Searching for more info on Errol (it never ends, does it my fellow Flynn fans?) I happened upon this article on the genesis of the film “The Last of Robin Hood”. I haven’t seen it yet but I appreciate the approach of its filmmakers.
— zacal
Insight on “The Last of Robin Hood”
13
Aug
Gentleman Tim
August 13, 2014 at 11:48 am
Superb article, zacal. Thank you!
Bette in Big Love!? As they say: OMG!!!
BTW, zacal, do you know the source, history or symbolism of that particular yellow, red & gray chevron?!
zacal
August 13, 2014 at 2:03 pm
Is this another quiz designed to vex me?
zacal
August 13, 2014 at 2:10 pm
Okay, I found this definition which sounds plausible:
“A chevron can be a V-shape pointed downward or it can be inverted and point skyward. Pointed down it is a symbol for the Divine Feminine, the Great Goddess, the Magna Mater, for the vagina, and for the pubis in general; pointed up it is a phallic symbol, a symbol for the Divine Masculine—Osiris, Zeus, and so on.”
Inga
August 13, 2014 at 5:28 pm
Robert told me that the design in the poster doesn’t present a chevron. It’s downward arrow feathers. An allusion, downward, as in “Last of”…
Gentleman Tim
August 16, 2014 at 12:56 pm
Well, zacal, that was a bit more info than I expected! Still wondering if the yellow, gray and red coloring has any significance. Though I can see red having some possibly symbolic combination to Florence Aadland, I doubt any connection of gray to young Beverly, nor yellow to Flynn. I haven’t seen any other similarly-colored chevronic or other emblematic symbols or iconography. And that colir combination certainly aren’t ones that leap out as being visually representative of Robin Hood in any way.
So, zacal, any clue why yellow, gray and red?
David DeWitt
August 13, 2014 at 7:56 pm
A note from Robert Florczak tells me the design isn’t a Chevron, it’s downward pointing feathers on an arrow to symbolize the Last of Robin Hood …
Thanks, Robert!
Maria
August 13, 2014 at 12:57 pm
I am feeling a bit reflective today with the passing of Robin Williams and now Lauren Bacall. Lauren lived a good and long life so perhaps her passing is more in the natural order of things- still tough for family however. Robin gave so much laughter to everyone else – and (as it has come to light) so many acts of kindness to others , loved by family, friends and the public but inside was so sad.
I still want to see this movie – Kevin Kline certainly conveys the sadness in Errol’s eyes that appeared as time went on if that poster is any indication – but I will have to be in the right frame of mind. If Beverly made him happy good for them. It must have been horrific for her as I understand that she was left without any means to come home after Errol passed away and life became pretty tough – I give her credit for surviving!
Gentleman Tim
August 16, 2014 at 1:18 pm
Thank you, Maria, for your wonderful, heartfelt observations & thoughts respecting Robin & Lauren. There’s likely some humorous “Last of Robin” comment that R.W. would appreciate and find apropos here!
With concern to the Last of Robin poster photo of Kevin Flynn, I think they could have and should have come up with something much better. I don’t like the expression. But perhaps it accurately reflects the characterization of Errol in the film? I haven’t seen the film, so I don’t know for sure what they were thinking or intending. Perhaps it’s perfect for the film. (I hope not, though, as it looks rather dejecting to me.) Beverly & Flo look better.
[img]http://www.lv12.com.ar/UImages/44545/nota/2/kevin.jpg[/img]
Tina
August 18, 2014 at 7:56 pm
Hi Maria;
The passing of Robin Williams is extremely sad in particular the news that he suffered from depressions and other mental dilemmas. I saw a documentary last week commemorating Robin and the great actor in particular comedian he was. It was a very eye opening report and so very sad how his life ended. There was not one movie or performance one would not enjoy to the fullest. His great talent brought absolute pleasure to millions and he most certainly will be missed tremendously!
About Errol’s picture expressing sadness I think is very appropriate, as he was not unaware that his golden bowl was broken and having the feeling that the end was on the horizon. One has to look beyond his so often camouflaged portrayal of which he was an expert, although happy with Beverly and putting on the joyful actors face for the world to see the undercurrent of his dilemma was gnawing away on his emotions, which he always kept hidden, hence the expression of sadness, the hurt soul became apparent. So very perfectly played by Kevin.
