Luke documentary

In the beginning of 1998, it became clear to me that Frank Luke, JR’s story was great material for a television documentary. Having one PBS documentary to my credit, (Fallen Fortress at Cape Lookout, 1993) and more than a decade of TV news experience, I decided to pursue the idea, and spent the next year conducting research.

There are many things to determine in such a project. In the end, we concluded that the story was entirely suitable as an hour-long documentary.

I submit this at this time... for the sake of clarity. I frequently see inquiries about the movie on Luke. I also hope that people have an interest in seeing a factually based, historical documentary.

I may have not have it right, but my observation over the years is that there are very few people in the industry, with certain exceptions, who care about this type of historical saga. What may interest vast amounts of people, doesn't necessarily appeal to the people executing decisions.

As sad as that may be, it is something we all must face up to. I know that in the ranks of news, interest in history is typically low. (Especially on the West Coast) I have always been the exception to the rule, and it is often hard to sell to producers.

Obviously, there are channels that are very suitable for this type of programming, though I don't believe they air movies very often.

My commitment behind this project is strong. I traveled to Murvaux for the re-dedication ceremony last month, meeting Stephen Skinner for the first time. In fact, we met in the field where Luke made his final landing. That material, as well as interviews with Murvaux residents, is all on tape.

In the course of the project, I have spent time with the Luke family, conducting what turned out to be priceless interviews. and I have traveled to many relevant locations around Phoenix, including Luke AFB, gathering information, and interviewing family members and others related to the story.

It is time to move forward. I now have too much invested in fact, for it to not be an active subject in the ranks of enthusiasts.

I welcome any ideas and look forward to hearing those rare tidbits that sometimes manifest in the face of a serious project. A number of Great War aviation experts and historians have been working with me for some time. My goal prior to going public was to gather enough data, both on and off tape, to secure our position. My associates and I have indeed, reached that point.

The documentary will present the facts on Luke, as we know them. It will take into account the different theories and views regarding his life, his combat accomplishments, Luke's rejection by his peers, the loss of Joseph Wehner, his relationship with Hartney, and the final day in Murvaux. The documentary will not be a forum for any singular viewpoint. Instead, we will present the contrasting views, with respect to the Murvaux affidavit and Royal Frye's 1962 visit.
My Organization is called Learning Through Aviation History.

I hope this project does indeed soon come to fruition. This mans life and that of his contemporaries are well worth remembering. Luke was without a doubt a AMERICAN original-

I fully support this project! A most fantastic idea. I have an extensive archive of information on Frank Luke, Jr.; including copies of his military records before they were destroyed in a fire at the military records archive in the 70s.
They are entirely at your disposal.

MAF: Can you give a brief listing of exactly what military records of Luke do you have? I'd like to put some of those records in the next edition of September Rampage.
Seasons Greetings, but stay away from frangible icecubes on Near Year's eve. Billy H. 12/22/00.