Friday, December 01, 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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News

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

San Francisco Int'l Airport (SFO) February 4th 6:00 p.m.

Print Email

SFAMThe Legend of Pancho Barnes and the Happy Bottom Riding Club is coming to the San Francisco International Airport Commission Aviation Library / Louis A. Turpen Aviation Museum on February 4th.  Director Amanda Pope and Producer / Writer Nick Spark will be in attendance at this special event along with special guests.

This screening is sponsored by San Francisco Airport Museums, and is FREE to the public.

Click HERE to read more about the Museum.

WHEN: February 4th, 2010 @ 6 p.m.

WHERE: San Francisco International Airport, International Terminal, Level 3  (You will NOT have to go through security to attend).

COST: FREE.  

HOW TO GET THERE / FREE PARKING: Take the BART to the Airport, and walk to the International Terminal, Level 3.  If you are driving, free parking is available.  To get it you will need to bring your Airport garage parking ticket to the museum for validation. 

TO RSVP OR FOR MORE INFORMATION:  RSVP is appreciated but not mandatory.  Contact Gabriel Phung, San Francisco Airport Museums, 650-821-9911 or gabriel.phung(at)flysfo.com. For directions within the Airport use the locator at http://www.sfoarts.org/about/directions.html



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