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This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2026-01-15. Description is written in: Undetermined, Code for undetermined script script. Finding aid based on DACS (Describing Archives: A Content Standard), 2nd Edition. Special Collections, University of Washington Libraries Charles Perryman film collection Perryman, Charles PH1288 2 reels 930 feet; 32 min. 16mm; silent, black and white 1914-1940 approximately 1920s Newsreel stories from the 1920s, some photographed by Perryman, as well a heavily edited Charlie Chaplin film from 1914 and the collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in 1940 which were not filmed by Perryman Collection materials are in English.

Charles Perryman was a newsreel cameraman for Selznick Pictures who worked in the Pacific Northwest in the 1920s. Perryman, Jean and Jaques Landry, and Jacques Bergues were the first group to successfully complete an ascent of Mount Rainier in the wintertime. The film of this climb was the first motion picture ever taken on the summit of the mountain.

The reels consist of various newsreel stories from the 1920s, some photographed by Perryman, as well a heavily edited Charlie Chaplin film from 1914 and the collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in 1940 which were not filmed by Perryman.

The original reel is unavailable due to preservation concerns. A viewing copy is available and arrangements can be made to view the films by contacting Special Collections.

Request at UW

Restrictions may exist on reproduction, quotation, or publication. Contact the Special Collections division of the University of Washington Libraries for details.

The films were originally in the custody of Perryman's grandson, Steve Turner. Turner donated the reels to The Mountaineers History Committee.

Donor: The Mountaineers, 2011.

Processed Paul Martinez, 2014, and Kelly Burton, 2015.

The films were separated from The Mountaineers Films (PH Coll 1049), 2014.

Visual Materials Collections (University of Washington) Moving Image Collections (University of Washington) Moving Images Charles Perryman Newsreel Films Charles Perryman newsreel films compilation reel 1914, 1920s, 1940 1 reel (30 minutes, 900 feet) : silent, black and white ; 16mm PH1288 Reel 1

God Bless America: inspirational feature by News of the Day. Music by Irving Berlin, sung by Kate Smith. Patriotic scenes, and natural landmarks of America. Concludes with a message urging viewers to contribute to the Red Cross.

Sleet and Ice Make Denver a Pretty Scene: A domed building in Denver framed by snowy trees.

Doug Fairbanks Patronizes Many Bars at Hollywood Ball Game: "Movie actors and Angels play burlesque pastime." Silent film actor Douglas Fairbanks performs acrobatics for the Los Angeles Angels baseball team. An exhibition game is played between the Angels and men in medieval costumes.

Menacing Flood!: "Swolen river bursts through dike near Kent, Wash." Townspeople coping with flood waters in various ways. Film is available to view on the UW Libraries Digital Collection site.

Theda Bara Takes Her First Swing at a Golf Club: "And her teacher is none other than Gene Sarazen. He's telling her to keep her eye on the ball." The silent film actress is swinging a club in evening wear and a fur coat.

Lloyd George Threatens to Quit: "Prime Minister objects to tactics of the conservative leader and says one of them must go." A press conference featuring George.

Why Take an Elevator - Just Jump Down: "Mink De Ronda 'falls' off a skyscraper in Seattle." One-armed man in a leather helmet parachutes from the top of the Smith Tower in Seattle, Washington. Film is available to view on the UW Libraries Digital Collection site.

Swimmer Dares Death in Waters of Sunset Falls: "J.H. Horan is first man to swim the rapids. Uses rope in test plunge. The swirling stream kept him out of sight most of the time." Man tethered to bank of a fast-moving river swims out into the current. Film is available to view on the UW Libraries Digital Collection site.

Tuna Fish Leaps at Fisherman in Rush for Hooks: "Crew almost overwhelmed by amazing catch off California." A great quantity of fish is pulled from the water by men with poles.

Charles Lindbergh Preparing to Cross the Atlantic: Promotional footage of the pilot, with a map of his projected trip to Paris.

Selznick Cameraman Climbs Mt. Rainier in Dead of Winter (3 minute edit): Documents the first winter ascent of Mt. Rainier by Jean and Jacques Landry, Jacques Bergues and newsreel cameraman Charles Perryman in February 1922. It is the first motion picture ever to be taken on the summit of Mount Rainier, and it highlights the first winter ascent of any significant peak in Washington State. Scenes of the men climbing on skis and on foot and planting an American flag on the summit. (similar to 5 min. version on reel).

Shaft at Kitty Hawk, N.C. Dedicated to First Flight of Wright Brothers: The pilots fly one of their old planes, and a monument is dedicated to their achievements in flight.

Streetcar Scenes: Scenes of streetcars in an urban area.

Native Americans and Cowboys: Scenes of cowboys and Native Americans staging a mock battle.

Collapse of the Tacoma Bridge: The twisting and shaking of the bridge before the collapse in 1940, and the eventual breaking up of the structure. A commentator is pictured throughout.

Tillie's Punctured Romance: The film was made in 1914 and features Charlie Chaplin, Marie Dressler and Mabel Normand. Charlie talks wealthy farmer's daughter Tillie into eloping with him and taking her father's money. An 8 minute edit of an 82 minute film.

Selznick Cameraman Climbs Mt. Rainier in Dead of Winter (5 minute edit): Documents the first winter ascent of Mt Rainier by Jean and Jacques Landry, Jacques Bergues and newsreel cameraman Charles Perryman in February 1922. It is the first motion picture ever to be taken on the summit of Mount Rainier, and it highlights the first winter ascent of any significant peak in Washington State. Scenes of the men climbing on skis and on foot and planting an American flag on the summit. (similar to 3 min. version on reel) Film is available to view on the UW Libraries Digital Collection site.

Viewing copy VC447 is available to preview these films in the UW Libraries Special Collections Reading Room.

Collapse of the Tacoma Bridge 1940 PH1288 Reel 2

The twisting and shaking of the bridge before the collapse, and the eventual breaking up of the structure. A commentator is pictured throughout.

This cut of the Tacoma Bridge footage is identical to that found on the compilation reel.