Errol Flynn

Errol Flynn

“The Tasmanian Devil” of Hollywood’s Golden Age

Errol Flynn was born in Tasmania, Australia, and moved to England to pursue an acting career. He gained initial fame in Australian cinema before moving to Hollywood. His natural charm, good looks, and athletic prowess made him a perfect fit for swashbuckling roles in the 1930s and 1940s, and he quickly became one of the era's biggest stars.

Flynn's personal life was as colorful as his film career, marked by numerous affairs, scandals, and a lavish lifestyle.

His later years were marred by poor health, exacerbated by heavy smoking and drinking. He passed away in Vancouver, Canada, at the age of 50, but his legacy as one of Hollywood's most charismatic and adventurous leading men endures.

Errol Leslie Flynn was born on June 20, 1909, in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. He was the son of Theodore Thomson Flynn, a respected biologist and professor, and Marrelle Young, a descendant of Midshipman Young of HMS Bounty fame. His early life was marked by a series of adventures that took him from Australia to Papua New Guinea. Flynn was known for his restlessness and had a variety of jobs, including gold prospector, fisherman, and plantation overseer.

Path Towards Success

Flynn's acting career began in Australia, where he appeared in the 1933 film "In the Wake of the Bounty," playing Fletcher Christian. His performance caught the attention of Warner Bros., leading to a contract and a move to Hollywood. His big break came in 1935 with "Captain Blood," where his swashbuckling performance made him an instant star. This success was followed by a series of hits, including "The Charge of the Light Brigade" (1936), "The Adventures of Robin Hood" (1938), and "The Sea Hawk" (1940).

Marriages and Personal Life

Flynn was known for his romantic escapades and married three times. His first marriage was to actress Lili Damita in 1935, resulting in a son, Sean Flynn. His second marriage was to Nora Eddington, with whom he had two children, Deirdre and Rory. His third and final marriage was to actress Patrice Wymore, with whom he had a daughter, Arnella. Flynn's personal life was often in the spotlight due to his relationships and scandals, including trials for statutory rape, from which he was acquitted.

Passions and Lifestyle

Apart from acting, Flynn was passionate about the sea, sailing, and writing. He owned several yachts and enjoyed sailing extensively. Flynn also authored two autobiographies, "Beam Ends" and "My Wicked, Wicked Ways," showcasing his adventurous spirit and tumultuous life. His lifestyle was characterized by extravagance, and he was renowned for his flamboyant parties, heavy drinking, and financial troubles.

Death and Cause of Death

Errol Flynn died on October 14, 1959, in Vancouver, Canada. He was only 50 years old. The cause of death was reported as a heart attack, attributed to years of heavy drinking and smoking, which had severely affected his health. Flynn's lifestyle had taken a toll on his body, evident in his appearance during his last years. His death marked the end of an era for the kind of swashbuckling roles and off-screen adventures he embodied.

Top 10 Movies with Errol Flynn:

Errol Flynn's acting style is an interesting study in the context of Hollywood's Golden Age. He was known primarily for his swashbuckling roles, which showcased his unique blend of charisma, athleticism, and natural screen presence. Here are some key aspects of his acting style:

Charismatic Presence

• Effortless Charm: Flynn possessed an innate charm that made him appealing and relatable to audiences. His smile and easygoing demeanor often masked the depth of his characters, creating an allure that was both mysterious and engaging.
   
• Screen Magnetism: Even in ensemble casts, Flynn had a natural ability to draw the viewer's attention. His presence on screen was both commanding and effortless, which was essential for the larger-than-life characters he often portrayed.
   

Physicality in Roles

• Athleticism: A significant part of Flynn's appeal in action roles was his physical prowess. He performed many of his stunts, showcasing skills in fencing, horseback riding, and hand-to-hand combat. This physicality added a layer of authenticity to his performances.
   
• Elegant Movement: Flynn moved with an elegance and grace that was particularly evident in his action sequences. His ability to handle physically demanding scenes with poise and fluidity made his action scenes both believable and visually captivating.
   

Emotional Range and Character Depth

• Subtle Emotional Expressions: While known for his action roles, Flynn could convey a range of emotions through subtle facial expressions and gestures. This skill allowed him to bring depth to characters that could otherwise have been one-dimensional.
   
