Gilbert M. Anderson

Known for DirectingBorn 1880-03-20Died 1971-01-20Little Rock, Arkansas, USA

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.Read more

Movies & web series

Golden Saddles, Silver Spurs

Ashes

Her Realization

Wine, Women and Song

Too Much Turkey

Broncho Billy's Christmas Spirit

Broncho Billy's Dad

Broncho Billy's Judgment

The Squatter's Gal

Broncho Billy Wins Out

Broncho Billy Butts In

Broncho Billy, a Friend in Need

Broncho Billy's Conscience

Broncho Billy Reforms

The Accusation of Broncho Billy

The Struggle

Sophie's New Foreman

A Snakeville Courtship

The Ranch Girl's Mistake

A Moonshiner's Heart

Broncho Billy's Escapade

Widow Jenkins' Admirers

Broncho Bill's Last Spree

Hank and Lank: They Make a Mash

A Hungry Pair

Trailed to the Hills

The Deputy's Love

A Flirty Affliction

Hank and Lank: As Sandwich Men

Tag Day

Stars of Yesterday

Humanity

The Man in Him

Ingomar of the Hills

The Bachelor's Burglar

The Western Way

His Wife's Secret

An Unexpected Romance

Broncho Billy and the Card Sharp

The Escape of Broncho Billy

A Christmas Revenge

The Strategy of Broncho Billy's Sweetheart

Broncho Billy Rewarded

Broncho Billy -- Gun-Man

Broncho Billy's Decision

Broncho Billy and the Gambler

Broncho Billy and the Navajo Maid

Broncho Billy's Mistake