The most interesting part of "Tusitala" is the weaving of the story against a true historical background. "Tusitala," meaning "teller of tales" in Samoan, was the name given to Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson when he made Samoa his home. Being in ill health, he had searched for a place that would help his illness, and the salt air and climate of Samoa suited him. When there, he formally deeded his birth date to the daughter of the American Land Commissioner Henry Clay Ide, since she, Anna, was born on Christmas Day and therefore could not experience the joy of receiving presents and attention on her birthday separate from that usually given on that holiday. Stevenson was involved in local politics and attempted to intervene in the budding feud between two tribal elders that could lead to war. These historical facts are played out in this "Four Star Playhouse" presentation and show a part of the great author with whom many of us might not be familiar. The roles were well-played by Niven (as Tusitala) and the supporting cast, though the roles of the two chiefs, Metaafa, played by Steven Geray, and Lappeppa, played by Richard Reeves, were closer to caricatures. The part of Anna, a small part, was played by a very young (pre-teen) Noreen Corcoran, but it was significant enough that the show ended with her being held in David Niven's arms; she was the child whose birthday was changed by Stevenson's decree. Noreen went on to star as teenager Kelly Gregg, the niece on the TV series "Bachelor Father." As that series started in 1957, I was surprised to see "Tusitala" listed as 1955, since Noreen looked so much younger than on "Bachelor Father." Her innocent, spirited, precocious role in Tusitala serves as an interesting preview to the child star's TV sitcom days.