Errol Flynn was criticized for playing heroes in World War II movies.
Tony Thomas in his book "Errol Flynn: The Spy Who Never Was" states that Flynn had tried to enlist in every branch of any armed services he could but was rejected as unfit for service on the grounds of his health. Flynn had a heart condition, tuberculosis, malaria and a back problem. Flynn felt he could contribute to America's war effort by appearing in such films as
He tarttuivat aseisiin (1943),
Punatakkien sankari (1943),
Pilvien veikot (1941),
Kosto Burmassa (1945) and
Hän kaatui kunnialla (1944). Reportedly, Flynn was at his most professional and co-operative ever was while working on World War II movies. WB apparently did not discuss the state of Flynn's health, as they wished to keep it quiet for fear that it would damage his box-office draw.