Tuesday, June 09, 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: 2029
Pancho's Going to Osh Kosh! The Legend of Pancho Barnes and the Happy Bottom Riding Club 
will be screening at the world's largest aviation event, the EAA's AirVenture -- also known as "OshKosh". We'll be presenting the film as part of An Evening of Champions on July 25th at the famous Theater in the Woods. The open-air pavilion has seating for 3,500 people under its spacious roof, and we expect many more to watch sitting on lawn chairs and blankets. Obviously it will be a record crowd for us, and should be a truly amazing evening. We'll make an announcement on our website when we have all the details in place. Special thanks to Diane Titterington and the Aviation Speakers Bureau for making this possible.
There will be additional screenings of the film at the EAA's SkyScape Theater during the week. We don't have the full schedule yet, but as soon as we do we'll let you know.
Your tax-deductible donation can help make "The Legend of Pancho Barnes!" a reality.
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