Hi to all EF blog members. My first post. WordPress is a neat and effective blog template … I’m looking forward to being a part of the blog. I’ve long been fascinated by Flynn, more so by the complexities of the man and his adventurous ways than singularly by his films.
I’m currently developing a screenplay based on Mr Flynn. Earl Conrad will feature prominently. I’m familiar with Conrad’s wonderful Errol Flynn: A Memoir – which I believe is the best personal account of being with Flynn. Its richness is in revealing Flynn in day-to-day life – insightful idiosyncrasies and his turns-of-phrase and habits. What I’m in search of are these similar elements of Conrad’s character. In A Memoir we see Flynn, and learn of Conrad’s reactions to Flynn’s actions, though we don’t get to learn of Conrad’s general behaviour and idiosyncrasies. I’ve read a number of other Flynn biography’s (incl Thomas McNulty’s excellent Errol Flynn: The Life and Career) but none that expand on Conrad beyond the facts of him ghostwriting and staying in Port Antonio with Flynn during the writing/research process of My Wicked Wicked Ways.
Would anyone be able to assist with guidance as to where or how I may find additional reading and references that expand on Earl Conrad? I’d be very grateful for any help.
It’s my hope to create a story that portrays Flynn without the cliches, revealing the inner psyche and insecurities behind the facade. Capturing this remarkable multi-faceted character in film is my passion.
Cheers, Philip
— Philip
Inga
February 23, 2012 at 7:14 pm
Hello Philip, this sounds very interesting.
So if I got it correctly, the story will be told from Earl’s point of view?
And: May I ask why you chose a screenplay? Do you think the interest will be great enough to really make a film out of it? Good luck in any case, and I think that Robert Matzen would be able to help you, maybe you could contact him. Looking forward to your posts here.
Philip
February 24, 2012 at 12:52 am
Hi Inga,
Thanks for your comment. The idea is to tell the story 3rd person, not from Conrad’s POV. It’s a very human story, rich in conflict both external and internal, and with his real life adventures being seemingly unbelievable the interest will be there for those who don’t know of Flynn directly I’m sure.
I’ll follow your lead re: contacting Matzen. Cheers
Inga
February 24, 2012 at 1:49 pm
I wish you good luck, and sorry if I expressed some doubts but we know how little interest the media have in Flynn, unfortunately.
Philip
February 24, 2012 at 2:01 pm
I hope my story of Flynn helps change the long held media perception