ERROL FLYNN-A Life In Pictures (1909-1959)

[HRMOKeefe1]

My father was flying him to the Bahamas on a Chalks Sikorsky, before they departed Watson Island Miami they stopped for breakfast. Some tough guys started talking trash and egging him on, he finally said 'excuse me' to father and went out in the parking lot and beat up all four of them. Came back and finished his breakfast.

[Flrczk]

That's our Errol

[greg4161]

too handsome

[Peberen]

Errol is probably the most handsome and charismatic actor ever to have been around!!!!!!!! A beatiful voice and stage presence never to be seen again. Ava Gardner wrote: Errol was probably the most beatiful man I ever saw; when he walked in the room is was like the light was turned on!!!!!

P.S. I am a man

[MissGoldenDreams13]

@Firczk: Yeah, his nickname truly should have been "God's Gift to the Ladies"- and nobody would have agreed more than Errol himself!

[MissGoldenDreams13]

7:24 : Errol Flynn + topless native women = one hell of a party!

[Flrczk]

Shoulda been there!

[Flrczk]

Well paraphrased

[MissGoldenDreams13]

I know this is kind of a random question, but here it goes: what color were Errol Flynn's eyes? I wasn't sure if they were light brown or more of a dark green.

[Flrczk]

Brown with gold flecks. TMI even for me!

[knillis11]

Nice videoclip !

[knillis11]

nice videoclip !

[Flrczk]

Thank you

[william999666]

Anyone know that old pirate fim where two men are walking on the seabed in a boat? What's the name of the film? I think there was a speechless pirate that was the captains mate or somethink. Maybe they are two diferent films, if so tll me both, lol. thanks

[FuelledByForties]

Why dont they put errol back on the big screen, you know, A few of his movies on every once in awhile at the cinema, just so all us young people can see him like everyone saw him before, a star of the big screen and a fine actor, then It would be a thrill to go to cinema... Maybe his films are not in cinema because 14 year old girls like me would just faint all the time?

[Flrczk]

Actually, FbF, most big cities have revival theaters where classic films are shown. If you're near a larger sized city, check into this possibility. Barring that, why not think of opening your own theater when you're old enough? Could be a wonderful goal! Btw, I think your desire for a traditional family is admirable. Good luck--Robert

[FuelledByForties]

@Flrczk Thank you, i will keep a keen eye for the theatres, it would be wonderful if they were art deco builds, with original finishings too! And it is an idea, if i am able, i think in the future i just may do as you recommend and create my own. All the best x

[ScotGoddessQ]

So true, Flrczk. I watched again and just sobbed this time. His journey could have been so much more, had folks really appreciated his talent. The alcohol was used to hide feelings and pain, and unfortunately exacerbated his problems. You are sooo missed Errol! God Bless YOU!!!!! Thanks Flrczk, his work does stand tall.

[Flrczk]

Thank you again, Scott.

[errolfan]

Very nice.

[ScotGoddessQ]

Dear Flrck!

Just lovel!

I wish Warners would have let him do comedy. Footsteps in the Dark wasn't the best, but it did show he was capable, given better scripts, of comedy. Wicked sense of humor!

Thank you soooo much! Well done. ARH is my fav movie, all time.

[Flrczk]

You're quite welcome, Scot. Even without comedy his body of work is superb.

[bilkomax]

@ScotGoddessQ

Agreed regarding Footsteps In The Dark

[lpvcrcd]

Rob What a masterful piece on the ultimate leading man Hollywood has ever known. Done with style flair and immense care and love. The Tasmanian would have been felt proud but embarassed . After all he just lived life the only way he knew. Thankfully we have his movies and people like you who create these wonderful projects to remind us of his impact on Hollywood and our timeless memories of film's Golden Age ! Thanks for walking with us down the life's lane of a true immortal !!

[Flrczk]

Thank you, Ip. As I've said elswhere here, it is simply my pleasure.

[flynnanigans]

HI Rob...are we any closer to the release of your EF projects you mentioned in previous posts? Do you know when Lincoln Hurst's EF book is coming out? Amazon always seems to tease with release dates. Keep up the good work of keeping EF's memory alive!

[Flrczk]

Closer, but still a long way to go. I'll keep everyone posted. Lincoln's book is in limbo; don't know when it will actually be released, but I'm close to those inside and will announce anything substantive that I hear. Thanks for your interest!

