The Errol Flynn Blog

Please find attached my contribution to the official memory of Errol Flynn and the Spanish Civil War. If you want , you may print the essay free of charge on you splendid blog.

Regards

Tedd Urnes/Oslo, Norway

Blog: teddview.blogspot.no…

THE SOURCE OR SOURCES: FAMOUS CELEBRITIES- ACTOR ERROL FLYNN AND POET, LORD GEORGE BYRON – FIGHTING FOR JUSTICE AND FREEDOM FOR PEOPLE

The venue was Spain. The Spanish Civil War engaged many celebrities worldwide. The famous actor Errol Flynn( 1909-1959) was one of many who sided with the fight of the Spanish people against the Fascist regime of Franco. The main question asked by many was how dedicated was Errol Flynn fighting the fascists in Spain? Errol Flynn was a rebel all his life. He hated being dominated by authorities, bosses and above all: His mother. Did he left USA bound for Spain because of his private conflicts with his wife actress Lili Damita? The visit to Spain was just one of his many public arrangements to get public attentions- some of his enemies are of the opinion that he did not care much for the fight at all. Let me make a person statement: I disagree with the opinions of his enemies. Errol Flynn loved danger, conflicts, challenges and he was political radical all his life. In 1959 he published his  biography about his life, work and career as an actor. The title of the book is: « My Wicked,Wicked Ways». As a source for his political actions and opinions, like any other biographies the facts presented have to be evaluated in a critical way. Anyway, Spain is mentioned in his book. From page 193 to page 201 he gives the reader a vivid description about this experience and stay in Spain. Errol Flynn went to Spain together with his friend Dr.Herman F. Erben (1897-1985). The Government’s Propaganda Office wanted to make use of his visit for propaganda purposes to get support from the United States. Errol Flynn wrote in his dairy about his experiences in Spain. The result of his travelling resulted in an article for the magazine « Photoplay» published in 1937. He also paid a visit to the International Brigades. Dr. Herman F. Erben was a close friend of Errol Flynn but his friend exploited the friendship to get in contact with Spanish officers fighting the Fascists. Without any knowledge of the matter, his friend had promised  the Spanish elected government economic support from Americans. Fake news. He had no money for the Spanish fight. The Spanish government was disappointed and annoyed.Later on when Americans were asked for money to support the Spanish Loyalist government, Errol Flynn was not on the list of those who donated money fighting the Fascists. Even if he was exploited making the world know about the Spanish Civil War, his contribution was not in vain. Errol Flynn was one of the most famous actors of the time. 

The dairy of Errol Flynn written during his stay in Spain has been found. The content of the diary reveals that he supported the fight against th Fascists.

LORD GEORGE GORDEN BYRON , 6th BARON BYRON (1788 – 1824)

Lord Byron was an English poet, peer, and politician who became a revolutionary in the Greek War of Independence.

Why do I mention the late British poet at all? The main reason is that Errol Flynn and Lord Byron had a lot in common. They were both public known. Both were rebels. Both were political radicals and both got engaged in political matters of the time. The main difference is easy to observe. Errol Flynn did not sell his house and private estates in support for the Spanish government. Not all. But Lord Byron did it. Lord Byron joined the Greek War of Independence fighting the Ottoman Empire in 1824. To raise money for the revolution, he sold his estate Roch Manor in England.Lord Byron took active part in the fighting himself even if he had no military experience – only personal courage. He fell ill and died in Missolonghi on April 19, 1824. The famous Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen resculpted his earlier bust of Byron in Greek marble. 

CONCLUSION

Information about military conflicts and wars is limited during the conflicts. The mission and actions of celebrities  like those of Errol Flynn and Lord Byron in international conflics must not be underestimated. Private reasons for taking part in the conflicts are not easy to see. But they all put their lives at risk by paying a visit to the sites of conflicts. Thank you, Errol Flynn and Lord Byron. We miss you all. I hope some  can show the same courage you both showed?

Thanks, Tedd!

— David DeWitt