Robert G. Springsteen (September 8, 1904 – December 9, 1989) was an American director of Hollywood

B movie A B movie or B film is a low-budget commercial motion picture. In its original usage, during the Golden Age of Hollywood, the term more precisely identified films intended for distribution as the less-publicized bottom half of a double feature ...

s and television shows. He was most often credited on screen as R. G. Springsteen.

Biography

Born in

Tacoma, Washington Tacoma ( ) is the county seat of Pierce County, Washington, United States. A port city, it is situated along Washington's Puget Sound, southwest of Seattle, northeast of the state capital, Olympia, Washington, Olympia, and northwest of Mount ...

in 1904, Springsteen started working in Hollywood during the 1920s. He was hired by

Fox Studios 20th Century Studios, Inc. (previously known as 20th Century Fox) is an American film production company headquartered at the Fox Studio Lot in the Century City area of Los Angeles. As of 2019, it serves as a film production arm of Walt Dis ...

as a wardrobe assistant. In 1936 he moved to directing and worked as a

Second unit Second unit is a discrete team of filmmakers tasked with filming shots or sequences of a production, separate from the main or "first" unit. The second unit will often shoot simultaneously with the other unit or units, allowing the filming stag ...

, or assistant, director on numerous low budget B movies. During this time film credits often listed him by the nickname of Bud Springsteen. By 1945 Springsteen became a lead

director Director may refer to: Literature * ''Director'' (magazine), a British magazine * ''The Director'' (novel), a 1971 novel by Henry Denker * ''The Director'' (play), a 2000 play by Nancy Hasty Music * Director (band), an Irish rock band * ''D ...

and established himself as a filmmaker with his first B

Western Western may refer to: Places *Western, Nebraska, a village in the US *Western, New York, a town in the US *Western Creek, Tasmania, a locality in Australia *Western Junction, Tasmania, a locality in Australia *Western world, countries that id ...

, ''Marshal of Laredo''. From 1945 through 1968, Springsteen was a prolific director of Hollywood B Westerns and television episodes initially with

Republic Pictures Republic Pictures Corporation (currently held under Melange Pictures, LLC) was an American motion picture production-distribution corporation in operation from 1935 to 1967, that was based in Los Angeles. It had studio facilities in Studio City an ...

and later with A.C. Lyles's series of Westerns for

Paramount Pictures Paramount Pictures Corporation is an American film and television production company, production and Distribution (marketing), distribution company and the main namesake division of Paramount Global (formerly ViacomCBS). It is the fifth-oldes ...

. His last directing job came in 1968 with an episode of the television series ''

Gentle Ben Gentle Ben is a bear character created by author Walt Morey and first introduced in a 1965 children's novel, ''Gentle Ben''. The original novel told the story of the friendship between a large male bear named Ben and a boy named Mark. The story p ...

''. R. G. Springsteen died on December 9, 1989 in

Los Angeles, California Los Angeles ( ; es, Los Ángeles, link=no , ), often referred to by its initials L.A., is the largest city in the state of California and the second most populous city in the United States after New York City, as well as one of the world' ...

Partial filmography

*'' Tiger by the Tail'' (1970) *''

Hostile Guns ''Hostile Guns'' is a 1967 Western starring George Montgomery, Tab Hunter and Yvonne de Carlo. Plot Cast * George Montgomery as Sheriff Gid McCool *Tab Hunter as Mike Reno *Yvonne De Carlo as Laura Mannon *Brian Donlevy as Marshal Willett * ...

'' (1967) *''

Red Tomahawk ''Red Tomahawk'' is a 1967 American Western (genre), Western film directed by R. G. Springsteen and written by Steve Fisher (writer), Steve Fisher. The film stars Howard Keel, Joan Caulfield, Broderick Crawford, Scott Brady, Wendell Corey, Rich ...

'' (1967) *''

Waco Waco ( ) is the county seat of McLennan County, Texas, United States. It is situated along the Brazos River and I-35, halfway between Dallas and Austin. The city had a 2020 population of 138,486, making it the 22nd-most populous city in the st ...

