The Great Falls UFO Film

On August 15, 1950, Nicholas Mariana, manager of the Great Falls Electrics baseball team, filmed two bright, disc-like objects streaking across the sky over a baseball stadium. The 16mm color footage became one of the earliest and most analyzed UFO films in history.

The Witness

Nicholas Mariana was the general manager of the Great Falls Electrics, a minor league baseball team. He was at Legion Stadium checking the field conditions when the sighting occurred.

The Sighting

At approximately 11:25 AM:

• Mariana noticed two bright, silvery objects in the sky
• The objects were moving rapidly
• He ran to his car to get his camera
• He filmed approximately 16 seconds of footage

The Film

The 16mm color film showed:

• Two bright, silvery, disc-shaped objects
• Moving in a steady, consistent pattern
• Apparent rotation or pulsation
• High-speed movement across the sky

Air Force Investigation

The Air Force investigated the film:

• The footage was analyzed by Project Blue Book
• Initial analysis found no conventional explanation
• The case was classified as “unknown”
• The Air Force allegedly removed several frames before returning the film

Missing Frames

Mariana claimed:

• The Air Force borrowed his original film
• When returned, frames showing clearer disc shapes were missing
• The removed frames showed the objects more distinctly
• This was never officially acknowledged

Analysis Results

Technical analysis indicated:

• The objects were at significant distance
• Their speed exceeded known aircraft
• The objects appeared self-luminous
• No conventional explanation fit

F-94 Jets Theory

Some debunkers suggested:

• Two F-94 jets from Malmstrom AFB
• However, the jets weren’t airborne at the time shown
• The objects’ appearance didn’t match F-94s
• The flight path was inconsistent with the aircraft

Scientific Examination

The Robertson Panel (1953) reviewed the film:

• Some members suggested aircraft reflections
• Others found this explanation inadequate
• No consensus was reached
• The film remained significant evidence

Significance

The Mariana film is significant for:

• One of the earliest UFO films
• Color footage showing distinct objects
• Credible witness with nothing to gain
• Extensive official analysis
• Missing frames controversy
• Persistent “unknown” classification

Legacy

The Great Falls film demonstrated early on that UFO phenomena could be recorded:

• It established precedent for film analysis
• The missing frames became a template for cover-up claims
• It showed official interest in UFO evidence
• It remains unresolved after 70+ years

Mariana maintained his account until his death, and the film continues to be studied by researchers seeking to understand the early UFO phenomenon.