This article I have just came across an article online about Errol’s Beloved Schnauzer, Arno:
Arno, the Schnauzer who was the love of Errol Flynn’s Life
Not a Giant Schnauzer, a standard one, but Arno was almost as well known as his famous owner, the late actor, Errol Flynn.
Errol had a bad reputation for chasing women and for brawling; he was not popular among his peers, but he had one redeeming feature – he loved dogs.
Arno was a standard Schnauzer, and was Flynn’s constant companion, accompanying him on all his film sets, barking loudly and happily whenever the director cried “cut” and he knew that the filming was over and he could have the attention of his beloved master.
The actor was rarely seen without the dog by his side.
He would also accompany Flynn on his yacht, where he would entertain himself chasing flying fish.
Unfortunately, this game proved to be his undoing. In August 1945, it is believed that he jumped overboard after a fish when no one was about. By the time his disappearance was noticed, it was too late to save him, despite Flynn’s hiring several boats to search.
Arno’s body was washed up near Balboa, California some three days later. The actor arranged for the coastguards to give the dog a naval burial at sea.
Overcome with grief, Flynn did not have the courage to claim the dog’s body immediately it was discovered.
This caused a Hollywood gossip columnist, Jimmy Fidler, to write a scathing report claiming that the actor didn’t really care about the Schnauzer.
Notorious for his temper, Flynn was enraged. He got drunk, then went after the reporter. When police arrived Fidler had been beaten unconscious, and his wife had stabbed Flynn in the ear with a fork.
One of Errol Flynn’s biographers claimed that the actor loved Arno more than any human in his life.
There is a pic of Arno with Errol with this article on this page:
— Mary Ann
themainflynnman
September 7, 2011 at 3:54 am
Welcome to the group Mary and thank you for the article, albeit a short one and with good intent. What does disappoint me though is the way that people use such flippant remarks such as ‘notorious for his temper’. I’m not aware that Errol was notorious for his temper (notorious for a lot of other things, yes), such a statment does leave an impression on an otherwise positive piece. Don’t get me wrong I’ve never been one for over-looking Errol’s faults but I’m not aware his temper was ‘notorious’.
Anyway, I digress… this was intended as a welcome message… great to have you here.
best wishes,
Brian.
Mary Ann Hearn
September 7, 2011 at 4:00 am
I know that Errol did have a temper but, he was not notorious. I definitely agree with u, Brian about that.
Inga
September 7, 2011 at 6:27 am
Didn’t Arno disappear earlier than 1945?
Robert
April 29, 2014 at 7:12 pm
Arno was lost on the night of Saturday/Sunday, July 12/13, 1941.
themainflynnman
September 7, 2011 at 6:58 am
Yes, I think Arno was lost in August 41.
Inga
September 7, 2011 at 10:16 am
Tina…. I’m stunned by your… poetic words! I need a dictionary here!
Tina
September 7, 2011 at 10:26 am
August 1941 was the fatalistic date of Errol’s life!
He not only lost Arno but as of August 2, 1941 the down-spiral, the vortex was set into motion to propel him into a lifestyle he detested, yet forced to live thereafter. Without mercy the irrepressible arrow was moving toward its target to make the unavoidable bullseye hit of which there was no recuperation ever!
Tina
September 7, 2011 at 11:58 am
Hi Inga;
Nothing poetic about it just sheer and enormous sad truth! The worst of it was that he was hiding the fact of being hurt so badly even from himself. He acquired the guts to make fun of it and himself and was bleeding inside little by little to death!
Kathleen
September 8, 2011 at 11:40 am
Wow, you covered a lot in two sentences. Beautiful!!
Tina
September 10, 2011 at 7:01 am
Thanks Kathleen you are much to nice!