'' (1966) *'' Johnny Reno'' (1966) *''

Apache Uprising ''Apache Uprising'' is a 1965 American Technicolor Western (genre), Western Techniscope film directed by R. G. Springsteen and written by Max Lamb and Harry Sanford. The film stars Rory Calhoun, Corinne Calvet, John Russell (actor), John Russel ...

'' (1966) *''

Black Spurs ''Black Spurs'' is a 1965 American Western film directed by R. G. Springsteen and written by Steve Fisher. The film stars Rory Calhoun, Linda Darnell (in her final film role), Terry Moore, Scott Brady, Lon Chaney Jr., Richard Arlen and Bruc ...

'' (1965) *''

Taggart ''Taggart'' is a Scottish detective fiction television programme created by Glenn Chandler, who wrote many of the episodes, and made by STV Studios for the ITV network. It originally ran as the miniseries "Killer" from 6 until 20 September 19 ...

'' (1964) *''

Bullet for a Badman ''Bullet for a Badman'' is a 1964 American Western film directed by R. G. Springsteen and starring Audie Murphy and Darren McGavin. The film is based on the 1958 novel ''Renegade Posse'', the working title of the film by Marvin H. Albert. The f ...

'' (1964) *''

He Rides Tall ''He Rides Tall'' is a 1964 American Western film directed by R. G. Springsteen and written by Charles Irwin and Robert Creighton Williams. The film stars Tony Young, Dan Duryea, Jo Morrow, Madlyn Rhue, R. G. Armstrong, and Joel Fluellen. The ...

'' (1964) *''

Showdown A showdown is a duel. The term may also refer to: Places * Showdown Ski Area, in Montana, United States Books * ''Showdown'' (Amado novel), a 1984 novel by Jorge Amado * ''Showdown'' (Dekker novel), a 2006 novel by Ted Dekker * ''Showdown'' (F ...

'' (1963) *''

Operation Eichmann Otto Adolf Eichmann ( ,"Eichmann"
''

Battle Flame'' (1959) *''

King of the Wild Stallions ''King of the Wild Stallions'' is a 1959 American CinemaScope Western film directed by R. G. Springsteen and starring George Montgomery. Plot A wild stallion provides unexpected help to a widow and her young son in their efforts to keep their ...

'' (1959) *''

Revolt in the Big House ''Revolt in the Big House'' is a 1958 American film noir directed by R. G. Springsteen and starring Gene Evans, Robert Blake and Timothy Carey. Portions of the film were shot on location at Folsom State Prison in California. Blacklisted screen ...

'' (1958) *''

Cole Younger, Gunfighter ''Cole Younger, Gunfighter'' is a 1958 American CinemaScope Western film directed by R. G. Springsteen and written by Daniel Mainwaring. It is based on the 1950 novel ''The Desperado'' by Clifton Adams. The film stars Frank Lovejoy, James Best ...

'' (1958) *''

Affair in Reno ''Affair in Reno'' is a 1957 American comedic crime adventure film directed by R. G. Springsteen from a screenplay by John K. Butler. The film stars John Lund, Doris Singleton, John Archer, Angela Greene and Alan Hale. The film was released on ...

'' (1957) *''

When Gangland Strikes ''When Gangland Strikes'' is a 1956 American film noir crime film directed by R. G. Springsteen and written by John K. Butler and Frederick Louis Fox. The film stars Raymond Greenleaf, Marjie Millar, John Hudson, Anthony Caruso, Marian Carr, Sli ...

'' (1956) *''

Come Next Spring ''Come Next Spring'' is a 1956 American Trucolor movie directed by R. G. Springsteen, starring Ann Sheridan and Steve Cochran. The theme song, "Come Next Spring", with music by Max Steiner and lyrics by Lenny Adelson, was performed by Tony Benne ...

