam"

Last directorial credit, "Living in a Big Way"

Began filming "One Touch of Venus"; reportedly walked off the set after 11 days of shooting and replaced by William A Seiter