December 7, 2024 #1 Local News, Information and Event Source for the Century City/Westwood areas.

Errol Flynn at 100

Errol Flynn turns 100 on Saturday, June 20; Errol Flynn the larger-than-life movie star who inspired the saying, “In like Flynn,†and spent a career dedicated to carousing and mischief, from highly publicized fistfights to paternity suits and a legendary body-snatching.

“Errol Flynn was easily one of the most colorful figures of the Twentieth Century,†says Robert Matzen, co-author of the 2009 hardcover, ERROL FLYNN SLEPT HERE. “He did things that the rest of us only dream of doing—and he did them every day! He was a favorite of U.S. presidents; he dated a Romanian princess. When she was 20 years old, with her new husband standing right next to her, Flynn propositioned Shirley Temple in his steam room. He propositioned America’s Sweetheart!â€

Flynn had a more serious side, and authored three books, as well as many articles and op-ed pieces. He claimed more than once that he would rather find success as a writer than an actor, and wanted to justify the statement on his tombstone, “They read my stuff!â€

Born in Tasmania, Flynn grew up in Australia. When he couldn’t get along with his mother or any headmaster on the continent, young Errol left home and took odd jobs in New Guinea—by his own admission, he had his best luck as a slave trader. Through a strange set of circumstances, Flynn landed in Hollywood at age 25 and within months was cast as the star of the first great pirate epic, Captain Blood. Flynn then went on to swashbuckle his way through a series of classic films, including The Sea Hawk, The Adventures of Don Juan, and the best of them all, The Adventures of Robin Hood.

In 1941, at the height of his fame, Flynn built a dream house high on Mulholland Drive. As detailed in ERROL FLYNN SLEPT HERE, the ranch-style colonial, which he dubbed Mulholland Farm, looked like a traditional two-story ranch, but had some special features. “He built secret passageways into the place,†says co-author Michael Mazzone. “One of them led to a small space where he could look into the ladies’ bathroom through a two-way mirror. When he added on to the house, he included another two-way mirror that looked down on a huge bed. He’d tell leading ladies, ‘Oh, go on into that room and change into your bathing suit,’ then run upstairs and spy on them. Flynn and his mirrors were the talk of Hollywood.â€

Mulholland Farm became the most notorious house in Hollywood, and not only because of the trick features of the house. Flynn held spectacular parties for the film community that are still talked about today; parties that featured live dance bands, nude divers, fencing exhibitions, and plenty of girls.

Then there was the crazy Hollywood prank to end them all. When Flynn’s pal John Barrymore died in May 1942, legend has it that director Raoul Walsh and other Flynn cronies spirited the body up to Mulholland Farm and sat it in Flynn’s favorite chair, drink in hand. “Some researchers don’t think it really happened. They say it was against the law, but these guys were crazy enough to do it, and we think they did.â€

The turning point for Flynn occurred later that same year, when the Los Angeles District Attorney charged Flynn with statutory rape. The subsequent trial made page one of every newspaper in the country and gave birth to the slogan, “In like Flynn.†He was acquitted after a month-long trial, but in the process lost credibility as an artist. When he realized the damage done, he contemplated suicide. “I have a zest for living, and twice the urge to die,†he confided.

Within another decade he had fled the United States owing half a million in back taxes, and alimony to two ex-wives. To ease the pain, he turned to vodka and drugs, and died at age 50 of a massive heart attack in Vancouver, B.C., making worldwide headlines one last time.

In 2009, Errol Flynn’s world is mostly gone. Two of his four children have already passed on, and his fabled house was demolished in 1988. Its last owner, singer Ricky Nelson, bought the place because he idolized Errol Flynn. Nelson continued to own it until his death in an air crash at the end of 1985. The mansion of another singer, Justin Timberlake, now sits on the Mulholland Farm footprint.