• Versatility in Roles: Despite being typecast as a romantic hero, Flynn showed versatility in his career, taking on roles in dramas, comedies, and war films. He was able to adapt his style to fit various genres, although he remained best known for his adventure films.
   

Interaction with Co-Stars

• Chemistry with Leading Ladies: Flynn had remarkable chemistry with his co-stars, particularly his frequent on-screen partner, Olivia de Havilland. Their interactions often highlighted Flynn's ability to balance romance and adventure.
   
• Adaptability in Scenes: He could adapt his performance style to complement his co-stars, whether in romantic, comedic, or dramatic scenes, showing a range of interaction styles.
   

Legacy and Influence

• Icon of an Era: Flynn's style embodied the spirit of the Golden Age of Hollywood – heroic, charming, and larger-than-life. His portrayal of heroes like Robin Hood has become iconic.
   
• Influence on Future Actors: Flynn's style influenced generations of actors who took on similar swashbuckling or adventurous roles. His blend of charisma, athleticism, and romantic appeal set a standard for action heroes.

"I like my whisky old and my women young."

This quote encapsulates Flynn's notorious reputation as a ladies' man and his penchant for living life on the edge.
 

"Any man who has $10,000 left when he dies is a failure."

Reflecting his extravagant lifestyle, this quote speaks to Flynn's attitude towards money and his belief in enjoying life to the fullest.
 

"I do what I like."

A simple yet powerful statement that sums up Flynn's approach to life. He was known for his independent spirit and doing things his own way.
 

"It isn't what they say about you, it's what they whisper."

This quote reflects his understanding of reputation and the importance of what people say behind one's back, possibly alluding to the many rumors and scandals that surrounded him.
 

"I've had a hell of a lot of fun and I've enjoyed every minute of it."

Near the end of his life, this quote was Flynn's reflection on his experiences, indicating no regrets about the way he lived.
 

"Women won't let me stay single and I won't let myself stay married."

Flynn's tumultuous love life and multiple marriages are humorously encapsulated in this quote.
 

"My problem lies in reconciling my gross habits with my net income."

This witticism showcases Flynn's self-aware humor about his financial troubles, which were partly due to his lavish lifestyle.
 

"There are two things I want to do. I want to live and I want to die in California."

This quote reflects Flynn's love for California, a place where he spent a significant part of his life and career.
 

"I intend to live the first half of my life. The second half is for reflection."

This quote shows Flynn's philosophy of living life fully and reflecting on it later, a sentiment that aligns with his adventurous and unrestrained lifestyle.

Errol Flynn's role in "Captain Blood" (1935) was a defining moment in his career and crucial for several reasons:

Breakthrough Role

• Launch of Stardom: "Captain Blood" was Flynn's first major Hollywood film and served as his breakthrough role. Prior to this, he had only a few minor film roles. His performance as the dashing Peter Blood catapulted him to instant stardom.
   
• Establishment as a Leading Man: This film established Flynn as a leading man in Hollywood. His charismatic screen presence and athletic prowess made him an ideal choice for romantic adventure films.
   

Defining the Swashbuckler Genre

• Icon of Swashbuckling Adventure: Flynn's portrayal of the adventurous and rebellious Peter Blood set the standard for the swashbuckler genre in Hollywood. His performance combined action, romance, and a hint of rebellion, elements that became synonymous with his subsequent roles.
   
• Influence on Future Films: "Captain Blood" influenced the making of future swashbuckling films. Flynn's performance helped to popularize this genre, leading to a series of similar roles for him and setting a template for adventure films for decades.
   

Relationship with Warner Bros.

• Key Collaboration: This film marked the beginning of Flynn's long and fruitful relationship with Warner Bros. It was the first in a series of successful films he made with the studio, solidifying his status as one of their top stars.
   
• Partnership with Director Michael Curtiz: "Captain Blood" also started Flynn's significant collaboration with director Michael Curtiz. They would go on to make several more films together, including "The Adventures of Robin Hood."
   

On-Screen Chemistry with Olivia de Havilland

• Beginning of a Famous On-Screen Duo: "Captain Blood" was the first of eight films in which Flynn co-starred with Olivia de Havilland. Their on-screen chemistry was a significant factor in the success of this film and their subsequent collaborations.
   

