W. J. Lincoln | |
|---|---|
 Lincoln, c. 1913 | |
| Born | William Joseph Lincoln 1870 |
| Died | 18 August 1917 (aged 46–47) |
| Occupation | Film director |
| Years active | 1911–1916 |
| Spouse | Pearl Ireland (m. 1896–1917; his death) |
William Joseph Lincoln (1870 – 18 August 1917) was an Australian playwright, theatre manager, film director and screenwriter in the silent era.[1] He produced, directed and/or wrote 23 films between 1911 and 1916.
One obituary called him "undoubtedly the pioneer of the Australian picture-producing industry".[2]
Another obituary echoed these sentiments, adding that:
His faith in the possibilities of Australia as a centre of' activity in moving picture production was unbounded, and for many years past he had devoted his energies chiefly to the realisation of this conviction. In common with others with whom he was at different periods associated in the making of film stories, -Mr Lincoln's work was carried on under conditions that might well have daunted the most sanguine. That he made admirable use of the materials that lay to his hand is generally admitted, and in some of his earlier productions he achieved a technical standard that was little if at all inferior to the output of the overseas studios at that time.[3]
Film historians Graham Shirley and Brian Adams wrote that Lincoln's films "were more like stage tableaux than films. However, with the right ingredients at their disposal the best of Lincoln's early productions were well-received".[4]
- ^ "IN THE BARBER'S SHOP". Prahran Telegraph. Vic. 1 September 1917. p. 6. Retrieved 26 October 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "AT POVERTY POINT". The Bulletin. 6 September 1917.
- ^ "Life's Phases on the Film". The Herald. Victoria, Australia. 25 August 1917. p. 10. Retrieved 17 March 2020 – via Trove.
- ^ Graham Shirley and Brian Adams, Australian Cinema: The First Eighty Years, Currency Press 1989 p 42