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.
Last Updated: Wednesday, 12 August 2015 04:31 Nick Spark Hits: 3323
On Sunday, I attended a special screening of 'One Six Right', a wonderful film made by Brian J. Terwilliger. (See: www.onesixright.com) Brian's film is obstensibly about the history of the Van Nuys Airport, but it actually reaches far beyond that and into a somewhat ethereal area, celebrating the mystery, joy and wonderment of flight. Beyond that, it has an important political message, that local and municipal airports contribute to our nation's economy and welfare.
Brian's film is obstensibly about the history of the Van Nuys Airport, but it actually reaches far beyond that and into a somewhat ethereal area, celebrating the mystery, joy and wonderment of flight. Beyond that, it has an important political message, that local and municipal airports contribute to our nation's economy and welfare.
The special screening represented the end of a bit of a barnstorming trip for Brian, who showed the film all across the country after premiering it at the Osh Kosh air show. In attendance at the screening were many notables from the aviation world.
On display were some amazing aircraft including an A-26 Invader, Clay Lacy's DC-3 in United colors, and some of the stunt aircraft from the film. 'One Six Right' sets a standard that we can only hope to follow with "Pancho".
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