Impact on Flynn's Image

• Typecasting: While the success of "Captain Blood" was a boon for Flynn's career, it also led to his typecasting as an action and adventure hero. This typecasting was a double-edged sword, limiting the range of roles offered to him but also ensuring his place as a cinematic icon.
   

Cultural Impact

• Enduring Legacy: "Captain Blood" remains one of Flynn's most famous and beloved films. It not only showcased his talent but also contributed to the enduring legacy of the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Errol Flynn's personal life, particularly his marriages and romantic relationships, was as colorful and eventful as his film career. He was known for his charismatic and romantic persona, both on and off screen, which played a significant role in his public image. Here's an overview of his marriages and notable romantic relationships:

Marriages

Lili Damita (1935-1942):

• Lili Damita was a French actress, and their marriage was marked by a tumultuous relationship. They had one child together, Sean Flynn, who later became a photojournalist.
• The marriage ended in divorce, and their relationship was often in the public eye due to various disputes and legal battles, especially over the custody of their son.
   

Nora Eddington (1943-1949):

• Nora Eddington was a young woman Flynn met while he was on trial in 1942. She worked at the courthouse.
• They had two daughters, Deirdre and Rory Flynn. This marriage, too, ended in divorce.
• The relationship began under controversial circumstances, as Flynn was still married to Damita at the time, and Eddington was significantly younger than Flynn.
   

Patrice Wymore (1950 until his death in 1959):

• Patrice Wymore was an American actress and the last wife of Errol Flynn. They married in Monaco, and their marriage lasted until Flynn's death.
• They had a daughter together, Arnella Flynn, who later had a brief career as a model and actress before her early death.
• This marriage was somewhat more stable than his previous ones, although Flynn's declining health and continued financial troubles marked their years together.

Notable Off-Marriage Relationships

• Affairs and Romances: Flynn was infamous for his numerous affairs and romantic escapades. His charm and good looks made him popular among women, and he was linked with several famous actresses and socialites of his time.
   
• Controversies: His love life was not without controversies. In 1942, Flynn was charged with statutory rape, but he was acquitted. The trial and the publicity surrounding it added to his notorious reputation.
   
• Beverly Aadland: In the last two years of his life, Flynn was in a relationship with Beverly Aadland, a young actress who was only 17 when they met. This relationship was the subject of much controversy and media attention.

Impact on Public Image

• Part of the Flynn Legend: Flynn's romantic life contributed significantly to his legend. He was often portrayed as a real-life embodiment of the swashbuckling characters he played on screen.
   
• Media Attention: His relationships, especially his marriages, were a constant source of media attention and public interest, adding to his fame but also to his controversial image.

Errol Flynn, despite his significant impact on Hollywood and his status as one of the era's leading stars, surprisingly did not receive a substantial number of awards and nominations during his career, especially when compared to today's standards where film awards are more prevalent.

Academy Awards (Oscars)

• Errol Flynn was never nominated for an Oscar. This lack of recognition from the Academy was not uncommon for actors known primarily for action and adventure roles during that era.
   

Other Awards and Honors

• Box Office Draws: While not an award per se, Flynn was consistently one of the biggest box office draws of his time, which was a significant achievement. His films were immensely successful commercially.
   
• Posthumous Recognition: Flynn's contribution to the film industry has been recognized more significantly after his death. He has been posthumously acknowledged for his impact on the genre of adventure films and his status as a cultural icon of his time.
   
• Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame: Flynn has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6654 Hollywood Boulevard, an honor that recognizes his contributions to the motion picture industry.
   

Legacy and Honorary Mentions

• Influence on Actors and Filmmakers: While not an award, it's worth noting that Flynn's influence on the acting and filmmaking community has been considerable. Many actors and directors have cited him as an inspiration, especially for roles requiring a blend of charm, adventure, and heroism.
   
• Cultural Impact: His portrayal of characters like Robin Hood has become iconic, influencing not just film but also broader aspects of popular culture.

