Brando's Tahitian paradise becomes beacon of eco-tourism

TETIAROA, France - An exotic island paradise in French Polynesia bought by Marlon Brando in the 1960s is using its Hollywood image to tackle environmental issues - with a little help from its jetset visitors.

The tiny, palm-fringed atoll of Tetiaroa was once a favorite holiday spot for Tahitian royalty before the late movie star fell in love with it while filming Mutiny on the Bounty in 1961 on islands close by.

Brando married co-star Tarita Teriipaia and the couple raised a family on Tetiaroa, now home to a luxury eco-resort that bears the reclusive actor's name and regularly pampers A-list clientele such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Johnny Depp and Barack Obama.