HOLLYWOOD legend Paul Newman, who died of cancer at the weekend, aged 83, was no stranger to Cyprus. He spent several months living and working on the island in 1960 during the production of the epic Hollywood movie Exodus.
In the film, Paul Newman gives a stirring performance as a resistance fighter who leads 600 Jews from the detention camps of Cyprus to the shores of Palestine.
Newman, along with Eva Marie Saint, Ralph Richardson and Peter Lawford was primarily based in the old town of Famagusta during the films production, which stretched from April till August.
The entire cast became regular faces at restaurants and cafés in Cyprus and the film, which was made in the first year of Cyprus independence, received assistance from the new government of President Makarios.
Some locals recalled Paul Newman filming several long scenes near Othello’s Tower and at the Famagusta Harbour, he is reported to have spent much of his free time motoring in Troodos Mountains and relaxing on the beach near occupied Varosha.
Director Otto Preminger, invited many locals to work as extras in the movie, which was based on the events that happened on the ship Exodus in 1947 and dealing with the founding of the state of Israel around 1948.
Die hard movie buffs from all over the world still make the journey to many of the movies locations in Cyprus, which remain almost unchanged after 48 years.
Newman never returned to the island after filming wrapped up, but it is understood that his portrayal of Ari Ben Canaan in Exodus, ranked as one of his personal favourite performances.
Copyright © Cyprus Mail 2008
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