— zacal
Author Archive
Our Man Flynn
07
Sep
In the 1960’s there was no one more exciting than James Bond, Agent 007. Inspired by his success at the box-office, other studios tried to come up with their own version of a playboy spy.(Matt Helm, anyone?) This spy would be different. This spy would be American. This spy would be “ours”. But what man could possibly be more exciting than James Bond? The answer is obvious: Errol Flynn. Naturally, the studio couldn’t name their spy “Errol Flynn”. So they simply, ingeniously, altered Errol’s name ever-so-slightly and christened their American super-spy “Derek Flint”. At one point, Flint even beats up a Sean Connery-look-alike playing “Agent 0008”. In other words, only Errol Flynn could beat up Agent 007.
The first film in the series was named “Our Man Flint” and its poster made it clear that “our man” was better than Bond. ” ‘Our Man Flint’ makes love in 47 languages! He’s a Karate Champion, Brain Surgeon, Swordsman and Nuclear Physicist… He’s the top Master Spy of all time, with his Cigarette Lighter containing 82 Death-Dealing Devices, his 2 Man-Eating Dogs, his 4 Luscious Playmates and his Love Nest-Built-For-5……”
If the name “Derek Flint” wasn’t clear enough, the sequel left no doubt. It was titled “In Like Flint”, a not-so-subtle reference to “In like Flynn”.
The film spawned only the one sequel but they are both highly entertaining, thanks immeasurably to the wonderfully tongue-in-cheek performance of leading man James Coburn. But their legend lives on because we all know that only one man is better than Bond.
— zacal
NFL(ynn)
05
Sep
Tonight is the opening game of the new NFL season. One of the most popular (and brutal) sports in the entire world. Each team tries to choose a name and logo that inspires thoughts of action and heroism. And two of them just might have been inspired by the renowned swashbuckler Errol Flynn.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ original logo seemed clearly to be patterned after Errol, complete with a twinkle in his eye.
And what could be a more exciting name than the one chosen by the current World Champions, the Seahawks?
The point is Errol Flynn continues to inspire images of excitement. When in doubt, go with the champion. Go Flynn!!!
— zacal
The Black Fox
31
Aug
In 1955, Errol Flynn made his final swashbuckler, “The Dark Avenger”. That same year, Danny Kaye made “The Court Jester”, a film that appeared to be a tribute/spoof of the swashbuckler films of Errol Flynn, complete with Basil Rathbone as the villain, Mildred Natwick (of “Against All Flags”) in a pseudo Una O’Connor-like role, as well as a Robin Hood-like character that seemed written specifically for Errol: The Black Fox. Was Errol offered the role? Probably. Instead, the heroic role was played by Edward Ashley, who received 12th billing. Of course, if Errol had played the role, his name would have been much, much higher in the credits. The film is still very entertaining.(and highly recommended for fans of Flynn) But if it had co-starred Errol Flynn, it would be much more famous.
— zacal
Errol Flynn in “British Agent”
16
Aug
“British Agent” was a 1934 film directed by Michael Curtiz and starring… Leslie Howard. Errol Flynn would not be a household name for another year. He would, however, play the British Agent — on radio. Flynn possessed a beautiful, distinctive speaking voice which contributed mightily to his success as an actor and made him a natural for the radio. In this episode of the prestigious Lux Radio Theater (hosted by legendary director Cecil B. DeMille – the above picture is actually from “Green Light”) Errol Flynn finally plays a secret agent. When he says, “My name is Locke. Steve Locke,” it’s the closest we’ll ever get to hearing him play, well, you-know-who.
(Note: This link is to a site selling CD’s of radio programs. Click on “Listen To A Sample Episode” to hear Errol Flynn in “British Agent”.)
www.otrcat.com…
— zacal
Errol Flynn on “The Big Surprise” game show
14
Aug
In 1957, Errol Flynn was facing increasing money troubles, thanks to the unfinished “William Tell” film, unpaid back alimony, etc. So he appeared on a game show called “The Big Surprise”, hosted by Mike Wallace.(later of 60 Minutes fame) Errol was able to choose his own area of expertise in which to compete and he chose (naturally) sailing. Apparently, only one episode of this show exists and this is it. (Thank you, television gods…) Errol had appeared the week before and had managed to win $20,000.00 up to this point, leading to his return.
We all know of the Quiz Show scandal of the 1950’s. But if Errol is acting during this tense segment, then it has to be ranked as his greatest performance.
(Note: I attempted to make the video begin with Errol’s entry. If it doesn’t, simply forward to the 7:40 mark)
<youtu.be/MK5v-KNeEY0?t=7m40s…
— zacal
Insight on “The Last of Robin Hood”
13
Aug
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
The Sea-Hawk by Rafael Sabatini
06
May
Errol Flynn’s “The Sea-Hawk” is a great film. But it isn’t really based on the novel by Rafael Sabatini. It only uses its famous title. I made this for fun, using actual dialogue from Sabatini’s book.
— zacal
The Enduring Mystery of Sean Flynn
01
Dec
A link to a fascinating article on photojournalist and actor Sean Flynn, well worth the read.
— zacal
The Adventures of Robin’s Hood
27
Nov
A look at artist renderings of Robin Hood’s hat through the years. 
— zacal
