(soft music) - Welcome to "NET Playhouse Biography."

Our subjects this week are Orville and Wilber Wright, and I'm Antonia Fraser introducing the series.

There are two aspects to this double biography which fascinate me.

Quite apart from the fact that the Wright brothers invented the airplane, which almost everyone knows.

First of all is the nature of the society which formed them.

This is America at the turn of the century, a brash, thrusting, cocky, energetic sort of time.

The age of Teddy Roosevelt, the age of the victory over Spain and manifest destiny, the age of Carnegie, DuPont, Morgan.

You'll feel it's a time when men have pushed back the frontier just so far and they wonder where to go next.

And the answer must be up into the air.

And yet the extraordinary thing is that the Wright brothers were really introverts in this extrovert society.

They lived virtually as recluses.

They really lived almost entirely for each other and for their scientific discoveries.

In some ways, they were like two small boys tinkering away in some kind of backs room.

And yet somehow this paradoxical element, the fact that they were introverts in an extrovert society is what makes it such an extraordinary American success story.

So now Orville and Wilbur, the story of the Wright Brothers.

(wind whooshing) - Good luck Bubbo.

(wind whooshing) - I'm ready Wilbur.

(wind whooshing) - Stay here until we're ready to go.

When the engine begins to move, the plane starts to go then back away.

(wind whooshing) Bubbo.

- Willy?

- Right control.

- Right control.

- Left control.

- Left control.

(wind whooshing) - Back needle.

- Back needle on.

(wind whooshing) - Propellers.

(propellers rotating) - Propellers.

(propeller rotating) - Power.

- Power.

(propellers rotating) ♪ Hold my dear hand along ♪ ♪ He's more silver down at all ♪ ♪ Thou are saved and thou are along ♪ ♪ In my angle Christ I pray ♪ ♪ Send me to thy cross I pray ♪ (chairs creaking) - Brethren, what have you done this day for Christ and his kingdom?

What have you done in return for redemption through his blood?

What are you now doing to advance in holiness and to subdue your sins that you may grow more like Christ?

The Earth is full of wickedness, bitterness and distress.

And this world washed and saved by labor, by wise earnest self-denying abundant labor must be laid as a cheerful tribute at the feet of the king of kings.

Men and women of the church, are you working while it is day?

Are you doing with all your might, all that your hands can find to do?

This is the battlefield.

Here is the place to conquer sin.

And win souls for Jesus.

- Langley the Smithsonian has had over $50,000 from the government.

- No.

- To build flying machines for the war department.

- That's one thing the government knows how to do.

Spend money.

- Will his machine fly do you think?

- Not a chance.

- [Orville] Langley doesn't know what he's doing.

- None of these people with fancy degrees know what they're doing.

- I heard you were testing the engine last night boys.

Made a fearful racket.

- It will be difficult to build.

It'll require 1200 revolutions per minute to give us the power we need.

- We're a long way from that.

- Why don't you just buy one?

- No one will sell us one.

They don't want to be embarrassed when we crash.

(all laugh) - And Daedalus said to his son Icarus, "Be not reckless and fly too close to the sun."

Do you remember that boys?

I read that story to you when you were very young.

But Icarus forgot his father's warning and he flew higher and higher.

"How like the gods I am," he thought.

And the blazing son melted the wax that bound the feathers to the wings his father had made him and he fell to his death in the sea.

And there's a moral to that story, as true as though it had been written in scripture.

Be wise, not bold.

That's the moral.

Control and caution.

That's what's required in life.

Lest you fly too near the sun and fall.

(engine revving) (metal clanking) (door knocking) (doorbell ringing) - Morning Mr. Wright.

My name is Jim Spread sir.

And I was wondering- - Nice to meet you.

- How do you do sir?

And I was wondering if you could fix my bicycle.

- Well, I don't know.

Why don't you bring it on in?

- Just bring it in?

- That's right.

- Won't mess up the floor mat.

- No, we're used to bicycles in here.

(metal clanging) (footsteps thudding) What seems to be the trouble?

- You see it's the break here.

- Yeah.

- It's loose.

It keeps slipping down.

- Uh-huh.

I see.

- And there's a screw loose on the seat thing.

- Yeah.

- Not being no mechanic, I can't seem to fix it.

- Well, I think we can fix this for you.

- How much do you think it'll cost?

- About $3.

There is one problem though.

It's gonna take some time.

It's gonna take us about four days.

- Four days?

- Yup.

You see, we have to make this part.

The trouble is we don't get too many of these bicycles anymore.

There are lots of new bicycles we have to concern ourself with.

And so the parts are very difficult to come by.

But we can figure something out.

- Okay.

I guess I can just walk to work then for four days.

- Oh.

You need this for work?

- Yes sir.

I ride it out to Owens Mills.

