The Untimely Death of Thomas Ince Aboard William Randolph Hearst's Yacht
Thomas Ince, renowned silent film producer and known as the “Father of the Western,” had a deep love for boating.
In fact, he often incorporated his passion for sailing into many of the 100+ movies he produced throughout his career.
It is even said that as a young boy, Ince attempted to run away from home to join a ship's crew, but his parents persuaded him to pursue acting instead, believing it to be a more stable profession.
So, when the influential newspaperman and member of the American elite, William Randolph Hearst, invited Ince to join him on his yacht, the Oneida, in November 1924, it seemed like the perfect way for Ince to celebrate his 44th birthday.
With an A-list group of Hollywood insiders, indulging in the finest food and drinks in the luxurious setting of a 200-foot-long sailboat off the coast of California, what could possibly go wrong?
Little did anyone know that this trip would overshadow Ince's legacy and bring scandal upon those who were present.
After just one day at sea, Ince was abruptly taken back to shore and tragically passed away soon after.
While his cause of death was attributed to heart troubles, rumors began to circulate, suggesting that Ince may have been murdered instead of succumbing to a night of excess.
At the time of his ill-fated voyage, Ince was not in the best of health, despite being only in his forties.
His rapid rise in the film industry and his relentless work ethic had taken a toll on his physical well-being, resulting in stomach ulcers and angina.
Born into a theater family in 1882, Ince started his acting career at a young age and transitioned into producing and directing films in his early twenties.
He founded his own production company and eventually established Inceville, a studio town renowned for its westerns.
During the same period, Hearst was also involved in the film industry, using it as an extension of his news empire.
He recognized the potential in animated cartoons and newsreels, leading him to establish his own studio.
The connection between Ince and Hearst grew stronger when Hearst proposed a business partnership, with Ince producing a film starring Marion Davies, Hearst's mistress.
The Oneida excursion was intended to celebrate this collaboration and to commemorate Ince's birthday.
However, what transpired on that ill-fated trip was far from celebratory.
After indulging in food and drink throughout the day, Ince fell seriously ill, causing great concern among his fellow passengers.
His moans and groans could be heard from his private room, prompting others to check on him.
It was clear that Ince's condition was critical, and he was swiftly transported back to shore for better medical care.
Sadly, he passed away the following day.
The exact cause of his death remains uncertain, with some speculating that rich foods triggered his heart troubles, while others believed he had consumed tainted bootleg alcohol.
The aftermath of Ince's death was marked by the creation of various rumors and scandals.
Some were fueled by Hollywood gossip and celebrity intrigue, but most were the result of poor choices made by those onboard the Oneida.
Firstly, Hearst, a married man, had invited his lover's lover, Charlie Chaplin, to join the party.
This love triangle added tension to an already volatile situation.
The prevailing narrative was that Hearst, in a fit of rage, attempted to shoot Chaplin but accidentally hit Ince instead.
Secondly, Prohibition was in full swing during this time, yet illegal alcohol was consumed freely aboard the yacht.
Dr. Daniel Carson Goodman, a physician employed by Hearst, was charged with attending to Ince's medical needs when it became apparent that he was unwell.
However, he was instructed to keep the situation discreet.
This attempt to cover up the consumption of illegal liquor only added to the suspicion surrounding the events.
Furthermore, Hearst and Chaplin initially denied being present on the yacht that night, but their claims were quickly disproven.
These inconsistencies raised doubts about the authenticity of the official accounts provided by those involved.
In a further unfortunate move, Hearst decided not to attend Ince's funeral, hoping that his absence would quell the rumors and
