Lot Description

Errol Flynn
A series of letters from Errol Flynn to a close friend Dr. Hermann F. Erben, circa May, 1933 - 11th December, 1947, comprising ten autograph letters and a postcard, signed; four typescript letters, signed, and a selection of telegrams, the correspondence variously addressed (Dear Doc, My Dear old pal, Herman dear boy and Dear old chap), from various addresses in Seaford, Northampton and London, Madras, The Yacht Sirocco, Hollywood and Burbank

The letters providing a fascinating insight into Flynn's often crude sense of humour, his views on relationships, his acting career, his intolerance for provincial attitudes, his racial prejudices, passion for travelling and his thoughts on fatherhood;
- in one candid letter written from Seaford on 22nd August 1933, Flynn true to his later reputation, recounts that the best sex in the world is at the English seaside : ....It's absolutely phenomenal! My poor old penis is hanging by a mere thread!... He also shows a realistic attitude towards his burgeoning career ...I have done a couple of small parts in pictures...but it will be some time...before a decent chance comes my way.. and reveals misanthropic tendencies: ....All the men I've met so far are either quaers (sic) or such damned hypocrites that I couldn't be bothered talking to them. The women I do not care to talk to but am prepared to poke... 4pp. and corresponding envelope;
- in another written on 6th January, 1934, whilst he was in Northampton Rep. Flynn discusses his career ambitions ...I've taken to the stage myself and have been playing for the last month - an experience which is proving invaluable for technique and will help later if I ever make the big time in films. I plan to go to Los Angeles in about a year from now..., [the film that made Flynn a Hollywood star Captain Blood, was released by Warner Bros. in 1935], 4pp. and corresponding envelope;
- a further letter written from the Portland Residential Hotel in London [n.d. but circa 1933-1934] reveals Flynn's frank anti-semitic views at this time prompted by problems he was experiencing with an insurance claim; he describes the insurance company's accessor as a slimy Jew...[who's] trying to cheat me... and then adds ...I do wish we could bring Hitler over here to teach these Isaacs a thing or two. The bastards have absolutely no business probity or honour... 4pp.
- Flynn devotes several letters to his friend with accounts of his frustrated attempts to help Erben to acquire American citizenship, his frequent offers of help and money reveal his generosity and the value he places on their friendship
- in his latest letter to Herman Erben, 11th December, 1947, he states: ...a friend is to me one of the rare treasures we can find in this world; and if I can lay claim to any kind of virtue I like to think it is a talent for lifelong loyalty to those very few humans I care for in the world...; and goes on to give a humourous insight into his views on fatherhood: ...I now have so many children my house is like a f***ing zoo... adding ...Surprisingly I find I like children very much - the only trouble with them, of course, is that they grow up to become people. People I do not like at all... 4pp. with corresponding envelope.;
- and a hinged leather card case embellished on the front with gilt metal letters To H.F.Erben M.A. from Errol Flynn with a piece of an envelope inside inscribed in pencil Errol's Hair and containing a lock of hair; various black and white photographs and postcards, majority of Dr. Erben with friends and family, one of Flynn and others in a studio canteen in Florida, inscribed by Flynn on verso -- 3 3/8x6¼in. (8¼x15.9cm.); and several Western Union cables from Flynn, one dated 19th August, 1936 telling Erben ...Just About To Sign New Deal With Warner Brothers...Trip Postponed Indefinitely...; and related material (a lot)

Special Notice

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Literature

FERGERL, Josef Errol Flynn - Dr Hermann F.Erben A Friendship Of Two Adventurers 1933-1940.

Lot Notes

Errol Flynn met Dr. Hermann F. Erben, a specialist in tropical medicine, on 14th April, 1933 in Salamaua, New Guinea when they both travelled on the SS Friderun. They sailed from there to Hong Kong and having become friends decided to travel to Europe together. A published documentary on the two men's friendship by Josef Fergerl A Friendship Of Two Adventurers 1933-1940, based on Erman's diaries, mentions Flynn's suseptibility to fever, and the earliest letter in this collection sent to Erben from Hotel Bosotto in Madras, suggests a practical note to their friendship. Flynn mentions Have a stiff dose of fever - come along...and bring some aspirins.... Both men clearly had the travel bug and similar interests and the correspondence shows that their friendship endured despite losing touch during the war years. These letters provide a fascinating insight into Flynn's character through his unguarded and jokingly affectionate correspondence with his friend.