You know they make China out there.

- Oh yes.

Well maybe we can figure something out so you won't have to walk to work.

(hand clapping) Have you ever thought of buying a new bicycle?

The other thing about this bike is speed.

You can move much quicker on this bicycle than you can on that other bike.

- Well, how'd you do that?

The wheels are smaller.

- Well, I know, but this wheel goes around greater range, see?

(metal clanking) For every revolution you make with the pedals have back wheels moving around considerably faster, it's completely different than your bicycle where the pedals and the wheel move at the same speed.

You understand?

I'll tell you what.

We have four days that we are gonna have to spend fixing your bike.

And in the meantime, why don't you take this bicycle and ride it on home and you just- - You mean just use it?

- Yeah.

See how you like it.

Give it a try.

- I've never ridden one like that before.

- You never have?

No, no, no, no.

You don't mount it like you do your bike.

You mount it more like a horse.

Throw your leg right over just like that.

You have to be very careful with the center bar.

All right?

You try it.

That's very good.

Alright, take off.

Good.

Good.

That's, (metal clanging) That's all right.

That's all right.

I'll see you in four days.

You'll get the hang of it.

And don't forget, I've got your bike.

(door slams) ♪ Go for my wandering boy to-night ♪ ♪ Go search for him where you will ♪ ♪ But bring him to me with all his blight ♪ ♪ And tell him I love him still ♪ ♪ O where is my boy to-night ♪ ♪ O where is my boy to-night ♪ ♪ My heart o'erflows ♪ ♪ For I love him he knows ♪ ♪ O where is my boy to-night ♪ (gentle music) - Ullam.

Will you pass the cookies please?

- Certainly.

I couldn't crunchy.

- What was that called him?

- Ullam.

That's William in German.

We were German on my mother's side.

- And what does Ullam call you?

- Bubbo.

- [Woman] I beg you pardon?

- Bubbo.

(all laugh) I call him Bubbo.

When Wilbur and I were very little, he couldn't say brother.

So he said, - He said Bubbo.

(Wilber laughs) Yes, I see.

- Would you care for some lemonade.

- Thank you.

(glass clinks) (lemonade pours) (crickets chirping) - Are you going to keep your nose stuck in that book all day?

- No.

- It's too nice a day.

"Progress in Flying Machines" by Octave Chanute.

Who's he?

- Professor Chanute is a distinguished engineer and an enthusiastic of flight.

(water splashes) My brother and I are in correspondence with him.

- Kate says, you're planning to fly.

Is that really possible?

- Eventually.

- I can't believe it.

- Well, it's true.

- How did you get interested in it?

Would you tell me?

- Well, I'd much rather hear about you.

Are you in any classes with Kate?

- No.

- What are you studying at Oberlin?

- I'm studying political science.

Women have a much greater role to play in national affairs, don't you agree?

- Well, I dunno.

My mother studied mathematics.

- She did?

That's wonderful.

- She was a fine woman.

She died five years ago.

- Oh.

I'm sorry.

- When Will and I were little tykes, she helped us to build our first sledge.

She laid out the plans and all.

Once she brought home a toy flying machine.

My brother and I named it the Bat.

We had a lot of good times together.

(woman humming) That's lovely.

(woman humming) What is it you're singing?

♪ My Mary's asleep by the murmuring stream ♪ ♪ Flow gently sweet Afton ♪ ♪ Disturb not her dream ♪ - It's lovely.

(water splashing) Perhaps we should join the others.

- [Woman] Why?

Let's talk some more.

- Alright.

- [Woman] You work closely with your brother Kate says.

- Oh yes, yes.

We're like two peas in the pod.

Sometimes he's a little overbearing.

A little bossy though.

Well, you know, the older brother.

(birds chirping) (footsteps shuffling) - Penny, for your thoughts.

- Aren't worth a penny.

- I want to know.

- I was just thinking how difficult it is to fly.

- Oh, Will, don't you ever relax.

- Okay.

Relaxing.

For me, it's the hardest work there is.

- My brother and I have spent a lot of time studying the birds, buzzards, pigeons, sparrows, hawks, robins.

The hawks.

The hawks the best.

- They are?

- Oh, by far the best.

They can rise faster than anything.

They like to flap their wings a lot there 'cause they like speed.

My brother and I have pages and pages of notes on birds.

Birds are our teachers, so to speak.

- That's fascinating.

What have they taught you?

Great deal about control.

- War plan.

(wind whooshing) She handles beautifully.

As docile as a sparrow.

(wind whooshing) Do the right again.

Pull your line in just a little bit more at the bottom.

There.

- There?

- Take her straight up.

Take her up from there.

Bring the tops toward you.

(wind whooshing) Do you think we should make some adjustment in that tail?

- I think we could experiment with it.