Just my humble thoughts!
Maria
August 18, 2014 at 12:44 pm
I was not sure where to place this little gem of a story. Taken from an interview with Patrick Leigh Fermor who wrote the script for “The Roots of Heaven”:
“As for Errol Flynn, I never tired of sitting up late with him in his quarters and listening to comic and hair-raising memoirs of his early days in Hollywood—especially tales of the Barrymore brothers—and his escapades aboard the yacht he shared with David Niven. One night, someone at dinner talked about female movie stars: which were the prettiest and which had the most adventurous private lives. He named three. Later, when we were alone, I asked Errol if he agreed. ‘Yes,’ he said. ‘I think that’s about right.’ Then, after a pause, he ruefully added, ‘They’ve all got my scalp, I’m afraid.’ Another day, scattered around a pool in swimming things, we’d all been talking about riddles, and asking them too. ‘I’ve got one,’ Errol said. He stood up stiffly to his full height, arms rigid at his sides, and asked, ‘What am I?’ Then, without moving an inch from the spot, he shifted round with his eyes and mouth tight shut. When he was facing his audience again, he reopened his eyes and mouth as far as he could for a few seconds, then clamped them both shut and resumed his rotations, interrupted by the same glare and gape each time he came round. Nobody could guess. What was he? Finally he said, ‘A lighthouse,’ and went on gyrating. It’s hard to convey how hilarious we found it”.
Tina
August 18, 2014 at 6:15 pm
Hi Maria;
This story is absolutely divine! Thank you so much for sharing it!
Where did you find it? A real treasure!
Your comments always have depth and are a great contribution to the blog.
Take care!
Gentleman Tim
August 18, 2014 at 8:44 pm
Thank you for posting that great story, Maria! If you can’t recall or find a link for the source, please let me know, as I read it in an account about/by Patrick Leigh Fermor a while back. In fact, I even posted a mini-quiz of sorts about the lighthouse imitation on a Roots of Heaven thread in May, though it went unanswered. Maybe people found the accompanying photo inappropriate!?!
Maria
August 19, 2014 at 1:06 pm
Hi Tim- sometimes I just google the people involved in a movie – music, writers etc and I think that is how this came up. There is actually a lot of information on Mr. Fermor as he has quite a military history.The paragraph that I pasted was from “The Paris review”. His life story might have made a great movie too.
There is no way I would have guessed “lighthouse” either! I try to picture Errol going through the motions. I like to think the story is true.
I had also read a story about Errol driving a cab with an unknowing fare in the back -of course Errol had no idea where he was going – but I can’t remember where I saw it- Does anyone have any information on that ? I keep thinking War Bond drives?
I don’t think your photo was inappropriate as that is how the indigenous peoples would have appeared. You can tell Errol enjoyed himself for sure!
Gentleman Tim
August 19, 2014 at 4:37 pm
I believe the cab ride you mention, Maria, may have been when Errol was in New Orleans. I was at the hotel he was staying back in January and was researching some of his history there. As I recall, not long after the rape trial, Errol dd indeed help out with a War Bond Drive in New Orleans. Buster Wiles may have been with him. When he walked the Quarter, crowds gathered and cheered him. Evidently,as we can all imagine, the ladies at the Houses of Great Repute absolutely loved him, too!
Here, at the Hotel (Teddy) Roosevelt (aka “The Grunewald) is where Errol stayed, I believe. He is believed to have had a drink or two at the very famous Zaserac Bar & Fountain Room.
[img]http://www.hotelchatter.com/files/6929/rooseveltnolaold.jpg[/img]
The Sazerac Bar
[img]http://www.designersraum.com/images/Unique-Hospitality-Hotel-Interior-Design-of-The-Roosevelt-New-Orleans-Hotel-Los-Angeles-Sazerac-Bar.jpg[/img]
Maria
August 19, 2014 at 5:45 pm
Wouldn’t you like to have a séance in some of these places? If walls could talk….
Maria
August 19, 2014 at 5:44 pm
Many thanks Tina! I am so glad that I finally joined the blog – it is lots of fun. The conversations give my little grey cells a work-out for sure! I find myself asking “I wonder if Errol….” and off I go.
There are so many people out there that have an interest in Errol’s life and career -some comments are not so kind but some are very kind and the kind ones are the ones I care about.
Thanks for your support Tina,
Maria