Seduction and Rebellion: Living on the Edge Errol Flynn Style
Heather has a Bachelor's Degree in English from Moravian College and has been freelance writing for more than 13 years.
Came into Hollywood around the time of the adventure film boom
Fit right in with his looks, charm and ability to carry off the action
Managed to find quick success after Captain Blood that led to more films
Sadly, ended up being typecast in his role choices either by accident
Or potential influence from the films studios looking at him as a commodity
Not as a talent looking to move through the studio ranks
Of course, he was able to carry his roles with some level of campiness
He took his roles seriously, but with enough humor to laugh at the situations
Ended up always played the swashbuckling charmer onscreen
Who could talk his way out of any dangerous situation
Just as quickly as he managed to enter them
Paired with his favorite leading lady Olivia de Havilland in 12 films
A perfect sparring partner that presented a clear screen chemistry
Unfortunately, it was only on the screen and not in real life
Not sure if Flynn could ever have been tamed enough by love
Was married three times in the course of his life
Partied and romanced his way around the world over
Burned the candle at both ends several times over
Never took care of his health and lived like there was no tomorrow
Died at the age of 50 in 1959 due to various health problems
That involved from mostly his hard charging lifestyle and his vices
He loved to drink and play the field with various attractive women
It was the latter that often caused some controversy
A statutory rape trial in the early 1940s involved two charges
Of Flynn's rumored preference for younger girls
He was acquitted but his romantic image was forever tainted
Flynn's career continued on but his age and scandalous life
Led to some trouble in maintaining consistent film work
Money troubles and a mid-1950s comeback showed that
He still had some staying power as long as he played to his strengths
By playing the dashing charmer who loved to play
Have adventures, but couldn't be considered for anything too serious
A shame that some actors never have the opportunity to take risks
Play a different type of role to branch out
Came up in Hollywood at the wrong time though
Nothing wrong with being good in a certain genre
Not every actor can play the same roles
Regardless, Flynn played the swashbuckling troublemaker well
The Adventures of Robin Hood showcased his finest abilities
And his chemistry with de Havilland as they fought through their love
Remember Flynn at his most charming and not his most controversial
He might have played it very dangerously, but at least he tried
That's all anyone could ask for.