'' (1956) *''

Secret Venture ''Secret Venture'' is a 1955 British B-movie thriller film directed by R. G. Springsteen and starring Kent Taylor, Jane Hylton and Kathleen Byron. Plot Renowned scientist Professor Henrik (Hugo Schuster) returns to England from a working trip ...

'' (1955) *'' Cross Channel'' (1955) *''

Double Jeopardy In jurisprudence, double jeopardy is a procedural defence (primarily in common law jurisdictions) that prevents an accused person from being tried again on the same (or similar) charges following an acquittal or conviction and in rare case ...

'' (1955) *''

Track the Man Down ''Track the Man Down'' is a 1955 British drama film directed by R. G. Springsteen, and starring Kent Taylor, Petula Clark, and George Rose.Martin p. 207 The melodramatic crime caper centers on a robbery at a greyhound racetrack that results ...

'' (1955) *''

I Cover the Underworld ''I Cover the Underworld'' is a 1955 American crime film directed by R. G. Springsteen and written by John K. Butler. The film stars Sean McClory, Joanne Jordan, Ray Middleton (actor), Ray Middleton, Jaclynne Greene, Lee Van Cleef and James Griff ...

'' (1955) *'' Geraldine'' (1953) *''

A Perilous Journey ''A Perilous Journey'' is a 1953 American Western film directed by R. G. Springsteen and written by Richard Wormser. The film stars Vera Ralston, David Brian, Scott Brady, Charles Winninger, Hope Emerson, Eileen Christy and Leif Erickson. Th ...

'' (1953) *'' Toughest Man in Arizona'' (1952) *''

Tropical Heat Wave ''Tropical Heat Wave'' is a 1952 American musical film directed by R. G. Springsteen and starring Estelita Rodriguez, Robert Hutton and Grant Withers.Quinlan p.282 Plot Cast * Estelita Rodriguez as Estelita * Robert Hutton as Stratford E. Ca ...

'' (1952) *''

Gobs and Gals ''Gobs and Gals'' is a 1952 American comedy film directed by R. G. Springsteen and written by Arthur T. Horman. The film stars George Bernard, Bert Bernard, Robert Hutton, Cathy Downs, Gordon Jones and Florence Marly. The film was released o ...

'' (1952) *'' The Fabulous Senorita'' (1952) *''

Oklahoma Annie ''Oklahoma Annie'' is a 1952 American Western film directed by R. G. Springsteen and written by Jack Townley and Charles E. Roberts. The film stars Judy Canova, John Russell, Grant Withers, Roy Barcroft, Emmett Lynn and Frank Ferguson. The film ...

'' (1952) *''

Street Bandits ''Street Bandits'' is a 1951 American crime film directed by R. G. Springsteen, written by Milton Raison, and starring Penny Edwards, Robert Clarke, Ross Ford, Roy Barcroft, John Eldredge and Helen Wallace. It was released on November 15, 1951 b ...

'' (1951) *''

Honeychile ''Honeychile'' is a 1951 American comedy film directed by R. G. Springsteen and written by Charles E. Roberts, Jack Townley and Barry Trivers. The film stars Judy Canova, Eddie Foy, Jr., Alan Hale, Jr., Walter Catlett, Claire Carleton and Karo ...

'' (1951) *''

Million Dollar Pursuit ''Million Dollar Pursuit'' is a 1951 film noir crime film directed by R. G. Springsteen and starring Penny Edwards, Grant Withers and Norman Budd.Martin p.470 The film's art direction was by Frank Hotaling. Plot Cast * Penny Edwards as Ronnie ...

'' (1951) *''

Frisco Tornado ''Frisco Tornado'' is a 1950 American Western (genre), Western film directed by R. G. Springsteen and written by M. Coates Webster. The film stars Allan Lane, Eddy Waller, Martha Hyer, Stephen Chase, Ross Ford and Mauritz Hugo. The film was rel ...

