J

James Finlayson

Acting
Freshness: Jan 21, 2026
50Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Aug 26, 1887
Birth Place: Larbert, Falkirk, Stirlingshire, Scotland, UK

About James Finlayson

James Henderson "Jimmy" Finlayson (August 27, 1887 – October 9, 1953) was a Scottish actor who worked in both silent and sound comedies. Bald, with a fake moustache, Finlayson had many trademark comic mannerisms and is famous for his squinting, outraged, "double take and fade away" head reaction, and characteristic expression "d'ooooooh", and as the most famous comic foil of Laurel and Hardy.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of James Finlayson reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Comedy

The majority of James Finlayson's filmography leans towards the Comedy genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 68% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), James Finlayson remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Don't Tell Everything, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best James Finlayson Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from James Finlayson's career based on audience ratings.

★10.0
Don't Tell Everything (1927) movie poster
★10.0

Don't Tell Everything: Max and his son Asher are invited to a party, where Max meets a rich widow, but Asher keeps annoying all of the guests,

Don't Tell Everything

1927•Comedy
★10.0
His Silent Racket (1933) movie poster
★10.0

His Silent Racket: James Finlayson manages to con Charley into becoming his partner in a failing dry cleaning shop that has been targeted b

His Silent Racket

1933•Comedy
★8.5
Hollywood (1923) movie poster
★8.5

Hollywood: Angela comes to Hollywood with only two things: Her dream to become a movie star, and Grandpa. She leaves an Aunt, a bro

Hollywood

1923•Comedy
★8.5
Laurel & Hardy - Highlights (2002) movie poster
★8.5

Laurel & Hardy - Highlights: Experience Stan and Ollie in their funniest scenes: whether they build a house as construction workers or try to impress

Laurel & Hardy - Highlights

2002•Comedy
★7.8
To Be or Not to Be (1942) movie poster
★7.8

To Be or Not to Be: During the Nazi occupation of Poland, an acting troupe becomes embroiled in a Polish soldier's efforts to track down a G

To Be or Not to Be

1942•Comedy

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of James Finlayson.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2002 Laurel & Hardy - Highlights - Super Hit Similar →
1964 The Big Parade of Comedy Sergeant Major Finlayson in 'Bonnie Scotland' (archive footage) Average Similar →
1951 Royal Wedding Cabby (uncredited) Average Similar →
1947 The Perils of Pauline Comic Chef Average Similar →
1942 To Be or Not to Be Scottish Farmer with Mustache (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1940 Foreign Correspondent Dutch Peasant (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1940 Saps at Sea Dr. J.H. Finlayson (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1940 A Chump at Oxford Baldy Vandevere (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1939 The Flying Deuces Jailor Average Similar →
1938 Block-Heads Man on Stairs Hit Similar →
1937 Angel Barker's 2nd Butler (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1937 All Over Town MacDougal Average Similar →
1937 Way Out West Mickey Finn Hit Similar →
1936 Our Relations Finn Hit Similar →
1936 The Bohemian Girl Captain Finn Average Similar →
1935 Bonnie Scotland Sgt. Maj. Finlayson Hit Similar →
1935 Thicker Than Water Auction Manager Hit Similar →
1933 Mush and Milk Mr. Brown, the banker Average Similar →
1933 The Devil's Brother Lord Rocburg Hit Similar →
1933 His Silent Racket James Super Hit Similar →
1933 Me and My Pal Peter Cucumber Average Similar →
1932 Pack Up Your Troubles General Hit Similar →
1932 The Chimp Ringmaster Hit Similar →
1931 Hasty Marriage Kitty's Father Hit Similar →
1931 One Good Turn A Community Player Hit Similar →
1931 Pardon Us Schoolteacher Average Similar →
1931 Our Wife Father of the bride Hit Similar →
1931 Playing at Politics Criado Hit Similar →
1931 Chickens Come Home Butler Hit Similar →
1930 Another Fine Mess Col. Wilburforce Buckshot (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1930 The Dawn Patrol Field Sergeant Hit Similar →
1930 Thieves - Hit Similar →
1930 Night Owls Meadows Hit Similar →
1929 The Hoose-Gow Governor Hit Similar →
1929 Men O' War Soda jerk Hit Similar →
1929 Big Business Homeowner Hit Similar →
1929 Liberty Store keeper Hit Similar →
1929 Fast Freight Spooky Wall Painting Hit Similar →
1927 Do Detectives Think? Judge Foozle Average Similar →
1927 Hats Off Proprietor, Kwickway Washing Machine Co. Average Similar →
1927 The Second 100 Years Browne Van Dyke Average Similar →
1927 With Love and Hisses Captain Bustle Average Similar →
1927 Don't Tell Everything Lawyer Goldblum Super Hit Similar →
1927 Seeing the World 'Old Buzz-Fuzz,' teacher Average Similar →
1926 The Nickel-Hopper Rupert Hit Similar →
1925 Mary, Queen of Tots Radio Actor Average Similar →
1925 Innocent Husbands The Desk Clerk (as Jimmie Finlayson) Average Similar →
1923 Hollywood James Finlayson Super Hit Similar →
1923 White Wings Dental Patient Hit Similar →
1923 The Noon Whistle - Hit Similar →

James Finlayson - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of James Finlayson?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring James Finlayson is "Don't Tell Everything" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has James Finlayson acted in?

James Finlayson has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by James Finlayson?

Other notable films include "His Silent Racket", "Hollywood", and "Laurel & Hardy - Highlights".