Psycho Beach Party

Because I’ve spent the last three months immersed in 1950s-60s beach movies, it feels appropriate to end the best summer ever with a spoof of the genre. Psycho Beach Party (Disc/Download) is the perfect transition film for this particular time of year when it’s still hot, but you’re itching to break out the whiskey and horror.

Psycho Beach Party is the brainchild of drag performer Charles Busch, who wrote another favorite of mine, Die, Mommie, Die!. But where that film was a parody of 1950s/60s melodramas, Psycho Beach Party is a parody of 1950s/60s beach romps and B-movie slashers. Instead of Gidget, we have “Chicklet”, perfectly played by Lauren Ambrose. She combines the innocence of Sandra Dee with the unpredictability of Norman Bates, using her off-beat comedy style to portray a surfer girl with multiple personality disorder. Amy Adams also appears in one of her earliest roles as bikini-clad mean girl Marvel Ann, and she’s so committed to her character that I almost didn’t realize this is the same six-time academy award nominee I’m used to seeing on a red carpet. And speaking of bikinis, every outfit is a feast for the eyes—a riot of color and fun patterns that can sometimes make Chicklet go a little bit insane. Who knew polka dots could be deadly?

While the dismembered body parts are piling up, Chicklet is still out there trying to prove she’s old enough and cool enough to surf with the guys and attend Kanaka’s big luau. Let’s mix up one last Tiki beverage for summer, as we say farewell to the rums and coconut, and hello to whiskey and bitters. While watching Psycho Beach Party, I recommend drinking a Surf Liner.

Surf Liner

¾ oz Orgeat

2 oz Rye Whiskey

1 oz Pineapple Juice

¾ oz Lemon Juice

2 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters

Pineapple Leaf (suggested garnish)

Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake to chill, then strain into a Tiki mug or glass filled with fresh crushed ice. Garnish with a pineapple leaf.

Although slasher films aren’t in my typical wheelhouse, I’m glad I took a chance on Chicklet and the gang. If you’re the kind of person who likes Scream, but also Beach Blanket Bingo, Psycho Beach Party will become your newest obsession. Cheers!