Charles J. Hite
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Charles Jackson Hite (June 7th, 1876-August 21st, 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.
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[edit] 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 S. S. Hutchinson- who would later see success with "American Film Manufacturing Company", which was formed in 1910 with Western Film Exchange owner John Frueler.[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.
[edit] Major purchases, obtaining Thanhouser Corporation
Hite bought stock in "American Film Manufacturing", 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 15th, 1912, in a transaction arranged by "Mutual Film Corporation". Following the purchase, Hite was named president of "Thanhouser 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 "The Photoplay Magazine" as one of its twelve featured millionaires. During this period, "Thanhouser Film Corporation" was at its height.
[edit] Untimely death
On August 21st, 1914, Hite had been working late in business meetings, and was on his way to host an evening affair. At around 9pm, 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 fifty 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 fifteen minutes to pull Hite from underneath the motor of the vehicle.
Hite was transported to the 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 passed away 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.
[edit] 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 departed "Thanhouser Corporation" in 1917, only weeks before her own untimely death as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. In 1918 "Thanhouser Corporation" was liquidated.
