We know about Amelia Earhart from a dozen books, thousands of articles, historic archives, aviation museum displays and personal communications. We know too much to be among the general public that will see “Amelia”as just a movie, starring Hilary Swank and Richard Gere (as her husband, George Palmer Putnam).

All we have ever seen are black and white images of the Fokker “Friendship,” AE’s Vega, and her Electra 10E. Movie magic brings vivid color and sound to flights we have imagined for years - it is wonderful to watch airplanes fly and fun to be transported back in time. But, we know too much.

Look closely and you will see mistakes made by a production crew member who did not bother to check a vintage photograph for the location of the loop antenna on the Electra (by necessity they used an Electra 12A instead of her 10E) nor the proper side for the Fokker’s door. Let that go, and enjoy seeing planes you’ve been able to gawk at during air shows owned by Greg Herrick (his Tri-Motor is in several scenes) and Joe Shepherd (owner/pilot of the 1936 Electra N2072).

I was thrilled to be invited to the Premiere. It was good to share time with record-setting aviator, Elgen Long, who added great dignity to the occasion as an author on Earhart (“Amelia Earhart, Mystery Solved”) and as a consultant to the film. He would be the first to point out that movie makers ask for advice, but sometimes ignore it. Both Elgen and I pleaded to have the Electra’s loop antenna digitally added on the top, but. . .see for yourself where it appears.

We know too much to find the portrayal of AE as a seductress of two men (at the same time) any more convincing than her bossing around the “Friendship” crew. All these interpretations could be overlooked but Director Mira Nair commits what I deem to be “identity theft” when she completely tossed out historic accuracy with regard to George Palmer Putnam.

We know when GP met AE that he was married and had two children, David (deceased) and George Palmer Putnam, Jr. (now 86). We know GP divorced his wife and married AE, who became the boy’s step-mother. The family facts did not influence Nair’s movie story as Richard Gere’s “GP” enters AE’s life as a single man. History according to Nair includes AE easily seducing GP; and then, as he remains faithful, she falls into the arms of Gene Vidal and tenderly cares for his young son, Gore.

We know too much.

I have written (fiction) screenplays, worked on documentary films and lived among the film-makers of Hollywierd. Although it seems long ago to me now, I recall the goal was to create at least one moment for the audience which caused a gasp, a tear, a breathless heart-swelling moment on screen. It did not happen for me as I watched “Amelia.” Maybe that was because I know too much – or maybe not.

As I discussed the film with a producer who also saw the Premiere (but does not know a lot about AE) we tried to sum up a professional review. It did not take long to realize this wasn’t an “epic” nor would it be a block-buster film. On the plus side, the acting, the period costumes and the scenery were faultless. And for the general public who will not remember her last name was Earhart or Putnam, “Amelia” will illuminate women in the cockpit, offering an alternative image of early aviators previously depicted mostly by men.

But if you are looking for the heart and essence of AE’s impact on aviation during 1930’s America, it is not there. You never see her working as a nurse, truck driver or teacher, nor is she shown among American aviators and aircraft before she steps into the “Friendship”. In this film, you do not feel AE is connected to her airplanes. She is not shown grimy and greasy, as in real life she enjoyed working with her mechanics. The technical and cultural impact of Charles Lindbergh and the association with him at T.A.T. (“coast to coast in 48 hours”), Air Mail flying, and the round-up of women fliers - and so much U.S. history relating to aviation was absent.

Ultimately a film is made in the eye of the Director. For such an important American icon as AE, the story of her life may have better been told by an American director instead of Nair (East Indian). I just didn’t think she “got” America and ultimately, AE.

See the film. Decide for yourself. Just remember – if you are reading this review on an aviation web site or in an aviation publication – you are not like the rest of those in your audience who may love this film.

You already know too much about aviation history.

Gbk///