Charles Jackson

Background

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.

Career

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 South. South. Hutchinson, who would later see success with "American Film Manufacturing Company", which was formed in 1910 with Western Film Exchange owner John Frueler.

Hite"s company name was then changed to "H & H Film Service Company". Hite bought stock in American Film Manufacturing, and afterward purchased the Globe, Royal, and Union film companies, forming the Majestic Film Exchange.

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 Louisiana Badie, who would become Thanhouser Corporation"s most profitable film star.

In 1914, Hite cast Louisiana 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.

On August 21, 1914, Hite was on the way to his home in New Rochelle, New York and was crossing the viaduct at 155th Street in Manhattan when 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. lieutenant took them fifteen minutes to pull Hite from underneath the motor of the vehicle.

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 Beechwoods Cemetery in New Rochelle, however at the request of his widow his remains were moved to Oakwood Cemetery in Chicago, Illinois, less than a year after his death.

Connections

partners:

Edwin Thanhouser