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Y O U R F I F T Y - F I V E P L U S F I F T Y - F I V E P L U S N E W S S O U R C E www.foreveryoungnews.comY O U RY O U R F I F T Y - F I V E P L U S F I F T Y - F I V E P L U S F I F T Y - F I V E P L U S F I F T Y - F I V E P L U S F I F T Y - F I V E P L U S F I F T Y - F I V E P L U S F I F T Y - F I V E P L U S F I F T Y - F I V E P L U S N E W S S O U R C E N E W S S O U R C E N E W S S O U R C E N E W S S O U R C E N E W S S O U R C E www.www.foreveforeveryoungryoungryoungnewsnews By Nick Thomas It's a sobering thought for fans of classic film. The passing of Olivia de Havilland in late July, just three weeks after her 104th birthday July 1, represents the loss of the last surviving big-screen legend from Hollywood's Golden Age of the 1930s. While other actors are still with us who were indeed active in film during the '30s, Ms de Havilland was truly the last A-list star from that era whose name could be bundled with the likes of Bogart, Gable, Hepburn, and so many others. They are simply now all gone. While I never had the chance to interview de Havilland directly, she did answer some questions by mail in 2009 for a story I was preparing for the "Washington Post" on the centenary of Errol Flynn's birth. The letter arrived by FedEx from France where she lived for most of her post-Holly- wood life and was hand-signed in her glori- ous flowing script. In it, she shared some memories of the Aussie co-star with whom she was frequently cast. De Havilland and Flynn (1909-1959) were one of the most popular on-screen couples during the early classic film era. The pair worked together in eight movies from 1935 to 1941 and appeared in separate scenes in a ninth film, "Thank Your Lucky Stars," in 1943. Flynn, of course, continued to be sensation- alized by the press and authors long after his death. Was he mischaracterized, I asked her? "His roguish reputation was very well- deserved, as he more than candidly revealed in his remarkable autobiography, "My Wicked, Wicked Ways,"" she wrote. "However, through this very same book, we also know that he was a reflective person ¬ sensitive, idealistic, vulnerable, and questing. But I think he has been incompletely represented by the press: It vulgarized his adventures with the oppo- site sex and seldom, if ever, touched upon or emphasized the other facets of his life." Despite his popular- ity, Flynn was never rec- ognized for his acting with even an Oscar nomination (de Havilland was nomi- nated five times and won twice). Was that an over- sight, I asked her? "Unfortunately, at the time when Errol enjoyed his greatest success, the adventure film, as a genre, was not sufficiently appreci- ated and therefore his appearances therein were not as highly regarded as they might," she explained. "However, I do feel he played his roles with unmatchable verve, conviction, and style. In doing so, he inherited the mantle of Douglas Fairbanks Sr., who was my favou- rite film star. No one since Errol has worn that mantle; it is buried with him." I was also curious if she ran into Flynn after their time together on-screen. She said that happened only on three occasions, the last one at the Beverly Hilton's Costumers Ball two years before his death. "Quite unexpectedly, while I was talking to friends during the cock- tail hour, Errol left his own group and asked if he could take me to dinner," she recalled. "He seated me on his immediate right and, soon joined by others, took on the role of gracious host with everyone on his left ¬ all the ladies ¬while I did my best to entertain the gentleman on my right." De Havilland's letter concluded with a delightful postscript indicating a long-time private ritual, which she adhered to every year. "On June 20 (Flynn's birthday), I raised a glass of champagne to Errol, as I always do." Come next July, many classic film fans will likely repeat that ritual to honour Olivia, too. Olivia de Havilland (1916-2020) - the end of an era Olivia de Havilland and Errol Flynn in The Adventures of Robin Hood, 1938 15 | O akville B eaver | T hursday,S eptem ber 3,2020 insidehalton.com Elliot Lake...live well Live in a retirement community where you can have the active lifestyle you want, affordably! Apartments from $565/month Townhomes from $840/month Homes from $885/month For more information on rentals or to order an information package contact us at: 1.800.461.4663 retireelliotlake.com#214 - 1060 Speers Rd. Oakville, ON L6L 2X4 Oakville Health Centre 905.842.1702 southoakvillehearing.com SP EE RS RO AD PI NE GR OV E RO AD FOURTH LINE Oakville Health Centre Call 905-842-1702 to book your hearing test! Try the latest in hearing aid technologyogy Gaby Lesniak BSc., M.Cl.Sc (Aud), Reg. CASLPO Audiologist & Owner We are here to help. Having trouble hearing people with amask on? Could be more than just the mask... Come in and get your hearing checked with our Audiologist. #214 - 1060 Speers Rd. Oakville, ON L6L 2X4