[flynnanigans]

while I have your ear...are you privy to the EF dvd releases coming down the road?

[Flrczk]

There's talk of another western collection but nothing seems firm yet. I'd have better ideas if Warners came asking!

[zouanmagic]

great video and photos

[Flrczk]

Thank you, Zouan. He was truly unique.

[BlackenedForLife]

I love old Errol. thanks.

[BlackenedForLife]

the music? it´s wonferful. what is this piece of music called?

[Flrczk]

As indicated in the opening credits, It's Erich Wolfgang Korngold's score for Flynn's 1946 film, "Escape Me Never".

[irishoorah]

how did he die?

[Flrczk]

He suffered a massive heart attack while on a trip to Vancouver.

[SirOllyBolly]

A wonderful tribute to the greatest film star that ever lived.

Great images in perfect harmony with great music.

A great tribute to the greatest film star of them all.

[Flrczk]

Your words describe precisely why I needed to make this video. Thank you, kind Sir.

[Bariebel]

He was such a multi-talented man, in every instance truly magnificent. There are only extremely few men born in the world, if ever, with his looks, caliber, charisma, magnetism, bravado, talent and possibly many other attributes. One of a kind!  He really was glorious and brilliant; the best ever, no successor of his caliber has ever been on screen since Errol Flynn!

[Flrczk]

But what do you REALLY think of him?!

[jimb0jet]

Very well done

[Flrczk]

Thank you. It's the fruit of decades of enjoyment.

[arp717]

I would like to visit LA in the near future. Are there any collections of EF memoribilia that are open for public viewing that you know of? Or any sites EF related sites that you would recommend..

[arp717]

do you have any suggestions for the next EF dvd box set? How about an Early Errol theme...Green Light, Another Dawn, Perfect Specimen, Fours a Crowd and the Sisters? Have you ever seen the Perfect Specimen or Green Light? The others i've seen on TMC. I've seen stills for Perfect Specimen and it looks good? Keep it going....

[Flrczk]

Good question, Arp. I doubt if WB will be including "Four's A Crowd" in a boxed set anytime soon since they just made it available through their new mail order/download program. That may well be the future of several of the other titles you mention also. As for my recommendations, I'd like to see a war-themed box containing "Desperate Journey", "Edge Of Darkness", "Northern Pursuit", and Uncertain Glory". Your selections would certainly make for an "Early Forgotten Flynn Gems" box. We can hope!

[forty8r]

He was the greatest. He would have been perfect for James Bond if he was born twenty years later.

[Flrczk]

Agreed. However, had he been born twenty years later we would have been denied Captain Blood, Robin Hood, Custer, Corbett, etc. I, for one, wouldn't have traded it!

[Flrczk]

Thanks for the support and suggestions. You might like to check out my other videos for some background on my art and music. Unfortunately, comic art is not up my alley, but I do think your idea is a good one. Anyone else out there interested in doing it?! The "what if" posters idea is also good but would take up a lot of valuable--and probably unprofitable--time. Oh well, keep thinkin'! The Hollywood party was wonderful and many of the international Flynn circle were there. A memorable 100th!

[errolflnt]

(Sorry about that...I had to help my son with his homework). Why not illustrate an Errol Flynn biographical comic book as part of your coffee table book. What a great selling point that would be! Also have a section where "What if I designed the movie posters" from some of his classics. How was the EF birthday party? It would be great to hear about it here or on the EF blog. Thanks again.

[errolflnt]

I just came across your website and didnt realize your also an artist! I especially like Elvis with the juke box behind. It gives the appearance of a halo. If you squint your eyes, it could pass for an orthodox icon! Which brings me to my third wish.

[Flrczk]

10) "Dodge City" Flynn's first western and his best. How can you improve upon Michael Curtiz at the helm, Olivia deHavilland in Technicolor, rousing music by Max Steiner, the wonderful comic relief of stalwarts Alan Hale and Guinn Williams, and Errol Flynn at the peak of his great looks? Answer: You can't! Perfect for any Saturday afternoon, and best seen on the big screen if you're fortunate enough to have the opportunity. Happy 100th Birthday, Errol. We remember.

