The Patterson-Gimlin Film

On October 20, 1967, Roger Patterson and Bob Gimlin captured what remains the most famous piece of Bigfoot evidence: 59.5 seconds of a large, bipedal creature walking along Bluff Creek in Northern California. The film has never been definitively proven or disproven.

The Location

Bluff Creek, California:

• Northern California
• Del Norte County
• Remote area
• Known for Bigfoot reports
• Previous track finds

The Filmmakers

Roger Patterson:

• Longtime Bigfoot enthusiast
• Former rodeo rider
• Had written Bigfoot book
• Brought movie camera
• Seeking the creature

Bob Gimlin:

• Patterson’s friend
• Experienced horseman
• More skeptical
• Along for expedition
• Key witness

The Expedition

October 1967:

• Specifically seeking Bigfoot
• Brought 16mm camera
• On horseback
• In known activity area
• Prepared for encounter

The Encounter

October 20:

• Afternoon
• Horses spooked
• Creature at creek
• Patterson fell
• Ran with camera

The Filming

Patterson captured:

• 59.5 seconds footage
• Creature walking away
• Turned to look back
• Continued into forest
• Famous sequence

The Creature

Film shows:

• Large bipedal figure
• Dark hair covered
• Female characteristics
• Estimated 7+ feet tall
• Human-like but different

”Patty”

The creature nicknamed:

• Apparent female
• Breasts visible
• Heavy build
• Distinctive walk
• Became famous

Frame 352

Most famous image:

• Creature looking back
• Over shoulder
• At camera
• Iconic pose
• Endlessly analyzed

The Tracks

Also found:

• Footprints
• 14.5 inches long
• Cast made
• Physical evidence
• Complementary to film

Analysis Over Years

Film examined by:

• Hollywood experts
• Anatomists
• Biomechanics specialists
• Digital analysts
• No consensus

Supporting Analysis

Some experts say:

• Walk pattern genuine
• Muscle movement visible
• Cannot replicate
• Not suit technology of 1967
• Real creature

Skeptical Analysis

Others claim:

• Could be suit
• Man in costume
• Proportions achievable
• Technology available
• Sophisticated hoax

Bob Heironimus

Years later:

• Claimed to be in suit
• Said Patterson paid him
• But no evidence
• Suit never produced
• Disputed claim

Gimlin’s Position

Bob Gimlin:

• Maintains film genuine
• Never wavered
• Still appears at events
• Consistent account
• Believes what he saw

Patterson’s Death

Roger Patterson:

• Died 1972
• Cancer
• Never recanted
• Maintained authenticity
• Took secret to grave

Why Important

The film matters because:

• Clearest footage ever
• Subject for analysis
• Benchmark evidence
• Drives debate
• Cultural icon

Film Quality

Technical aspects:

• 16mm color film
• Hand-held
• Shaky but clear
• Subject visible
• Analyzable frames

Significance

Patterson-Gimlin film significant for:

• Best Bigfoot evidence
• Never duplicated
• Endlessly debated
• Cultural impact
• Ongoing mystery

Legacy

The Patterson-Gimlin film remains cryptozoology’s most famous evidence. After 50+ years, despite advances in analysis technology, the film has never been definitively proven or disproven - a testament to its enduring mystery.