One early evening in October 1951 in the Mojave Desert, the sun was setting on another long day of filming the movie “Son of Paleface.” The cast and crew were tired, but none more so than the movie star, Bob Hope. The legendary comedian decided to take a drive to unwind and clear his head. As he wiped the sweat from his brow, he remembered a conversation he’d had with his good friend, comedian Milton Berle. Milton had mentioned a place called the Happy Bottom Riding Club, owned by a fascinating woman named Pancho Barnes. Intrigued, Bob decided it was the perfect time to pay Pancho a visit and surprise her.
Bob drove down the dusty desert road, the sky above him painted in shades of orange and pink as the day drew to a close. He had also heard stories about Pancho’s famous parties and gatherings from his friend and “Son of Paleface” co-star Roy Rogers, and he was eager to unwind after a day spent under the scorching desert sun. As he drove down the dusty roads he suddenly saw a sign that caught his eye: “Pancho Barnes’ Happy Bottom Riding Club.”
As he pulled up to the Happy Bottom Riding Club, the sound of guitars, laughter and clinking glasses greeted him. The place was brimming with life, and a sense of camaraderie that was palpable even before he stepped through the door. He walked in and was immediately struck by the eclectic mix of people – from Air Force pilots and stunt pilots to early TV and Hollywood stars and local ranchers, all brought together by the indomitable spirit of Pancho Barnes. Although Bob Hope was a celebrity, he quietly slipped into the crowd and started mingling with the other guests. He laughed at their jokes and even told a few of his own.
Speaking of Pancho, she was holding court at the bar, regaling her guests with tales of her daring aviation exploits. With a sly grin, Bob approached her from behind, preparing to surprise her. As he tapped on her shoulder, the entire room seemed to hold its breath.
Pancho turned around, and her eyes widened in surprise. “Well, I’ll be!” she exclaimed. “If it isn’t Bob Hope himself. Milton mentioned you might come by one day, but I didn’t think it would be today of all days!”
Bob flashed his signature grin and replied, “Well, Pancho, I’ve heard so much about this place that I couldn’t resist coming by to see it for myself. And I must say, it’s even better than I imagined!”
Pancho beamed at the compliment and insisted on giving Bob a tour of her beloved establishment. They walked through the lively dance hall, the bustling porker room, and the peaceful stables where guests could take a break from the festivities and enjoy a quiet moment with the horses or go for a moon-lit ride.
As the night wore on, Bob found himself drawn into the warmth and camaraderie of Pancho’s world. He laughed and danced with the guests, shared stories with the pilots, sang a song or two with the guitar players, and even tried his hand at a game of poker.
As the party began to wind down, Pancho and Bob found themselves sitting on the restaurant porch, looking out at the vast expanse of the Mojave Desert. The sky was now dotted with stars, and the cool night air provided a refreshing contrast to the day’s heat.
Bob turned to Pancho and said, “You know, Pancho, I’ve been to a lot of places in my time, but there’s something truly special about this place. Thank you for welcoming me into your world.”
Pancho smiled and replied, “Bob, it’s been a pleasure having you here. You’re always welcome at the Happy Bottom Riding Club.” And with that she issued him a Club membership card.
And as the first light of dawn began to break over the horizon, Bob knew he had found a lifelong friend in Pancho Barnes and a place where he could always escape the pressures of Hollywood and find a sense of belonging and enjoy the simpler pleasures of life.