[Flrczk]

9) "Objective, Burma" Flynn: Tough, mature, resolute. There's something about him in this film that I don't see in any other of his films. It's as if he really IS the Capt. Nelson and not "Errol Flynn the movie star acting as him". Not only his best WWII film, but one of the best of the genre.

[Flrczk]

8) "The Dawn Patrol" Again, some of the last portrayals of the 19th century man, in both role and the actor. Another of Flynn's no-nonsense turns, especially when dealing with Basil Rathbone. I always look forward to seeing the great Hollywood character actors like Donald Crisp, Melville Cooper, and Barry Fitzgerald; it's like visiting with old friends. They were masters of their craft and added color and spice that you don't regularly find in today's films. A shame, really.

[Flrczk]

7) "Gentleman Jim" This is Flynn exhibiting his light, comedic side and it's a kick to watch him have so much fun. He worked hard on this one, again for pal Walsh, and it especially shows in the boxing sequences. The film has a wonderful, rapid pace to it and I never tire of seeing it.

[lpvcrcd]

Rob: Flynn appeared to have a lot of fun in" Never Say Goodbye" with the lovely Miss Parker .He hams it up but I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that he truly plays off most of the characters in the film -Cuddles Sakall- Miss Parker Forrest Tucker- and the young girl who plays his daughter. I have it on VHS [no CD exists] and this film, though not talked of much, is one all Flynn devotees must see. As a side bar -did you ever meet John Lennon? I have seen photos of him with Harry Nilsson

[Flrczk]

I've only seen that film once, and way back in the '70s. It is available on bootlegged CDs. Never met John, but did meet George and Ringo. Ringo really wanted to purchase one of my paintings (The Magician) but it had already been purchased by AT&T. Damn!

[flynnanigans]

"Never Say Goodbye" was on TCM during the Christmas season this year. It did have it's moments but I had a hard time sitting through it without thinking "what a waste of comedic talent".

[flynnanigans]

Having said that...do any recordings exist of Flynn when he did the USO shows? I've read some eyewitness accounts of them and and they describe Flynn as a natural comedian.

[Flrczk]

6) "The Adventures Of Don Juan" This is the last big budget film that Flynn did for Warners, and, to my mind, his last great film. It is bittersweet to see the world-weariness in his character, both in the role and in his real countenance. Gorgeously filmed in Technicolor, it shows him in the last moments of true physical beauty before his lifestyle began to progressively ravage him. It is also the last time we see him with his co-star of 12 films, Alan Hale. A colorful yet portentous film.

[Flrczk]

5) "They Died With Their Boots On" Though critics have often called this historical hokum, noted Custer expert, Louis Kraft insists the film and Flynn actually capture the General much more accurately than it's given credit for. But forget historical accuracy; enjoy it for the wonderful and romantic action adventure that it is. Directed by Raoul Walsh, friend and favorite of Flynn, and co-starring Olivia deHavilland in her 8th and final pairing with Flynn, it is the best of masculine filmmaking.

[Flrczk]

4) "The Sea Hawk" Flynn at his peak: handsome, comfortable in his acting, confident in the role. A brilliant piece of Hollywood filmmaking, from the excellent direction and photography to the stunning Korngold score (possibly his best). As with many of Flynn's films, I have seen this numerous times on the big screen, and it always makes me realize how powerful it is to see those films in the way they were meant to be seen.

[errolflnt]

I'm not sure exactly why, but I found the Sea Hawk to be a let down. Brenda Marshall and Flynn have negative chemistry (despite the wonderful Rose Garden scene). The first battle scene is played to much for laughs. I thought Errol looked bored instead of restrained. Maybe I was hoping for Captian Blood II when I first saw it. Still it still a good film.

[Flrczk]

But have you seen it on the big screen? You may have a different feeling about it if you experience it as it was intended.

