Flynn and De Havilland’s chemistry created screen magic

DE HAVILLAND AND FLYNN. Contrasting traits.

As a young movie fan, any film topbilling Errol Flynn with Olivia de Havilland was a “must-see” for me. It’s hard to forget films like “Robin Hood” and “The Charge of the Light Brigade.” The pair must have appeared together in at least six films!

De Havilland and Flynn were polar opposites, but their chemistry and rapport created screen magic: Flynn was the personification of the swashbuckling hero – he was as quick on his feet as he was with his lips (as far as the ladies were concerned). He gave his co-stars such long and languid kisses that his romantic scenes always drew an “Uuuy” from moviegoers.

Local fans loved Flynn and his daring. He (or his stunt double) would swing through a castle’s voluminous curtains as he fought evil prison guards. Looking beautiful but decorative was De Havilland, clutching her jewelry box. Later on, when she became a dramatic star, he was paired up with Viveca Lindfors in movies like “Don Juan.”

Combination

The Errol-Olivia tandem titillated Filipino moviegoers. The Flynn myth resulted from a combination of Hollywood PR and the actor’s self-made biography. For instance, he claimed to have been chased by a group of wild natives in Manila! It was also bandied about that, in his effort to lead a colorful life, he may have become an unwitting Nazi spy!

Thus, the actor was a perfect foil for the lady-like persona of De Havilland, who was born to an English diplomat in Tokyo, and grew up in exotic areas around the world.

But, Olivia was not above scandal herself: Although she led a rather staid personal life, she and her protective mother, a former actress, maintained a long-running spat with her younger sister, Joan Fontaine, who managed to equal her sister’s Oscar collection. They are the only sisters to have garnered four Academy Awards for Best Actress (though the former received more nominations).

Ardent fans

While De Havilland is remembered for “Gone With the Wind” and “The Heiress,” Joan is known for her acclaimed portrayals in “Rebecca” and “Suspicion.” Both sisters were beautiful and had their respective cadres of ardent fans. But, Joan expanded her acting scope by portraying strong women (“The Constant Nymph”).

While the press enjoyed the actresses’ sibling rivalry, Olivia is best remembered for her wonderful rapport with Flynn, Tinseltown’s Tasmanian Devil. However, while De Havilland went on to be an accomplished dramatic actress, Errol continued to garner notoriety – by living with underage women! In David Niven’s biography, for example, he mentions his roommate introducing him to high school Lolitas – and drugs!

Flynn died not long after acting in “Too Much, Too Soon,” where he portrayed John Barrymore. Olivia and Joan are still alive.