Videos

Golden Age Videos

I have been trying to find videos and films of the golden age for quite a while. Here are the one's I have located and viewed. Check your local library for availability. Some of these are available from Historic Aviation. (800) 225-5575, or from Amazon.Com, others are available from the links I've provided. I will be adding to this list as I find others.

Air Racing

The Great Air Shows, Air Races & Their Stars
This video features highlights of the air races from the 1929 Cleveland Nationals to present-day Reno. It includes footage of the twenties and thirties, as well as 21 exciting crash sequences from the 1930's and 1940's. It also features the Paris Airshows, legendary aerobatic performances, the world's top jet military aerobatic demonstration teams, and airshow star who, fifty-two weeks a year, flew below trees and power lines. It also features personal comments by the Navy's Blue Angel pilots. Produced in 1986 by William Wyper Productions Palos Verdes, CA.

Pylon Dusters - 1932 National Air Races / 1938 National Air Races
This video features rare historic film of the '32 Cleveland National Air Show. Included are footage of German pilot Ernst Udet performing aerobatics, Harold Johnson piloting his Ford Trimotor through a series of spins and loops. There is also footage of a 1913 Curtiss Pusher and a Pitcairn Autogyro in a dog fight which ended in a mid-air crash.

The second half of the video features highlights from the 1938 Pacific International Races as well as the Cleveland Nationals. Footage of famous pilots, Ortman, Rankin, Wittman, Chester, Mantz, Cochran and others is included. Race preparations scenes as well as the exciting races themselves are also captured. Both films on this tape are obviously in B&W and are silent. Produced by Historic Aviation. Eagan, MN. 52 mins.

Built for Speed: The Golden Age of Air Racing 1929-1939
The golden age of air racing comes alive with this exciting retrospective of the annual National Air Races of the 1930's. Witness the famous Bendix cross-country and Thompson closed-course contests, where speed and distance records were set throughout the Depression era. The video features first hand accounts from newsreels, racing programs, magazine coverage and rare footage of local meets. Contemporary interviews with pilots and builders who made the era a time of great aviation innovation are also included. Produced by Paul Harvey Audio Center/ EAA. Oshkosh, WI, 1992. 27 mins.

The Golden Years of Aviation: The National Air Races of 1929-1930
Here's some great footage taken at the national Air Races that reveals many of the personalities and planes that were part of this exciting time in American Aviation History. See lots of footage of old racing planes, their pilots and many more events at the air shows of that period. To preserve the historical context of the period, we have purposely not edited the film. We just added some period music to enhance your viewing pleasure. Produced by CAV Video, 1985. 60 mins.

The Gee Bee R2 - History Flies Again.
Experience exciting moments past and present of the Gee Bee R-2 and the people who made it happen. See the first flight of Delmar Benjamin's Gee Bee R-2, footage of the original Gee Bee's, and onboard camera shots during Delmar's Airshows. Produced by Gee Bee Inc. 48 minutes.

Gee Bee Airplanes: Those Incredible Gee Bees
The position of the Gee Bee racers in aviation history is unique. If one considers the 1931 and 1932 Super Sportster to be essentially one basic design, it is safe to say that no single model in air racing history has ever made such a spectacular entrance upon the scene or attained such a dominant place in the memory and affection of racing enthusiasts. The film features interviews with Bob Granville, Ed Granville and Maude Tait as well as Pete Miller and Bob Hall, all people involved in some way with this terrific airplane. It also features the reproduction model in flight. Produced by Studio 16, Springfield, MA, 1992. 60 mins.

Airmail

The Air Mail Story
This video focuses in particular on the early development of air mail in America. Footage includes The Wright brothers, Lindbergh, Earhart, Earl Ovington, Max Miller and the unfortunate George Boyle, the poor pilot who lost his way twice on the first attempt at regular airmail service between Washington and New York. The video also discusses the mishaps, and hardships faced by the early pilots who attempted the daunting task of flying the mail across the US. Produced by the Smithsonian Institution in 1992. 45 mins.

Wings of Courage
This feature film, starring Val Kilmer, Tom Hulce, Craig Scheffer, and Elizabeth McGovern presents the dramatic adventure of Aérpostale pilot, Henri Guillaumet who crashed in the Andes mountains in 1930 during a routine airmail flight across Argentina. The film, originally presented in IMAX theaters, offers excitement and brings the thrilling tale to life. I have added a separate page offering more information on the film as well as the real event. Produced by IMAX, 1985. 40 mins.