[errolflnt]

I think Master of Ballantrae might deserve a spot in a top 10 list. Next to Don Juan, this is probably the film of watched the most over the years. Probably the best of his films after Don Juan (although I've never seen Crossed Swords-the stills I have seen look entertaining)

[errolflnt]

No I havent seen it on the big screen...I've never seen a Flynn film on the big screen. My father still remembers seeing Don Juan in Austria during the early 50s. He said seeing Flynn on the big screen was like a revelation, especially to a shy teenager just discovering girls...so I can just imagine the impact of seeing these movies as they were intended to be shown

[Flrczk]

3) "Charge Of The Light Brigade" This is the best example of "they don't make 'em like that anymore"! For one thing, it's one of the last images we have of the 19th century man and his ethic, something that today can only be parodied if not laughed at. Beautifully filmed, and a joy to watch Flynn appropriately serious and resolute. It's amazing to see how much his acting matured after just one starring role; the growth in a few short months from Peter Blood to Geoffrey Vickers is remarkable.

[forty8r]

My favorite action movie. Made me a history buff.

[Flrczk]

A good place to start!

[Flrczk]

2) "Captain Blood" Flynn's entance--no, explosion--onto the world's silver screen, and he looks and acts it in every scene. This is a man, stunning and virile, poised to be a movie icon, and watching him in this film you can almost feel his excitement and confidence in that promise.

[Flrczk]

My Top Ten Errol Flynn Films (by request!)

1) "The Adventures Of Robin Hood" If, as I believe, film's most unique ability is visual and aural escapism, then this is Hollywood's finest moment. Perfect direction, casting, cinematography, and score place it at the very top of the filmgoing experience.

[errolflnt]

I caught THE DAWN PATROL on TCM the other day. I was amazed by several scenes..between Flynn and David Niven's brother the night before his first combat patrol, Flynn and David Niven after Flynn helps him to bed after a bit to much to drink and Flynn's talks to the replacements that come to the front. The humanity and nobleness in his acting are so good that its almost shocking to watch. It's rare to see work like that today.

[Flrczk]

Flynn is wonderfully low key and serious in The Dawn Patrol, and one wishes he had been given more roles like that one. It's certainly in my top ten films of his. Thanks for your comment.

[errolflnt]

Thank you for your timely responses to everyone's postings. One day when you get the chance, could you list your top 10 Flynn films with a comment about each? I'm sure your viewers would enjoy it.

[Flrczk]

Your wish has been granted!

R

[errolflnt]

I was patiently checking everyday...and today...thank you! I dont know what keeps drawing me to Flynn. I guess its the nostalgia for the simpler time of my parents and grandparents. Flynn's larger than life character seems to capture all that in one convenient package. Thanks Robert for helping to keep that spirit alive. Happy Birthday Errol.

[errolflnt]

One more thing...I would love to see a "coffe table" book about Errol. Oversized pages, fold-outs, a chronocological following of Flynn (sor t of like the "Beatles Day by Day"), commentaries etc... How about Robert? Once again thank you for your thoughtful considerations that go into each answer

[Flrczk]

I'm working on several of those very things. I already have a coffee table book in the works with some publishing interest, "Movie Locations-Then & Now" which contains a healthy selection of Flynn films; a fairly thorough "Errol Flynn-Day By Day" collection; and will be pitching a coffee table book on the making of Robin Hood to coincide with the film's 75th anniversary in 2013. Wish me luck!

[errolflnt]

Wow!!!! How many wishes do I have left?

Seriously...Good Luck!!!

[Flrczk]

Thanks, Flinty. When it comes to Errol Flynn, wish away!

[Bariebel]

I am a buyer! Let me know!

Thank you and I wish you all the luck!

[Bariebel]

I would like to buy this book. Keep me posted.

Good luck with the project.

[saxondog2001]

Thank you. Errol Flynn has been a devotion of mine for many years. You did a beautiful job of capturing it all.

[Flrczk]

Devotion describes my feelings exactly. For forty years. Thank you.

[errolflnt]

I find it interesting that Hal Wallis apparently once said that the only person who came close to Errol's charisma and raw sexuality wasElvis

[Flrczk]

I agree.

[saxondog2001]

Errol also had that certain Australian unabashed elan.  The man was both lady's man, and man's man: novelist, bon vivant, sailor, athlete... everything..

[Flrczk]

Everything.

[forty8r]

Certainly not Michael Jackson. it is hard to believe the intense press coverage of his death that makes our 24 hour a day news syslem. Errol and Elvis combined didn't get half as much.

