Errol Flynn’s Controversial Relationship with a Teenager, as Recounted by The Last of Robin Hood

Errol Flynn, the iconic film star, learned early on that the public never forgets.

In the 1940s, his career suffered a decline due to scandalous reports of alcoholism, womanizing, and allegations of s**ual assault involving underage girls.

It is fascinating to consider how he would have fared in today's TMZ-monitored society.

Even his death in 1959 was surrounded by salaciousness, as it was rumored that he died in the arms of his teenage girlfriend, Beverly Aadland, whom he allegedly began dating when she was just 15 years old.

In 1961, Florence Aadland, Beverly's mother, published a book called “The Big Love” detailing the relationship between her daughter and Flynn.

Years later, filmmakers Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmoreland embarked on a quest to discover more about this publicity-shy couple.

They managed to gain Beverly Aadland's trust and used her recollections of their May-December romance as the foundation for their film, “The Last of Robin Hood,” which recently premiered at the Toronto Film Festival.

Despite Beverly rarely discussing her relationship with Flynn in interviews, the filmmakers assert that she approved of the project before her death in 2010.

The film, dedicated to Beverly, stars Kevin Kline as the aging Flynn, Dakota Fanning as Beverly, and Susan Sarandon as her tell-all-authoring stage mother, whose own dreams of becoming a dancer were shattered by a paralyzing car accident.

For those interested in Old Hollywood gossip, here are some intriguing plot points from “The Last of Robin Hood” that delve into Flynn's illicit romance:

1.

Flynn first notices Beverly rehearsing as a chorus girl at the studio where he works and arranges to meet her privately.

He then invites her to “audition” for a role, which conveniently takes place at a producer's house at night.

It is during this audition that Flynn engages in a s**ual encounter with Beverly, unaware of her true age until later.

2.

Despite Flynn's reputation as a womanizer, Beverly's stage mom shows no concern when he invites her daughter to a late-night “audition.”

3.

Although initially unimpressed by Flynn, Beverly eventually succumbs to his charm, leading him to affectionately call her “Woodsy” due to her resemblance to a wood nymph.

4.

Flynn manages to win over Beverly's starstruck mother, convincing her to accompany them on their dates to avoid any scandalous rumors.

5.

When Beverly's mother discovers the truth about her daughter's relationship with Flynn, he promises to facilitate an acting career for Beverly to ease her concerns.

He even takes her to audition for a role in “Lolita,” attempting to negotiate a package deal with director Stanley Kubrick.

Unfortunately, this tactic fails.

6.

Flynn resorts to drinking excessively and using IV drugs to alleviate his back pain after a trip to Africa.

7.

At Beverly's 17th birthday party, Flynn publicly announces their plans to get married.

8.

Flynn produces a movie called “Cuban Rebel Girls” in Cuba, specifically for Beverly to star in.

During filming, he falls ill and dictates a living will to Beverly, ensuring her well-being in the event of his death.

9.

About a year later, while leasing his yacht in Canada to fund his final divorce and marry Beverly, Flynn complains of back pain.

Beverly takes him to a doctor's home in Canada.

10.

Upon arriving at the doctor's home, Flynn entertains the guests with amusing stories instead of seeking medical treatment.

One story involves his friends pulling a prank by stealing John Barrymore's corpse and placing it in Flynn's living room.

11.

Moments later, Flynn leaves the room, claiming he feels better and needs rest.

When Beverly checks on him, she discovers that he has passed away.

12.

Unfortunately, the will Beverly transcribed for Flynn is deemed invalid due to a missing signature, leaving her with no inheritance.

As a consequence, Beverly's mother is arrested for public drunkenness, and Beverly is placed in a juvenile home.

Her mother is later found guilty of contributing to her daughter's delinquency and spends 60 days in jail.

Ultimately, Beverly reconciles with her mother, who wrote “The Big Love” against her wishes, on Florence's deathbed.

It is clear that Errol Flynn's behavior would not align with today's standards, and he would likely be appalled by the actions of modern-day Hollywood stars.