Al Christie
Al Christie, (November 24, 1881 - April 4, 1951) was a motion picture director, producer, screenwriter.Born Alfred Ernest Christie, in London, Ontario, Canada, he was one of a number of Canadian pioneers in early Hollywood who made their way to Hollywood, California, attracted by the newly developing motion picture business. Al Christie began his career in 1909 working for David Horsley's Nestor Films company and by 1912 he was in charge of production a series of Western style films.
In 1916, he and his brother, Charles Christie, established their own production company, creating feature length films and short comedies. During his time in the film business, Al Christie was the author of 95 screenplays and directed and or produced more than 200 motion pictures.
He and his brother, Charles also built Hollywood's first luxury hotel. However, his motion picture company was a victim of the Great Depression and closed its doors. Unable to find work in the film indusry, he was forced to sell real estate to earn a living.
In 1926, Al Christie, along with actress Vera Steadman and Mrs. H. Prevost, mother of fellow Canadian actress Marie Prevost, was in a car accident in Florida. Mr.Christie, the driver, and Ms. Steadman suffered only minor injuries but Mrs. Prevost was killed.
Al Christie died after a lengthy illness and was interred in the Hollywood Forever Memorial Park Cemetery in Hollywood, California.
He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6771 Hollywood Blvd.
