A TRIFECTA OF TREASURES? – A SWORD, A NECKLACE, A DIAMOND RING???
THE SWORD?
“Lili Damita’s jubilant bridegroom, Errol Flynn, will swing the sword of his ancestors in his first big film role, Captain Blood. The young Irish actor has cabled his parents in Belfast to send on the heirloom, which was presented to a forbear, Lord Terrence Flynn, by a henchman of the Duke of Monouth in 1686. By an odd coincidence, this was the same period of history dealt with in the story. The fictional Captain Blood was supposed to have been sold into slavery after the Monmouth Rebellion of 1685.”
– Harrison Carroll, Los Angeles Evening Herald Express, July 11, 1935
THE NECKLACE?
“Well, at last they have finally cast Errol Flynn as Captain Blood in that Warners epic which will undoubtedly squelch his opportunities for being Katie Hepburn’s lead in Sylvia Scarlet. Speaking of Errol, he wears around his neck on a chain a locket that holds for him a great sentimental value – consequently he never removes it. Several years ago in the jungles of New Guinea, he found a friend of his, wounded, so he carried him on his shoulders for many miles to a stream where he boated him to medical aid, but it was too late. Just before dying, his friend gave him the medal and asked him to wear it always as a keepsake.”
– Lloyd Pantages, Los Angeles Hollywood Parade, July 13, 1935
THE DIAMOND RING?
“Filmland learned for the first time today the romantic history of the diamond that Errol Flynn, dark skinned Irish actor, put upon the finger of of Lili Damita, who is now his bride.
It was five years ago that Flynn came into possession. A young adventurer, he was working as a British agent in New Guinea to help preserve peace among the native tribes. One day, he made a gold strike in the jungle.
Trekking back to civilization, Flynn sold his discovery for $10,000 in gold. He decided to leave New Guinea, but couldn’t carry his new found riches. So he put the money into rough-cut diamonds. It was one of these diamonds that the young actor, soon to play the starring role in the Warner film, Captain Blood, had made into the engagement ring his bride now wears.”
– Harrison Carroll, Los Angeles Evening Herald Express, July 19, 1935
— Tim
David DeWitt
July 12, 2016 at 1:30 pm
Hooray for the Warner Brothers Publicity Department! About those diamonds …
timerider
July 12, 2016 at 4:03 pm
Wow David! This is extraordinary! Thanks for this frank real letter from Errol.
David DeWitt
July 13, 2016 at 8:37 pm
My close friend Dennis Sullen of Canada was hoping one day to lead a group of us to Cuba and guide us in the footsteps of Errol Flynn. This unfortunately will never happen. He passed away from an aggressive form of cancer earlier this year – and I have yet to find words that come close to expressing this loss and what a wonderfully kind and generous soul he was. His passing was a shock, and still is being felt by many.
Gentleman Tim
July 13, 2016 at 9:10 am
Errol to Earl, 1959 Fabulous, David! Thanks so much for letting us see this late in life look into how uniquely fun, inquisitive and brilliant Errol still was, even with death stalking him.
I haven’t found either of the two Johns yet – Glover or Flato, but Paul Flato was certainly a talented and fascinating character:
[img]http://www.fritzrumpf.de/images/Paul%20Flato.jpg[/img]
ww3.hdnux.com…
David DeWitt
July 13, 2016 at 8:23 pm
Thanks for the rest of the story!
Gentleman Tim
July 13, 2016 at 9:17 am
JFK was also known to stay and play at the once-premier beach-side Havana Hotel Comodoro, then owned, along with the Sans Souci, by internationally-notorious Mafioso magnate, Santos Trafficante Jr.
[img]http://www.visitcuba.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMG_0918.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/03/12/268F54A400000578-2991372-image-a-92_1426160628755.jpg[/img]
David DeWitt
July 13, 2016 at 8:22 pm
The Comodoro Hotel pool is featured in The Big Boodle with its distinctive shape and dressing areas. It was just short steps from the beach …
The Zaca
July 13, 2016 at 9:08 pm
This blog never ceases to impress and amaze – how you guys find this stuff – just love it. Thank you thank you thank you!
twinarchers
July 12, 2016 at 3:20 pm
This is great, where do you guys dig this stuff up?
David DeWitt
July 12, 2016 at 5:19 pm
This particular letter was shared with me by my dear friend Prof. Lincoln D. Hurst. He had unprecedented access to documents, letters, telegrams, and photos few had ever seen before while researching his book on Flynn. He shared much of this material with various close friends. Sadly, his book was never completed. Nobody had enough pieces of it to comb it together in a way that would accurately reflect his intentions. There was just too much missing …
timerider
July 12, 2016 at 4:09 pm
This part about Lord Terrence Flynn, confirms to me the knowledge I have about the Flynn’s in Ireland. They were Lords or in the Scottish tongue Lairds. I researched because of my first cousins mother “Flynn”. I also did it for my Scottish grandmother “Laird”. These stories of the sword and the diamonds is part and parcel of the Flynn legacy! Thank you!
The Zaca
July 13, 2016 at 5:53 am
Another “wow” post! Amazing story – thank you!
shangheinz
July 13, 2016 at 4:30 pm
Another stone in the puzzle of Errol`s stolen, insured and ultimately set diamonds. Thanks Witty Dave and Gentleman Ring. See also: www.katerinaperez.com…