Now, there are so many really fantastic, interesting, awesome people who love tiki… but tiki is not immune from attracting the occasional nutjob.
It has already been widely reported that before (allegedly) killing Lana Clarkson, famed record producer and coiffure aficionado Phil Spector paid a visit to Trader Vic’s in Beverly Hills, where he downed some Navy Grogs. He was apparently a bit of a regular there. When he made his way to Dan Tana’s later in the evening, he tried to order a Navy Grog there, too (I wish I could have seen the confused look on the bartenders’ faces).
But now comes this tiki-flavored contribution from The Smoking Gun, a postcard sent by Phil Spector last year to a friend:
This is a promotional still photo from a 1960s film (I always forget which one) — it’s a great photo, and accordingly it really makes the rounds. The Polynesian restaurant backdrop has been matted out here, but you can still see that they’re sipping out of a Kneeling Hula Girl bowl, like those once used at Trader Vic’s. The back of the postcard is on the crude side, so I won’t post it here, but you can check it out on The Smoking Gun if you wish.
Yes, tiki speaks to everyone, even the sociopathic and the mousse-addicted.
UPDATE: Great minds think alike — Beachbum Berry also just made a Phil Spector post, but his is more useful than mine… he expounds on the glorious Navy Grog, and even tells you how you can make your own. Play safe though, kids — guns & rum don’t mix.
- Greetings From Phil Spector [The Smoking Gun]
- Trader Vic’s Kneeling Hula Girl Bowl Large [Ooga-Mooga]
- NO JURY IN THE WORLD WOULD CONVICT HIM [Grog Blog]
- BREAKING: Beverly Hills Trader Vic’s Has Closed – UPDATED [Critiki News]
Critiki News 
Interesting. Phil Spector always seemed more of a Gun Club Punch guy to me.
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Who types on a postcard? Who even owns a typewriter? How old school.
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Isn’t that nutty? Also, I think I’m going to start using “Say!” as an interjection in conversation more. With the exclamation point. It’s snappy.
Good one, H. 😉
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Hmm, I think we’re all sipping from the same Hula Girl bowl this evening.
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I love your blog and all things Tiki. Hope you post more soon. Also, it looks as if Trader Vics is getting close to opening (next month, I believe) in Vegas. I’m impatiently waiting.
Candy
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The name of the 1960’s movie ( postcard ) is A Ticklish Affair . Actors pictured are Red Buttons , Gig Young , Shirley Jones ( Partridge Family ) and Carolyn Jones ( Addams Family ) . Also in the flick were Edgar Buchanan ( Petticoat Junction ) and Billy Mumy ( Lost In Space ) .
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Wherefore art thou, Humu? Is your ‘blog dead, or just resting?
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Ol’ Phil got off again!
1. murder fetish
2. trial fetish
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humu! we miss you!
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