The theatre of science; a volume of progress and achievement in the motion picture industry (1914)

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80 Clje Cfteatte The opportunity came quickly enough, and at a weekly honorarium of $60, for which Ince was, indeed, grateful. In two weeks one of the directors quit and Ince was placed in full charge of the studio. The film company was not one of the best grade, and Ince realized he was working for a lot of ex-clothing dealers who knew nothing of its artistic side; not one of the heads could speak English, so after a year of hard work with a little money saved, Ince left the studio and went to Los Angeles, where he obtained another engagement at double his previous salary. It happened that one day Miller Brothers' "101" Ranch Show was exhibiting in the city, and Ince sought out Charles O. Baumann, President of the New York Motion Picture Company, suggesting that Mr. Baumann's film company engage the entire "101" outfit for a series of big western pictures, with real Indians, cowboys, horses, etc. Baumann, who is credited with being a real showman, immediately entered into the project, with a final result wholly constructive and immensely profitable. Ince, now in absolute authority, revealed himself as a prodigious worker. It was yet a primitive period in film development, and he had to write his own scenarios, direct the productions and "hustle props." The actors had to dress in tents. One little stage and some "near-scenery" provided the environment, for the firm, now so wealthy, had none too much money after this investment, and as they had practically no experienced actors, it was necessaiy for Ince to make leading men and women out of cowboys and cowgirls. They must have had the spark of genius, for not a few made more than good, while one lady, especially, who began under Ince in those days, has become one of the real stars of the screen.