— David DeWitt
Archive for the ‘Mail Bag’ Category
Mail Bag! Zaca Models and a bit of History
14
Jun
Robert de Cantelar writes to us:
To whom it may concern…..
The first time I saw her was during summer 1964, in Villefranche, so alone…..already careless !
I’m and I was the first expert and master who has studied and carry out the file for the first restoration of ZACA for a well known French financier, aborted the day of signing the final contract because of an indiscretion of Camper & Nicholson in Cannes.
It was in 1988.
The manager of Villefranche Shipyard was Mr. Lagarrigue and we had a great team together, in vain ….
Part of the funding for the study was provided by a series of 92 half-hull of ZACA carved in the wood of the main boom of the boat we had cut up in the presence of a bailiff.
I carved them. The Nr 0 is home. (Pict)
I also made a model, flush deck, complete with masts to show to our customers the beauty of the restored boat lines. (Some pict)
Masts, booms, pole are made with original ZACA main boom wood, the stand too. Oregon pine.
I still have some plank of this wood that I use with the respect due to a relic ….
I carved too, a half-hull 103 Cm long in Teak, Azobe, Wengé, Bronze and Cuba Mahogany. (Pict)
Because of lack of space I sell my two collections of models and half-hull, so, it is normal that I propose to you in priority those of ZACA.
All these pieces have a story linked to this exceptional boat, even their material, many pictures as she was when near to sink, almost abandoned.
Some more things at home.
Are following some pictures and my address.
Best regards,
R de Cantelar.
Capitaine Marine Marchande.
Ingénieur mécanicien MTU – MAN – Cat.
Expert en moteurs Diesel marins – Survey.
Agent exclusif “Rémora 2000” COMEX
1003 Rte de St Jacques – 06810
Auribeau sur Siagne.
+33 (0)4 93 609 189 et +33 (0)6 03 783 713
— David DeWitt
Mail Bag! Errol Reichow for Gentleman Tim!
07
Jun
Something I have been wanting to post for one of your most devoted bloggers, Gentleman Tim. I am sure it will take a millisecond to identify the role and the picture but what fun that it is an autographed picture from one actor to another but more likely a friend to a friend.
There are two autographed pictures from Flynn to my father and they now bookend my bar on the top shelf as they once adorned the walls of my father’s house. You don’t need a spirit to watch over in so much as you need the spirit within to live with passion, with poise, and with an appetite that this may be the only chance you get so why not make the most of it, sound vaguely familiar? So, whatever lights that flame keep it burning bright as long as you can but if you ever feel the clouds are moving in look back as a reminder to those who have weathered the storms before you, set your compass, and chose a path that you believe in.
Unfortunately, it is not always wine. women, and song but what a wonderful world it would be if it was. Keep your eyes clear and ready for a fight but better a lover not a fighter yet if you do it right you can do both, and maybe even at the same time.
All the best me boy, ( I know I took that from someone else but come on it’s worth taking)
Errol Reichow
Thanks, Errol!
— David DeWitt
Mail Bag! Early Australian Film History: Marelle Flynn!
25
May
Dear David DeWitt
I am working on some early Australian film history and wondered if you or your blog associates might have some information particularly concerning Lily Mary (Marelle) Flynn.
According to another source she was an extra in a 1925 silent film, filmed at the Savage River in Tasmania and in Melbourne, entitled “Jewelled Nights” produced by Louise Lovely and based on a novel by Tasmanian writer Marie Bjelke Petersen. I have only found one mention of Marelle Flynn as an extra and would really like to know if there is more substantive evidence and whether she was filmed in the Tasmanian setting or in the Melbourne society setting.
Given that it was 1925, Errol Flynn would still have been in school at the Hobart High School. Further given that his father, Professor Theo Flynn was a great hiker, also wonder whether he and Errol might have ventured to Waratah, Savage River in NW Tasmania for the filming.
I’ve ordered up the books on Flynn to see if there is any mention, however, thought that you and your associates might have information.
Kind regards
Anne Sanders
Braidwood NSW Australia
Jewelled Nights starring Louise Lovely
— David DeWitt
Mail Bag Mystery!
23
May
David, my question – my mother’s first husband (early/mid 30ies) was Ralph Granrud. According to her, this man was the captain of one of Flynn’s boats. He apparently was lost at sea while moving the boat from (I assume) Australia to someplace north. Since he was from Tacoma, I have often wondered if this was true. I did read My Wicked, Wicked Ways and saw no reference. Wondered if maybe you have come across something like this. And I have no idea why I’m curious except I’m a writer. Thanks again, Randall …
Thanks, Randall! We might find out something for you!