'' (1950) *''

Covered Wagon Raid ''Covered Wagon Raid'' is a 1950 American Western film directed by R. G. Springsteen and written by M. Coates Webster. The film stars Allan Lane, Eddy Waller, Alex Gerry, Lyn Thomas, Byron Barr and Dick Curtis. The film was released on June 30, ...

'' (1950) *''

Hills of Oklahoma ''Hills of Oklahoma'' is a 1950 American Western film directed by R. G. Springsteen and written by Olive Cooper and Victor Arthur. The film stars Rex Allen, Elisabeth Fraser, Elisabeth Risdon, Robert Karnes, Fuzzy Knight and Roscoe Ates. T ...

'' (1950) *''

The Arizona Cowboy ''The Arizona Cowboy'' is a 1950 American Western film directed by R. G. Springsteen and written by Bradford Ropes. The film stars Rex Allen, Teala Loring, Gordon Jones, Minerva Urecal, James Cardwell, and Roy Barcroft. The film was released ...

'' (1950) *''

Harbor of Missing Men ''Harbor of Missing Men'' is a 1950 American action film directed by R. G. Springsteen and written by John K. Butler. The film stars Richard Denning, Barbra Fuller, Steven Geray, Aline Towne, Percy Helton and George Zucco. The film was releas ...

'' (1950) *''

Belle of Old Mexico ''Belle of Old Mexico'' is a 1950 American Trucolor comedy film directed by Robert G. Springsteen starring Estelita Rodriguez, Robert Rockwell and Dorothy Patrick. The film was successful at the box office, impressing the bosses at Republic P ...

'' (1950) *''

Singing Guns ''Singing Guns'' is a 1950 American Trucolor Western film directed by R. G. Springsteen and starring Vaughn Monroe. The film features three songs by Monroe. " Mule Train", one of the songs featured in this 1950 Republic Western and sung by ...

'' (1950) *'' Navajo Trail Raiders'' (1949) *'' Flame of Youth'' (1949) *'' The Red Menace'' (1949) *'' Hellfire'' (1949) *''

Death Valley Gunfighter ''Death Valley Gunfighter'' is a 1949 American Western film directed by R. G. Springsteen and written by Robert Creighton Williams. The film stars Allan Lane, Eddy Waller, James Nolan, Gail Davis, William "Bill" Henry, Harry Harvey, Sr. and Ma ...

'' (1949) *''

Sheriff of Wichita ''Sheriff of Wichita'' is a 1949 American Western (genre), Western film directed by R. G. Springsteen and written by Robert Creighton Williams. The film stars Allan Lane, Eddy Waller, Roy Barcroft, Lee and Lyn Wilde, Lyn Wilde, Clayton Moore an ...

'' (1949) *'' Renegades of Sonora'' (1948) *''

Sundown in Santa Fe ''Sundown in Santa Fe'' is a 1948 American Western film directed by R. G. Springsteen, written by Norman S. Hall, and starring Allan Lane, Eddy Waller, Roy Barcroft, Trevor Bardette, Jean Dean and Russell Simpson. It was released on November ...

'' (1948) *''

Son of God's Country ''Son of God's Country'' is a 1948 American Western film directed by R. G. Springsteen and written by Paul Gangelin and Robert Creighton Williams. The film stars Monte Hale, Pamela Blake, Paul Hurst, James Nolan, Jay Kirby and Steve Darrell ...

'' (1948) *'' Out of the Storm'' (1948) *''

Secret Service Investigator ''Secret Service Investigator'' is a 1948 American crime film directed by R. G. Springsteen and written by John K. Butler. The film stars Lynne Roberts, Lloyd Bridges, George Zucco, June Storey, Trevor Bardette and John Kellogg. The film was ...

'' (1948) *''

Heart of Virginia ''Heart of Virginia'' is a 1948 American sports drama film directed by R. G. Springsteen and starring Janet Martin, Robert Lowery and Frankie Darro.Martin p.76 Believing that he is responsible for the death of a fellow rider, a jockey develops ...

