Gilbert M. Anderson
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 retired for the first time in 1916 but made a few comebacks, including producing movies into the 1950s for his company, Progressive Pictures. He received an honorary Oscar in 1958 as a “motion picture pioneer.” Anderson came out of retirement one more time for a cameo in 1965’s “The Bounty Hunter.” He died at age of 90 1971.
The Great Train Robbery
as Bandit / Shot Passenger / Tenderfoot Dancer (uncredited)After the train station clerk is assaulted and left bound and gagged, then the departing train...
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The Bounty Killer
as The Man in the CantinaWillie Duggans, a tenderfoot from the east, arrives in the wild west and soon experiences its...
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Smash His Camera
as Self (archive footage)A film centering on the life and work of Ron Galella that examines the nature and effect of...
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His Regeneration
as The RegenerateA rough criminal gets a second chance at life thanks to a kindly (and wealthy) lady saloon...
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Broncho Billy and the False Note
as Broncho BillyWhile on the round-up, Broncho's rival one night steals his sweetheart's picture from his watch....
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Broncho Billy and the Schoolmistress
as Broncho Billy"Broncho Billy and the Schoolmistress" (1912, 14 minutes) is a comedy-drama about yet another...
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Broncho Billy and the Indian Maid
as Broncho BillyBart McGrew, a rascally schemer, endeavors to secure an old Indian chief's signature to a deed...
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Broncho Billy and the Sheriff's Office
as Broncho BillyBroncho Billy is requested to resign his office as sheriff. John Jenkin's son is appointed his...
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Andy of the Royal Mounted
as Andy of the Royal MountedAndy of the Royal Mounted and another trooper are both in love with a little school teacher, who...
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Charlie Chaplin: The Long Year at Essanay
as Self (archive footage)Short documentary about Chaplin's year at Essanay. Clips from Chaplin films but also from other...
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The Legend of Rudolph Valentino
as Self (archive footage)A documentary of Hollywood's first great Latin Lover, the contradictions in his personal life,...
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The Son-of-a-Gun
as BillA young man is lured into a cardgame by a crooked dealer. He is about to lose all the money that...
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The Film Parade
as (archive footage) (uncredited)Pioneer filmmaker J. Stuart Blackton was intrigued by the idea of a film about the history of...
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Broncho Billy's Christmas Deed
as Broncho BillyA poor man, the father of a young child, wants his offspring to have a Christmas such as every...
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A Western Redemption
as TomTom Perkins, a Chicago youth, is arrested, charged with being one of the carbarn bandits, to...
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Broncho Billy's Christmas Dinner
as Broncho BillyIt's Christmas, and a young woman is on her way to celebrate the holidays with her parents. A...
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The Movies March On
as Self - from 'The Great Train Robbery' (archive footage)A "March of Time" presentation of the evolution of movies compiled primarily from film clips of...
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Broncho Billy's Sentence
as Broncho BillyBilly commits a robbery but a preacher inspires him to have a change of heart.
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The Inference of Broncho Billy
as Broncho BillyOld Carl Stockdale is an habitual drunkard and the cause of much unhappiness to his daughter,...
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Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
as Sherlock HolmesThe millionaire's child is kidnapped. Sherlock Holmes after many thrilling adventures and narrow...
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Broncho Billy's Jealousy
as Broncho BillyBroncho Billy had promised Marguerite that he would never drink again. She agreed to marry him....
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Broncho Billy's Strategy
as Broncho BillyJuan, a greaser, tries to influence Tom Morgan to steal some money from his wife. Juan finally...
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The Deputy and the Girl
as The DeputyJim Black has a daughter, Edna, who is engaged to marry Frank Shaw. One evening Jim and Frank...
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The Corporation and the Ranch Girl
as Gerald ToddsUpon the death of her father, Ann Newton is made the heiress of an extensive and valuable ranch...
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Broncho Billy's First Arrest
as Broncho BillyBroncho Billy is made sheriff.
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Broncho Billy and the Greaser
as Broncho BillyBroncho Billy comes between a Mexican thug and the young woman he is disturbing. The Mexican...
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Why Broncho Billy Left Bear County
as Broncho BillyThrough a kindly act Broncho Billy earns the deep gratitute of Marion Rivers, who presents him...
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Broncho Billy for Sheriff
as Broncho BillyJim Dunn, county sheriff, is asked to withdraw his name as a candidate for re-election because...
