A New Look at the Founding Father of Tiki Cocktails

“The Donn of Tiki” is a new documentary on the life and legacy of Donn Beach, also known as Don the Beachcomber, the reclusive but charismatic figure who kicked off the Tiki cocktail craze in the United States.

“ He's one of these guys who had about three lifetimes worth of adventure,” says Max Well, who co-directed the movie with Alex Lamb.

The story follows the rise, fall, and redemption of its central figure while touching on the mob, Prohibition, and World War II. The filmmakers even bring their late hero back to life, combining an archival audio interview with stop-motion animation. It’s a gimmick that works, much like Tiki itself.

Beach set the stage for the craft cocktail movement, using house-made syrups and fresh-pressed juices in imaginative recipes with varieties of rum. His namesake bar, Don the Beachcomber, was a favorite of Hollywood’s elite; employing a nearly all-Filipino bartending staff, serving Cantonese food, and embracing a Polynesian theme.

Beach lost the business rights to his first wife, who expanded the brand with locations throughout the country, including one in Las Vegas that opened at the Sahara in 1962. It was an extravagant experience, seating hundreds at a time, but “a little bit of the charm, a little bit of the personality was lost,” Well says.

Meanwhile, Beach was involved in the the Aku Aku restaurant at the Stardust. It burned down shortly after opening — possibly (well, probably) in a mob insurance scheme — but operated for 20 years after it was rebuilt. “ Don's payment, both times he built this place was $50,000 cash in a paper bag,” Well says.

Back then, Tiki destinations were elegant occasions for dressing up. Today, Tiki lounges are known as kitschy dive bars — although you can see a love for the craft in local drink destinations like the Golden Tiki, Red Dwarf, and Frankie’s Tiki Room.

And almost in tribute, a giant stone Tiki head from the Aku Aku is now on display at Sunset Park.

Learn more this Sunday at a screening of “The Donn of Tiki” at the Beverly Theater. The Punk Rock Museum will have giveaways from its Subcultural Appropriation art show and the filmmakers plan to celebrate afterwards at the Golden Tiki.