Ford Trimotors

Henry Ford's Aviation Ventures 1924-1936
This narrated video was compiled from silent footage taken by cameramen of the Ford Motor Company labs. The video features segments on the Stout single-engine transport, aerial views of Ford airport (the first and best private airport in the US), the inauguration of Ford Air Transport Service, the first flight of the Ford Trimotor 4-AT. It also includes footage of the construction of the Ford Trimotors as well as footage of Lindbergh's visit to Detroit, and the Ford Flivver. Finally there are images of the Ford mooring mast dockings by Army and Navy airships. Produced by T&D Associates, Northville, MI, 1996. 40 mins.

Ford Trimotor Saga
This video features four different "shorts' on one tape titled:

Coast to Coast - Travel along the TAT route from New York to Los Angeles. The journey begins with boarding a Pennsylvania railroad sleeper car, then a transfer to a TAT-Maddux Airlines Ford Trimotor for a daylight flight. The flight passes over the Grand Canyon, and later Lindbergh flies alongside in a Curtiss biplane. At the end of the flight Amelia Earhart is on hand to greet the passengers. This was a promo film of the day. 20 mins.

1927 Ford Air Tours - Covers the arrival of the planes at the Boston leg of the tour. Eddie Stinson in his 'Detroiter', Waco's, Travel Air's and the Ford Trimotor are all featured. 3.5 mins.

Construction of Ford Trimotor - Ford Motor Company promo film which follows the building of a new trimotor, as the view passes along the assembly line. Shots of the Stout and SAFEway airlines are also included, as is a sequence of the Ford 6-AT on floats. 13 mins.

Daredevils of the Air - This footage was shot at the Cleveland Nationals between 1933-35. Features acrobatic greats including Milo Burcham, Dick Granere, and Ernst Udet. It also features Harold Johnson performing in the Ford Trimotor. 14 mins.
Produced by Historic Aviation. Eagan, MN. 50 mins.

Ford Trimotor N-7584 On Tour
This color video was made as the 'Tin Goose' flew from the Newark, Ohio airport. The tape opens at sunrise and follows the pilot as he unties the plane and makes his preflight check. The center engine cranks but will not start. We see the pilot make repairs and start the busy day. Later we watch as the pilot adds a little to the history of the plane to sell tickets. He then takes fourteen passengers for a fifteen minute ride. The camera follows the plane throughout the day. We see take-offs and landings from different angles. Views from both air and ground as well as from inside the plane, including the cockpit, add interest. Between rides we see the pilot climb up through the fuselage and sit on the top of the wing to refuel the plane. Another sequence is made from another plane as we follow the Ford to a smooth landing. Produced by John Rees, Blacklick, Ohio, 1988. 50 mins. This video may be ordered directly from the author: Click Here

Lindbergh

Flying the Spirit - EAA "In the Cockpit" series No.3
Probably the most famous airplane of the golden age, the Spirit of St. Louis is featured in this video which explores the design and role the plane played in aviation history. Two different replica airplanes are explored. Interviews with Anne Morrow Lindbergh, and a flight to Paris for the 60th anniversary of the historic flight are also included. Produced by EAA, Oshkosh, WI, 1998.

Lindbergh's Great Race: Are there any Mechanics Here?
This video explores the Lindbergh myth and hysteria following his famous Atlantic crossing in 1927. This was originally a History Channel "Time Machine" series installment. I thought the film did a decent job of retelling the story of his solo flight across the Atlantic. Lots of archival footage was used. Produced by History Channel, 1995. 88 mins.

Lindbergh: The Lone Eagle
Climb into the cockpit of an exact replica of the fabled Spirit of St. Louis to experience a riveting, hour-by-hour reenactment of the danger, doubts, and fatigue endured by the young Charles Lindbergh on his record flight across the Atlantic. The video also offers exclusive and rare footage. Produced by National Geographic Society, 2000. 60 mins.

Also of Note
Charles and Anne Lindbergh: Alone Together. A&E Biography.
Charles Lindbergh: Against the Wind. A&E Biography.
20th Century with Mike Wallace: Kidnapped! History Channel.

