Tappan, New York
The Helen Gardner Picture Players. The company was established in Tappan, New York with capital provided by Gardener’s mother. Gardner hired her lover Charles L. Gaskill as a director and scenarist. Known for her portrayal of strong female characters, Gardner’s first production was "Cleopatra" (1912), one of the first American full-length films. The film was re-edited and re-released after Fox released the 1917 adaptation starring Theda Bara. Gardner is considered the screen's first vamp, predating Theda Bara, Valeska Suratt and Louise Glaum. Gardner produced eleven feature films before closing her studio in 1914.