Customer Reviews

I caught flies for Howard Hughes

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This is the account of Ron Kistler, who was Howard Hughes's security guard/valet/confidante for a number of years. This book does not discuss any of Hughes's business dealings, only his strange lifestyle. There are dozens of hilarious incidents that the author relates.

Hughes was already several years into his self-imposed isolation when his organization hired Kistler. Kistler's first assignment was a harbinger of weirdnesses to come: he had to drive to an airport and watch over an airplane that hadn't moved in ten years. The guard he was to relieve wasn't there to brief him, and as it turned out usually didn't bother to show up anyway. The aircraft itself was corroding, the engines had long since lost their oil, the interior curtains had rotted, and the tires had rotted and had collapsed. The aircraft was simply unflyable and unairworthy. Nevertheless, Hughes insisted on round-the clock security for it, on the grounds that he might need it one day to enable a quick getaway, and in the meantime had to be sure it hadn't been sabotaged.

Hughes was eccentric to say the least. On one Easter Sunday, according to Kistler, Hughes really did call him to have him come into Hughes's room and chase a fly that Hughes believed was there. Another time, they had to order 400 gallons of banana-nut ice cream from Baskin-Robbins, because that was the kind Hughes liked and it was out of production: Baskin-Robbins refused to make up a new batch any in any amount less than 400 gallons. Well, this was the Hughes organization; you did whatever it took. They ordered the ice cream. Then, a couple of weeks later, Hughes said, "That's great ice cream. But it's time for a change. From now on, I want Neapolitan."

Hughes's eccentricities and incessant demands on Kistler's time eventually drove Kistler to quit. But Hughes's method of firing him was typical: he said, "Fire him. But keep him on the payroll." That way, he wouldn't be able to talk about Hughes.

Kistler also relates touching tales that depict Hughes's shrewdness and an underlying humanity. For the fly-catching incident, Kistler had brought a frozen fly from home in order to pretend he had "captured" it so as to placate Hughes. Hughes chuckled and looked at the fly. Then he said, "That's a nice fly. But next time, let's make it a REAL one, OK?" Another time, Hughes was at Lockheed in Atlanta. He took one of their planes up to do some touch-and-go practice landings in it. A man on the ground was watching the show and then said, "That must be Howard Hughes up there. No one else can handle a plane so beautifully." The man turned out to be Lockheed's chief test pilot. Hughes of course had once been a world-class pioneer aviator in the 30s.

This book is enjoyable light reading. No monumental issues are discussed. It's good reading for someone, say, who needs something to do while on a long flight. Hughes would probably approve of that use.

I thought Ron Kistler's humorous insight of a man that hardly anyone really knew was one of the funniest books I've ever read. The bizarre details that Kistler was assigned to makes Hughes even more of a kook than anyone ever imagined.I had the book years ago and somehow misplaced or lost it and really would like to find another copy, even used would be good.

I met Ronnie's wife Virgie Kistler last year when she came to work for our company in Carpinteria California. Being interested in Howard Hughes, I asked her if I could borrow her only copy of the book. I was suprised to find that even though the book centered around Hughes's life, it was really more about Ronnie's own life and how humorous the relationship between an ordinary man and billionaire could be. Definately read the book before the movie comes out! Yes, the movie! And I am sure that even though Ronnie is gone, the movie will accurately portray this great book because his wife Virgie has been contracted to be a consultant to the film and the rerelease of the book.

I really enjoyed this book. Though not as informative as I would have liked, it gave an insight into Howard Hughes ranging from mildy compassionate to sadistic. The books expands from focussing exclusively on Hughes to highlighting the adverse affect of Hughes actions on Ron and his family. The surprising thing was Ron gets sentimental even after he was treated so poorly by his employer, but, it gave you an essence of how captivating Hughes was to anyone who came into contact with him.

This is a great book for those with any intrest in the movies,in airplanes,in Las Vegas,in millionairs,or in people. The author is as intresting as the subject. I should know he was my wife's cousin. We had spent many hours talking and listening,all about Howard and Ron.

Not only am I glad to have the book, I am a personal friend of Ron Kistler's wife Virgie. Virgie and I worked at the same company a few years back. It was interesting listening to all the stories she told as I was reading the book. The book makes for very enjoyable reading. I intend to share it with my family and friends now that I have my own copy of Ron's book. I treasure Virgie like one of my family members. I wish I would have had the opportunity to meet Ron Kistler.

This book is a fascinating personal account of the strange, at times obsessive behaviour of Howard Hughes and the power he wielded from inside his secret world. However I did not find any of the incidents recalled amusing and certainly not hilarious.