Saturday, March 25, 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: 3402
On Saturday, February 21st, we’ll be presenting a portion of “The Legend of Pancho Barnes” at the Western Museum of Flight, as part of the Museum's on-going Celebrity Lecture Series. Not that we're celebrities, mind you, but Pancho certainly is!
Located at historic Zamperini Field in Torrance, the Western Museum of Flight is operated by the Southern California Historical Aviation Foundation. It has a terrific collection of warbirds, an F-14 Tomcat and even a Northrop JB-1 Flying Wing. Our presentation provides a great excuse to come out, and see the reconstituted museum, which was formerly located out in Perris. For directions and details, visit the museum’s website link
Your tax-deductible donation can help make "The Legend of Pancho Barnes!" a reality.
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