Earl Conrad (1912–1986)

I enjoyed his films but I can't say I like the man who showed himself in this autobiography. His view of women and the way he used them although he denies such in this book, I found very unpleasant. He married three times although he did not seem to put much effort in the relationships. The same can be said for his care of his children.

If the adventures he describes actually took place, Flynn led a very interesting life. From mining for gold and growing Copra in New Guinea to collecting indentured natives (read slaves) for gold mining, Flynn pushed the envelope. He describes the young native women he took as mistresses and usually never tells what happen to them when he moved on to another adventure.

The most interesting portion of the book for me was the Hollywood years of film making with the gossip about the people with whom he worked. The lack of photographs in this edition was a disappointment.… (mere)

I've waited a few years to read this book. Was it worth the wait? Yes. Unlike any autobiography I've read before, you finish thinking you really know the person as if you'd hung around with him for awhile. I'm sure he was a very likeable guy, but he also would have been like that exasperating friend we've all had at some point in our lives. Tall tales, unbelievable claims, name dropping, one upmanship, etc., but you can't dislike him. You have to take this personality as it is. He is a fantastic writer, I'll give him that. Claims of self-education with well educated parents, emancipated minor who sets out on all sorts of adventure- it all comes out in a worldly bit of writing. Very enjoyable, though it does get tiring after a bit. Worth reading anyway.… (mere)