I don't think it's ideal.

We'll certainly need some before the big one flies.

(wind whooshing) - Up she goes.

Can you go more to the right.

Move over this way.

(wind whooshing) - No, no.

We're going the wrong way.

- Right over there?

(metal screeching) - Easy (men panting) - Lift it up.

(men panting) (man coughs) - No lift at all (wind whooshing).

- What's the reading, Bubbo?

- Hm.

It's not even two miles an hour.

- What was it the Smithsonian said about winds in this part of the world?

- They average between 15 and 20 miles per hour.

- Yep.

(wind whooshing) - I guess that means zero one day, hurricane the next.

- Well, it's wide open anyway.

No houses, no trees.

- The sand's soft.

What do we do?

- Wait.

- [Orville] Wait.

- Yep.

- Yep.

- Ready?

- [Wilbur] Ready Orville.

- Ready?

- Push up?

- [Orville] Push.

(wind whooshing) (footsteps thudding) (men panting) (man coughs) (men panting) (footsteps thudding) (wind whooshing) - I just don't understand it.

Chanute was wrong.

Every one of his tables are absolutely wrong.

- Not much help at all.

I don't know what we're gonna do.

- Another day lost.

(metal clangs) (metal clanking) Will you please hurry Orville, I'm hungry.

- Be right there.

(metal clangs) (plate clinks) (footsteps shuffling) (metal clangs) - Orville?

Orville?

If I told you once, I have told you a thousand times, I cannot stand lumps in the gravy.

Lumps in the gravy, Orville look.

Lumpy gravy, lumps.

Look at that.

Just disgusting.

Disgusting.

Now you are not using enough water.

You're not beating it properly.

- I am using enough water.

- No, you are not.

If you were using enough water, why would there be lumps in the gravy?

Look, it's lumpy.

I love your biscuits.

You know I love your biscuits, but I cannot stand these lumps and you're ruining the biscuits with this lumpy gravy.

Look Orville I do my best to try and keep this place neat and comfortable and clean for the two of us.

The least you can do is to take more care about the cooking.

Now please try and do better with the cooking.

- I do Wilbur.

(footsteps thudding) - How many times a day are you going to apply that oil to your face?

- As many times as I have to.

- Why?

- I don't like windburn.

It's ungentlemanly.

- Well, I wish you would please hurry.

We have to go.

- I'm hurrying as fast as I can.

(soft music) (bird cawing) - [Mr. Tate] Hello gentlemen.

How you doing?

- Good Mr. Tate, how are you?

- Alright coming out of the chill.

- Thank you.

- Good to see you again Mr. Tate.

- How are you?

- Hey you're looking fine.

- Thank you.

- Oh, I know you've seen the gentleman around once in a while, but I'd like to take the chance now to introduce you.

This is Mr. Doe.

This is Orville Wright, Wilbur Wright.

And this is Mr. Daniels.

- How you do?

- Right, right.

- And this is Mr. Etheridge.

And this is Mr. Guard.

- Nice to meet you.

- Nice to meet you.

- Do we have any mail Mr. Tate?

- Yes sir you do.

Come on over and I'll get the mail for you.

Warm your hands up a minute or two.

(feet shuffling) - You boys really expect that can drop him to fly?

- Hope so.

- How you fellas faring over there in your tent?

Which one of you do the cooking?

- Oh, I do the cooking.

- Yes.

- What you going to do with the thing if you do get it flying?

- Well, I'm not really sure at the moment.

- Let's think you might dress a little bit better down here.

I mean, those clothes look mighty fancy for this kind of weather.

Those dark clouds and wind blowing like it is gonna wear your neck.

- Actually, it protects our necks, thank you.

- [Mr. Tate] Which one of you will be going up in the bird?

- Both of us.

- May God have mercy on your souls.

- My papi says, if the Almighty wanted man to fly, he'd sprouted him a set of wings.

(Wilbur chuckles) - I believe we've heard that before.

If you were to come over to our shacks some afternoon, you could see our wings.

Thank you very much.

- Yeah.

(footsteps thudding) - Good day.

- Good day, gentlemen.

- [All] Good day.

(footsteps thudding) (soft music) - Go on.

Lift.

(metal clanking) - You all right?

You all right?

- Yeah.

I'm all right.

- Sure?

- Positive.

(wind whooshing) - Look at this.

- You all right?

- Five times and she still won't lift.

It's impossible.

No lift at all.

Well, we have another strut lift.

Let's get it on.

- Let's call her a day.

(wind whooshing) (wind whooshing) - For some time, my brother and myself have been afflicted with the belief that flight is possible to man.

Our disease has increased in severity and for the past few years, we have conducted flying experiments at Kitty Hawk North Carolina.

This evening I have brought some photographs to demonstrate some of those experiments.

