The Errol Flynn Blog

Dear Flynnstones,

in the vast universe of cinematic what-ifs and whatnots this picture of our man Flynn stands out.

You see him conversing with Austro-Hungarian hotshot producer Sam Spiegel, also known as S.P. Eagle around Hollywood, with Pat Wymore looking on.

Spiegel‘s work of course included “African Queen“, “On the Waterfront“ and “Bridge on the River Kwai“.

These films were made while Errol was still around and all of them were critically acclaimed.

Each of em either founded, cemented or resurrected the careers of the respective lead actors.

It’s such a pity the two players didn‘t get together for a “spiel“.

The most Flynn-like role Sam S. ever produced went to Peter O’Toole, when “Lawrence of Arabia“ saw the light of the desert day in 1962.

It almost got the alternate title of „Charge of the Camel Brigade“.

Nah,

— shangheinz

Dear Flynnstones,

Errol visited the town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen in April of 1953 tongueincheekishly claiming to be looking for a yodeling teacher for his next movie „William Tell“. He was accompanied by his new wing man, the former RAF pilot Barry Mahon and Nato De Angelis, a small part time Italian film producer.

At night they all went to the open air nightclub, the legendary Casa Carioca. Built by the AFRC (American Forces Recreation Center), it opened in March of 1946 and boasted a Mauritanean architecture centered around a year round open ice rink, where nightly revues with up to 40 performers on skates took place.

Once the skaters were done with their show, a tractor pulled in a wooden dancefloor putting it on top of the ice.

Lobster tails, steaks and hamburgers were on the menu, initially for Americans only. But not because the American army held a grudge against Germans, but because German customs shut out their locals from this tax free heaven. The staff from local stock rapidly found their way around to good food and drinks nonetheless. The waiters were instructed to pour the left over cocktails in a bucket attached to a long tube which collected the high octane alcoholics on the other side. The Long Island Iced Tea may have originated right there and then.

Unfortunately the venue burned down to the ground for reasons unknown on November 5 of 1970 and was restructured into a bowling alley and a movie theatre complex.

Enjoy,

— shangheinz

Dear Flynnstones,

when two barflies with bowties met in Brazil, they surely had a swell time.

therake.com…

Enjoy,

— shangheinz