Redford died yesterday surrounded by loved ones at his home in Sundance, Utah. He was 89.
Nine years ago, the celebrated actor and Oscar-winning director was causing hearts to flutter in West Otago when Disney movie Pete’s Dragon spent several weeks shooting location scenes in Tapanui.
The town was transformed into 1980s Pacific northwest America for the family movie, and Redford, cast and crew descended on the district to be billeted in local people’s homes.
At the time, Mr Redford said Tapanui had taught him New Zealand was a country with "a smile on its face".
"I would imagine that New Zealand today is the way America was when I was a little kid," he said.
"Where people bonded together, there was community work and there was joy and there was happiness, and it’s a can-do thing."
Fiona and Nelson Hancox said they were thrilled to hand over their main property to Mr Redford and his partner during his fortnight on location.
"He was a really lovely gentleman, and came across as very grounded and authentic. He has a ranch back in the US, although he didn’t run stock, so he was interested to be given a farm tour here by my husband, Nelson," Mrs Hancox said.
"It was something special for everyone in the district. People opened their doors to the cast and crew, and we were treated warmly and respectfully in turn."
He said he had shaken hands with Mr Redford during filming.
"He absolutely had star quality. For many people it was like having royalty visit — townspeople just wanted to get a glimpse of him, although he was a very private person.
"Everyone had positive things to say about him, and all the cast and crew. And I believe we left an impression on all of them, too — I think he would have remembered his time in Tapanui fondly."
West Otago Community Board chairwoman Barbara Hanna said, by coincidence, the town was holding two special viewings of Pete’s Dragon next Friday.
"We were holding it as it’s been 10 years since the shoot took place here, but it will be given extra poignancy following [Redford’s] death this week. He’ll be missed."
Pete’s Dragon viewings will be at the West Otago Community Centre at 2pm and 7.30pm, Friday, September 26, by koha.
