W. J. Lincoln

William Joseph Lincoln (1870–August 1917) was an Australian playwright, theatre manager, film director and screenwriter in the silent era. He produced, directed and/or wrote 23 films between 1911 and 1916.

Film historians Graham Shirley and Brian Adams wrote of him that "it is probably that all his movies "were more like stage tableaux than films. However, with the right ingredients at their disposal the best of Lincoln's early productions were well-received".

W. J. Lincoln was born in Melbourne and was bought up in St Kilda. He worked as a playwright and a stage actor in Melbourne, his early plays including The Power of Wealth and The Bush King for the Alfred Dampier Company.

Lincoln first became involved with the film industry when managing the Australasian tour of the Gaiety Company for J.C. Williamson Ltd. While doing this he received notice to meet up with Clement Mason who had film of the Russo-Japanese War. Lincoln toured with this and some other films throughout Western Australia. It was a massive success with the public.

According to one newspaper report he produced and directed The Story of the Kelly Gang but this seems doubtful. Lincoln himself attributed the direction to Sam Crews.

In 1908 he was manager of the Paradise of Living Pictures movie theatre in St Kilda, Melbourne, Victoria, and had begun to write and direct films for show in the theatre.

Lincoln made his film debut as director and writer with It Is Never Too Late to Mend (1911) for the Tait brothers. They appointed him director of their new company, Amalgamated Pictures, for whom he made six films over the next year.

In later writing these films Lincoln said "I am... in a somewhat awkward position in appraising their merits, but in justice to those who assisted in these productions, I may say that their work under discouraging conditions, Is entitled to the highest commendation."

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