---
title: "The Great Train Robbery"
year: 1903
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/the-great-train-robbery-1903"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 5698
imdb_id: null
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 12
community_rating: 7.0
vote_count: 0
content_rating: "Unrated"
---

# The Great Train Robbery (1903) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/the-great-train-robbery-1903

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

The Great Train Robbery is a film first released in 1903. Catalogued under Western, Crime, Action, Adventure. Produced and broadcast by Edison Manufacturing Company. Current status: Released.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A train station clerk is assaulted, a train is robbed, and a posse pursues the bandits."

### Why Watch
- features a thrilling train robbery sequence
- showcases early cinematic technique
- historic 1903 film

### Caveats & Content Note
- very short runtime
- silent film format
- Tone & Suitability: Contains scenes of assault and action appropriate to its 1903 release.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: action, adventure, crime, western

## Streaming Availability Matrix

Direct streaming licensing updates dynamically. Consult the live tracking interface at https://www.archytele.com/show/the-great-train-robbery-1903#watch.

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Edwin S. Porter
- **Networks / Studios**: Edison Manufacturing Company

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Gilbert M. Anderson** as *Bandit / Shot Passenger / Tenderfoot Dancer (uncredited)*
- **John Manus Dougherty Sr.** as *Bandit (uncredited)*
- **Frank Hanaway** as *Bandit (uncredited)*
- **Adam Charles Hayman** as *Bandit (uncredited)*
- **Robert Milasch** as *Trainman / Bandit (uncredited)*
- **Marie Murray** as *Dance-Hall Dancer (uncredited)*
- **Mary Snow** as *Little Girl (uncredited)*
- **A.C. Abadie** as *Sheriff (uncredited)*
- **Walter Cameron** as *Sheriff (uncredited)*
- **Donald Gallaher** as *Little Boy (uncredited)*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: When was The Great Train Robbery released?
The film was released on December 7, 1903 in the US.

### Q: What genres does the film belong to?
The film belongs to the western, crime, action, and adventure genres.

### Q: How long is the film?
The film has a runtime of 12m.

### Q: What is the plot of the film?
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.

### Q: What sources influenced the short film?
It draws on a tradition of Western films, European innovations in film technique, the play of the same name by Scott Marble, and train-themed films.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [The Great Train Robbery — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/5698)
- [The Great Train Robbery (1903 film) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_Train_Robbery_(1903_film))
- [Velká železniční loupež (1903) Film, Titulky ke stažení…](https://osobnosti.najdise.cz/velka-zeleznicni-loupez-film-titulky-recenze-csfd-138822)
- [The Great Train Robbery (1941) | ČSFD.cz](https://www.csfd.cz/film/122571-the-great-train-robbery/prehled/)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*