President of the Pacific Palisades Historical Society Eric Dugdale will present a multifaceted program in Santa Monica at 7 p.m. this Thursday, Jan. 26, on the story of motion picture studio system pioneer, Thomas Ince and his studio, Inceville.
During the 12 years of Inceville’s prime, it was a magnet for the greatest stars and directors of the day including Mary Pickford, William S. Hart, and Francis Ford.
Ince was one of the most powerful producers and directors in the nation and his studio and influence eventually built Culver City’s MGM studio.
Today, Ince is remembered, if at all, for the mysterious circumstances of his death connected to William Randolph Hearst and his circle.
However, as historian Eric Dugdale shows in his Jan. 26 lecture, Ince was much more – a pioneering genius of the early film industry and major influence in the development of our Santa Monica Bay.
Admission is free.
Sponsored by the History Committee at the Santa Monica Bay Woman’s Club, 1210 4th St., Santa Monica.
For more information, email History@SMBWC.org.