Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Errol Flynn Goes West

New DVDs - New DVDs - ‘Errol Flynn - The Warner Brothers Western Collection’ - NYTimes.com: "John Ford’s “Stagecoach,” the legend goes, rescued the adult western from the B-movie category into which it had fallen during the first years of the Depression, making it safe again for big budgets and big stars.

But that is an honor rightfully shared with Errol Flynn. This unruly Australian-born star lent his immense popularity to three hugely successful westerns in a row, beginning with “Dodge City,” released in April 1939, a month after “Stagecoach,” and continuing in 1940 with “Virginia City” and “Santa Fe Trail.” (“Stagecoach” was itself preceded by Henry King’s Technicolor “Jesse James,” released in January 1939, starring Tyrone Power.)"

Hat tip to Richard Wheeler.

1 comment:

Fred Blosser said...

If Russell Crowe ever decides to do another western, he could take lessons in charm from Flynn. The Flynn westerns are great entertainment, especially "Virginia City."