12 May 2015

Hollywood legend back in Samoa after 61 years

10:45 am on 12 May 2015

The Lefaga district of Samoa will welcome Hollywood legend Roberta Haynes today to mark the 61st anniversary of a famous move made in Samoa.

Ms Haynes was the lead in 'Return to Paradise' and is in Samoa for celebrations all week.

The chairman of the Return to Paradise Resort, Hinauri Petana, says Ms Haynes return has huge significance for Samoans because the film helped put Samoa on the map in the 1950's.

Her grandfather Mamea Matatuamua, played the main chief Tonga in the movie.

"I'm not sure how much coaching it took him to play his role. But you know, it's funny how growing up, all he would say was 'oh there was a film shot here'. And we just took it for granted until we saw the film and realised oh my goodness, it is a big thing for Lefaga, the districts and the village of Matautu itself."

Hinauri Petana.