James Finlayson
ActingAbout 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.
James Finlayson Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of James Finlayson reflects exceptional commercial consistency. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of James Finlayson's work falls within the Comedy genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 72% of James Finlayson's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Don't Tell Everything, which stands out as a key performance.
Best James Finlayson Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from James Finlayson's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie James Finlayson has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Laurel & Hardy - Highlights | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1968 | The Best of Laurel and Hardy | Meadows / Dulcy's Father / Fin (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1964 | The Big Parade of Comedy | Sergeant Major Finlayson in 'Bonnie Scotland' (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | Royal Wedding | Cabby (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1947 | The Perils of Pauline | Comic Chef | Average | Similar → |
| 1943 | Yanks Ahoy | Cook Flynn (uncredited) | 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 | Don't Tell Everything | Lawyer Goldblum | Super Hit | 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".