Earhart

Amelia Earhart (A&E Biography)
She was an uncommon heroine, a legendary aviator and the center of one of the greatest mysteries of all time. A daredevil and a tomboy, Amelia Earhart always knew she would make her mark on history. Even as she was smashing aviation records, her unconventional short hair, pants and leather jacket had already made her an icon. But Earhart's most famous act was her last her mysterious disappearance while attempting to fly around the world. What really happened? Could the Japanese Army have captured her? Drawing on extensive archival footage, interviews and newly discovered evidence, this extraordinary program tells the dramatic story. Here is an unforgettable look at the woman who lived her life with no regrets the unstoppable Amelia Earhart. Produced by A&E, 1998. 50 mins.

Amelia Earhart: The Price of Courage
Narrated by Kathy Bates, this video will show you the real Amelia Earhart. The producers have collected many candid moments though pictures and footage. (In most cases with voice) This video did not focus on the last flight however, but rather who the woman was. The interviews are somewhat biased, but that is always the case with Amelia's story. Some comments should be taken with a grain of salt. Bobbi Trout (friend and contemporary flyer) was wonderful, and some interesting insights come from family members, including George Putnam's granddaughter. 1993.

The Final Hours: Amelia Earhart's Last Flight
In the 1930s, Amelia Earhart was one of the most famous women in the world, and then suddenly she was gone, having disappeared over the South Pacific. This documentary follows a team who restored a Lockheed airplane similar to Earhart's and flew it on the same route as Earhart's. Stunning shots of the vintage plane against golden skies are accompanied by readings from the surprisingly literary dispatches Earhart had sent from stops along her 1937 final flight. This production makes it clear just how difficult Earhart's last journey truly was, and details about her trouble-plagued voyage naturally give rise to speculation about where and how she and her navigator disappeared. There have always been questions raised about Earhart's competence as a pilot, and some of her decisions, such as jettisoning what could have been vital survival gear, are examined. Ultimately, the fate of Amelia Earhart may always remain a mystery, but this documentary provides some fascinating informed speculation about the famed pilot's final flight. Produced by Smithsonian Institute, 199

In Search of History: The Mysteries of Amelia Earhart
This video chronicles her rise to fame, examines the last flight in detail and presents the various theories about her fate. Among the theories presented are that she was on a spy mission for FDR, that she was captured by the Japanese, that she is alive and well on a South Seas island and that she was abducted by UFOs. But perhaps the most intriguing is that she crashed in Saipan, where eyewitnesses claim that they saw her and navigator Fred Noonan beheaded! Never-before-seen footage of her alleged burial site lends some credence to the tale, but it will take analysis of the remains within to see if the fate of Amelia Earhart will finally be known to the world? This is the definitive investigation into one of the greatest, most captivating mysteries of the century. Produced by The History Channel. 100 mins.

Secrets of the Unknown: Amelia Earhart
This video attempts to unravel the mysteries surrounding the 1937 disappearance of the pioneering aviator during her around-the-world flight. Hosted by Edward Mulhare. 1989. 28 minutes.

Miscellaneous

Chasing the Sun: The History of Commercial Aviation Seen through the Eyes of its Innovators
This 4-part PBS series explores the first 100 years of commercial aviation. I have dedicated a separate web page to provide more information on this series.

Legacy of Wings - The Harold Pitcairn Story
This EAA production complements the book by the same title. It explores the life and work of Harold Pitcairn who founded Pitcairn Aviation (forerunner of Eastern Airlines), and builder of the Pitcairn Autogiros. The film features many sequences of the various aircraft of the Pitcairn Company in flight. Produced by Paul Harvey Audio Center/EAA, Oshkosh, WI, 1986.

Airlines - The Early Years
This extraordinary program covers the early years of commercial aviation. It begins with the first 25 years of transcontinental flight by United Airlines from 1920-1945, then see American Airlines famous Curtis Condors flying through the skies in a promotional film promoting the comfort and safety of the Giant Condors. Then see the early history of Lufthansa German Airlines and see how they used ships in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean as floating bases to maintain the air mail service. Great program on the early history of commercial aviation. Produced by CAV Video, 1985. 70 mins.

