Edward f cline biography
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Edward "Eddie" Cline began his career in the film business as one of the Keystone Kops. The former vaudevillian appeared sporadically in films as an actor until , but became increasingly active behind the camera as a gagman and scenario writer for Mack Sennett. From he worked on a steady stream of two-reelers, either as director or assistant director, for such comedians as Buster Keaton, Ford Sterling and Mack Swain. An expert in slapstick comedy with an unerring sense of timing, Cline was consistently in demand by Hollywood studios during the s and served short-term contracts with Fox (the "Sunshine" comedies), Pathe, First National, MGM and Paramount.
During the sound era he had more periods of steadier employment, particularly at Universal (). He became the favorite director of comedian W.C. Fields. In fact, Fields would often demand Cline's participation, much to the consternation of the studios. In one instance, director Edward Sedgwick was assigne
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Edward F. Cline
American actor and director
For the novelist and columnist, see Edward Cline.
Edward F. Cline | |
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Motion Picture News, | |
| Born | Edward Francis Cline ()November 4, Kenosha, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Died | May 22, () (aged&#;69) Hollywood, California, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Film director, screenwriter, actor |
Edward Francis Cline (November 4, – May 22, ) was an American screenwriter, actor, writer and director best known for his work with comedians W.C. Fields and Buster Keaton. He was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin and died in Hollywood, California.
Career
[edit]Cline began working for Mack Sennett's Keystone Studios in and supported Charlie Chaplin in some of the shorts he made at the studio. At one time he claimed credit for having komma up with the idea for the Sennett Bathing Beauties.[1] When Buster Keaton began making his own shorts, after having worked with Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle for years, he hired Cline as his co-director.[ • Birthplace: Kenosha, WI Did you know?: Eddie Cline directed the hit “Swingtime Johnny,” which starred the Andrews Sisters: Laverne, Maxene and Patty. Edward F. Cline was born on November7, , in Kenosha. Despite living in little Kenosha County, with but 15, citizens, Cline dreamed of a much grander life as a director in Hollywood. He was able to begin his career in the movie industry at age 21, with a brief stint acting as one of Mack Sennett&#;s Keystone Cops in Mack Sennett, through his Keystone Film Company, produced a plethora of silent film comedies featuring an incompetent group of policeman, of which the cast could change for every movie. After this, Cline began assisting Sennett in his productions. By , he had learned and gained respect from Sennett to the point that he was directing shorts at the Keystone Film Company. Cline became quite prolifi
You Know Him As: The director of such films as “My Little Chickadee,” “The Bank Dick” and “Million Dollar Legs.”