Author Randall Beth Platt
— David DeWitt
Mail Bag! Errol Reichow: Don’t Hesitate to Live Fully!
01
May
The Mailbag brings us a great photo and story from Errol Reichow:
Greetings Mr. DeWitt,
Another contribution to your blog as I sift through the memories of my father. Flynn once quoted “We fritter our lives away in endless details but I plan to live it” and he did. My dad once said to me that Flynn had just come back from visiting a doctor, he had various ailments later in life, and the doctor said if you quit drinking you could have a few more years to which Errol said “I take the drinking and another good 6 months”. My father also mentioned that Flynn kind of burned out on live and said to him “I’ve seen everything twice so what does it matter”. We all have our highs and lows so with it goes our attitudes but better to test the ends of the spectrum then ride the middle of the fence because for many that just doesn’t get it done.
One last note, this past Friday I visited an old family friend (Gloria Zomar) and as we talked she had an interesting story. She meet Flynn, through my father, down at the Garden of Allah and Errol just had a chiropractor work on his back as my mom, dad, and Gloria waited in the other room and they could hear the groans as Errol got adjusted. Then Errol came out in a terry cloth rope and engaged in conversation and proceeded to ask Gloria out for a date. Gloria accepted and was very nervous and she let Flynn drive her old Pink Cadillac to some spread in the Valley for a party where Errol spent most of the time talking to a producer about an upcoming film. Gloria was so nervous she didn’t say two words the whole evening and when they went home Flynn invited her in for a tottie and she said no, guess he had a reputation. My dad ask Errol the next day how it went and Errol said she doesn’t like me as she didn’t talk all evening. The fact is she was so nervous she didn’t know what to do or how to act. So, I gather the moral of the story is speak up and live a little because if you don’t do it now there may never be a next time.
This picture is from the old Frascati restaurant that was on the Northwest corner of Crescent Heights and Sunset Bl, across the street from the Garden of Allah. In it is Errol ( back of head), Mickey Rooney, Nora Eddington, Beverly Aadland, and Otto Reichow (my father) – I do not know the folks in the upper right hand corner.
Hope the shot is worthy of a post on your site and if so send me the link or save it for another day but then again better to live for today then wait for tomorrow.
Thanks’ Errol!
— David DeWitt
Mail Bag! Errol Flynn Stamps & Envelopes!
17
Mar
Gene Ingram, our member, wrote the following comment on the blog:
“Quite awhile back I had some dealings with an old gentleman that dealt in stamps and Errol had sent him a great number of 4 X 5 envelopes with his name printed on the back flap, in pencil on the front were several countries in Europe and South America inside were stamps from the 1940’s, the gentleman would then send them to Errol when he had collected a great number. I still have 27 of the envelopes and there are close to 100 stamps in them. The envelopes are the real deal, I don’t think anyone would go to the trouble of having them printed up , them collecting a bunch of WW II era stamps and filling them, and selling them for what I paid for them! I would add a picture but at 73, I am not that good at posting more than the printed word.”
I asked if he could get the photos to us, I’d love to see them, and he kindly sent me the following photos!
Thanks so much, Gene!
— David DeWitt
Mail Bag! Ultimate Movie Rankings Errol Flynn Page!
14
Mar
From the Mail Bag!
Hey David….as we continue to get better information from the golden age of movies … we have been updating lots of stuff on our Errol Flynn page. Over the years we have even changed our equations in calculating our movie scores … these changes have greatly improved many of Flynn’s movies. You might find it interesting to see our new Flynn page. Bruce Cogerson
www….
Bruce, thanks so much! Magnificent work!
— David DeWitt
Mail Bag! Three Dons of Industry!
04
Mar
Today’s Mailbag brings this from Travis MacMillan:
Hi:
Recently saw Suzanne Issa’ post on Facebook referring to her mother with Mr. Flynn in Jamaica from your blog.
Made me remember a photo I have of my late Grandfather – Dudley G MacMillan and Suzanne’s father Abe Issa with Errol Flynn.
Thought you’d like the extra photo for your blog.
Travis M.
Caption: Three dons of their respectful industry in the 40’s. The Dean of Advertising, Dudley G. MacMillan with his first blue-chip client, Mr. Abe Issa, the father of Jamaican Tourism. To this day, over 80 years later, we’re proud to still be the local Agency of Record for the House of Issa. But wait…. who’s that in the background, the most popular swashbuckler of them all, Errol Flynn who surely dominated the Box Office in his time but was also a key player in developing Port Antonio into its golden era of Tourism, including the still popular rafting down the Rio Grande River.
Thanks, Travis!
— David DeWitt
