George Kleine

George Kleine (1864 – June 8, 1931) was an American film producer and cinema pioneer.

George Kleine
George Kleine c. 1914
Born1864
New York
DiedJune 8, 1931(1931-06-08) (aged 66–67)
Los Angeles, California
OccupationFilm producer
Years active1893-1928
Parent(s)
  • Charles Kleine (father)

Biography

His father, Charles, was a New York optician who sold optical devices and stereopticons.[1] George joined the family firm, and in 1893 moved to Chicago. There he set up the Kleine Optical Company. Later, in 1896, the company started selling film-making equipment. In 1899, the company obtained an exclusive arrangement with Thomas Edison to sell his film and equipment in the Chicago area.[1]

In 1903, Kleine started distributing Biograph films as well as European films and was one of the first to start renting films out to theatres. He became involved in patent disputes with Thomas Edison in 1908, causing members of the industry to establish the Motion Picture Patents Company. He founded Kalem Company, an American film studio in New York City in 1907 with Samuel Long,[2] and Frank J. Marion. The company was named for their initials, K, L, and M. Kleine was involved in the company for only a short period of time; however, it was a profitable investment for him, as his partners were soon successful enough to buy out his shares at a considerable premium.

Kleine was a national distributor of silent movies in the 1910s, a notable example being Essanay Studios 1918 film, “Men Who Have Made Love to Me” starring Mary MacLane.

Kleine retired in 1928[1] and died in Los Angeles, California, in 1931.

His papers are retained by the Library of Congress.[3]

Filmography
  • Buggins (1920)
  • Lucky Hoodoo (1920)
  • Snakes (1920)
  • Where Are Your Husbands? (1920)
  • The Lonesome Girl (1918)
  • The Starter (1918)
  • The Good Sport (1918)
  • The Stenog (1918)
  • The Man-Eater (1918)
  • The Artist's Model (1918)
  • The Unbeliever (1918)
  • The Superstitious Girl (1918)
  • The Bride (1918)
  • The Screen Fan (1918)
  • Gloria's Romance (1916)
  • Hold Fast! (1916)
  • The Law of Blood (1916)
  • The Danger Signal (1915)
  • The Politicians (1915)
  • The Money Master (1915)
  • Who's Who in Society (1915)
  • Stop Thief! (1915)
  • DuBarry (1915)
  • Naidra, the Dream Woman (1914)
  • After Death (1913) (writer)

References
  1. McKernan, Luke. "George Kleine". Who's Who in Victorian Cinema. Retrieved 29 March 2019.
  2. "Samuel Long Dead. President of Kalem Company Entered Film Business 18 Years Ago". New York Times. The New York Times Company. July 29, 1915. p. 9. Retrieved 29 March 2019.
  3. "George Kleine papers, 1886-1946". Library of Congress. Retrieved 29 March 2019.


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