If we may have the magic lantern please.

My brother and myself made innumerable glides sometimes flying the glider as a kite as indicated here and sometimes flying the machine ourselves.

The results were both encouraging and discouraging.

The crucial problem of flight is control of equilibrium in the air.

Next slide please.

When this one feature has been worked out, we feel that the age of flying machines will have arrived.

Two other problems emerged as a result of our experiments.

First being the problem of lift.

We have discovered that the table prepared by Air Lilienthal and others have been grossly in error.

And we have spent a great deal of time constructing new tables.

Two, we have found that when the angle of the wing addresses the wind at a certain angle, instead of continuing to rise for a moment, the wing stalls and consequently falls as indicated here.

(audience laughs) Practice in the air we have found to be essential.

Nothing will substitute for it.

If you're looking for safety and you wish to fly, you would do well to sit on a fence and watch the birds.

But if you really wish to learn to fly, you must mount a machine and become acquainted with its tricks by actual trial.

Thank you John.

(audience applauds) - Wilbur, it went very well indeed.

Very, very well.

- Thank you Professor Chanute.

- I thought it was an excellent presentation.

- You're very kind.

I get so nervous in front of large audiences, particularly in the presence of such learned gentlemen.

- Nonsense.

I suspect your mind is as keen as anyone who was here tonight.

Keener I suspect.

Does the society have your permission to print your remarks?

- Yes.

- [Professor Chanute] And will you furnish detailed plans of your gliders?

- Yes.

- [Professor Chanute] Excellent.

Your findings will be of great help to others.

- Yes.

I hope so.

(footsteps thudding) - What's the matter?

Why is you so glum?

- I'm afraid I'm more discouraged than I let show in my remarks, Professor.

Someday, someday man will fly.

Of that I'm convinced.

But not in my lifetime.

- How can you say that with the great progress you and your brother have achieved and in such a short time.

- Perhaps.

But the problems, the problems are different now.

They're less practical, they're more theoretical, and they need special skill.

- Nonsense.

You can cut through all of that.

I know you can.

- Yes, I know.

It's very difficult though.

- I can help with the computations.

That's just a question of technique.

Anything else you don't know, you can just read up.

And if it's a matter of money, I can help there too in a modest way.

- I could never accept money from you.

As for your offer of technical assistance, that would be most helpful.

- Anytime you just call on me.

- You're most generous professor.

You always have been.

- That's better Wilbur.

That's the spirit.

You must have confidence.

Confidence, that's what made this country great.

(footsteps thudding) ♪ Willie Fitzgibbons ♪ ♪ Who used to sell ribbons ♪ ♪ And stood up all day off his feet ♪ ♪ Grew very spoony ♪ ♪ On Madeleine Moony ♪ ♪ Who'd rather be dancing than eat ♪ ♪ Each evening she'd tag him ♪ ♪ To some dance hall drag him ♪ ♪ And when the band started to play ♪ ♪ She'd up like a silly ♪ ♪ And grab tired Willie ♪ ♪ Steer him on the floor and she'd say ♪ ♪ Waltz me around again Willie ♪ ♪ Around around around ♪ ♪ The music is dreamy ♪ ♪ It's peaches and creamy ♪ ♪ O don't let my feet touch the ground ♪ ♪ I feel like a ship on an ocean of joy.

♪ ♪ I just want to holler out loud ship ahoy ♪ ♪ Waltz me around again Willie ♪ ♪ Around around around ♪ - Oh yes, Mr. Porter.

Come right this way.

Thank you.

- I'm in a very great rush.

- Sit down please, thank you.

(chair creaking) When did you come in Mr. Porter?

- Three weeks ago, Friday.

- Three weeks ago, Friday.

- Yes.

For repair of handlebars.

- Hmm.

- Seat.

- Hmm - Front wheel.

- Hmm.

- Spokes.

- Spokes.

- Brakes.

- Brakes.

- Chain.

- Chain.

- Rear axle.

- Rear axle.

- Frame.

- Frame.

- And a complete oil of the machine.

- Yes.

- At no charge.

- Yes, I remember.

- Yes.

(chair creaking) How much will that be, please?

- A dollar and a quarter for the frame?

- Yes.

(door knocking) - Just a moment please.

- Can't we finish this now?

- One moment.

Just a moment What is it?

What is it?

- Alright, this is it.

We've got the measurements for the wind tunnel.

Alright.

The structure is six feet long, 16 inches across from wall to wall.

- Good.

- And back here there'll be a blade fan providing a wind of 25 miles per hour.

- Yes.

- Powered by a gasoline engine, right.

And that'll be connected to this gear shaft right here.

- Good.

- The test balance will be right here.

(door knocking) - Just a moment.

Just a moment please.

The wind is not uniform.

How do we know it's uniform?

