Benedict E. Bogeaus

Benedict Bogeaus (May 4, 1904, in Chicago – August 23, 1968, in Hollywood), was an independent film producer and former owner of General Service Studios.

After careers in real estate, zipper manufacture, and inventing a portable film developing unit, Bogeaus arrived in Hollywood in 1940.

When AT&T's Western Electric unit that manufactured sound equipment for film was forced by an antitrust action to divest itself of the General Service Studio complex, Bogeaus outbid producer Edward Small to acquire the studio. He allowed the United States Government to use his complex for film work and leased it out to various independent film producers, keeping his eye on their progress.

Forming Benedict Bogeaus Productions in 1944, his first films were The Bridge of San Luis Rey followed by Dark Waters, Diary of a Chambermaid and Captain Kidd.

Though these films were critically acclaimed, they didn't set the box office on fire. Realising the public's attraction to low and middle budget films with star power, Bogeaus signed George Raft on for a few films, beginning with Mr. Ace.

In 1950 Bogeaus formed a partnership with director Allan Dwan making several films including Silver Lode and Slightly Scarlet both starring John Payne.

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