Errol Flynn: A Memoir

Excellent account of Earl Conrad's time spent with Errol Flynn gathering material for Flynn's biography. Gives an epic account of Flynn's latter years in Jamaica.....

Having read "My Wicked, Wicked Ways" several years ago this book adds another dimension to our understanding of Errol Flynn. It tells the story behind the creation of Flynn's controversial biography which caused quite a stir when it first hit the shelves all those years ago. Earl Conrad was a writer of exceptional ability who was able to create some wonderfully descriptive images of Flynn's crumbling glory as he moved into his final days. This is neither a sensationalist expo-zay nor a flowery tribute. Rather, it is an extremely eloquent, articulate and thought provoking epitaph to the life a Tasmanian schoolboy who went on to become one of the most significant and highly publicized personalities of the 20th century. As a literary work it is a text book perfect example of non fiction writing.

'Errol Flynn: A Memoir' by gifted writer Earl Conrad is the finest book ever written on the life of movie great Errol Flynn. Conrad was originally hired by Flynn in 1958 to ghost-write his autobiography 'My Wicked,Wicked,Ways'. That book was published within weeks of Flynn's death in 1959, and became a runaway national bestseller. This volume is about the year and a half Earl Conrad spent with Flynn at his Jamaican hotel, writing the first book, and is a genuine page-turner with Conrad giving first-hand accounts of his adventures with Errol Flynn. The reader will find himself pulled into the story, and probably wind up finishing the book in a single sitting! Conrad shows us that Errol Flynn was more than a swashbuckling movie star, world famous philanderer, mean practical joker, as well as self-indulgent drunk and sometimes drug addict. Yes, he was all of this, but he was also much more, including a naturally talented writer, self-taught marine biologist, voracious reader, seasoned sailor, and in time a superb dramatic actor. Readers, climb aboard this ship as it sails into high adventure!

If you have any interest at all in the life and times of Errol Flynn then you will enjoy Earl Conrad's book. He depicts Flynn in his near last days living at Flynn's Jamacia hideaway and writing what will become "Wicked, Wicked Ways..". The relationship with Adland, the Flynn sense of humor and the decline of Flynn are all directly portrayed, accurately, yet with kindness. A must read for Flynn fans.