Typed onto a piece of paper attached to the image: "Contemplative smile. Here, Howard Hughes seems in rapt thought during one of the numerous speeches extolling his feat. Probably thinking of the "men who designed and perfected to its present remarkable state of efficiency, the modern American flying machine and equipment." (The quote is from his own official statement to the press.) Credit Lines (ACME) 7/15/38."
Description given with photo: "Fight Spectators, New York -- With an unidentified companion, multi-million dollar movie producer and aviation Howard Hughes watches the Louis-Mauriello title bout from a ringside seat Sept. 18. Full big 5. Creditline (ACME) 9/18/46."