Max Linder Has Convulsed a Nation With Laughter -- March 29, 2017

Moving Picture World, 17-March-1917

Meanwhile, back at Essanay, partner George Spoor was looking for a comedian to take Charlie Chaplin's place.  He signed international star Max Linder.  Linder had appeared in early Pathé slapstick comedies in France. He became a major star before World War One.  There is some confusion about what he did in the war, but he was wounded or became seriously ill and newspapers reported that he had died.  This was not true, but the French film industry, the most powerful in the world before the war, had mostly shut down.  Max took the offer from Essanay and came to America, signing a deal to make six short films.  The first two did poorly and the third did only a little better, so that was the end of the series.

Moving Picture World, 24-March-1917

 This ad features Chicago's McVicker's Theater.  I like the "I" on the marquee. 

Moving Picture World, 24-March-1917

After making the second movie, Max left Chicago for the Coast.  He said he needed more room. 

Moving Picture World, 24-March-1917

Pathé continued to re-release Max's French productions. 

Moving Picture World, 31-March-1917

"He coins money for you through his tremendous drawing power." 

Moving Picture World, 31-March-1917

"In salubrious California, Max Linder is now concocting his Essanay 'Barrel of Fun No. 3.'"  I think this became "Max in a Taxi."