Laughter (1930)

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, of French-Basque nobility. While recuperating from severe WW I wounds in France, he met director George Fitzmaurice, who urged him to come to the US and try his hand in films. Arriving in Hollywood in 1922, he first worked as a researcher and technical adviser on Chaplin's A WOMAN OF PARIS (1923), then as Chaplin's assistant on THE GOLD RUSH (1925). Between 1927 and 1933 he directed seven Hollywood films, five silents and two talkies (LAUGHTER, 1930 & TOPAZE, 1933), all noted for their wit and elegance, for their brilliant photography and perfect pace. In addition, he co-directed RAFFLES (1930), but did not receive screen credit because he was fired by producer Samuel Goldwyn and replaced by Fitzmaurice. Despite high critical acclaim and some box-office success, he was often at odds with studio bosses and producers, and by 1934 he could no longer find work in Hollywood. He went to Spain, where he directed a film based on Alarcón's THE THREE-CORNERED HAT, starring his wife, Eleanor Boardman, then returned to Hollywood, where he spent several idle years. In 1946 he returned to France and spent the rest of his life at the family estate in the Basses-Pyranees and in Monte Carlo, managing to eke out a living at the Casino roulette table.    Nominated for Writing (Original Story) 1930-31: LAUGHTER 1 nomination