Dreams of Flight - Air Collection
This three part video set explores the history of aviation.
In the Beginning takes you on a fascinating journey through aviation history, capturing both the events and spirit of adventure that led man from the confines of the earth into the mysteries of the skies. The Golden Age and Beyond takes you back to the glory days of flight when technology was king and the dreamers were pushing their flying machines ever higher into the skies, Higher...Faster... Farther Join the earlier scientists and engineers who were developing experimental aircraft, like the X-1 that could go faster than the speed of sound. Produced by Smithsonian Institution, 1994.

Staggerwing: The Story of a Timeless Classic
Documents the development, history and present-day operation of the classic Beechcraft Model 17, better known around the world as the Staggerwing. Learn about the Staggerwing Museum Foundation (located in Tullahoma, TN), and their efforts to restore, preserve and operate these magnificent aircraft. Half of the purchase price of this video benefits the Staggerwing Museum Foundation. Color, approx. 45 minutes.

Flyers: In Search of a Dream
Neglected by history, America's pioneering black pilots helped shape modern aviation. Meet Bessie Coleman, the first black pilot to receive a license -- that could only be granted in Europe; Hubert Julian, who became a showman and promoter of black aviation, and James Herman Banning, the first black aviator to complete a transcontinental flight. This unique documentary profiles these and other courageous pilots who overcame intense social pressures to gain the right to fly. Produced by Public Television, 1986. 60 mins.

Airships

Airships "Modern Marvels"
They are among the most romantic machines ever built, enormous craft held aloft by lighter-than-air gas trapped beneath their vast skins. In the 20th century, they have played a vital role in war, transportation and commerce, and been involved in one of the most famous tragedies of all time. The word 'airships' includes everything from the simple balloon to the massive zeppelins. This video tells the story of the inventors and innovations behind these fascinating flyers. Discover what distinguishes a blimp from a balloon from a zeppelin, and watch the footage of the Hindenburg's fiery destruction in New Jersey. Find out how the lessons learned during the heyday of lighter-than-air travel are sewing the seeds for a renaissance today and go aboard the new breed of Zeppelin that is once again taking to the skies over Europe. Filled with archival footage, expert interviews and up-close looks at famous airships, this is a buoyant journey through the history of the largest machines ever to take flight. Produced by The History Channel, c.1998. 50 mins.

Airships "Weapons at War"
It is hard to imagine, but there was a time when airships blimps, dirigibles and zeppelins were the most dominant military aircraft of all. In this age of high-tech, high-speed planes and powerful, agile helicopters, the military airship has gone the way of the dodo, but it took many years before the world's governments abandoned the idea of turning these massive craft to military applications. This video tells their riveting story. From bombing runs to the high-flying spy balloons that soared out of the reach of enemy planes and guns, see how airships affected World War I. Trace the remarkable advances that made them among the most sophisticated aircraft in the world during the years between the wars. See rare footage of the USS LOS ANGELES, which the United States hoped to use as an airborne aircraft carrier, and see how Germany deployed its storied zeppelins as part of the Nazi war machine. From the birth of aviation to the death of a dream, this is the compelling story of airships at war. Produced by History Channel, 1993. 50 mins.

The Hindenburg
This two-video set explores the history of airships, and explores the most famous of them all--the Hindenburg. The films provides vivid footage of the disaster as might be expected, but it also features still pictures, film clips, and eyewitness accounts the film details the history of the famous airship from its development to its fiery demise. Impressive close-up shots of the disaster from different angles give new meaning to the familiar images. In addition to the experiences of the crash survivors, especially memorable is the courage of the Navy ground crew, ordered to stand fast to assist victims in spite of the conflagration above their heads. One of the American nurses who tended the victims is also of special note. Produced by The History Channel, 1996. 100 mins.

Hindenburg's Fiery Secret (National Geographic)
The cause of the Hindenburg disaster has always been the subject of much speculation, with theories ranging from sabotage to the more mundane explanation of static electricity igniting the highly flammable hydrogen gas used to lift the giant airship. In this new National Geographic video, archival footage along with modern recreations provide a wonderful journey inside the luxurious airship of the 1930's. The answer to the disaster is also finally solved by a NASA scientist who has studied the disaster for years. Produced by National Geographic Society, 2000. 60 mins.

Secrets of the Unknown: The Hindenburg (1989)
What really happened on that catastrophic rainy day in 1937 when the German airship burst into flames over Lakehurst? This video seeks to answer this question. Hosted by Edward Mulhare. 28 mins.

