Backstage

We have no cast listings for the films of Billy B. Van-
not unusual for silent comedies of this era.

This page is intended for those knowledgeable about silent film actors from the 1915-1920 time period, and can provide assistance with identifying Billy B. Van’s co-stars. Each film has a photo gallery and a form where tips may be submitted.

Actors Reported to Have Been
in Movies with Billy B. Van

Rose Beaumont
Nellie Beaumont
James J. Corbett

“The Plucky Hoodoo”
Walter Hiers

Possible Roles in “The Plucky Hoodoo” and “Van-ar-chy”
Bert Byron

Possible Role in “Van-ar-chy”
Cissie Fitzgerald
June Mathis

Appears as Babette Spareribs in “Where Are Your Husbands?”
Bradley Barker

in “Common Sense Brackett”*
Marguerite Clark

in “Common Sense Brackett”*
Dallas Fitzgerald

in “Common Sense Brackett”*
William Frederic

in “Common Sense Brackett”*
Barbara Gilroy

in “Common Sense Brackett”*
Mildred Gregory

in “Common Sense Brackett”*
Alice Manning

in “Common Sense Brackett”*
William Sorelle

in “Common Sense Brackett”*
Norah Sprague

In “Common Sense Brackett”*

*About the film “Common Sense Brackett”

While not one of Billy B. Van’s movies, “Common Sense Brackett” nonetheless is an important piece of Sunapee history. Produced in 1916 by one of Billy B. Van’s business partners, this lost film is said to be “in six reels and was taken in the real country among the sort of people Common Sense Brackett knew, on the shores of picturesque Lake Sunapee, near George’s Mills, New Hampshire.”

It is hoped that the hunt for Billy B. Van’s films may also lead to finding this title.

Additionally, since the actors for this film were working in Sunapee at the same time as Billy B. Van, it’s easy to speculate that some of the actors may have appeared in his films as well.

In addition to the above, one newspaper article lists several actors working with Billy B. Van, but only includes their last names, separated into “Messers” (men) and “Mesdams” (women):

Messers: