Began as assistant cameraman at First National in 1926, working under
George J. Folsey. Briefly at Paramount, then joined MGM (1936-1943), within a year became full director of photography. At United Artists, 1944-1945, then spent the remainder of his career at Columbia (1945-1962). Acquired a reputation as the studio's foremost cinematographer of outdoor action subjects. Best remembered for his superior black & white photography (particularly the famous mirror scene) of
The Lady from Shanghai (1947).