He was playing in vaudeville shows by 1911, appearing in Irving Berlin's ragtime musicals. Harlan also played the role of Cap'n Andy in the first, part-talkie film version of  "Show Boat" (1929).
He started appearing on stage by 1911, starring in Irving Berlin's energetic musicals. Harlan also portrayed the role of Cap'n Andy in the first, sound-dramatized adaptation of  "Show Boat" (1929).