James Cullen Landis (July 9, 1896 – August 26, 1975) was an American motion picture actor and director whose career began in the early years of the silent film era.

Though the ambition eventually faded, his interest in railroads did not, and some years later he helped design for himself a model train set powered by steam.

[4] Landis began as a movie director, only turning to acting after his lead player broke a leg and it was discovered that the actor’s costumes fit him.

[7] During World War II, he served as a captain with US Army Signal Corps producing training films in the South Pacific.

[5] James Cullen Landis died on August 28, 1975, aged 79, at a nursing home in Bloomfield, Michigan, three months after the death of his wife, Jane (née Greiner).