Bambridge

Death Of Mr. William

Mr. William Bambridge, One Of

the best-known and popular residents of Tahiti, died on January 12, in the Colonial Hospital at Papeete, after a brief illness.

Bill, as he was affectionately called by all, was best remembered outside Tahiti for his role of Hitihiti in the film Mutiny of the Bounty. When Charles Laughton, who was Captain Bligh in the film, ar rived at Matavai Bay for its production, Bill reminded him that Captain Cook, upon his departure from Tahiti on his last voyage, had promised to send Hitihiti a naval officer’s hat from the King of England. In answer to Bill’s re quest for the said headgear and, to everyone’s astonishment, Charles Laughton produced the promised three cornered hat and presented it to him.

Much of the success of the Island se quences of the Mutiny of the Bounty was due to the ability of Bill Bambridge.

He also took a prominent part in the filming of Pagan. A fine musician and performer on any instrument, he was a member of his brother’s orchestra in America.

Entertainer, bon vivant and successful businessman, Papeete loses one of its most interesting and colourful figures.