University of Miami new home for Charlie Chaplin & Keystone Cops films

The University of Miami has obtained a $32 million collection of nearly 3,500 high-quality films. These films include the early work of Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Mack Sennett's Keystone Cops and early cartoons, like Felix the Cat. More at this link.

"I have always felt that this collection could be very beneficial to a film school or an academic department specializing in film and communications,” said Herrick. “I am thrilled to know that it is in good hands at UM and that a multitude of new generations of film and communications students can access and study it.”

These films and programs, together with a previously donated collection known as the Raymond J. Regis Motion Picture Archives, will allow the School of Communication to offer a rich archive of material to students and scholars. With a total of more than 7,000 titles, the School of Communication will be among a very elite group of schools to provide its students and faculty with such a resource.

“This is a cinematic treasure trove,” said Sam L Grogg, Dean of the UM School of Communication, a producer and executive producer of numerous theatrical and television films. “The Herrick donation will support our motion picture faculty in their dedicated effort to build a vibrant cinema culture on campus. We look forward to the scholarly and creative work that will be inspired by the collection.”

The Norton Herrick collection includes approximately 3,500 high-quality films in the form of 16 mm. and ¾-inch video masters from the golden age of moving pictures spanning the 1930s though the 1970s.Some of the rare films include early silent films featuring Hollywood stars such as Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton and Mack Sennett’s The Keystone Cops. Among the animated features, there are early Betty Boop, Felix The Cat and Bosko cartoons. The Golden Age of television is also represented in the collection including programs such as This is Your Life, The Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Show and The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show." - University of Miami, news release