The Weird Thrills That Americans Pursued in the 1920s

In the 1920s, the U.S. was in full thrill-seeking mode. From horse-diving (you have to see it to believe it) to barnstorming. And at the center of many of these activities were a group of daring young women.

[prestonowens]

I’m amazed I hadn’t heard of Lilian Boyer before. The footage of those stunts look incredible.

[hamzamahmood]

This is better than any form of entertainment we have in 2020

[SDOCsponger]

Kids today think they are cool climbing skyscrapers. 1920s be like "wimps"

[johnnolan]

I might seriously have to get a subscription to the Smithsonian Channel, these documentary clips are so entertaining and educational, it is some of the best material I have seen in a long time. You learn so much

[Laaaa]

And to think, a few days ago I was watching a guy walk across a volcano on a tightrope with a harness thinking that was crazy. That’s *peanuts* compared to hanging from a rope with your teeth in the air on a plane!

[andrewweaver]

I've got sweaty palms after watching this

[ohlone]

I would love to see more on the topic of women daredevils.

[RarelyReplies]

Powder puff derby? Doubt the person that used that line only watched from the ground. But "Horse Diving" shows the mindset.

[joestephan]

Reo Flock, sister to the noted three car racing Flock brothers, was an aerial daredevil who wing-walked, parachuted & also raced motorcycles. Because of the reception "out of their realm" women got in those days, she wore spurs, boots & a pistol. Her sister & mother also raced cars. It's said her mother drove moonshiner cars as well.

[alyx]

Someone explain why this isn't a movie yet.

[azia]

Oh my gash! The 1920s where crazy back then how on earth she put her life to the death end😨😨😨😨😨😨

[whisper]

These 20’s are crazy but not in the same way those were. :/

[peacefieldhistory]

What episode is this in???? I always thought it was American in Color - the 1920s, but I don't see it there anymore when I watch.

[jinx]

Internet challenges before there was internet.

[Bees]

No wonder our population is growing so fast. We sit around in our safe spaces popping pills to keep us alive 😂😂

[Curas]

Oh thank god !
I was like 'please don't show the clip where she fell off the wing'.
And they didn't !

I was so surprised.

[David.Ephraim]

Todays kids dont know which bathroom to use.

[May]

No one can say anything about my generation doing something crazy....😒

[thedoruk]

Dear Cthulhu!
The Prototype *🅱🅾🅾MERS!*

[isabelspooner-harvey]

I have a friend in London who owns an English tea house. If you want, I can connect you.