right.
We installed the 450 radial.
But the struts
won't take the vibration.
Minute we fire her up,
The struts start cracking
at the attach points.
Well, what's the good news?
There isn't any.
Goddamn it, Odie.
If the 450's too big,
We just gotta figure
something else out.
We've done everything.
We've rebuilt her
from top to toe.
Now, if we drain the fuel tank
for a couple runs,
She might make
180 Miles per hour.
I want minimum 200,
all right?
Well, I want a date
with Theda Bara,
But that ain't
gonna happen.
Ah, don't be so sure.
So...
If the struts won't sustain
the engine we need,
We gotta get rid of
the struts.
No, then the top wing
falls off.
Then let it.
What?
Who--? Who says we need
a top wing?
I mean, who says we need
anything?
A monoplane.
A cantilevered monoplane,
right?
They're doing it
in France.
To hell with the top wing
and the struts.
Put in a 550 wasp engine.
One-hundred-octane fuel.
That would give us
a top horsepower of what?
Seven hundred.
We squeeze that to 1000,
We've got the fastest plane
ever built.
[both laugh]
Ohhh. You know,
I've just gotta say
We've already spent over
$200,000 rebuilding this plane.
Yeah.
To hell with it.
Tear it up, Odie.
Go on.
Well.
The, uh...
Cumulonimbus formations
about which you speak...
That look like, uh...
Giant breasts full of milk.
I want clouds, damn it.
Yes, clouds...
That look like
giant breasts full of milk...
Cannot exactly be guaranteed
for any particular occasion.
So you might have t-to...
To wait.
Well, then we'll wait.
Look, whatever they pay you
at UCLA,
I'm doubling it, all right?
You work for me now.
Find some clouds.
Find some clouds.
Find me some clouds!
Welcome to
hell's angels.
[the original Memphis Five's
"fireworks" playing]
Thank you.
Howard:
I've now been to Chatsworth,
Santa Cruz, Encino, San Diego,
Riverside, Van Nuys
and Bakersfield.
It has been eight months!
Where are my goddamn clouds,
huh?
They move,
Mr. Hughes!
Clouds move!
That's what they do. They move!
You see that?
It is costing me $5271 a day
To keep those planes
on the ground.
You find me some
goddamn clouds, huh?
Nice day.
Yeah, very funny.
Listen, I got a call
from Houston.
They're getting real nervous
about all of this.
Stop showin' them
the damn bills, Noah.
That would be illegal,
Howard.
Shit, no.
Maybe it's a little bit naughty.
Aw. Hughes tool is
incorporated in Texas.
They have to see
the bills.
Incorporate a new division
out here.
All right? We'll call it
Hughes aircraft. Odie.
Do we need these rivets
on the cowling?
Yeah, or the reverse thrust
would rip it off.
They're gonna give me drag.
Do something about that, okay?
Wind resistance on the rivets?
Yeah, I want her slippery.
Howard, there are
serious tax consequences
To incorporating
in California.
Just take care of it,
would you?
Mr. Hughes!
Mr. Hughes!
Oakland!
We have clouds in Oakland!
You mean it this time?
Yes!
Goddamn it, yes.
I can promise you.
Clouds in Oakland.
All right, all right.
Don't get all jittery now.
Oakland!
Oakland!
We're going to Oakland!
Oakland...
[the original Memphis Five’s
"Fireworks" resumes playing]
Down and to the left!
That was perfect!
Man: That's right,
senator George.
I'm going to say it
to you right now...
Newscaster:
Yes, young Howard Hughes
has pulled it off!
After two years, hell's angels
has finally finished filming.
There's gonna be
One heck of a wrap party
in Hollywood tonight.
The price tag?
A staggering $2 million.
So if every human being
in America buys a ticket,
Heck, he might even
make a profit.
[laughing]
[playing "yellow dog blues"]
First, the clouds
don't come.
Then planes break down.
Then the planes crash.
[voice fades out]
Seems we've had everything
But a damn plague