How do we know the wind is uniform?

- I hadn't thought about it.

- That's alright.

Go think about it.

- Could we get on with this please?

- Sorry sorry of course.

Now, (throat clearing) where were we?

Oh yes.

A complete oiling of the machine.

At no charge.

- At no charge.

Yes.

- Yes.

Well, Mr. Porter, I'm afraid you're gonna have quite a bill.

Handlebars, a dollar and a half, brakes a dollar and a quarter.

- Yes.

- Spokes 15 cents each.

A frame is going to be.

- Yes.

- I've got it.

Mr. Potter.

- [Mr. Potter] Well, yes.

How much?

- I've got it.

- [Mr. Potter] What?

- Just one moment.

- [Mr. Potter] What?

- Just one moment.

(footsteps thudding) I've got it.

(footsteps thudding) I've got it Bubbo.

I've got it.

(pencil drawing) We'll make a wooden mesh right here (pencil drawing) like pigeonholes, (pencil drawing) about a quarter of an inch thick.

The wind will flow directly through here and it will be absolutely uniform.

(chair creaking) (match lighting) (Mr. Potter exhales) - How do you test the uniformity of the air?

- What do you mean?

- We can't see air.

- That's right.

How do we see the air?

(footsteps thudding) - Mr. Wright.

If you please.

(mouth blowing) (Orville coughs) - Harder.

(mortar whirring) (Orville coughs) Again.

(mortar whirring) (Orville coughs) More.

Again.

(mortar whirring) All right then, cut the power.

(mortar whirring) (Orville coughs) It works.

The wind is uniform.

- Let me see.

(propeller rotating) (footsteps thudding) Alright.

Power.

(mortar whirring) Yes.

(mortar whirring) (Orville coughs) All right.

(mortar whirring) (Orville coughs) - Yeah.

(propeller rotates) (Orville coughs) (footsteps thudding) (Orville coughs) (birds chirping) (bell dings) (footsteps thudding) (door closes) (wind whooshing) (footsteps thudding) - Hungry?

- Yeah.

(footsteps thudding) Uncle Wilbur?

- Come on Michael.

(hand rubbing) (footsteps thudding) That wasn't very nice.

(footsteps thudding) - Is that cattle?

- Yes.

Be sure to wipe your feet.

Whackers?

(footsteps approaching) Whackers?

(metal clanking) Did you wash your hands for lunch?

- Yes.

- May I see them please?

Other side?

Whackers.

You are a goop.

Do you know what a goop is?

- No.

- I'll be right back.

(footsteps thudding) Goops.

And I think this is very appropriate.

Table manners.

The Goops, they lick their fingers and the goops, they lick their knives.

They spill their broth on the tablecloth.

Oh, they lead disgusting lives.

The Goops, they talk while eating and loud and fast they chew.

And that is why I'm glad that I am not a goop.

Are you?

- No.

- I hope not.

Alright.

You can wash your hands now.

(door opens) (footsteps thudding) (door closes) (footsteps thudding) (water pouring) (kettle thuds) (brush scrubbing) (bell dings) (water splashing) (bell dings) (swing creaking) - [Woman] Why do you wanna cry?

- I don't know.

(swing creaking) (crickets chirping) - I don't believe you.

(crickets chirping) - I guess lots of reasons.

(crickets chirping) Curiosity, money, fame.

Lots of reasons.

(crickets chirping) - And?

(crickets chirping) - And what?

(crickets chirping) - And what else?

(crickets chirping) - It's something I have to do.

(crickets chirping) - You're a dreamer.

(crickets chirping) - Am I?

- Yes.

You pretend not to be, but you are.

I can tell.

(crickets chirping) - Excuse me.

I better see about the kid.

(door opens) - [Woman] Dreamer.

(crickets chirping) - [Bishop] Wilbur?

Wilbur?

Wilson?

- Coming.

- You are late, son.

(footsteps approaching) - You're late Wilbur.

- Yes.

I know.

I've been told.

- [Michael] Really hungry.

- [Catherine] Well, you have your favorite.

- Have you washed your hands?

- Yes.

I'm not a goop.

- Oh.

(chuckles) Well I'm certainly glad to hear that.

Would you lead us in grace?

- Yes.

Grandpa.

Dear Lord, we thank you for this food.

Amen.

- [All] Amen.

Amen.

- Wilbur, I noticed that you had a package from Professor Chanute.

Did you notice it?

- Yes, I did.

They were reprints from the speech I gave in Chicago.

- Oh.

How exciting.

- Gift from Professor Chanute.

- Well that's very generous of him.

They must be very expensive.

- Oh yes.

Professor Chanute is a generous man.

- Do you think it wise to publicize your findings so widely?

- I don't think it makes any difference at this time.

- [Bishop] Well patent everything you do.