[errolflnt]

I just happened to see a few videos of CLIVE STANDEN...from what I read he plays ROBIN HOOD on the BBC series. He's no Errol but he does seem to capture some of the look and feel of him in some of the scenes. Quick rememberance...my brother brought ALICE COOPERS greatest hits in the early 70s and on the inside record jacket there's a fantasy scene of a hollywood party at a speakeasy... and there's Errol right in the middle of it.

[Flrczk]

Errol Flynn and Alice Cooper. Now THERE'S an incongruous pairing!

[Flrczk]

Elvis did, in fact, get as much coverage. He was a MUCH bigger icon and I clearly recall the massive press activity surrounding his death.

[errolflynn1909]

It was Errol's 100th Birthday and Hollywood didn't do a damn thing about it. A real shame!

[Flrczk]

Thanks. I hope he likes it too!

[seaofclay]

VERY GOOD!!! signed Errol Flynn!

[Flrczk]

I'm quoted on the back cover and you can find my interview page by checking the index. Also, there are several photos credited to me. Thanks for asking--you'll really enjoy the book!

[numberonepony]

Found your quote (both) about the house. Wow, you were inside the house, although totally different than when Flynn lived there. It was sad to me to see it in such disrepair--the weeds and peeling paint. Maybe it is a good thing it is gone and we just enjoy it as it was. The book certainly makes it real again for me. I keep flipping through the book even though I spent an afternoon savoring each page. It's the most I've spent on a book ever and worth it.

[Flrczk]

So glad you enjoyed it. Coincidentally, I'm interviewed and quoted in "Errol Flynn Slept Here". And it definitely is, as you say, highly recommended.

[numberonepony]

Please tell me what page so I can look you up! I've come back several times to this video--I think it is the music--I really like it. Now I'm buying books about Flynn and looking for my copy of Wicked Ways so I can re-read now that I'm "older".

[numberonepony]

Oh this is something else.  I love it! From start to sad finish. Just wonderful to sit and watch and listen. I've been a fan for a very long time. Has anyone read the new book out Errol Flynn Slept Here? Highly recommended. Thank you for making this video.

[daringthorpe]

This is the best tribute video I have seen,done with respect and admiration for the legend he was. Thank you.

[Flrczk]

And thank you, too. It may be an effective tribute because I do indeed respect and admire Errol Flynn.

[hje19]

Yes Errol Flynn's own adventurous background, his early life living on his wits in the jungles of New Guinea was caught by the camera, he didn't need any training he was the swashbuckler!! He had that unique force of personality that made him a star..a charming gentleman to the end!!

[Flrczk]

Agreed. Whole heartedly!

[Flrczk]

Thank you, Will!

[will13476]

Excellent! Very well done. A joy to remember on Errol's 100th year.

[lilyflynn55]

Robert , this is a wonderful tribute to the best swashbuckler ever , the most wonderful Robin Hood and a unique man .Thanks a lot for it.

[Flrczk]

You are very welcome, Ms. Flynn. It was a pleasure making this video for us, his devoted fans. I would hope he'd be proud to see all the warm wishes for him in his centennial year. Thank you for your comments.

P.S. I named my daughter Lily!

[lilyflynn55]

I´m sure ERROL is delighted with all of us,On the other hand it´s a pity the Academy hasn´t mentioned his 100th birthday at all during the ceremony last night. I´m glad that you´ve called your daughter Lily. I enjoy all the videos that ERROL´s fans send to YOUTUBE.

Thanks again for such nice video

[flynnanigans]

that would make!!! I also enjoy your work on the Flynn Blog and your web site. You are very talented...what keeps you grounded? Oh yeah...great video.

[Flrczk]

I'm grounded by the knowledge that no matter how much I produce, I'm still always in need of improvement. Thanks for your kind words.

[flynnanigans]

I agree with ArlFlynn..after watching a Flynn film I feel a certain "spring in my step" Why do these great personalities like Flynn and Barrymore succumb to their vices. I often think of Flynn in "The Sun also Rises"...the scene where he is sitting on the bed with his head in his hands wondering what went wrong. I wonder if Flynn ever tried embracing religion? On a different note, I wonder how much of his strong personality was affected by his looks and vice versa...what a personality study

[arlflynn]

Just felt like posting this...I rarely have time to sit down and watch TV or let alone a whole movie. However my wife and son went to visit her mother for a part of the winter recess. I actually got a chance to sleep late on a Sunday and when I woke up I popped Captain Blood in the DVD player. I 'd forgotton what an electric performance Flynn had given. I cant think of a more riveting acting as was done by Flynn when he was being sentenced in court .

