Hollywood actress Roberta Haynes who starred opposite Gary Cooper in the South Pacific set 1953 movie, “Return to Paradise”, in Samoa is returning to paradise.
Her family is taking her ashes back to Samoa for a memorial service at the Return to Paradise Resort, Chapel on July 23.
Following the service her ashes will be buried in front of the chapel overlooking the beach that Roberta loved so much. The actress died in April at the age of 91.
Tributes will be led by Deputy Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa, whose grandfather Le Mamea Matatumua played a significant role as Chief Tonga in the movie. Other tributes will be given by Mrs Freida Paul and Mr. Terry Dunleavy who both acted in the movie.
The movie was filmed in Lefaga at what became known thereafter as Return to Paradise Beach. It was later renamed the island of Matareva.
Ms Haynes portrayed a native on the island who has a romance and then a child with Cooper’s drifter character.
The movie was directed by Mark Robson, based on a novel by James Michener.
In 2015, Ms Haynes was in Samoa for a move reunion at the newly opened Return to Paradise Resort.
At a gala ball held in her honor she said that her heart was still in Samoa and she was going to tell her family that she wanted her ashes takes to Samoa.
