This was a very complete look at Flynn's life and career featuring archival footage of interviews of people who had worked with Flynn, comments from one of his three children, his daughter Dierdre, as well as quite a bit of time spent with Flynn's wife at the time of his death. Particularly touching were Olivia De Haviland's insights into Flynn's personality and her relationship with him through eight films and a romance that never really was or could have been.
Also, finally clearly explained, is the entire issue of Errol Flynn and the draft during World War II. Flynn had a spot on his lungs and an enlarged heart as a result of a bout of malaria, and thus was legitimately 4F. Warner Brothers had understandably downplayed the fact that one of their biggest male stars was in fact a rather sick man, so this came as a bit of a surprise to the public, and quite a few unflattering things were said about Flynn at the time.
I just recently watched his 1958 film "Too Much Too Soon" in which he portrayed John Barrymore in his last days, and it was interesting to hear the narrators mention that perhaps Flynn did so well in this role not only because of his dedication to his past mentor, Mr. Barrymore, but also because he identified so well with where John Barrymore was at this stage of his life. Both men always seemed to be looking for something they could never find.
Also revealing was that Flynn always wanted to be appreciated as an actor and he felt somewhat disappointed that a large part of his fame came because of his personal appeal rather than an appreciation for his skills. If you're interested in Flynn I highly recommend this as a very well done look at the man's life and career. Produced by Turner Classic Movies, it has the same high standards I've come to expect from all of their documentaries.
Also, finally clearly explained, is the entire issue of Errol Flynn and the draft during World War II. Flynn had a spot on his lungs and an enlarged heart as a result of a bout of malaria, and thus was legitimately 4F. Warner Brothers had understandably downplayed the fact that one of their biggest male stars was in fact a rather sick man, so this came as a bit of a surprise to the public, and quite a few unflattering things were said about Flynn at the time.
I just recently watched his 1958 film "Too Much Too Soon" in which he portrayed John Barrymore in his last days, and it was interesting to hear the narrators mention that perhaps Flynn did so well in this role not only because of his dedication to his past mentor, Mr. Barrymore, but also because he identified so well with where John Barrymore was at this stage of his life. Both men always seemed to be looking for something they could never find.
Also revealing was that Flynn always wanted to be appreciated as an actor and he felt somewhat disappointed that a large part of his fame came because of his personal appeal rather than an appreciation for his skills. If you're interested in Flynn I highly recommend this as a very well done look at the man's life and career. Produced by Turner Classic Movies, it has the same high standards I've come to expect from all of their documentaries.