My Wicked, Wicked Ways summary

Early Years and Adventures

In My Wicked, Wicked Ways Errol Flynn takes us on a journey from his early years in Tasmania, Australia, to his rise to fame as a Hollywood heartthrob. He describes his rebellious nature, his love for adventure and his early experiences working on a ship which took him to places like New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. These experiences, he claims, laid the foundation for his future career as an actor and his reputation as a ladies' man.

Flynn's account of his early acting career is filled with anecdotes of his escapades on and off the sets. He talks about his first major role in the film Captain Blood and his subsequent collaborations with Olivia de Havilland. He also shares stories about his friendships with other Hollywood legends such as David Niven and John Barrymore, and his disdain for the studio system and its executives.

Personal Life and Controversies

Next, Flynn delves into his personal life, which was as tumultuous as his professional one. He talks openly about his marriages, particularly his stormy relationship with Lili Damita, and his numerous affairs. Flynn does not shy away from addressing the controversies that plagued him, including his alleged Nazi sympathies, his involvement in a statutory rape trial, and his reputation as a heavy drinker and womanizer.

He also provides a candid account of his financial troubles, which led him to take on roles in films he despised and his increasing reliance on alcohol and drugs to cope with his personal and professional challenges.

Adventures in War and Travel

Midway through My Wicked, Wicked Ways, Flynn shifts his focus to his experiences during World War II. He describes his efforts to aid the Allied war effort by making a documentary about the war, his time as a correspondent for a major magazine, and his daring adventures in war-torn Europe and the Pacific. Despite his often controversial actions and statements, he claims to have been motivated by a genuine desire to contribute to the war effort.

In the latter part of the book, Flynn takes us on a whirlwind tour of his travels around the world. He recounts his visits to various exotic locations, his fascination with different cultures, and his love for sailing and yachting. Throughout these adventures, Flynn's larger-than-life personality and his insatiable thirst for life are evident.

Reflections and Regrets

As My Wicked, Wicked Ways draws to a close, Flynn reflects on the choices he made and the consequences of his actions. He acknowledges his flaws and mistakes but remains unapologetic about his unconventional lifestyle. Despite his larger-than-life persona, he reveals a vulnerable side, expressing regret for the relationships he ruined and the opportunities he wasted due to his self-destructive behavior.

In conclusion, My Wicked, Wicked Ways provides a fascinating glimpse into the life of a Hollywood icon. Flynn's autobiography is a rollercoaster ride of adventure, fame, controversy, and personal struggles. It offers an unfiltered and sometimes shocking perspective on a man who lived life by his own rules, consequences be damned.