Flynnfest #53 - The Cruise of the Zaca

Filmed in 1946-1947, but not released until 1952, The Cruise of the Zaca is acutally two cruises Flynn took at two different times (the color of the Zaca changes from white to black). It starts with Errol catching a helicopter to The Scripps Institute of Oceanography to meet with a group of scientists, and then agreeing to sponsor a research trip to collect rare fish and other sea animals. Along the way he picks up his father, a marine biologist, and his wife Nora Eddington, who by 1952 was in the middle of divorce proceedings from him.

There is some awesome footage of grey whales and other ocean activity, and great shots of the Zaca. Most of the rest of this short film, poorly narrated by Flynn himself, is pretty forgettable.

Flynnfest #52 - Deep Sea Fishing

Errol made this short, amateurish home movie in 1952 with close friend Howard Hill while fishing of the coast of Acapulco. It's silent, with a silly voice-over narration by another Flynn friend, Bob Edge. Errol had met Hill during the making of Robin Hood, when Hill was hired as his archery instructor. They remained drinking buddies for the rest of Flynn's life. The real star of this 10-minute short, however, are shots of Flynn's yatch, the Zaca, one of the greatest yatchs of the day, and still so to this day.

As for Deep Sea Fishing. OK. I saw it. Next!

Affordable Housing - SF Style

Also seen in western Kansas. Why? Huh? Like there is more than one Niners fan in Kansas.

Anyway, I thought this was pretty funny-looking.

Oliver's Burgers & Bait

I was on an overnight business trip to Abilene, Kansas. On my way to the B&B (much nicer than a hotel for a short overnighter), I passed this sign. Not in one of Abilene's best neighborhoods, as if any neighborhood in Abilene, Kansas, can be all that bad.

Burgers & Bait? I mean, who gets a little hungry and thinks to himself, "Man, I could really use a nice, juicy burger. I sure wish there was a place to get a hamburger, and pick up some bait at the same time! Wouldn't that be convenient?"

So if you're ever in western Kansas, and have a hankering for both a burger and shredded fish guts, stop by Oliver's. Or call - I think you can get the bait carry out.