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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.

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. 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.

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 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.


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