A view of Howard Hughes' Hercules at Terminal Island, California.

A view of Howard Hughes attending an informal press conference in Culver City, California, after Hughes left the Senate War Investigating Subcommittee hearing in Washington.

A view of Howard Hughes attending an informal press conference in Culver City, California, after Hughes left the Senate War Investigating Subcommittee hearing in Washington.

Typed onto a piece of paper attached to the image: "As Hughes Visited Washington To Thank Cordell Hull, Washing, D. C. -- Police escorting Howard Hughes holding hat, through the admiring throungs at the Washington Airport as the intrepid flyer and his four companions on his Round-The-World flight came to the Capital, July 21st, to personally thank Secretary of State Cordell Hull for his cooperation in clearing their take-offs on their flight. Credit Line (ACME) 7/21/38."

Description given with photo: "Flying Boat Takes Off - Pedro, Calif. : With all eight motors roaring, Howard Hughes' giant plywood flying boat skims across the surface of Los Angeles harbor at 95 miles per hour on November 2nd. Shortly afterward, Hughes lifted the plane into the air for an unscheduled half-mile flight. Credit Line (ACME) 11/04/47."

Howard Hughes (holding script) talks with actor Walter Huston (sitting, at the left) on the set of the motion picture The Outlaw.