Q of the Week: John Wayne vs Errol Flynn

[Leon]

- Both men made controversial racial comments on occasion, Wayne against the Native Americans, Flynn against the Jews.

- Both men were serial womanisers, with several marriages, divorces and affairs.

- John Wayne made all the motions to enlist, but would appear to have deliberately avoided it to concentrate on his film career.  

- Errol Flynn wanted and tried to enlist on several occasions, but was rejected every time due to medical issues.

So why is John Wayne hailed as an American icon, one of the greatest ever male actors, and Errol Flynn's legacy is mired in allegations of him being a Nazi-sympathiser?

[DanJ]

Maybe because John Wayne built much of his career, either through design or planning, playing the and to some extent creating that great American icon the cowboy? 

Wayne also became a pillar of the establishment, who can forget his "Green Berrets"?

[Leveller Mutineer]

Could also be the fact that when the Cuban Revolution occurred in 1959 he was photographed next to Castro and was a supporter.  He even made a film about the revolution called 'Cuban Rebel Girls' http://www.scoopy.com/cubanrebelgirls.htm. 

I may be over egging it but I don't think the US like Cuba

Flynn deserves it for 'Objective Burma'.

[Leon]

Flynn deserves it for 'Objective Burma'.

It must have been bad, it got banned by the British Film board people!   

Maybe because John Wayne built much of his career, either through design or planning, playing the and to some extent creating that great American icon the cowboy?  

Interesting how his avoiding fighting for his country in the war had no affect on his future career though?

[Jim Ando]

John Wayne vs Errol Flynn

Errol Flynn every time  he had a bigger tool.

It was a spanner if I recall.

Jim

[Leon]

John Wayne vs Errol Flynn

Errol Flynn every time  he had a bigger tool.

It was a spanner if I recall.

Jim

[Hurley]

Simple: America loves winners.

John Wayne always wins and looks like you wanted your dad, grandpa or yourself to look like, also he could have joined the army but he was doing what you wanted to do (as a man in that time).

Flynn is seen as a upper class type and looks like the smug jack ass that runs the factory you work in, also he is weak cause you could get into the army and he can't. 

Perception is reality in holly wood.

[Aart Brouwer]

he could have joined the army but he was doing what you wanted to do (as a man in that time).

Um, what exactly is your definition of 'a man'?

Cheers,
Aart

[Leon]

Is it not because Flynn wasn't American?  And it was easier to paint him as the anti-hero?  It was the CIA who released documents claiming he was involved in helping the Nazi's wasn't it?

[Leveller Mutineer]

Ooh conspiracy.

He was born in Tasmania, therefore an Aussie.  Was the MCC involved as well as the CIA?

I think we should be told.

[Leon]

Ooh conspiracy.

He was born in Tasmania, therefore an Aussie.  Was the MCC involved as well as the CIA?

I think we should be told.

The Millennium Challenge Corporation, a US government agency created to reduce poverty through sustainable economic growth?  I'm not sure...

[Dave Fielder]

John Wayne fought in every American conflict ever known, and won them all. As a result he wins.

Erroyl Flynn - Frankly I don't give a damn.

[FierceKitty]

John Wayne WAS a native American, wasn't he? Or where was he born?

[17-21l]

Flynn- god damn hansome (sic)- purey said in a ungay way!!- and as English as they come ( Albiet being a criminal (aussie)) JW- just another fascist yankie killing off the rightful owners of their land-knacker!!!

did any of that make sense??

[Last Hussar]

Because Americans don't like people who can act?