Hollywood Citizen News – Elizabeth Yeaman – April 15, 1937
The Hollywood Reporter today carries a remarkable story titled
“Barcelona Greets Errol Flynn.” The story carries a Barcelona date line,
but there is no indication of the actual source of the interview. I quote
it in part: “When Errol Flynn arrived in Barcelona he was greeted by the
commissioner of public spectacles, J. Carner Ribalta, who introduced him
to the commissioner of propaganda of the Catalonian government and all
facilities were accorded him. In an interview with the press, Flynn said
his visit to Spain was prompted by a desire to ascertain the truth regarding
conditions there.
“Asked by the press boys what was the general impression in the United States
about the war, he replied, ‘That’s it. The confusing news and the fact that
all the American press is in the hands of powerful ‘trusts’ made me decide to
take this trip to see with my own eyes what is really happening and write a series
of articles for publication.’
“Is is true that money has been collected in Hollywood to help the Spanish government?”
asked the reporters. “Yes,’ said the actor. “Fredric Marsh, James Cagney, and I were the
initiators, and $1,500,000 has been raised so far.’
Flynn was accompanied by his old friend, Dr. Herman F. Erben, a well known member of
the American Communist Party.”
— Tim
