From 1917 to 1948, Rosson directed 61 feature films (including co-direction of Red River).

His brother, Harold Rosson, was an Academy Award-nominated cinematographer and several other family members were involved in the early film industry.

[6][7] Rosson graduated from Rogers High School in Newport, Rhode Island in 1902.

Rosson wrote the scripts for Dwan's films Bloodhounds of the North and The Honor of the Mounted.

[10]: 102  Rosson again handles the duties of director for Dwan's film A Splendid Hazard that was produced in 1920.

Shortly after, in 1934 he directed Forbidden Territory[3] He also worked as the second unit director of all of Cecil B. DeMille's films[9] beginning in the 1930s.