Charles J. Hite

Charles Jackson Hite (June 7, 1876 – August 21, 1914) was an American businessman and film producer of the early 20th century, most importantly the president and chief executive officer of the Thanhouser Film Corporation from 1912 to 1914.

Early life and career

Hite was born in Pleasantville, Ohio, having nine brothers and sisters. His father, Joseph Hite, had moved his family to Ohio from Rockingham County, Virginia prior to Charles Hite's birth. He began working in the motion picture business at an early age, working his way up through the ranks of the business, mostly as an administrator. In 1906, he created the C. J. Hite Moving Picture Company. His business was less than successful. In 1908 he was joined by Samuel S. Hutchinson, who would later see success with American Film Manufacturing Company, which was formed in 1910 with Western Film Exchange owner John R. Freuler.^[1] Hite's company name was then changed to H & H Film Service Company. By this time he had married his wife, Marjorie, with whom he would have two daughters.

Major purchases, obtaining Thanhouser Corporation

Hite bought stock in the American Film Manufacturing Company, and afterward purchased the Globe, Royal, and Union film companies, forming the Majestic Film Exchange. When he learned that the successful Thanhouser Film Company might be for sale, he approached Edwin Thanhouser, and he and his partners purchased that company for $250,000 on April 15, 1912, in a transaction arranged by Mutual Film Corporation. Following the purchase, Hite was named president of the Thanhouser Film Corporation.

Under Hite's leadership, the company would see numerous successes in its films. In 1911, Edwin Thanhouser had obtained actress Florence La Badie, who would become Thanhouser Corporation's most profitable film star. In 1914, Hite cast La Badie in the serial The Million Dollar Mystery, which would become highly successful. By mid-1914, Hite was listed by Photoplay magazine as one of its twelve featured millionaires. During this period, Thanhouser Film Corporation was at its height.

Death

On August 21, 1914, Hite had been working late in business meetings, and was on his way to host an evening affair. At around 9 p.m., while driving alone through New Rochelle, New York, across a viaduct located at 155th street, his vehicle, for reasons unknown, skidded off the roadway and onto the sidewalk, tore through an iron railing and plunged 50 feet before landed atop a wooden fence. A police officer was standing nearby, and witnessed the crash, running immediately to the scene. The viaduct was located beside the "Central Casino," which was that night hosting a dance. Hearing the accident, several people rushed outside. It took them 15 minutes to pull Hite from underneath the motor of the vehicle.

Hite was transported to Harlem Hospital, where he regained consciousness, and requested that his wife be notified. He had suffered a fractured skull, a compound fracture to his jaw, and three broken ribs. He died that same night. He was originally buried in Beechwood Cemetery, however at the request of his widow his remains were moved to Oakwood Cemetery in Chicago, Illinois, less than a year after his death.

Thanhouser Corporation following Hite's death

The Thanhouser Company continued for another three years following Hite's death. Edwin Thanhouser again took over as head of the corporation following Hite's death, but did not see success as he had in his earlier years. The film industry was more competitive by this time, and although films featuring Florence La Badie were still successful, other ventures were not. La Badie left Thanhouser Corporation in 1917, only weeks before her own death on October 13, 1917 as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident in late August 1917. In 1918, Thanhouser Corporation was liquidated.

References

1. ^ Silent Era : PSFL : Companies : American Film Manufacturing Company, Incorporated

External links

• Charles J. Hite, Thanhouser

Persondata
Name	Hite, Charles J.
Alternative names
Short description
Date of birth	June 7, 1876
Place of birth
Date of death	August 21, 1914
Place of death