In search of the Sons of Barnum

Legend has it that the doyen of studio publicity, Russell Birdwell, came up with the bright idea to use the film trades to sell celebrity real estate. Errol Flynn in 1954, used Variety and advertised his hilltop, ten acre estate, complete with caretaker, tennis court, “gorgeous pool,” projection room and pony ring. This was the residence where Flynn once had a fancy dress party featuring white -mice races emceed by George Jessel. Birdwell inserted a line ads and cautioned: “Qualified prospects by appointment.”