A gang of pirates descended on the Redondo Beach King Harbor Marina in Mid-August 2006 for the filming of “The Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.” Leslie Page, the Property Manager at the Redondo harbor, spearheaded the operation. During filming Page had to shoo away paparazzi hanging from balconies and trees and keep the filming ‘compound’ secure. Often during the three weeks of filming she could be found sleeping on her office floor, completely exhausted from keeping everything in order.
“The pirates took over,” Page said. “It turned out to be one of the proudest moments of my life and one of the best things I’ve ever done for Redondo. I worked my [butt] off, but oh my God was I proud.”
Actor Johnny Depp, who is known for his public elusiveness, even left the set almost daily to sign autographs and one day gave Page a peck on the cheek in thanks for her hard work.
“He did it in our community because we’re so home-born and not star struck,” Page said. “He was gracious and loving and he fell in love with Redondo.”
Local sailor Larry Hall even dressed in a pirate outfit and walked around the harbor signing autographs.
“It was an experience of a lifetime,” said Page. “Every year we have a big holiday pirate party in the [pirate-themed ship] in the harbor. Larry puts up his big sails and watches Pirates.”
