[1][2] When the United States entered World War I, Somnes left England and went into the Army, where he became a top sergent in the field artillery.

[2] In the 1920s Somnes was a member of the old Stuart Walker Stock Company in Indianapolis and later involved with the Civic Theater there.

[1][2] From 1929 to 1934, Somnes was in Hollywood and directed stars including Sylvia Sidney, Claudette Colbert, Gary Cooper and George Raft.

His film directing career included: The Girl in 419, Midnight Club and Torch Singer in 1933 and Wharf Angel in 1934, co-directing with William Cameron Menzies.

[7] In the fall of 1936, Somnes and Helen Bonfils were married in the rose garden of the Gurtler home at 4209 W. 38th Avenue in Denver.