But Flynn, soon to be 100, has left a large footprint of his own, including more than 50 films that include some of the finest of Hollywood’s Golden Age. “If Errol Flynn came to Hollywood today,†Mazzone contends, “he’d still be a star; he had that much talent and that much charisma. Some stars were manufactured, but not him.â€

Beyond the capers and scandals, the man who made mischief for himself also made grand entertainment, and still can be seen swinging from a vine in Technicolor as the most beloved Robin Hood of all, welcoming Maid Marian to Sherwood Forest. “Going out, promoting the book, we’re approached by a lot of people who really loved Errol Flynn,†says Matzen. “What I’ve learned is that he may have not been the happiest guy, but he brought happiness to millions. It’s staggering to think of the impact of his work. People who saw his films 60, 70 years ago still light up when they hear his name. He was their hero.†Not only that, but Flynn’s best-selling, candid autobiography, MY WICKED, WICKED WAYS, is still in print after 50 years, which means that, yes, they’re still reading his stuff. Happy 100th Birthday, Errol Flynn.

Related Posts

Bob Rosenbloom, Esteemed Owner of Bob’s Market and Community Pillar, Passes at 92

April 9, 2024

April 9, 2024

Bob Rosenbloom, the cherished proprietor of Bob’s Market on Ocean Park Blvd. in Santa Monica, passed away at his residence...

Don’t Miss Your Last Chance to Experience CORTEO by Cirque du Soleil!

April 25, 2023

April 25, 2023

The Show’s Run At The Microsoft Theater Ends On April 30  Time is running out for fans of CORTEO by...

Regulation of Short-Term Rentals in LA Failing as Enforcement Drops Significantly

April 4, 2023

April 4, 2023

Better Neighbors LA report highlights the inadequacies of enforcement measures for short-term rentals in Los Angeles, calling for increased regulation...

Non-Profit Helping Relieve Financial Burden For Cancer Patients

November 16, 2022

November 16, 2022

Cancer Cartel is helping cancer patients focus on their treatment, not the financial stress of living with a diagnosis. Learn...

100 Miles of Bus-Only Lanes Coming to L.A in Five Years?

October 17, 2022

October 17, 2022

L.A’s public transportation network is known for being slow due to traffic congestion. A new motion by L.A. City Council...

How to Wisely Manage Your Finances After a Job Layoff

October 3, 2022

October 3, 2022

Being laid off can be difficult, both emotionally and financially. It is important to manage your finances wisely during this...

Union Members Protest UC Policies in Westwood

May 3, 2022

May 3, 2022

Westwood and Wilshire protest takes place April 26 By Dolores Quintana The intersection of Wilshire and Westwood was the site...

Kale of All Kinds

March 16, 2022

March 16, 2022

Today at the Santa Monica Farmers Market we explore three different kinds of Kale from Cole Family Farms..Video sponsored by...

Name Revealed for Alice Waters’s Westwood Restaurant

October 20, 2021

October 20, 2021

Westside Dining Scene October 21, 2021 By Dolores Quintana Esteemed chef Alice Waters’s upcoming Westwood restaurant’s and the name has...

Community Volunteer Patrol Program Brings Civilians New Insight Into Law Enforcement

October 19, 2021

October 19, 2021

The West LA Police Department has a community patrol program bridging the gap between civilians and law enforcement. Video brought...

Police Seek Man Wanted for Sexually Assaulting Sleeping UCLA Student

September 2, 2021

September 2, 2021

Police are searching for a man wanted for sexually assaulting a female UCLA student while she slept. According to the...

Final Weekend of Marina Drive-In Movie Summer Series With New Movies Added

August 28, 2021

August 28, 2021

WHERE: Marina del Rey Boat Launch Ramp, 13477 Fiji Way at Parking Lot #2 COST: $20 per vehicle, per movie...

UCLA Admits Most Accomplished Class in Its History

July 20, 2021

July 20, 2021

New freshman and transfer cohorts are also among university’s most ethnically diverse By Ricardo Vazquez | UCLA Newsroom UCLA has...

Heritage Museum Reopens with Unique Exhibition

June 24, 2021

June 24, 2021

The California Heritage Museum welcomes back visitors with a unique and stunning quilt exhibition, learn more in this video brought to...