Charles Christie

Director | Producer Born April 13, 1880 in London, Ontario, Canada

Charles Christie's career in films began in 1915, four years after his brother Al had launched the production of what were stated to be Hollywood's first screen comedies.

Al Christie handled the production of the early-day Christie Comedies, while Charles held down the administration.

During its heyday, Christie Comedies maintained a studio at Sunset and Gower. Out of the plant came such hits as "Charley's Aunt," starring Charles Ruggles and Syd Chaplin, brother of Charles Chaplin; "The Nervous Wreck;" "Up in Mabel's Room;" "Getting Gertie's Garter" and "Seven Days."

Christie directed "813" in 1920 and produced "Charley's Aunt" in 1930, among other credits.

The pair, a major factor in film business until 1929, was hit hard in the Depression.

Christie spent the last 20 years of his life working in Beverly Hills real estate. Al Christie died in 1951.

— Los Angeles Times Oct. 2, 1955