By the early 1940s, Errol Flynn had already become one of Hollywood's biggest stars. Audiences knew him for the swashbuckling adventures that made him famous, but films like Northern Pursuit (1943), Uncertain Glory (1944), and later That Forsyte Woman (1949) gave moviegoers the chance to see a different side of Flynn. These were stories of wartime intrigue, personal sacrifice, and mature drama that allowed one of Warner Bros.' most popular leading men to stretch beyond the heroic roles that first made him a household name.
Those three films were brought together in one memorable lot at Britannic Auctions in 2023.
Our auction featured 41 original studio-issued movie stills, assembled over many years by a collector with a clear appreciation for this period of Flynn's career. Rather than concentrating on his best-known adventures like The Adventures of Robin Hood or Captain Blood, the collection celebrated a fascinating chapter in his filmography that is sometimes overlooked today.
Sold as a single collection for $475, the lot was a reminder that collectors are often drawn to the story a group tells as much as the individual pieces themselves. A carefully assembled run of original studio stills can document an actor's career, preserve the artwork and publicity created for each release, and reflect the enthusiasm of the collector who brought it all together.
Your Errol Flynn Memorabilia Could Be the Next Auction Highlight
Thinking of consigning an item like this collection of movie stills? Tell us about your item or collection and get a free auction estimate today.
Not All Errol Flynn Films Are Equal to Collectors
Ask ten movie memorabilia collectors to name the Errol Flynn film they'd most like represented in their collection, and chances are The Adventures of Robin Hood will come up first.
Released in 1938, it wasn't just one of Warner Bros.' biggest productions—it became the film most closely associated with Flynn himself. Original publicity stills featuring Flynn and Olivia de Havilland, especially romantic scenes or dramatic action poses, routinely bring some of the strongest prices because demand has never really disappeared.
That doesn't mean collectors ignore Flynn's later films.
Quite the opposite.
Many longtime collectors enjoy building complete runs of an actor's career rather than chasing only the obvious classics. A film like Northern Pursuit may never rival Robin Hood in popularity, but original studio stills are far less common on today's market than publicity material from Flynn's biggest hits. The same is true of Uncertain Glory, a wartime drama that gave Flynn one of the most challenging roles of his career.
That's one reason collections like the one Britannic Auctions sold are appealing. Instead of a single photograph from Flynn's most famous performance, the buyer acquired dozens of original studio stills documenting a different period of his career.
3. That Forsyte Woman (1949)
This set of 12 stills captures Flynn as Soames Forsyte in MGM’s adaptation of the classic Victorian novel. The photos include formal portraits of Flynn alongside Greer Garson and group scenes set in lavish 19th-century interiors.
Market Trends and Collector Insights
Original Errol Flynn photos and vintage movie stills continue to attract collectors of Hollywood memorabilia. Type 1 photos—official prints issued during the film's release—hold the most value. Stills from significant films or featuring key co-stars often sell for premium prices, particularly those with original stamps or snipes.
Don’t Miss Out on Future Hollywood Memorabilia Auctions!
Get Alerts for Vintage Hollywood CollectiblesRecent auction results underscore the demand for Flynn memorabilia:
- eBay (2013): A lot of 37 original vintage movie stills from The Prince and the Pauper sold for $795.
- Milestone Auctions (2021): A collection of 109 movie stills from Errol Flynn's films sold for $1,199.
- eMoviePoster (2021): A single 8 x 10 theatrical still of Flynn with Olivia de Havilland in The Adventures of Robin Hood from 1938 sold for $245.
Some single stills can command high prices, especially those from popular pairings, such as romantic portraits with Olivia de Havilland or rare promotional shots. Collectors place high value on images that capture pivotal scenes or key promotional moments from Flynn's iconic films.
Consign Your Errol Flynn Memorabilia
If you own Errol Flynn photos, autographs, or signed film stills, Britannic Auctions offers expert appraisals and consignment services. We help collectors connect with valuable vintage finds and ensure your items gain the exposure they deserve.
Visit our Hollywood memorabilia consignment page for a free auction estimate and learn how to consign your collection today.
