William A. Seiter's illustrious career in the film industry began with his entry into the world of cinema as a writer and artist, eventually transitioning into stunt doubling and bit playing at Keystone in 1915. As he honed his skills, Seiter quickly rose through the ranks, graduating to directing comedy shorts and eventually feature films in the 1920s.
It was during this period that Seiter married actress Laura La Plante, with whom he collaborated on several films, including the notable Skinner's Dress Suit in 1926. Seiter's true mastery, however, lay in his ability to craft unforgettable comedic teams, such as Bert Wheeler and Robert Woolsey, Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy (directing what many consider to be their finest film, Sons of the Desert in 1933),Bud Abbott and Lou Costello (in Little Giant in 1946),and the iconic Marx Brothers.
Throughout his early career, Seiter worked under contract with various studios, including Universal (1924-1928) and Warner Brothers (1928-1929). He seamlessly adapted to the advent of sound and remained in high demand for light comedies, working with RKO (1931-1934),20th Century-Fox (1934-1938),Universal (1939-1941 and again from 1945-1949). Seiter finally retired in 1954, leaving behind a legacy that would forever be remembered for his masterful direction of Sons of the Desert and the enchanting musical Roberta in 1935, starring the incomparable Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.
