I may have gone on record many times about my intense displeasure with most Troma productions, but this was actually produced by The Institute, a production company formed by George, Craig A. Colton and Robert Tinnell and distributed by Troma.
After the earthquake that’s always been prophesied to destroy the coastline of California finally arrives, Adolf (Barry Brenner) declares himself the Führer of the new beach and has his Surf Nazis attack all of the other rival surf gangs*. But when he murders Mama Washingon’s (Gail Neely) son, he’s finally made the mistake that will undo his foamy Fourth Reich.
The original box of Surf Nazis Must Die used to practically shout “Rent me!” from the shelves of every video store I ever went to, yet somehow I’ve never seen it until now. Probably the biggest selling point for me was the appearance of Bobbie Bresee, who won my heart in Mausoleum, showing up as Smeg’s mom, who is very concerned about the path her son is on.
Somewhere in here is an idea for a really fun movie, more like The Warriors on a post-apocalyptic beach, and I love that. But it doesn’t really have a focus; then again, Mama Washington is such a great character, and I love every moment she’s on screen. So…secret success?
*The Samurais, The Pipeliners, the Skate Rats, Biker Bar and Designer Waves, made up of Curl Blow and Dry. Thanks, Edith, on Letterboxd!
The new Troma Blu-ray of Surf Nazis Must Die has a trailer; an audio interview from the Projection Booth podcast; “Who Controls The Beaches?!?,” an interview with Peter George; Blu-ray and DVD intros; scenes from the Tromaville Cafe; Waves Are A War Zone: Interview with Peter George & Interview with Robert Tinnell; deleted scenes; Independent Artists VS. Corrupt Cartels; Radiation March; Soul Of Troma; “INNARDS” Music Video; The Toxic Avenger In Ukraine; Troma Sleepover and Troma Trailers. You can get this from MVD.