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The Making of Broncho Billy
as Broncho BillyBroncho Billy runs into trouble in a bar when he gets into a confrontation with a bully. Since...
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Life with Henry
as Business Man (uncredited)Henry Aldrich wants to win a trip to Alaska.
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An Indian's Friendship
as Broncho BillyBroncho is instrumental in saving Yellow Wolf, an Indian, from the wrath of Dan Runnion, a surly...
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Broncho Billy and the Sheriff
as Broncho BillyBroncho Billy, a cowpuncher, is elected to the office of deputy. The sheriff is in love with...
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The Train Wreckers
as Last Train WreckerA romance between a railroad engineer and the switchman's daughter is nearly ruined by train...
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Broncho Billy and the Settler's Daughter
as Broncho BillyOld Harry Todd and his daughter, Marguerite, are in the west prospecting for gold. They meet...
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Broncho Billy's Vengeance
as Broncho BillyBroncho's former wife writes a note to him shortly before her death, asking him to forgive her,...
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Outwitting Papa
as Tom PhelpsEthel Walker and Tom Phelps are engaged to marry, but father objects. Later, when the old...
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The Tell-Tale Hand
as Broncho BillyTim Cantle, an evil-looking fellow, is drinking at a bar. The saloonkeeper's daughter enters,...
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Spike Shannon's Last Fight
as Spike Shannon'Spike' Shannon, a pugilist by occupation, signs to fight a 10-round bout, with another young...
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The Face at the Curtain
as The BurglarThe Man, down on his luck, breaks into the home of a wealthy clubman to burglarize the place....
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Broncho Billy Trapped
as Broncho BillyBroncho and his wife arrive in a new country and settle. They are treated with all kindness by a...
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Broncho Billy's Mother
as Broncho BillyThe entire town is terrorized. Broncho Billy has again been drinking and is shooting at...
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Broncho Billy and the Baby
as Broncho BillyBilly rescues a child and returns her to her mother. When the husband returns and discovers that...
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The Convict's Threat
as The ConvictThe convict's cellmate, his time up, calls on the former's wife with a letter of introduction...
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Hollywood and the Stars
as SelfNBC's pioneering documentary series, produced by the David L. Wolper Production Company, in...
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What Happened in the Tunnel
as uncreditedA woman riding a train must contend with the unwelcome advances of a male passenger.
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Broncho Billy and the Claim Jumpers
as Broncho BillyBroncho Billy, a prospector, makes a rich strike, but while he is examining the rock he is being...
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The Bachelor's Burglar
as The BachelorThe girl gets a job on the local newspaper and is sent out to get the story of one of the...
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Red Riding Hood of the Hills
as Broncho BillyMarguerite becomes weary as the hours and the Overland Limited roll on. Her trip from New York...
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Broncho Billy's Christmas Spirit
as Broncho BillyIt is Christmas Eve, and a humble prospector has spent his last cent for food. He is heartbroken...
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Broncho Billy's Double Escape
as Broncho BillyBroncho Billy, an outlaw, while being pursued by the sheriff of Bear County, crosses the line...
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Broncho Billy and the Vigilante
as Broncho BillyThe cattle owners have formed a lynching party and are in pursuit of a rustler who has been...
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Broncho Billy's Dad
as Broncho BillyWhen Broncho Billy leaves home to take the office of sheriff, his dad's parting words are, "My...
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The Stage Driver's Daughter
as Tom PercivalOld Jim Lacey and his daughter operate a stagecoach in the west. One day, Alice, the girl, meets...
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Broncho Billy's Narrow Escape
as Broncho BillyWhile looking for work, Broncho Billy meets a girl and falls in love with her. Broncho is then...
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The Good-for-Nothing
as Gilbert SterlingThe firm of John Sterling and Sons bad been organized by his father, and when son Gilbert was...
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Broncho Billy's Adventure
as Broncho BillyFairfax, California, is the location used for this film, one of the earliest Broncho Billy...
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The Strategy of Broncho Billy's Sweetheart
as Broncho BillyBroncho Billy shoots an outlaw for making a disrespectful remark about his sweetheart. After the...
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Broncho Billy, a Friend in Need
as Broncho BillyThe doctor, who owns the only store in town, is called away, and leaves his daughter in charge....
