Co-director of the 1933 classic King Kong and its semi-official 1949 sequel Mighty Joe Young.
He developed an interest in film photography during childhood. He took a job with Keystone Studios in 1914, but was soon shipped off to fight in World War I.
He teamed up with fellow soldier Merian Cooper and filmed several documentaries and the adventure film The Four Feathers.
He married Ruth Rhose, who worked as the cinematographer on King Kong.
He first worked with Fay Wray, the unforgettable star of King Kong, on Four Feathers and again in Most Dangerous Game.