Robert Thornby

Robert Thornby (March 27, 1888 – March 6, 1953) was an American director and actor of the silent era. He directed 75 films between 1913 and 1927. He also appeared in 48 films between 1911 and 1930. He was born in New York, New York, and died in Los Angeles, California.

His ability to work with and direct both children and animals led him, while with Keystone Comedies studio, also known as the "Keystone Kiddies", to direct four of the Little Billy films starring child actor Paul Jacobs in 1914. He left Keystone to become a member of the Sterling Film Company which specialized in comedies and served as director. He worked with president Fred J. Balshofer and secretary-treasurer Henry Lehrman, before the company dissolved in 1915. He also worked for Peerless Studio and later went on to direct films under Paramount in the late 1910s and early 1920s.

As Director of The Fox in 1921, he was recognized for his skill filming complicated horseback riding and fighting scenes. He worked as an assistant to Maurice Tourneur on the film Lorna Doone in 1922.