Theodore Wharton(1875-1931)

Born on 12 April 1875 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Theodore Wharton was the younger brother of Leopold Wharton, who was also a film director. In 1890 Wharton started in both the business side of the theater as well as acting in Dallas, Texas. From 1907 until 1909 Wharton worked at the Edison Studios. During the following three years he wrote and directed many screenplays for various studios including Essanay Studios. During 1912 the US government commissioned him to produce The Late Indian Wars. It was filmed on location in the great plains, with a script by General Charles King and a large cast including "Buffalo Bill" Cody. The Whartons Studio opened in Ithaca, New York in 1914. In the 1920s Wharton moved to Santa Cruz, California. He died November 28, 1931 in Hollywood.