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Broncho Billy and the Mine Shark
as Broncho BillyWilliam Young and his daughter, Mildred, settle in the west, with the intention of investing...
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His Wife's Secret
as The BurglarA burglar enters a darkened house to rob. A young wife, home alone, phones her husband at the...
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The Smuggler's Daughter
as Brant GrahamOld Silas Gregg lives with his pretty daughter, Vedah, in the western hills, unknown to the...
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A Pal's Oath
as Jack ManleyTwo pals, Jack Manley and John French, are employed on a large ranch in Wyoming. French falls...
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Broncho Billy and the Western Girls
as Broncho BillyEvelyn and Irene Courteny, through the helplessness of their father, who is a cripple, are given...
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Broncho Billy and the Rustler's Child
as Broncho BillyDavid Morgan, a cowpuncher, is informed by Doctor Harding that the former's wife is in a serious...
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The Treachery of Broncho Billy's Pal
as Broncho BillyBroncho Billy and his pal, Carl Stockdale, are in love with Peggy Adams. The two men receive a...
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Broncho Billy Well Repaid
as Broncho BillyBroncho Billy wins out over his rival for the hand of a sweet country girl. Later he meets a...
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Broncho Billy and the Rattler
as Broncho BillyCarl Stockdale, the sheriff of Boise County, is given a case of valuable jewels to deliver, but...
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Broncho Billy's Conscience
as Broncho BillyBroncho Billy, ranch foreman, finds Tom Warner has squatted on a section of Stockdale's ranch....
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Broncho Billy's Teachings
as Broncho BillyBroncho Billy, a young clergyman, is struck on the head and left for dead by his partner, just...
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Broncho Billy-Guardian
as Broncho BillyBroncho Billy hears a child scream and rushes on the scene in time to prevent Jim Haley, a big...
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Broncho Billy Reforms
as Broncho BillyBroncho Billy and his pals plot to rob the general store. Broncho Billy is elected to go into...
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Broncho Billy and the Sisters
as Broncho BillyBroncho Billy becomes engaged to Mae, whose sister, Marguerite, is a cripple. Her parents are...
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Broncho Billy and the Bad Man
as Broncho BillyTo err is human, but in the end, goodness of heart will prevail and the one who has committed an...
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Alkali Ike Bests Broncho Billy
as Broncho BillyWhen rancher Arthur Mackley welcomes his daughter (Florence Perkes) to his ranch for a visit,...
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The Doctor's Duty
as Dr. Roland WhiteDr. Roland White falls in love with Marguerite, the daughter of the postmaster in a small...
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Broncho Billy and the Bandits
as Broncho BillyJim Matthews, express agent in Red Rock, Arizona, and his daughter Alice, are watching anxiously...
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Broncho Billy's Secret
as Broncho BillyBroncho Billy, sheriff of Cheyenne County, in love with Marguerite Clayton, is accepted by her....
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A Wife of the Hills
as Bart McGrewBart McGrew, a notorious outlaw, lives in the hills with his young wife. McGrew's capture will...
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Humanity
as Broncho Billy AdairA cowboy travels East to settle an old score. He finds the man he's been looking for, but his...
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Snakeville's New Doctor
as Broncho BillyIn these days of women's equal rights, it is not strange to find the fair sex taking the places...
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Broncho Billy and the Escaped Bandit
as Broncho BillyA desperate bandit has escaped and finding no one about Broncho's cabin, takes refuge in the attic.
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The Strike at the Little Jonny Mine
as Jim LoganYoung Jim Logan, a miner at the "Little Jonny" mine, is in financial straits owing to the long...
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A Night on the Road
as Rough NeckA knight of the grip has many inconveniences to contend with, and not only that, but often his...
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Across the Plains
as The CowboyJennie Lee and her father are on their way to Golden California, from a little Kansas farm,...
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Broncho Billy and the Red Man
as Broncho BillyBroncho Billy saves an Indian from starvation. The Indian's intelligence is soon discovered by...
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The Tomboy on Bar Z
as uncreditedA romantic Western in which John saves his beloved Mary when she is about to marry a criminal.
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Broncho Billy's Heart
as Broncho BillyOld Silas Jordan, a settler, finds that his horse is not able to pull the heavy load demanded,...
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The Messenger Boy's Mistake
as Messenger Boy"Cholly" wishes to call on his best girl and sends her a large bouquet. To find out if the girl...