[arlflynn]

(Sorry, I ran out of room). I dont even know if you can call it acting because Errol seems to become the character...he is Peter Blood. Sometimes I kid my wife about the soap operas she watches and she teases me about my fascination with Errol Flynn. I have to remind her that she's missing the whole point. Flynn film performances help me to remember what I am (or should be) capable of..what every man of good will is capable of. Thanks for providing the space of me to sound off.

[Flrczk]

Thank you. Flynn was most unique, and THAT is what people like your wife should understand. By the time he arrived in Hollywood he had lived such an incredibly adventurous, colorful, and dangerous life that it was inevitable that this depth of experience would be brought to the screen. Today's actors (and certainly those in soap operas) can only hope draw upon what was experienced in easy, modern day lifestyles and drama lessons. It is doubtful we shall ever see the likes of Mr. Flynn again.

[Flrczk]

You are very welcome. This video is a labor of love from a life-long fascination with Flynn. Glad you enjoyed it!

[djuma77]

Thanks for posting this nice video. You have some great pictures. I love the photos of Errol with his pals David Niven, John Barrymore and Alan Hale. And Brigitte Bardot- wow! You have to wonder what they talked about. And FDR. Flynn admired him a lot, and treasured an autographed photo the president gave him. Sad to see how quickly Errol aged. You can tell his daughters adored him from their expressions. Great video!

[arlflynn]

Just when I thought I'd seen every possible photo of Errol...along comes your video. I remember sitting in the college libray, studying and bored out of my mind. Someone had left a copy of "The Films of Errol Flynn" on the desk. I picked it up and I was hooked. It's amazing how he was able to embody all the heroic virtues in his film performances. He was truly a brilliant (and sometimes tragic) figure. I enjoy your work on the Errol Flynn Blog. Thank You

[Flrczk]

And thank YOU, friend.

R

[arabellaflynn]

enhorabuena por el video!!!!

es uno de los mas hermosos que he visto. de veras, gracias !!!!!!!

[Flrczk]

¡De nada, Señorita Bishop, me alegra que haya disfrutado de ella!

[portialynne]

my family gave me the book the films of errol flynn when i was 12 because i loved his work so much and wanted to be olivia de havilland. he would have been a great rhett butler in gwtw.

[numberonepony]

I just bought the book and enjoying it.

[Flrczk]

The best of the Hollywood autobios

[garyowen4ever]

there is a little bit of errol flynn in some men,,,,but since he was ERROL FLYNN,,,,,THERE WAS A WHOLE LOT MORE!

[Flrczk]

There are not enough men with at least some Errol Flynn in them!

R

[garyowen4ever]

damn well said !!!!!!!!!!!

[Mercatorhalle]

Hallo Rob.

Da ist Dir ja mal wieder ein tolles Meisterwerk gelungen.Und das genau zum 100.

Geburtstag von Deinem Lieblingsschauspieler.

In diesem Jahr ist Errol Flynn leider schon 50

Jahre verstorben. Ich denke Du hast Deinem

Errol ein würdiges Denkmal gesetzt.Mögen viele

Flynn Fans auf der ganzen Welt Dein mit viel Liebe zusammen gestelltes chronologisch Bildervideo anklicken und es sich zu gemüte führen wünscht Dir Heinrich Kluwie.

[Flrczk]

Vielen Dank, mein Schwiegervater. Ich freue mich, es Ihnen gefallen hat!

R

[Annette9981]

It gets me teary eyed. Awfully touching....a work of art.

[Flrczk]

Thank you. I get a bit watery myself, but don't mention it--I wouldn't want anyone to know.

R

[Cader1dris]

Fab pics this video is awesome! The baby pics are great, thanks for posting!

[Flrczk]

You're very welcome, young man!

R

[sydskidney]

beautiful!  thank you!

[Flrczk]

And thanks to The Baron, himself.

R

[jackma152]

Robert a great tribute to a great actor and adventure. Good job and keep these clips coming for us Flynn fans out there.

[Flrczk]

Thanks, Jack. If we have anything to say about it, he'll not be forgotten.

R