DEATH IN U.S.A.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 171, 22 July 1941, Page 9

DEATH IN U.S.A.

PICTURE EXECUTIVE j] WAS BORN IN AUCKLAND (By Air.) SAN FRANCISCO, July 12. The death from pneumonia has occurred in the Hollywood Hospital of Mr. Charles F. Eyton, an eminent New Zealander. He was 70 years of age. Mr. Eyton was an executive in the silent era of Hollywood's film industry, and husband of Kathlyn Williams, star of silent films. He was once considered the greatest prize fight referee. During his career in pictures Mr. Eyton reached the top when he became production manager of the old Famous Players-Lasky Corporation and later general manager of the Paramount Studios. He married Miss Williams in June, 1916, when she, too, was at the height of her career. They were divorced in 1931. and they were one of the few Hollywood couples who lived up to their declaration that they parted as good friends. Born in Auckland, Mr. Eyton came to the United States as a youth and started his meteoric career in the theatrical business in San Francisco and later as manager of the old Burbank Theatre in Los Angeles for Oliver Morosco. Later on he became associated with Morosco and Frank A. Garbutt in the Oliver Morosco Photoplay Company, of which he owned a quarter interest, and it was through this association that he joined Famous Players-Lasky and Paramount, which was then located in the heart of Hollywood business district. Mr. Eyton also gained something of a reputation for himself as a boxer and a wrestler, and his knowledge of these sports helped him as a referee. The late Tom McCarey, one of the best known American fight promoters, whose headquarters were in Los Angeles, paid Eyton 500 dollars per show for his services in the ring. He was one of the builders of the Los Angeles Athletic Club and served as secretary for 35 years dating from 1906. He always kept his charities anonymous, and supported a great many families who never knew who was rasponsible for their benefactions He always was outspoken, and never failed to speak his mind as the occasion demanded. - The funeral was attended by many [ of the foremost sportsmen of the West and by cinema celebrities.