Hennecke, Clarence, 1894-1969

Clarence R. Hennecke was a director, writer and comedy creator for Hollywood films. He was born September 16, 1894, and came to California with his family which consisted of his mother Anna, father Robert, and sister Hazel (later Mrs. Robert Hicks). Hennecke first entered films as a stuntman for Vitagraph in 1913. He acted for Mack Sennett in Keystone Kop comedies and had other bit parts on-screen, but he was better known for his comedy construction and gag writing for Laurel and Hardy, Harry Langdon, and other comedians. His contributions to these now classic films, however, often went unnoticed in the screen credits. During World War I, Hennecke was a motorcycle courier in the 91st Division, and he was an enthusiastic amateur boxer. In the 1930s, he wrote and directed many short films. He died in Santa Monica, California, on August 28, 1969.

From the guide to the Clarence Hennecke papers, 1913-2000, (University of Wyoming. American Heritage Center.)

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