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: 4537
Exciting news just in: The Legend of Pancho Barnes and the Happy Bottom Riding Club was just accepted by the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival. This renowned festival takes place in various venues in and around San Luis Obispo, California from March 12-21st. Pancho will be screened twice, first at the Park Cinemas @ 1p.m. on 3/13, and then at the Palm Theater @ 4 p.m. on 3/14. The SLO Fest is a full-fledged celebration of film and video that features a wide variety of new contemporary films from around the world. Hundreds of filmmakers, celebrities and movie buffs will be in attendance during the festival's 10 days of screenings, special events, filmmaking panels and parties. A full schedule for the festival will be unveiled on February 15. For more information visit the SLOIFF website by clicking here.
The San Luis Obispo festival represents the third major festival where Pancho will be screened, and the first California film festival for us. We're absolutely delighted to be a part of it!
Your tax-deductible donation can help make "The Legend of Pancho Barnes!" a reality.
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