In the 2004 biographical drama The Aviator, Leonardo DiCaprio portrays the eccentric and brilliant Howard Hughes, a maverick filmmaker and aviation tycoon who revolutionized Hollywood and the airline industry. The film chronicles Hughes' obsessive pursuit of perfection and his struggle with mental illness, offering a captivating glimpse into the life of one of the 20th century's most fascinating and enigmatic figures.

Today, we'll learn compare the true story with the movie's version along with legendary journalist and Howard Hughes biographer James B. Steele.

Learn more about the true story with James' book:

• Howard Hughes: His Life and Madness https://links.boatspodcast.com/314book

Get James' other work:

• Forevermore, Nuclear Waste in America https://links.boatspodcast.com/314forevermore
• America: Who Really Pays the Taxes? https://links.boatspodcast.com/314taxes
• The Betrayal of the American Dream https://links.boatspodcast.com/314americandream
• America: What Went Wrong?: The Crisis Deepens https://links.boatspodcast.com/314crisisdeepens
• America: What Went Wrong? https://links.boatspodcast.com/314america
• James Steele and Donald Barlett's website: https://links.boatspodcast.com/314guest

Did you enjoy this episode?

• Find the transcript and full show notes: https://links.boatspodcast.com/314
• Get the BOATS email newsletter: https://links.boatspodcast.com/newsletter
• Leave a comment: https://links.boatspodcast.com/comment
• Support our sponsors: https://links.boatspodcast.com/advertisers
• Unlock ad-free episodes: https://links.boatspodcast.com/value

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices