Seeking Information on Film

[Lisa Bradberry]

Below is a link to the film, "Bouncing Baby," which I have been told was made in Jacksonville, Florida. Can someone please provide any information, i.e., studio, actors, etc?

http://www.floridamemory.com/Photograph ... cfm?VID=12

Thanks,

Lisa Bradberry

[Jim Kerkhoff]

The original title of this film is "Fred's Fictitious Foundling." It's a Sunbeam Comedy that was released in June 1918 and stars Hilliard Karr. The director was Josh Binning. For a number of years a still of it has been featured on the Slapsticon website ... http://www.slapsticon.org

Jim K

[Steve Massa]

Lisa, thanks for posting the film. Like Jim says it's FRED'S FICTITIOUS FOUNDLING ('18) and is part of a series of comedies produced and directed by Josh Binney. I have an exhibitor ad from the 5/4/1918 Moving Picture World that refers to the series as Josh Binney Comedies, and says that they were made for the Florida Film Corporation at the Klutho Studios in Jacksonville. In all the items on this series that I've seen Hilliard Karr is not listed by his name but as Funny Fatty Filbert. Two other titles listed on the ad are FABULOUS FORTUNE FUMBLERS and FREDA'S FIGHTING FATHER. Not sure how long this series lasted - probably until they ran of out words starting with F to use.

Steve

[Lisa Bradberry]

Thanks Jim and Steve!

[Steve Massa]

Lisa, here's an article on Josh Binney and his production company from the 5/4/1918 Moving Picture World:

Binney to Make Two-Reel Comedies
Long-Time Director Organizes Florida Film Corporation, of Which He Will Be President

Closely identified with the production of high-class comedy features, H.J. Binney, better known as “Josh” Binney, and the announcement that he has organized a producing company under the title of the Florida Film Corporation, the purpose of which will be a monthly release of a two-reel “Josh” Binney comedy, will prove of interesting news to buyers and exhibitors.

Initial co-operation with Mack Sennett started “Josh” Binney off right with Filmdom’s foremost laugh producer. Then followed a season of Vogue comedies for the Mutual program, which established Mr. Binney as a capable director.

Sunshine comedies were next manufactured under Binney’s direction and were exploited with success. The Masterpictures and Lion Comedies next occupied Mr. Binney’s attention, his duties including those of president in addition to director general, and the popularity of this product was further evidence that a master hand was at the helm.

Mr. Binney’s reputation as a producer of successful comedies naturally brought him many offers of affiliation and including a most flattering proposition submitted by capitalists of Jacksonville, Fla. After a careful examination Mr. Binney was convinced that in these overtures were conditions and opportunities which would permit of his putting into operation certain idea regarding photoplay production which had long been in his mind, inasmuch as he would the hearty co-operation of H.J. Klutho, one of Jacksonville’s most influencial business men and owner of the renowned Klutho studios. The Florida Film Corporation was organized, the policy of production being the monthly release of a two-reel comedy. Mr. Binney claims he now is equipped to produce the best releases of his career as a director and that it will be his sole ambition to supply the market with a product that will compare most favorably with the best obtainable.

Funny Fatty Filbert, also known to hosts of audiences as Nathan Dewing, occupies the stellar position in Mr. Binney’s acting company and is a guarantee that the mirth-provoking situations are in most capable hands. His reputation as a laugh-getter has placed him in the foremost ranks of the funny fat men of the screen.

Fatty Filbert has the support of well-known and well-liked artists, including Fred Bezerril, that “different” comedian from South America; the beautiful Vivian Dart as leading woman; Glen Lambert, Rox Renfro, Florence McLaughlin, Gertie Fishback and Ira Wentley. A.A. Porchet is photographer.

In presenting the “Josh” Binney comedies it is Binney’s intent to carry out different thought in each release and incorporating in addition to its comedy possibilities stories of human and gripping interest and plot.

Three of the new series are now completed, and a most vigorous advertising campaign is now being outlined covering these as well as the releases to follow.

Arrangements have been consummated whereby Ernest Shipman and his organization will exploit the “Josh” Binney comedies and act as sales representative for the Florida Film Corporation, with headquarters at 17 West Forty-fourth street, New York City.

These ideas of construction are based upon Mr. Binney’s wealth of experience and are calculated to work out to the advantage of his company, the buyer, exhibitor and the picture viewing public.


Never have come across the name Nathan Dewing anywhere else - am wondering if it's a name Hilliard Karr was using at the the time as he's in the film and in all the advertising material. Florence McLaughlin worked with Babe Hardy at Vim.

Steve