- Don't worry father.

We'll surely do that.

- [Bishop] Good.

- Are you eating your chicken Whackers?

- Yes.

- Make sure you clean your plate.

- Yes sir.

(plate creaking) - Why aren't you eating a chicken, Wackers?

- My plate.

- Wilbur?

Look at that.

Do you see that?

- No.

I don't see anything.

- You don't see anything?

Well, it appears that chicken refuses to be- - Oh no.

(all laugh.)

- How did you do it?

- Master Whackers, come over here and I'll show you for yourself.

- [Catherine] Alright boys.

- String.

Well that's keen Uncle Orville.

- You bet it is Whackers.

You bet it is.

(mouth kissing) - [Catherine] Allright boys.

That's enough.

It's getting cold everybody.

- Oh.

(all laugh) ♪ Willie DeVere ♪ ♪ Was a dry good cashier ♪ ♪ At his desk ♪ ♪ He would seat all the day ♪ ♪ Till his doctor advising ♪ ♪ Said start exercising ♪ ♪ Or else you will soon fade away ♪ ♪ One night this poor loony ♪ ♪ Met Madeline Mooney ♪ ♪ Fitzgibbons then shouted with joy ♪ ♪ She's a good health-regainer ♪ ♪ You've found a great trainer ♪ ♪ Just wait till she hollers my boy ♪ ♪ Waltz me around again Willie ♪ ♪ Around around around ♪ ♪ The music is dreamy ♪ ♪ It's peaches and creamy ♪ ♪ O don't let my feet touch the ground ♪ ♪ I feel like a ship on an ocean of joy ♪ ♪ I just want to holler out loud ship ahoy ♪ ♪ Waltz me around again Willie ♪ ♪ Around around around ♪ (door closes) (metal clanking) - Power.

(mortar whirring) It works.

- Good.

What's it read?

- About 11 degrees, not much left.

We need a much greater angle.

The larger the angle, the greater the lift.

- All right.

We're going to have to make many more tests of those wing shapes.

(mortar whirring) - [Wilbur] About 200.

- I agree.

- We can do it.

(mortar whirring) (metal scratching) (mortar whirring) - Curve one in 10.

- One in 10.

- Aspect ratio 3.23.

A parabolic.

Curve one in nine.

(mortar whirring) (propeller rotating) We're up to wing shape 25.

I think we should get about 10 more.

- [Wilbur] Good idea.

(propellers rotating) (mortar whirring) Lift angle is 11 degrees.

(mortar whirring) Pressure is 0.502.

Span six and a half.

Cord, 2.42 inches.

Area seven and a half square inches.

(mortar whirring) Cut power.

Cut power.

(mortar whirring) Alright, you take it a while, my eyes are getting tired.

(propellers rotate) - What was the last number?

- [Wilbur] 88.

(propellers rotating) (mortar whirring) Varies between 13 and 14.

13.5 degrees.

(mortar whirring) (propellers rotate) - 146.

(mortar whirring) 13.2.

(mortar whirring) (propellers rotating) There it is Bubbo.

(propellers rotate) - It's beautiful.

(propellers rotate) - I can't wait to get to Kitty Hawk.

(propellers rotate) (wind whooshing) (Orville yells) Orville.

- Wilbur.

(Orville yells) I swear you almost got off.

(Orville yells) (wind whooshing) (both laugh) I swear you almost made it off the ground.

Come on.

What you needed.

- Fly away.

(both yell) (horse galloping) (dog barking) - Welcome.

- So happy.

That you invited me to your home.

- Here, let me get that.

- Oh, thank you.

Thank you.

You are looking well.

- So are you.

- Thank you.

- You have a good trip?

- Yes.

Excellent.

Considering the- - Well, you arrived at a very opportune moment.

We've been having some difficulty with the propeller.

- Oh, but you'll catch a cold.

Let's go inside.

- Professor Chanute.

- Professor Chanute I'd like you to meet our sister, Catherine.

How do you do Miss Catherine?

(mouth kissing) - Won't you come inside?

It must be cold.

- Thank you.

(footsteps thudding) - Well, I am very happy to see you both at home with new laurel to no broken bones.

- Thank you.

Will took one bad fall.

But that was all.

- Oh.

Its, we're very grateful.

- [Prof Chanute] What happened with the machine?

- We left it in Kitty Hawk.

- Thank you.

- [Prof Chanute] Oh, what a pity.

- Yeah.

- [Prof Chanute] What fabric did you use for the wings?

- Pride of the West.

It's the best grain of muslin there is.

- The several times in the past I've offered you my financial assistance of a very modest nature to help with your experiments.

- Yes.

And we deeply appreciate your kindness.

- Well, you have consistently refused my offers in the past, and I have understood.

I greatly admire your independence.