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Broncho Billy's Decision
as Broncho BillyThe division superintendent of the Montana Idaho R.R. finds it necessary to buy the property of...
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Broncho Billy, Outlaw
as Broncho BillyCarnos, a greaser, is sent to jail. He is a very refractory prisoner and swears to get even with...
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Broncho Billy's Mexican Wife
as Broncho BillyBroncho marries a Mexican girl at the earnest entreaty of her dying father. Later a Mexican...
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Broncho Billy's Last Deed
as Broncho BillyBroncho Billy is seen smoking a cigar in a general store in the far west. An Indian enters, who...
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Broncho Billy and the Sheriff's Kid
as Broncho BillyBroncho Billy, haying disturbed the laws of the state, is thrown into jail. The warden hands the...
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The Redemption of Broncho Billy
as Broncho BillyBroncho Billy loses his job and is forced to go west in search of employment. He lands in a...
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Broncho Bill's Last Spree
as Broncho BillBroncho Bill of Snakeville, is on one of his sprees. Loaded down with all kinds of artillery, he...
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Broncho Billy and the Outlaw's Mother
as Broncho BillyBroncho Billy and the Outlaw's Mother
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Broncho Billy Gets Square
as Broncho BillyA reward is offered for the capture of Broncho Billy and David Kirkland and freedom is promised...
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Broncho Billy's Scheme
as Broocho BillyColonel Emmett's daughter is captured by an outlaw who blindfolds her just before taking her to...
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The Outlaw and the Child
as Dan WarringtonDan Warrington, an outlaw, is captured by the sheriff, after the former had held up a...
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Broncho Billy and the Navajo Maid
as Broncho BillyChief Arraphoe promises his daughter in marriage to a young brave of the tribe. The Indian girl...
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Broncho Billy's Pal
as Broncho BillyTom Shelby and Broncho Billy, partners on a small cattle ranch, and life-long pals, are stalwart...
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A Child of the West
as uncreditedJim Riley is to be arrested for horse stealing and when the sheriff knocks at the door of Jim's...
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Broncho Billy's Gratitude
as Broncho BillyDan Hart, a worthless good-for-nothing, takes the wedding ring from his wife's finger to pawn,...
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A Gambler of the West
as HalstedThe story is of an old man and his daughter, he so addicted to gambling that they are penniless....
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A Story of Montana
as Triggerless Jim BurrowsOld Clayton, a ranchman, has a pretty daughter, Sue, who is loved by Dan Morris, a worthless...
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Broncho Billy's Judgment
as Broncho BillyBroncho Billy and his pal are in love with the same girl. They argue one night as to which one...
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Broncho Billy Puts One Over
as Broncho BillyBroncho Billy is a foreman on Roger Newman's ranch and is in love with his daughter, Mae. Newman...
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The Mexican's Faith
as The MexicanTony Perez, a Mexican cowpuncher, is driven from the ranch where he is employed for some...
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Tag Day
as uncreditedThe custom of young women "tagging" men on the public streets (on a day specially set aside and...
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Broncho Billy's Bible
as Broncho BillyBroncho Billy and his pal, after robbing the stagecoach, divide the loot and part company. Among...
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Broncho Billy's Leap
as Broncho BillyJohn Wilson had driven the stagecoach for years. When his daughter, Marguerite, became old...
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Ingomar of the Hills
as IngomarThe bandit leader is lying wounded in his cabin on the mountain when his confederates bring in a...
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The Cowboy Coward
as SteveHenry and Steve, two "bunkies" on the "LL" ranch, are in love with Katie, their employer's...
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The Reward for Broncho Billy
as Broncho BillyAfter holding up a stage-coach, Broncho Billy disappears into the woods on horseback. The driver...
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Broncho Billy's Last Hold-Up
as Broncho BillyA girl helps Broncho Billy to hide when the sheriff comes looking for him. When a while later he...
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Broncho Billy's Gratefulness
as Broncho BillyBroncho Billy, suffering from a fever, collapses on the doorstep of a ranchman's home. John...
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Broncho Billy's Promise
as Broncho BillyA pretty western girl rejected a cowpuncher admirer for Bronche Billy. Snake, the rejected...
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Broncho Billy's Brother
as Broncho BillyBroncho's brother has a quarrel with a greaser. In the fight that follows the greaser is bested,...
