Roger Patterson, American bass player (b. 1968)

The Iconic Patterson–Gimlin Film: A Deep Dive into the Bigfoot Encounter

The Patterson–Gimlin film, often referred to as the Patterson film or simply the PGF, stands as one of the most famous and hotly debated pieces of alleged evidence for the existence of Bigfoot, also known as Sasquatch. This captivating short motion picture, filmed in 1967 in the rugged wilderness of Northern California, purports to show an unidentified, large, bipedal hominid. Since its initial release, the 59.5-second clip has been subjected to relentless scrutiny, with countless attempts made by researchers, scientists, and skeptics alike to either definitively authenticate its content or expose it as an elaborate hoax.

Regarded by many in the field of cryptozoology as a cornerstone of their research, the PGF remains a touchstone in discussions surrounding cryptids and unknown hominids globally. Its enduring mystery and the persistent belief of many that it depicts a genuine, undiscovered creature have cemented its place in popular culture and scientific discourse.

The Remote Location: Bluff Creek and its Significance

The legendary footage was captured on October 20, 1967, alongside Bluff Creek, a remote tributary of the powerful Klamath River. This specific site is located approximately 25 logging-road miles (40 km) northwest of Orleans, California, deep within Del Norte County and encompassed by the vast Six Rivers National Forest. Geographically, its isolation is pronounced, situated roughly 38 miles (60 km) south of the Oregon border and about 18 miles (30 km) east of the Pacific Ocean, an area historically rich with reported Bigfoot sightings and anecdotal accounts.

For decades following the filming, the exact location of this pivotal encounter was considered lost. The primary reason for its obscurity was the dramatic ecological changes wrought by the devastating 1964 Christmas Flood, also known as the Great Flood of 1964. This monumental natural disaster severely altered the streambed and led to an extensive re-growth of dense foliage, effectively erasing many recognizable landmarks. However, through dedicated efforts and meticulous research, the precise filming site was triumphantly rediscovered in 2011, providing new opportunities for researchers to analyze the terrain and contextualize the footage.

The rediscovered site lies just south of a distinct, north-running segment of the creek informally dubbed "the bowling alley." This particular stretch of Bluff Creek is characterized by a relatively flat, wide gravel bar, which likely provided the filmmakers with an unobstructed view of the alleged creature as it moved across the open ground before re-entering the denser forest.

The Filmmakers: Roger Patterson and Robert "Bob" Gimlin

The two men behind the camera, whose lives would forever be intertwined with this enigmatic film, were Roger Patterson (1933–1972) and Robert "Bob" Gimlin (born 1931). Patterson, a former rodeo rider, author, and an ardent Bigfoot enthusiast, had previously been working on a book about Sasquatch and was deeply invested in proving its existence. Gimlin, a rancher and experienced outdoorsman, joined Patterson on this expedition specifically to search for the elusive creature.

Tragically, Roger Patterson succumbed to Hodgkin's lymphoma in 1972 at the age of 38. Until his final days, Patterson steadfastly maintained that the creature depicted in the film was unequivocally real, never wavering from his conviction. Similarly, Bob Gimlin has consistently and vehemently denied any involvement in a hoax with Patterson, emphasizing the profound and genuine nature of their encounter. For many years, from the early 1970s until approximately 2005, Gimlin largely avoided public discussion of the subject, making only three known public appearances. However, in recent years, he has begun giving interviews and attending Bigfoot conferences, sharing his firsthand account and enduring belief in the film's authenticity, aiming to set the record straight and counter persistent hoax allegations.

Technical Specifications and Enduring Debates of the Film

The original 16mm film reel of the Patterson–Gimlin encounter is 23.85 feet (7.27 meters) in length, containing 954 individual frames of the alleged Sasquatch. This iconic sequence is preceded by 76.15 feet (23.21 meters) of "horseback" footage, which captures Patterson and Gimlin riding through the remote terrain prior to their extraordinary sighting, providing valuable context for their expedition and the rugged environment.

The film runs for 59.5 seconds when projected at its commonly accepted speed of 16 frames per second (fps). However, the precise frame rate has been a point of considerable debate among experts. For instance, renowned physical anthropologist Grover Krantz (1931–2002), a staunch proponent of the film's authenticity, believed it was shot at 18 fps. If Krantz's assessment is correct, the pivotal event of the creature's appearance would have lasted for approximately 53 seconds. This seemingly minor difference in frame rate is crucial because it directly impacts analyses of the subject's gait, speed, and overall biomechanics, which are often cited as key indicators of whether the creature is a genuine animal or a human in a costume.

While the filmmakers reported the date of the encounter as October 20, 1967, some critics and researchers have raised questions, suggesting the footage might have been shot earlier. These claims often point to factors like the prevailing weather conditions or the state of the local foliage, which they argue do not perfectly align with a late October date in that region. Such discrepancies, though minor, fuel the ongoing skepticism and contribute to the rich tapestry of arguments surrounding the PGF's validity.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Patterson–Gimlin Film

What is the Patterson–Gimlin film?

The Patterson–Gimlin film is a short 16mm motion picture, captured in 1967, that purports to show a large, bipedal, ape-like creature identified by the filmmakers as Bigfoot or Sasquatch. It is considered the most famous and debated piece of alleged evidence for the cryptid's existence.

When and where was the film shot?

The film was shot on October 20, 1967, in Northern California, alongside Bluff Creek, a tributary of the Klamath River, within the Six Rivers National Forest in Del Norte County.

Who were the filmmakers?

The film was captured by Roger Patterson and Robert "Bob" Gimlin during an expedition specifically aimed at finding Bigfoot.

What is the "creature" seen in the film?

The film depicts a large, dark, hairy, bipedal figure, often affectionately referred to as "Patty," walking away from the camera and briefly looking back. Its identity remains the central subject of debate, with proponents claiming it's an unknown hominid and skeptics asserting it's a human in a suit.

Why is the film considered controversial?

The film is controversial due to the extraordinary nature of its claim – the existence of Bigfoot – and the lack of definitive scientific proof of the creature's identity. Decades of analysis, including gait studies and forensic examinations, have produced conflicting conclusions regarding its authenticity versus the possibility of a hoax.

Was the filming location ever lost and rediscovered?

Yes, the exact filming location along Bluff Creek was lost for many years due to significant environmental changes caused by the 1964 Christmas Flood. It was successfully rediscovered in 2011, which allowed for further on-site investigations and analysis.