There is some confusion over the formation of
Eclectic. Because of this.... let me present both major stories.
As we verify information, I will come back and modify the information.
Setting the Stage
Pathe was a
disgruntled member of the Motion Picture Patents Company (the
Trust). Pathe also was the largest production company in the world,
at that time. In 1909, Edison
had maneuvered Pathe into having to join the Trust and had used
the Trust to try to control Pathe in an attempt to keep up with
their innovations and production.
Pathe released the first Newsreel in the US in
1913. These became extremely popular and had other major studios
scrambling to come up with something to match the popularity.
General Film, which was the distribution arm
of the 'Trust' for all it's members, was dragging its feet and
not supporting the Pathe Newsreels. The other members (especially
Edison) seemed to be envious and were trying to catch up to the
progress that Pathe.
Formation of Eclectic Film #1
Pathe formed Eclectic in 1913 to be an alternate
distribution company instead of ... or in addition to, General
Film.
Formation of Eclectic Film #2
In 1912, a former employee of Pathe, Kurt W.
Linn, formed an company called Cosmopolitan Films. In 1913, he
either changed the name to Eclectic or created a new company..
(more about this further down).
Pathe formed an alliance with Eclectic for distributing
their newsreels and new projects.
Back to the story
William Randolph Hearst wanted to get into the
movie industry and approached Pathe. Pathe, because of WWI, the
problems that they were having in France and the constant problems
with Edison, needed the additional funding.
Pathe supervised the production of a new combined
project with Hearst and Eclectic called the Perils
of Pauline a 20 episode serial.
Perils was released in 1914 and was a HUGE success,
which propelled Eclectic into regular distribution and opened
the door for Hearst.
Here's the odd connection..... Hearst went on
to meet and fall in love with Marion Davies. He formed Cosmopolitan
Films in 1918 to make her films......... OR did he just take
over a company that his friend and and tutor, Kurt Linn had formed
back in 1912.
For a list of films in our database on Eclectic,
click here.
