Inspired by the keen observations of timerider – and with his kindly “Carry on, Old Boy” blessing – I hereby start a post for all to post your all time favorite images of Errol at his sartorial best, most fun, interesting, unique, and/or ahead of his time. I expect all of us will have multiple, even numerous favorites.
As timerider would say, “Carry On”! … In that spirit and fashion, I post my first:
— Tim
In the 75th Anniverary Year of Desperate Journey and it’s World Premier in Libertyville, Illinois
Americans of all walks of life were banded together to support the war effort, and Hollywood celebrities were no exception. This was the reason that on September 3, 1942, famed actor James Cagney, known for his energetic performances, and deadpan comic timing, visited Libertyville as part of an effort to sell war bonds. Drawing a crowd of some 4,000 at Cook Park (according to the 194o census the population of Libertyville was 3,930) Cagney gave a speech about the virtues of supporting the war effort by buying war bonds. It must have been a very inspiring speech since by the time he left the steps of the Cook Memorial Library, which was at the time located in Cook House, the town had pledged nearly $111,000.
As a reward for the town’s patriotism, Liberty was chosen to be the location of the world premiere of “Desperate Journey”, a film about a group of downed Allied airmen making their way out of Nazi Germany staring Errol Flynn and (Future President) Ronald Reagan. As part of the ceremonies, then Illinois Governor Dwight H. Green drove a horse-drawn carriage, loaned to him by publishing magnate John F. Cuneo, up Milwaukee Avenue.
— Tim
The “Funniest Joke Ever” comes from the radio program “Duffy’s Tavern”, as heard on February 16, 1951:
www.quality-schnallity.com…
(Please note that the March 9 show date on this site is incorrect)
The set-up:
(Archie, a common man who runs Duffy’s Tavern for the never-heard Duffy, has startled all present by announcing that he is writing an opera).
Miss Duffy:
Archie, whaddya call this opera?
Archie:
I’m glad you reminded me. I ain’t got a title yet. Lemme see… I need something that’s classy, and at the same time has broad appeal…
Miss Duffy:
Why don’t you call it Errol Flynn?
Archie:
Please, Miss Duffy. With me this is serious business.
Miss Duffy:
With me you think it’s a joke?
Archie:
Quiet, please. I’m trying to create.
— Tim
Three mates Tom, Dick and Harry all turn up at the pearly gates.
St Peter says “Tom, you were a fine man! Faithful at work and in marriage; why you never even looked sideways at another woman. So here are the keys to your heavenly Rolls-Royce.”
Tom hoons off happy. Next St Peter says to Dick “Now Dick, you were mostly good, but you did have a wandering eye unfortunately, so here are the keys to your BMW.
Finally St Peter comes to Harry “Harry, I’m sorry, but your life made Errol Flynn look like a choirboy! Here are the keys to your Ford.”
So Dick and Harry are hooning along the highways of heaven when they see Tom’s Rolls-Royce pulled over and Tom sitting in the gutter bawling his eyes out. Dick and Harry say to Tom “Thomo! What’s wrong mate?”
“I just drove past my wife on the highway.” says Tom.
Dick and Harry explain “Don’t be upset Thomo, that’s great news mate!” Tom looks up teary and says “She was riding a scooter.”
— Tim
“One look at Flynn and you know he’s a star, and you know he’s the perfect choice for a daring rogue character. His charisma is what sustains the film, you immediately understand why Blood can manage to lead an exceptionally loyal crew and can somehow manage to get power in Port Royal even as he’s a slave. Flynn is a magnetic actor, and even when the plot falls into handy coincidences – which it does often, including having the Spanish fleet salvage a foiled plan – one feels as though the universe itself is charmed by Flynn.”
— Tim
It’s doubtful Errol attended this Christian Brothers “College”, but, if he did, it would not have been for long!
“St Patrick’s College was built towards the end of the First World War and dedicated in 1918. It opened for boys in 1919. The architect for the building was Mr A Harold Masters and the builders were Hinman, Wright and Manser. The style is typical of the Federation era and is known as ‘blood and bandages’ (note the bands of bricks and ‘plastered’ bands flowing from the windows). The cost was a little over £10,000 pounds.
The Christian Brothers taught boys from Grade 3 through to Leaving and Matriculation class. (Now Grade 12).”
— Tim
