A Week in the Life of Errol Flynn, September 1938
Los Angeles Evening Herald Express
Harrison Carrol Reporting
September 21, 1938
“Unless Errol Flynn has another brainstorm between now and then, he’ll play host on a three-week yachting trip to fellow players in Dawn Patrol. The party on the Sirocco will include Donald Crisp, Edmund Goulding, David Niven and Michael Brook (the Earl of Warwick). Basil Rathbone was invited, but chose a New York trip instead.”
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September 27, 1938
“It’s no wonder, doctors say, that Errol Flynn was knocked flat on his back by flue. Though ill on his boat at Catalina, the star insisted on going fishing in a dinghy with David Niven and Donald Crisp. Then, on top of this, he fell overboard. Niven, trying to pull Flynn back, capsized the dinghy and the three actors were floundering in the water for 15 minutes. When they finally got back to the yacht, Flynn was so sick that they had to fly him to the mainland.”
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September 27, 1938
ERROL FLYNN TAKEN TO HOSPITAL IN SERIOUS ILLNESS
“Still dangerously ill, Errol Flynn, motion picture actor, rallied sufficiently today to permit of his being transferred from his Beverly Hills home to the Good Samaritan Hospital.
The change was made under the direction of his physician Dr. T.M. Hearn. Dr. Hearn said that the actor needed care and attention more readily available at the hospital.
Flynn is suffering from influenza, complicated by an infection of the throat and respiratory organs and a recurrence of malarial fever, which he contracted five years ago in New Guinea.”
Hospital of the Good Samaritan, Los Angeles
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September 28, 1938 Santa Cruz Sentinel
ERROL FLYNN HAS STREP INFECTION
“Errol Flynn, film actor, suffering from influenza and a streptococcic throat infection, was removed to a hospital today. His physician, Dr. T.M. Hearn, said the removal was “a precautionary measure.” Dr. Hearn also announced that the throat specialist, Dr. Voyle James, had been called into consultation. Flynn, after showing improvement yesterday, turned worse last night. His temperature went to 103.5 degrees, later dropping to 102. Dr. Hearn expressed concern over the possible development of pneumonia. Flynn’s illness was contracted when he fell overboard from a fishing boat near Santa Catalina Island.”
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September 27, 1938
“The Warners are reported dickering for Ronald Coleman to take the leading role of the Englishman in Dodge City, now that Errol Flynn is out of the running. The Sea Hawk is scheduled as Flynn’s next.”
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September 28, 1938
CRISIS IN ILLNESS OF ERROL FLYNN NEAR
“An uncomfortable night, and a crisis expected within 24 hours.
This was the report on the condition of Errol Flynn, film actor, who was confined to Good Samaritan Hospital with influenza and streptococci infection of the throat.
Flynn was removed to the hospital yesterday on the orders of Dr. T.M. Hearns.
Dr. Doyle James, throat specialist, was called in consultation by Dr. Hearn, in an attempt to solve the mystery of the streptococci and the continued high fever which is now 102 degrees.”
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September 29, 1938
“Cary Grant is being considered for the leading role of Dodge City now that Ronald Coleman and Errol Flynn have been eliminated.”
— Tim
zacal
September 30, 2016 at 2:53 am
This is a really interesting post. Flynn was sick with the flu but insisted on going fishing in a dinghy which he fell out of, worsening his condition. Considering Errol’s reputation,(David Niven affectionately called their rented beach house together “Cirrhosis by the Sea”) might we infer his mishap was caused by drinking? But I really find it interesting how they link Ronald Colman and then Cary Grant to Errol’s role in “Dodge City”. Was it just a way to hype the film? Because the lines that identify Flynn as an Englishman seem to be shoe-horned in to explain away Errol’s accent. It’s not like it was necessary to have an Englishman play the part. Or maybe I’ve always watched that Technicolor classic with the wrong point of view.
Gentleman Tim
September 30, 2016 at 10:02 am
Fascinating analysis and questions, zacal. I thought Errol’s character was primarily but loosely based on Wyatt Earp. Perhaps Flynn’s refusal to wear a handlebar mustache like Earp and/or change his quasi-Aussie accent led to changing the storyline to make him an Irishman, rather than an American. Or maybe the role was originally intended to be a cowboy from the British Isles. Interesting indeed.
[img]https://great-american-adventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Wyatt-Earp-Photo-2.jpg[/img]
twinarchers
September 30, 2016 at 6:05 pm
Interesting