Errol Flynn: My Wicked, Wicked Ways

My Wicked, Wicked Ways is Errol Flynn's autobiography, published shortly before his death in 1959. The Hollywood star recounts his life story from his early days in Tasmania through his rise to fame as one of cinema's most famous leading men. Flynn details his adventures before reaching Hollywood, including his time as a tobacco plantation manager, slave trader, gold prospector, and sailor in New Guinea. The narrative continues through his entry into acting, his landmark role in Captain Blood, and his subsequent career as Warner Brothers' biggest star of the 1930s and 1940s. The book covers Flynn's numerous romantic entanglements, legal troubles, and struggles with alcohol and illness. His accounts of Hollywood's Golden Age include interactions with major stars and studio executives of the era. The autobiography presents a complex self-portrait of a man who lived life on his own terms, exploring themes of authenticity versus public image in celebrity culture. Flynn's frank admissions and unapologetic tone make this a unique entry in the canon of Hollywood memoirs.

Readers describe the autobiography as raw, honest, and unapologetic about Flynn's controversial life. Many note his engaging storytelling style and self-deprecating humor. Readers appreciated: - Detailed accounts of his pre-Hollywood adventures - Behind-the-scenes stories from Golden Age Hollywood - Flynn's candid admissions of his flaws and mistakes - The book's natural, conversational tone Common criticisms: - Questions about factual accuracy in some stories - Lack of remorse for his behavior - Abrupt ending that skips over later years - Some sections feel embellished or exaggerated Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (500+ ratings) "Like sitting in a bar listening to the most interesting man you've ever met," wrote one Amazon reviewer. Another noted: "Flynn was a better writer than actor." Several readers mentioned the book reads more like an adventure novel than a typical celebrity memoir.

Me: Stories of My Life by Katharine Hepburn This autobiography chronicles Hepburn's experiences with the golden age Hollywood studio system and her encounters with the era's biggest stars, including Flynn himself.

Tab Hunter Confidential by Tab Hunter The memoir reveals the hidden realities of being a Warner Bros contract player during the same studio era as Flynn, including the manufactured public personas and studio control over actors' lives.

The Prince, The Showgirl, and Me by Colin Clark These diary entries from a film set assistant provide an insider's view of the late-1950s film industry and the behavior of aging stars, much like Flynn's observations of Hollywood.

Put the Needle on the Record by Matthew Kennedy This biography of film director Mitchell Leisen illuminates the same Hollywood golden age period Flynn writes about, with similar behind-the-scenes revelations about the studio system's inner workings.

Bring on the Empty Horses by David Niven This memoir by Flynn's close friend and fellow actor presents the same era and many of the same Hollywood figures from a different perspective, including several stories about Flynn himself.

🎬 Flynn wrote this autobiography during the last two years of his life while battling serious health issues, and it was published just months after his death in 1959. 🌊 The book reveals Flynn's early adventures before Hollywood, including his time as a slave trader in New Guinea, a gold prospector, and his experience surviving a shipwreck. ⚖️ The memoir addresses his controversial 1942 rape trial, where he was accused by two underage girls but ultimately acquitted, leading to the phrase "in like Flynn" entering popular culture. 🎨 The original manuscript was much longer and more controversial; publisher Putnam's heavily edited it to avoid potential lawsuits from people mentioned in Flynn's candid accounts. 🎭 Despite his swashbuckling hero image on screen, Flynn portrays himself as a deeply troubled man throughout the book, struggling with alcoholism, drug addiction, and chronic health problems.