1863-1957. French film pioneer, who began his
career selling projectors in 1896 and with
the profits formed Pathe Freres with his
brothers. In 1901 he embarked on film
production and by 1908 had becomed the
world's biggest producer, with branches
worldwide. He also developed an early colour
process and established a weekly newsreel,
Pathe Journal. World War I disrupted his
enterprises and by 1918 he was gradually
forced out of business by foreign
competition.