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Broncho Billy's Squareness
as Broncho BillyEarl Briggs, a ranchman, and Carl Underwood, a sheriff, are in love with Grace Woodward. Earl is...
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Western Hearts
as Sam HardySeth Perkins, a prospector, has two daughters. Mabel and Vedah. Vedah is a cripple, and the town...
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Broncho Billy and the Maid
as Broncho BillyJim Clay, a rough western ranchman, kisses his daughter goodbye, and departs for the town...
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Broncho Billy's Mission
as Broncho BillyThe city girl decides to turn over a new leaf and go west where she can start life anew. Several...
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Broncho Billy -- Gun-Man
as Broncho BillyJack Holmes, a squatter, and his daughter, Margaret, settle on land owned by Harry Rawlins....
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The Indian and the Child
as The IndianJake Willis, a timber-cutter, is felling trees with a gang of men one morning when an Indian...
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The New Schoolmarm of Green River
as The SheriffHarry Keenan is in love with the pretty young school teacher of Green River, but his attentions...
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Broncho Billy's Greaser Deputy
as Broncho BillyBroncho Billy, the sheriff, is in love with a girl, but another man wins her affections and...
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Broncho Billy's Elopement
as Broncho BillyRobert Johnson tries to influence his daughter, Mary, to marry Dave Morgan, much against her...
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Broncho Billy's Duty
as Broncho BillyBroncho Billy, a doctor and minister in the far west, is overwhelmed with grief one evening when...
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Broncho Billy's Punishment
as Broncho BillyDrink makes a brute of Broncho Billy and he does not realize what he is doing when under its...
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Golden Saddles, Silver Spurs
as (archive footage)This documentary traces the history of the B-Western from it's silent movie origins to its...
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Broncho Billy Outwitted
as Broncho BillyOld Silas Trent, a squatter, is warned that the community is not healthy for those of his...
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Town Hall, Tonight
as Broncho BillTwo wandering thespians, whose one lone trunk bears the legend "Schulz Brothers, in Vaudeville,"...
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Broncho Billy's Fatal Joke
as Broncho BillyBilly plays a prank on an old miner and causes the poor old man to have a heart attack.
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Broncho Billy's Capture
as Broncho BillyJuan Yukas, a greaser, schemes with his sweetheart, Evelyn, to hold up the stage and rob the...
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The Bandit's Child
as Tom FlemingTom Fleming, a Western bandit, and his pal, Morgan, hold up the stage. Fleming dispatches Morgan...
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Broncho Billy's True Love
as Broncho BillyBroncho Billy is in love with Marguerite Clayton, who is devotedly fond of him. Broncho asks her...
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The Outlaw's Awakening
as The OutlawThe Outlaw, preparing to rob the stage, receives a letter from his wife, telling him to lead a...
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Broncho Billy Rewarded
as Broncho BillyBroncho Billy, the town good-for-nothing, makes his headquarters at the saloon, where he makes a...
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The Western Way
as The OutlawThe highwayman, watching through the window of the ramshackle express office, sees the messenger...
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Hubby's Scheme
as One of Hubby's FriendsThe boys want Simp to take a trip with them, but he fears his wife's objections. These, however,...
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Broncho Billy's Cunning
as Broncho BillyA detective from the east is sent west to locate a notorious bandit and train robber. In the...
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The Three Gamblers
as Broncho BillyHerbert Corrington, a would-be gambler and agent for an express company, not satisfied with the...
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The Outlaw's Sacrifice
as uncreditedMatt Malone, a highwayman and night rider who has long baffled the police authorities, loves...
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A Road Agent's Love
as Bob FarcoJohn Mackley is in the hands of a money-lender, and a broken leg prevents him from meeting a...
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Shootin' Mad
as Broncho BillyA settler and his daughter are trying to homestead a plot of land. They are tricked out of the...
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When Love and Honor Called
as Broncho BillyBroncho Billy is sent on a secret mission to a small Arizona town. There he meets a beautiful...
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Broncho Billy's Mistake
as Broncho BillyBroncho Billy, a woodsman, living in northern Montana, is greeted by Paul Harding, an artist...
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Broncho Billy and the Schoolmam's Sweetheart
as Broncho BillyMarjorie Wayne, the new school-teacher, comes to town and boards at the same ranch where Broncho...
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Broncho Billy -- Favorite
as Broncho BillyHaving refused to accompany either Broncho Billy or the mail carrier to a dance at the town...
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