The Cowboy Millionaire (1909 film)

The Cowboy Millionaire is a short, silent Western film released in 1909. Produced by the Selig Polyscope Company, it is notable as one of the early examples of the Western genre, a genre that would quickly become a staple of American cinema. Details about the plot are scarce, but the title suggests a story about a cowboy who unexpectedly acquires wealth, likely through discovering a gold mine or receiving an inheritance. The film's cast and crew are largely unknown, typical for early silent films. Due to its age, The Cowboy Millionaire is considered a lost film, meaning no known copies of it survive. Its historical significance lies in its contribution to the development of the Western genre and its illustration of the filmmaking practices during the early years of cinema. It is considered to be in the public domain due to its age.