'' (1948) *''

The Main Street Kid ''The Main Street Kid'' is a 1948 American comedy film directed by R. G. Springsteen and written by Jerry Sackheim and John K. Butler. The film stars Al Pearce, Janet Martin, Alan Mowbray, Adele Mara, Arlene Harris and Emil Rameau. The film wa ...

'' (1948) *'' Under Colorado Skies'' (1947) *'' Along the Oregon Trail'' (1947) *'' Marshal of Cripple Creek'' (1947) *'' Rustlers of Devil's Canyon'' (1947) *''

Oregon Trail Scouts ''Oregon Trail Scouts'' is a 1947 American Western film in the Red Ryder film series directed by R. G. Springsteen and written by Earle Snell. The film stars Allan Lane, Robert Blake, Martha Wentworth, Roy Barcroft, Emmett Lynn and Edmund Cob ...

'' (1947) *''

Homesteaders of Paradise Valley ''Homesteaders of Paradise Valley'' is a 1947 American Western (genre), Western film in the Red Ryder film series directed by R. G. Springsteen and written by Earle Snell. The film stars Allan Lane as Red Ryder, Bobby Blake (child actor), Bobby ...

'' (1947) *''

Vigilantes of Boomtown ''Vigilantes of Boomtown'' is a 1947 American Western film in the Red Ryder film series directed by R. G. Springsteen, written by Earle Snell, and starring Allan Lane, Robert Blake, Martha Wentworth, Roscoe Karns, Roy Barcroft and Peggy Stewa ...

'' (1947) *''

Stagecoach to Denver ''Stagecoach to Denver'' is a 1946 American Western film and one of the Republic Pictures Red Ryder film series directed by R. G. Springsteen. Plot Red is working as a stagecoach driver with one of his passengers being Dickie, a recently orphan ...

'' (1946) *'' Santa Fe Uprising'' (1946) *''

Conquest of Cheyenne ''Conquest of Cheyenne'' is a 1946 American Western film in the Red Ryder film series directed by R. G. Springsteen and written by Earle Snell. The film stars Wild Bill Elliott, Robert Blake, Alice Fleming, Peggy Stewart, Jay Kirby, and Milto ...

'' (1946) *''

Man from Rainbow Valley ''Man from Rainbow Valley'' is a 1946 American Western Magnacolor film directed by R. G. Springsteen and written by Betty Burbridge. The film stars Monte Hale, Lorna Gray, Jo Ann Marlowe, Ferris Taylor, Emmett Lynn and Tom London. The film w ...

'' (1946) *'' Sun Valley Cyclone'' (1946) *''

Home on the Range "Home on the Range" is a classic cowboy song, sometimes called the "unofficial anthem" of the American West. Dr. Brewster M. Higley (also spelled Highley) of Smith County, Kansas, wrote the lyrics as the poem "My Western Home" in 1872 or 1873 ...

'' (1946) *'' Sheriff of Redwood Valley'' (1946) *''

California Gold Rush The California Gold Rush (1848–1855) was a gold rush that began on January 24, 1848, when gold was found by James W. Marshall at Sutter's Mill in Coloma, California. The news of gold brought approximately 300,000 people to California fro ...

'' (1946) *''

Wagon Wheels Westward ''Wagon Wheels Westward'' is a 1945 American Western film in the Red Ryder film series directed by R. G. Springsteen and written by Earle Snell. The film stars Wild Bill Elliott, Robert Blake, Alice Fleming, Linda Stirling, Roy Barcroft and Em ...

'' (1945) *''

Colorado Pioneers ''Colorado Pioneers'' is a 1945 American Western film in the Red Ryder film series directed by R. G. Springsteen and written by Earle Snell. The film stars Wild Bill Elliott, Robert Blake, Alice Fleming, Roy Barcroft, Bud Geary and Billy Cumm ...

'' (1945) *'' Marshal of Laredo'' (1945)

External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Springsteen, R. G. 1904 births 1989 deaths American male film actors Artists from Tacoma, Washington 20th-century American male actors Film directors from Washington (state)