Thursday, November 30, 2023

The Emmy™Award-Winning Documentary Film

"Broadcast" version now airing on most public television stations.

"Uncensored" version now on DVD and in film festivals.

Synopsis: A charismatic figure featured in Tom Wolfe's book The Right Stuff, Florence "Pancho" Barnes was one of the most important women in 20th Century aviation. A tough and fearless aviatrix, Pancho was a rival of Amelia Earhart's who made a name for herself as Hollywood's first female stunt pilot. Just before WWII she opened a ranch near Edwards Air Force Base that became a famous -- some would say notorious -- hangout for test pilots and movie stars. Known as the "Happy Bottom Riding Club", it became the epicenter of the aviation world during the early jet age. Chuck Yeager celebrated breaking the sound barrier there in 1947, and Howard Hughes and Jimmy Doolittle caroused in the bar. The Club's destruction by fire in 1953 is seen by many to mark the end of a Golden Era in post-WWII aviation. In the same fashion Pancho herself has become something of a legend, a fascinating yet enigmatic icon whose swagger is often celebrated, but whose story has been largely unknown. Until now.

A documentary film produced and written by Nick Spark and directed by Amanda Pope. Featuring interviews with test pilots Bob Cardenas, Bob Hoover and Chuck Yeager, astronaut Buzz Aldrin, and biographers Barbara Schultz and Lauren Kessler. Narrated by Tom Skerritt with Kathy Bates as the voice of Pancho Barnes.

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Women in Aviation
"Read Nick Spark's article about Pancho
from Women in Aviation magazine (.pdf)"
10 December 2009

Pasadena Screening Feb. 25th

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ANNOUNCINGPasadena

A SPECIAL BENEFIT SCREENING OF

The Legend of Pancho Barnes and the Happy Bottom Riding Club

to benefit Heritage Square, the Pasadena Museum of History and
the KOCE-TV Foundation

Tickets are now available for two special benefit screenings of the documentary The Legend of Pancho Barnes and the Happy Bottom Riding Club in support of the the Pasadena Museum of History, the KOCE-TV Foundation and Heritage Square.  Join director Amanda Pope, writer/producer Nick Spark and their special guests as they celebrate one of the 20th Century's most accomplished, and outspoken women pilots.

There are two screenings on February 25tth at the Pasadena Playhouse 7 movie theater, 673 East Colorado Blvd, Pasadena 91101.  First a matinee at 4:30 ($15 tickets) and second an evening screening at 7:30 ($20 tickets).  A reception with the filmmakers, special guests and representatives of Heritage Square and the Pasadena Museum of History will take place in the nearby Vroman’s Bookstore at 6 p.m.

ORDERING TICKETS THE DAY OF THE SHOW?  PLEASE CALL ARDIS WILWERTH AT: (818) 653-0579 OR COME TO THE LAEMMLE THEATER.  TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR.  (AS OF 11:30 AM ON 2/24, SEATS ARE STILL AVAILABLE FOR BOTH SHOWINGS.)

When: Thursday, February 25, 2010SpecialGuests

Time and Ticket Price:

4:30 p.m. Matinee Screening  $15

7:30 p.m. Evening Screening  $20

There will be a special joint reception beginning at 5 p.m. and an appearance by the filmmakers beginning at 6 p.m. in Vroman’s Bookstore, adjacent to the theater

Place:

Laemmle's Playhouse 7 Theater 673 East Colorado Blvd.  Pasadena, 91101  (see map below)

626-844-6500  (For directions only; please do not call the theater to purchase tickets, they will not be able to assist you)

The event is expected to sell out so please purchase tickets promptly.

To Purchase Tickets:

ORDERING TICKETS THE DAY OF THE SHOW?  PLEASE CALL ARDIS WILWERTH AT: (818) 653-0579 OR COME DIRECTLY TO THE THEATER AND PAY AT THE DOOR. (AS OF 11:30 AM ON 2/24, SEATS ARE STILL AVAILABLE FOR BOTH SHOWINGS.)

SilentAuction

 

For more information about this event contact:

Ardis Willwerth, Director of Exhibitions, Pasadena Museum of History  626 577-1660 ext. 15

Brian Sheridan, Director of Development and Communications, Heritage Square Museum  (323) 225-2700 ext. 221

 

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The Legend of Pancho Barnes and the Happy Bottom Riding Club ©2008-2010 Nick Spark Productions, LLC.