A prolific American director, Ray Taylor began his show-business career as an actor and stage manager in regional theater before serving in World War I. After his service he ventured to Hollywood, where he got a job with Fox Films and worked as an assistant director, often with John Ford. In the 1920s Taylor traveled crosstown to Universal Pictures, where he got the opportunity to become a director, initially of one- and two-reelers. His proficiency in that niche impressed Universal enough that he was promoted to features and serials. He transitioned easily into talkies and is still remembered for his work in serials.
