The biography of Australian-born John Paterson McGowan (1880-1952) pioneer Hollywood actor,director, writer and producer. J.P.McGowan began in the movies at the dawn of the silent era and established his reputation as a director of action-packed dramas involving trains. He and his first wife, actress Helen Holmes first collaborated on the iconic silent series The Hazards of Helen. In later life J.P.McGowan became Executive Secretary of the Screen Directors' Guild and was awarded Honorary Life Membership in recognition of his service. He remains the only Australian to have been honoured in this way.
