Who was James Finlayson?

 

**James Finlayson (1887–1953)**

**Early Life:**
James Henderson "Jimmy" Finlayson was born on August 27, 1887, in Larbert, Stirlingshire, Scotland. He began his career on the stage in Britain before moving to the United States in his late 20s.

**Work and Career:**
In the U.S., Finlayson found steady work in Hollywood, initially with Keystone Studios under Mack Sennett. It was at Hal Roach Studios, however, where he would make the majority of his films and where he would gain his most widespread fame. Roach was responsible for producing many of the era's top comedy shorts, and Finlayson became one of the studio's regular actors.

While Finlayson played a variety of roles, he is best remembered for his numerous appearances opposite Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. In fact, it's difficult to think of Laurel and Hardy without also thinking of the indignant, mustachioed Finlayson, who was often cast as their antagonist.

**Comic Characteristics:**

1. **Exaggerated Double-Take**: One of Finlayson's signature comic moves was an exaggerated double-take, often accompanied by a slow, wide-eyed look of disbelief. This became one of his trademark reactions.

2. **Catchphrase**: He's sometimes remembered for a drawn-out "D'oooooh", a catchphrase (or more accurately, an exclamation) of frustration. While this exclamation was not as emphasized as the one later made famous by Homer Simpson, some believe it may have been an inspiration for the more modern iteration.

3. **Physical Comedy**: Despite his often irate and pompous characters, Finlayson was skilled at physical comedy. His interactions with Laurel and Hardy often saw him end up in various slapstick situations, ranging from getting pies to the face to more complex physical gags.

4. **Distinct Appearance**: With a bald head, thick mustache, and expressive eyes, Finlayson was instantly recognizable. His stern visage contrasted brilliantly with the more bumbling and innocent appearances of Laurel and Hardy, making their interactions all the more comically charged.

5. **Frustrated Antagonist**: Finlayson often played characters that were constantly perturbed by the antics of Laurel and Hardy. He excelled at portraying the irate landlord, suspicious neighbor, or any other figure of authority constantly thwarted by the duo's inadvertent mischief.

**Later Life and Legacy:**
James Finlayson continued to act in films throughout the 1930s and 1940s. His career began to wane in the late 1940s, but by then he had already left an indelible mark on the world of comedy. He passed away on October 9, 1953, in Los Angeles, California.

Today, Finlayson is remembered as one of the great character actors of early Hollywood cinema. His contributions to comedy, especially his work with Laurel and Hardy, ensure that he will continue to be celebrated by film enthusiasts and historians for generations to come.