George Kleine

George Kleine (1864 – June 8, 1931) was an early American film producer and distributor in the United States.

Biography Kleine's father, Charles, was a New York optician who sold optical devices and stereopticons. Kleine joined the family firm, moving to Chicago in 1893 where he set up the Kleine Optical Company. In 1896, the company started selling filmmaking equipment, and in 1899, the company obtained an exclusive arrangement with Thomas Edison to sell his film and equipment in the Chicago area. and Frank J. Marion. The company was named for their initials, K, L, and M. Kleine. Kleine was involved in the company for only a short period of time; however, it was a profitable investment for him, as his partners were soon successful enough to buy out his shares at a considerable premium.

Kleine was a national distributor of silent movies in the 1910s, a notable example being Essanay Studios' 1918 film, “Men Who Have Made Love to Me” starring Mary MacLane.

Kleine retired in 1928

Filmography