Flying Boats

These videos should still be available from the Post Flight Shop.

Flying Boats
The romance of the sea blends with the science of aeronautics as you relive the golden age of the flying boats. Now nearly extinct, these seemingly too-big-to-fly wonders pushed the limits of technology during the first half of our century. Though traditional aircraft ultimately ended their reign, these magnificent creations evoke memories of adventure unmatched by any land plane. Discover how these hybrids conquered the oceans, served both sides during WWII and live today as specialized firefighters. Then learn about exciting new developments that may return them to the forefront of air travel. There 6 episodes on three tapes: 1- One the Step, 2- The Great Clippers, 3- The War Boats, 4- The Giants, 5- The End of an Era, 6- The Final Frontier. Produced by Wingspan Home Video and Discovery Channel, 1999. Each tape runs 120 mins.

Across the Pacific: The Boeing B314 Pan American Clipper Ship
The year is 1939. Treasure Island, San Francisco, California. Pan American Airways launches its famous Boeing B-314 Clipper Ship. This was the ultimate in luxury aircraft. Take a sentimental journey "Across the Pacific" aboard the pride of the Pan Am fleet. As you make your way across 9,000 miles to Hong Kong, you'll stop in exotic ports like Waikiki. You'll get a rare glimpse of old Hawaii before the crowds and condos! Then witness the building of midway, the oldest territory of the United States. Your Clipper journey will also take you to Guam, Manila, and Macao before landing in exciting Hong Kong. Across the Pacific gives you a first class tour of the aircraft and its cockpit, and lets you experience what it was like to fly and dine in the elegance of yesteryear. Plus, as an added bonus, rare black and white footage of the Sikorsky and Martin Flying Boat and the DC-2. Produced by Journey Films, 1999. 60 mins.

China Clipper: Pan Am's Conquest of the Pacific
This monumental documentary is the compelling story of Pan American Airways conquest of the Pacific. It contains stunning and never before seen archival footage of Pan Americans Airways epoch ten year, ten thousand mile conquest of the Pacific Ocean. The story begins in 1929 with the first plane to be christened a Pan American Clipper, legendary founder Juan Trippe, see aviation pioneers such as Igor Sikorsky and Pan Am's technical advisor, Charles Lindbergh. Footage featuring the heroic Pan Am construction crews ability to construct island bases on Wake, Midway and Guam. Pan Am Clipper passengers and crews used these island oasises during their trans-Pacific flights. Magnificent footage from an old promotional film shows, in detail, a Boeing 314 Clipper flight from San Francisco to Hong Kong via the elegant pacific stopovers in Honolulu, Midway Island, Wake Island, Guam & Manila, Philippines. Fascinating images include crew operations both in the air and on the ground! There are scenes of the beautiful Martin M-130. Witness its construction and historic first flight across the Pacific Ocean, piloted by the legendary Captain Musick in 1935. As part of this grand adventure, you'll see spectacular aviation footage of the famous seaplanes like the Sikorsky's S-40 and S-42, the Martin M-130, the Boeing Model-314 and Sikorsky's last seaplane, the VS-44A. All these planes made aviation history and contributed immeasurably to transoceanic flight. Produced by CAV Video, 2000. 60 mins.

DVD's

More and more items are appearing on the market in DVD format, so I have included a few here...

A Flight to Dreams: JU-52 Junkers
This DVD is a delight for aviation and travel buffs. It covers the flights of a Junkers JU-52, a classic tri-motor airliner of the 1930's still in operation in Switzerland. You'll find yourself flying over the glaciers, mountains, valleys and lakes of Switzerland listening to the drone of 3 BMW engines. Even the seemingly mundane tasks of an engine over-haul and refueling are fascinating to watch. I highly recommend this DVD for those who enjoy the aircraft and air travel from the Golden Age of Aviation.

Dreams of Flight - Air Collection
This three part video set explores the history of aviation.
In the Beginning takes you on a fascinating journey through aviation history, capturing both the events and spirit of adventure that led man from the confines of the earth into the mysteries of the skies. The Golden Age and Beyond takes you back to the glory days of flight when technology was king and the dreamers were pushing their flying machines ever higher into the skies, Higher...Faster... Farther Join the earlier scientists and engineers who were developing experimental aircraft, like the X-1 that could go faster than the speed of sound.

2002 Wings Publishing