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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The name and likeness of Florence "Pancho" Barnes are copyright by Pancho Barnes Enterprises, Inc. and are used with permission. "Pancho Barnes", "The Happy Bottom Riding Club" and affiliated logos and other materials are registered trademarks of Pancho Barnes Enterprises, Inc. and are protected by law. Used with permission. Some photographs and other materials appearing on this website are owned by third parties, as indicated, and are used with permission. This web page and all contents, including text and graphic elements, and the title The Legend of Pancho Barnes and the Happy Bottom Riding Club are copyright 2008-2009 by Nick Spark Productions, LLC. All rights reserved. None of the contents of this or any other page in this website may be reproduced, reused, published, altered, sold or modified without express permission of the copyright holders. For more information about Pancho Barnes Enterprises, please visit their website.
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