Broncho Billy's Protégé

Broncho Billy, engaged to the girl, becomes jealous of a newcomer, and in remorse, gets intoxicated. He takes hack the girl's ring and frightens the tenderfoot out of a general store. Mounting his horse he pursues his frightened rival and, after many miles of galloping, overtakes him and brings him back to town, where he flings him in the girl's arms, saying, "Here's your tender foot. Try and make a man of him." Two years later, her husband dead, the wife is at the point of death, half-starved and with a small child to care for.

Directed by Gilbert M. Anderson, Broncho Billy's Protégé leans on a strong ensemble — Gilbert M. Anderson, Marguerite Clayton, Lee Willard — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about western titles of 1915.