1930s

• 1933: "In the Wake of the Bounty" - Flynn's film debut, portraying Fletcher Christian in a dramatization of the mutiny on the HMS Bounty.
• 1935: "Captain Blood" - Flynn stars as Peter Blood, a doctor-turned-pirate, in this swashbuckling adventure.
• 1936: "The Charge of the Light Brigade" - He plays Major Geoffrey Vickers in this depiction of the famous British cavalry charge during the Crimean War.
• 1937: "Green Light" - Flynn is Dr. Newell Paige, a surgeon who faces a moral crisis.
• 1937: "The Prince and the Pauper" - A dual role as both a prince and a pauper in this adaptation of Mark Twain’s novel.
• 1937: "Another Dawn" - As Captain Denny Roark, Flynn is involved in a love triangle in this romantic drama.
• 1938: "The Perfect Specimen" - Playing Gerald Beresford Wicks, a sheltered heir who escapes his grandmother's control.
• 1938: "The Adventures of Robin Hood" - Iconic role as Robin Hood, the legendary English outlaw.
• 1938: "Four's a Crowd" - Flynn is a public relations executive in this romantic comedy.
• 1939: "Dodge City" - A western where Flynn plays Wade Hatton, a cowboy who cleans up a lawless town.
• 1939: "The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex" - As Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex, in this historical drama about Elizabeth I.
• 1939: "Virginia City" - Flynn portrays Union officer Kerry Bradford in this Civil War-era western.
   

1940s

• 1940: "The Sea Hawk" - Playing Geoffrey Thorpe, an English privateer who battles the Spanish Armada.
• 1940: "Santa Fe Trail" - As J.E.B. Stuart, a military officer involved in the events leading up to the American Civil War.
• 1941: "Footsteps in the Dark" - Flynn is a wealthy man leading a double life as a detective in this comedy-mystery.
• 1941: "They Died with Their Boots On" - Portraying General George Armstrong Custer in this biographical film.
• 1942: "Desperate Journey" - As a World War II Allied pilot in Nazi-occupied Europe.
• 1942: "Gentleman Jim" - Playing James J. Corbett, the world heavyweight boxing champion.
• 1943: "Edge of Darkness" - Flynn is a Norwegian fisherman resisting Nazi occupation during WWII.
• 1943: "Thank Your Lucky Stars" - A cameo appearance in this musical comedy.
• 1943: "Northern Pursuit" - As a Canadian Mountie tracking a Nazi fugitive.
• 1944: "Uncertain Glory" - Flynn portrays a criminal who sacrifices himself during WWII in France.
• 1945: "Objective, Burma!" - A paratrooper leading a mission in Burma during WWII.
• 1945: "San Antonio" - As Clay Hardin, a cowboy in this western.
• 1946: "Never Say Goodbye" - Flynn is a cartoonist trying to win back his ex-wife in this romantic comedy.
• 1947: "Cry Wolf" - Playing a man investigating his late brother's mysterious wife.
• 1947: "Escape Me Never" - As a composer in this romantic drama set in Venice.
• 1948: "Silver River" - Flynn is an unscrupulous businessman in post-Civil War America.
• 1948: "Adventures of Don Juan" - Portraying the legendary lover Don Juan in this adventure-romance.
• 1949: "It's a Great Feeling" - A cameo role in this musical comedy.
• 1949: "That Forsyte Woman" - As Soames Forsyte in this adaptation of John Galsworthy's novel.
   

1950s

• 1950: "Rocky Mountain" - A Confederate officer leading a mission in California during the Civil War.
• 1950: "Montana" - As an Australian shepherd in the American West.
• 1951: "Kim" - Playing Mahbub Ali in this Rudyard Kipling adaptation set in British India.
• 1952: "Mara Maru" - Flynn is a treasure hunter in the Philippines after WWII.
• 1953: "The Master of Ballantrae" - Portraying a Scottish lord in this adventure based on the Robert Louis Stevenson novel.
• 1953: "Against All Flags" - As a British naval officer undercover among pirates.
• 1954: "Crossed Swords" - A swashbuckling adventure set in Renaissance Italy.
• 1955: "The Dark Avenger" - Playing Edward, the Black Prince in this medieval drama.
• 1955: "King's Rhapsody" - Flynn is a European monarch in this musical.
• 1957: "Istanbul" - As a smuggler in this crime drama.
• 1957: "The Sun Also Rises" - Portraying an alcoholic ex-soldier in this adaptation of Ernest Hemingway's novel.
• 1957: "The Big Boodle" - Flynn is a nightclub dealer entangled in crime in Havana.
• 1958: "Too Much, Too Soon" - Playing John Barrymore in this biographical film about Diana Barrymore.
• 1958: "The Roots of Heaven" - His final film role as a British officer in French Equatorial Africa.