Robert Douglas' real last name was Finlayson, a Scots name that may have influenced his decision to pursue a career in acting. His family had a long history of military service, with his father and grandfather serving as commanders of the West Sussex regiment. However, Douglas chose to follow a different path and attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London, where he trained for two years.
After completing his training, Douglas began his career on stage, debuting at the age of 16 and quickly gaining recognition for his talent. He then moved to Broadway, where he appeared in several productions, including a revival of "A Bill of Divorcement" with an all-star cast.
Douglas' early film career was marked by a series of comedies, but he soon began to take on more dramatic roles. His breakthrough came in 1937 with the film "Torpedoed," which showcased his ability to play heroic and emotional roles. He went on to appear in several other films, including "The Mountain Calls" and "The Challenge," both of which were set in the mountains and featured Douglas in the lead role.
In 1939, Douglas enlisted in the Royal Navy and served as a pilot until the end of World War II. He then returned to acting, appearing in a series of films, including "Adventures of Don Juan" and "Kim." He also began to work as a director, producing and directing several plays in the West End.
In the 1950s, Douglas continued to work in film and television, appearing in a range of productions, including "Ivanhoe" and "The Prisoner of Zenda." He also began to explore the world of television, appearing in a number of series and directing several episodes of "Maverick."
In the 1960s, Douglas continued to work as a director, overseeing the production of several TV series, including "Twelve O'Clock High." He also directed a number of films, including the British spy thriller "Night Train to Paris."
Douglas remained active in the entertainment industry until the 1980s, when he retired from acting but continued to work as a director and provide historical perspective on the film industry. He passed away in 1999 at the age of 90.
