Wednesday, June 10, 2026
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 04:28 Nick Spark Hits: 3304
Product Description
The Legend of Pancho Barnes and the Happy Bottom Riding Club is a documentary profile of one of the most colorful and accomplished female pilots of the early 20th Century. Florence ''Pancho'' Barnes became the first female stunt pilot in Hollywood in 1929 and shattered Amelia Earhart's air speed record in 1930. In the 1940's and 50's, Pancho entertained the best test pilots in the world men with the right stuff at her ''Happy Bottom Riding Club'' guest ranch near Edwards Air Force Base. When Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier in the rocket-powered Bell X-1 in 1947, he and his team partied with Pancho. A friend of the fast and the famous, Pancho Barnes was a swaggering, forceful woman whose exploits and accomplishments are truly the stuff of legend.
Featuring never-before-seen photographs and film footage and interviews with many of Pancho's friends including astronaut Buzz Aldrin and famed test pilots Bob Cardenas, Bob Hoover and Chuck Yeager The Legend of Pancho Barnes is an unforgettable, exciting, and poignant romp through aviation history. Narrated by Tom Skerritt, with Kathy Bates as the voice of Pancho Barnes.
This deluxe DVD features both the broadcast (57 minute) and extended version (64 minute) of the documentary, along with nearly 18 minutes of additional video including deleted scenes. It also features an audio commentary from writer/producer Nick Spark and director Amanda Pope, a study guide for secondary school students prepared by the staff of the International Women's Air and Space Museum, and more. Please note, the extended version of the documentary contains some material that may be deemed inappropriate for younger viewers. Parental discretion is advised.
Color and B&W. Presented in 16:9 widescreen and in surround sound.
Sample DVD Menus:
DVD box art, DVD menus, design and contents ©2009 Nick Spark Productions, Inc. All rights reserved.
Your tax-deductible donation can help make "The Legend of Pancho Barnes!" a reality.
O-Sense