But now your scientific work is approaching the crucial stage with a building of an engine and a flight test in the winter.

Those are your plans, are they not?

- Yes, they are.

- Therefore, it seems to me that more money, considerably more money would be of great use to you now.

And this is what I propose.

I happen to know Andrew Carnegie and I'm led to believe on good authority that if you agreed to connect Mr. Carnegie's name to your flying machine, he would be willing to contribute $10,000 a year to your work.

How does that strike you?

- Andrew Carnegie indeed.

- What do you think?

(utensils clatter) (bell dings) - I don't think so.

- Well we think not.

(bell dings) Did you see this one?

- [Prof Chanute] Excellent.

Excellent.

These are really excellent.

- How about this one?

- Yes.

Yes.

There's your kite.

Yes there it is.

Recognize that.

- Yes.

That's horrible.

- The results you've already achieved with these.

Yes.

Marvelous.

Isn't that your new rudder arrangement you were telling me about?

- Yes.

We'll have to discuss this sometime.

- Yes.

You know these photographs remind me of something very important.

I've been asked to contribute another article on flying to Cassie's magazine.

Now, I'd like your permission to include a detailed description of these experiments.

- I'm very sorry Professor Chanute, but I'm afraid we're going to have to refuse.

Not this time.

- What?

- We would rather have it that way.

- What you mean?

- You see, Professor, we are very happy to share our information and our pictures and our data and our progress with you.

It's just that we don't want any more publicity, anymore publicity concerning our flying machine or its progress.

- I don't believe.

You're serious.

- We are.

- [Orville] Absolutely.

- You mean to tell me that important results like this should not be published anymore?

- That's correct.

- But you've been so open in the past.

You don't mean to tell me that you intend to remain silent now, just when you are approaching success.

- Don't you understand it is simply because we are approaching success that we must remain silent.

- But gentlemen, this is not in the spirit of science.

You know it isn't.

It is, I regret to use the word selfish.

- We are not selfish.

We simply do not want other people to steal our ideas.

- But you have benefited from the work of others.

- [Wilbur] Yes.

That is true.

On rare occasions.

- Oh, I see.

Oh, I thought Wilbur, that I had been of some help to you.

And you.

But obviously I see that I was mistaken.

In all candor, I cannot find the words to express my deep disappointment in your attitudes.

What is genius here, but no humanity?

- I'm very sorry you feel that way Professor.

But our position's firm.

(footsteps thudding) - Professor.

(propellers rotate) - A little more throttle.

(propellers rotate) Cut.

(propellers rotate) (hammer thudding) It's still slipping.

- All right.

Pop it.

(hand tapping) (metal clanking) - What?

- Alright, try it now.

(metal clanking) (hammer thudding) - Ready.

(metal clanking) Again.

(metal clanking) (mortar whirring) - [Orville] It worked.

(mortar whirring) - Argtein's bicycle cement will hold anything.

Cut.

Cut, cut.

(metal clanking) Bubbo, let's get this thing off.

(metal clanking) (hammer thudding) All right.

(metal clanking) Got it?

- I hope it's not the shaft.

Oh.

(metal clanking) - What was the speed on that blade?

- 250.

- That's hardly enough to fly.

(hat thudding) No strain on these wires.

(wind whooshing) How are those wires?

(metal clanking) What happened?

- It's like a nut vibrated off in the wind and.

(metal clanking) - Bubbo.

I gotta sit for a second.

- Got it.

(wind whooshing) - I appreciate Mr. Tate's help, but I must implore you to please ask him not to touch the tail section.

I don't want anybody touching that tail section.

- I didn't- - Anybody.

- You ought to learn some self-control Wilbur.

(birds chirping) (waves whooshing) - Clean this again.

(waves whooshing) (men fighting) (waves whooshing) (Orville screams) Easy Bubbo.

(waves whooshing) (hand tapping) - Well I must say you're not much fun to play with.

You're doing your work and I'm trying to play checkers.

I thought we were sitting down to have a game of relaxation instead of doing our work.

We have plenty of time for the work later on this evening.

- Would you like to play another game and this time concentrate on what is before us?

- No, I don't think so.

I think I would like to concentrate on my work.

- Just one more game more.

- Wilbert, you're the one that is always pushing me to do my work.

- I understand.

But now- - Well, now I want to do my work.

- All right do your work.

Do your work.

- All right.

- I think that you are afraid of losing.

- I am not afraid of losing Wilbur.

- Well, (hand tapping) is one of the reasons why you don't like to play checkers with me is because I win all the time?

Making me feel so guilty for winning.

- [Orville] Wilbur, I don't want to make you feel guilty.

- Do I intimidate you, Bubbo?

- Sometimes.

Sometimes you intimidate me Will, or sometimes you push your prerogative as my older brother.

