Sunday, March 26, 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: 4099
On January 9, 2010 the arts commission of the city of Mission Viejo, California will host a special screening of The Legend of Pancho Barnes to benefit the KOCE-TV Foundation. This exciting event represents our first Orange County screening, and a chance to recognize the outstanding work of public television station, and our affiliate in this production, KOCE-TV.
On February 25, 2010, Pancho Barnes returns to Pasadena, California for a benefit fundraiser for the KOCE-TV Foundation, Heritage Square and the Pasadena Museum of History. Both Heritage Square and the Pasadena Museum are outstanding non-profits which educate and promote the love of history.
You can purchase tickets to either event on our website by clicking on the "Screenings" button.
Your tax-deductible donation can help make "The Legend of Pancho Barnes!" a reality.
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