Gilbert M. Anderson

Directing

Gilbert M. Anderson

Born March 20, 1880 · Little Rock, Arkansas, USA

Died January 20, 1971 · aged 90

Born in 1880, ‘Broncho Billy’ Anderson is considered the first western film star. He played three film roles in “The Great Train Robbery” and then began to write, direct and act in his own films. After co-founding the Essanay Studios in 1907 with George Kirk Spoor, Anderson appeared in some 300 short films. But it was his 148 western shorts playing cowboy Bronco Billy that made him a star. He ret…

Known For

His RegenerationHis Regeneration · 1915
His Regeneration
4.41915
MovieCrimeDrama
A rough criminal gets a second chance at life thanks to a kindly (and wealthy) lady saloon patron. But he hasn't gone straight yet, as he and a partner attempt to rob the home of a rich homeowner-- whose wife is asleep in the next room.
The Great Train RobberyThe Great Train Robbery · 1903
The Great Train Robbery
7.01903
MovieWesternCrime
After the train station clerk is assaulted and left bound and gagged, then the departing train and its passengers robbed, a posse goes in hot pursuit of the fleeing bandits.
The ChampionThe Champion · 1915
The Champion
6.51915
MovieComedy
Walking along with his bulldog, Charlie finds a "good luck" horseshoe just as he passes a training camp advertising for a boxing partner "who can take a beating." After watching others lose, Charlie puts the horseshoe in his glove and wins. The trainer prepares Charlie to fight the world champion. A gambler wants Charlie to throw the fight. He and the trainer's daughter fall in love.
Alkali Ike Bests Broncho BillyAlkali Ike Bests Broncho Billy · 1912
Alkali Ike Bests Broncho Billy
4.01912
MovieComedyWestern
When rancher Arthur Mackley welcomes his daughter (Florence Perkes) to his ranch for a visit, all of the cowboys compete for her affections.
Broncho Billy's Christmas DinnerBroncho Billy's Christmas Dinner · 1911
Broncho Billy's Christmas Dinner
4.51911
MovieDramaWestern
It's Christmas, and a young woman is on her way to celebrate the holidays with her parents. A group of drunk cowboys startle her horses making her wagon, with the woman on it, speed off. By chance Broncho Billy saves her life and the grateful girl invites him over for Christmas dinner. Little does he know that the young lady is the Sheriff's daughter…
Broncho Billy -- Gun-ManBroncho Billy -- Gun-Man · 1914
Broncho Billy -- Gun-Man
9.01914
MovieWestern
Jack Holmes, a squatter, and his daughter, Margaret, settle on land owned by Harry Rawlins. Broncho Billy, gunman, is engaged by Rawlins to eject the squatter or put him out of the way. Broncho is wounded by a half-breed and Margaret nurses him back to health. The gunman then refuses to turn Holmes out.
Outwitting PapaOutwitting Papa · 1911
Outwitting Papa
8.01911
MovieComedy
Ethel Walker and Tom Phelps are engaged to marry, but father objects. Later, when the old gentleman finds his daughter writing a note to Tom, promising him to elope, he calls in blacksmiths and has them put bars on the windows and grating in the door.
The Bounty KillerThe Bounty Killer · 1965
The Bounty Killer
6.01965
MovieWestern
Willie Duggans, a tenderfoot from the east, arrives in the wild west and soon experiences its violence. Willie discovers the easy money in bounty killing and must choose between that violent lifestyle and the love of a beautiful saloon singer.

Filmography

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Broncho Billy's Double EscapeBroncho Billy's Double Escape · 1914
Broncho Billy's Double Escape
7.01914
MovieWestern
Broncho Billy, an outlaw, while being pursued by the sheriff of Bear County, crosses the line into Gulch County. Later he is captured by the Gulch County authorities, who wire to the neighboring sheriff's office to send a man to bring the prisoner back. A deputy sheriff is sent and that night they stop at a small hotel. Broncho and the deputy become quite friendly and Broncho induces him to remove his handcuffs. While Broncho Billy sleeps the deputy steals downstairs and enters a card game. He loses heavily. He returns to the room and tells Broncho of his loss. They then both turn in for the night. While the deputy sleeps, Broncho slips his gun from his pocket, goes downstairs and holds up the gamblers. Without waking his guardian, he places the loot on the table, then writes a note, telling the deputy that he has gone to the boundary and will be waiting for him there.

Director