Yes.

Yes you do.

- I don't mean to.

- [Orville] I'm sure that's true Will.

- I want you to know that I'm aware of the fact that many times I'm overbearing and I make tremendous demands on you.

And I'm impatient and rigid and I am intolerant.

I'm aware of the fact that many times I take credit for some of the things we do together.

It's not that I'm...

I have very specific and very deep feelings for you.

I don't think you need to go into that.

But.

I mean, we could never have accomplished what we have accomplished if we weren't together.

- I could never do it alone.

- [Wilbur] Nor could I.

- [Orville] It's pretty amazing.

- We do that we do that together Bubbo.

- Would you like to play another game of checkers?

- Yeah.

I'll tell you what, you play.

You play red this time.

(hand tapping) I'll play black.

(hand tapping) (fire crackling) (wind whooshing) (wind whooshing) (waves whooshing) (footsteps thudding) - Will?

Will?

(Will grunts) Will?

Will?

Will?

Wake up.

- What is it?

- I think I'm onto something very good.

- Listen, you better put something on yourself.

You're gonna catch a cold.

- I've been thinking about the tail.

The way it's rigged now, it operates separately from the wing controls.

It's been very awkward.

It requires two separate movements and our reflexes just haven't been fast enough to accommodate it.

Now what I suggest Wilbur, is connecting the wing and the tail controls so that they're both simultaneously operated.

So that when one is adjusted, the other is automatically adjusted too.

- So that when we move our hips to the right, the wing and tail sections are warped to the left.

When I move my hips to the left, the wing and tail sections are warped to the right.

- Excellent.

Excellent.

It's good.

(wings flapping) Right.

Left.

Right.

Left.

One, two, three, four five, six, seven, eight nine, 10.

One, two, three, four five, six, seven, eight nine, 10.

One, two, three, four five, six, seven, eight (both grunt) All right.

(both grunt) - Hand in place.

I'll get up.

(both pant) - [Orville] Want some coffee?

- Oh, I'd love some.

(wind whooshing) - This is so cold.

- I'm coming.

(grunts) - What?

- I'm coming over there.

- Alright, come over.

Bring your blankets.

- Here.

- Here.

(wind whooshing) - Hand me your pillow.

(both shivering) Be careful.

- That is cold.

(wind whooshing) - Careful.

All right.

Get in here.

Suck it.

That's right.

Get your feet in.

Alright.

Wait, wait a minute.

Wait a minute Bubba, just can you raise your head up a minute?

Raise up a little bit.

- Come on - All right.

(both pant) Bubba?

You better get the light.

(both grunt) (wind whooshing) Bubba?

Tomorrow we fly.

(birds chirping) - It's good Captain.

(wind whooshing) Bring it over this way.

Bring it back over there.

(wind whooshing) Right into the wind.

A little more this way.

Bring it into the wind Captain.

Into the wind.

(wind whooshing) - Hold tight.

(wind whooshing) Thank you.

(wind whooshing) (birds chirping) Looks good.

(wind whooshing) - Well, let's toss.

(wind whooshing) Call it.

- Tails.

(wind whooshing) What do you know?

- I've got the camera.

(wind whooshing) Down it, really.

(wind whooshing) - Set it down right here.

(wind whooshing) - Bubbo.

Let's go.

(wind whooshing) Good luck, Bubbo.

- I'm ready Will (wind whooshing) - Stay here until we're ready to go.

When the engine begins to move, the plane starts to go, then back away.

(wind whooshing) Bubbo?

- Ready.

- Right control.

(wind whooshing) - Right control.

- Left control.

- Left control.

- Magneto on.

- Magneto on.

- Propellers.

(propellers rotating) - Propellers.

(propellers rotate) - Power.

- Power.

(airplane engine roaring) (propellers rotating) (Wilbur screams) - You did it Bubbo.

You did it.

(man screams) Come on.

Get out of there.

(both laugh) Get out.

(airplane engine roaring) (wind whooshing) (airplane engine roaring) (wind whooshing) (airplane engine roaring) - [Wilbur] Bishop Milton Wright.

(machine beeps) Seven Hawthorne Street, Dayton, Ohio.

(machine beeps) Success.

Four flights Thursday morning all against 21 mile wind.

(machine beeps) Started from level with engine power alone.

(machine beeps) Average speed through air, (machine beeps) 31 miles.

(machine beeps) Longest flight, (machine beeps) 57 seconds.

(machine beeps) Inform press, (machine beeps) home Christmas Wilbur Wright.

(machine beeps) (waves whooshing) (wind whooshing) (airplane engine roaring) - [Narrator] Our thanks to the people of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, Greenfield Village and the Henry Ford Museum.

(wind whooshing) - [Narrator] This is PBS.

The Public Broadcasting Service.