Today was the service for our Benny Chapman, Tahitian performer, actor, great South Seas Cinema Society member and known world-wide as the Creature of the Black Lagoon.  Since that infamous role was played with a mask (and body suit) he wasn't recognized as the Creature by many until the last few years.  Lately being high demand at sci-fi conventions and the many Monster websites. 

I'll never forget seeing a rare 16mm reel of young, tall, skinny Ben dancing a Tahitian number.  I thought the tall skinny brown guy (6ft. 6) would make the perfect creature.  This film is own by a fellow South Seas Cinema member so I know it is in good hands.

This morning's service at the St. Augustine Church in Waikiki was short but very touching.  Talk by popular actor, Waikiki beach boy, and fellow South Seas Cinema member, Don Stroud was great.  Than Benny's ashes was taken out, off shore of Waikiki by outrigger canoe and spread among his favorite surf along with the many leis of well wishers.  It was a beautiful Hawaiian day,  we all had a clear view of Benny up in the heavens.

Aloha Benny

P.S. See a photo of Benny in "Beach of Fame" Page in southseascinema.org.