‘The Life and Loves of Errol Flynn’ – Colin Penny

Members were treated to a wonderfully witty talk this month, illustrated with lovely old film posters and stills from the long list of films of Errol Flynn.

By today’s standards, as Colin pointed out early in his talk, he would be considered far too problematic and inappropriate in his personal behaviour to achieve the fame and adulation that came his way. He drank copiously and continuously, bedded any and many women, became bankrupt and eventually succumbed to various diseases at the age of fifty.

Yet throughout the 1930s and 40s and post war years, he was one of the top stars of the Hollywood film world, never losing his desire to be more than the swashbuckling hero his studio, Warner Brothers, saw as his greatest asset in making them a vast profit.

Born in Tasmania in 1909 to an academic family, he showed many of the wild behaviour traits in youth that became his hallmark in adult life. Expelled from three schools, fired from early jobs, he led an adventurous life for a few years sailing around the South Seas before landing in Hollywood to begin a film life that nowadays seems relentless in its schedule.

Warner Bros, ever mindful of the profits, had him in a long list of films varying, Colin pointed out, in quality and staying power. Best known are some that co-starred his lifelong friend Olivia de Havilland, with others, such as ‘Elizabeth and Essex,’ the mutually detested Bette Davis.

His life, one of great adventure personally and professionally, was made fascinating for us, and hopefully members can soon welcome back Colin for another talk from what sounds a very interesting repertoire.