The Great Train Robbery (S)

This picture, directed and scripted by Edwin S. Porter, introduced the first cinematic cowboy star, Bronco Billy Anderson. Anderson plays several roles in this action-packed depiction of outlaws ambushing a steam train. A breakthrough achievement in motion picture history, this film stood out at the time for its length, its choice of genre (the "western"), as well as technical advancements, including its use of close-ups and Porter's decision to move the camera from side-to-side (what we now refer to as "panning"). Mandatory viewing for the cinephile.