A beacon of dancing and freedom for gay men looking for identity in a world that saw them as outcasts, Studio One was a haven and the blossoming center of nightlife in West Hollywood. From merging the gay community and Hollywood elites like Bette Davis and Jimmy Stewart to being at the forefront of the LBGTQ+ rights movement and the fight against the AIDS crisis, the venue was more than just a disco, it was a movement.
In STUDIO ONE FOREVER, Marc Saltarelli and narrators Bruce Vilanch and David Del Valle dive into the history of the historic venue, offering a testament to an era and immortalizing the club’s legacy for future generations. The documentary features candid, modern-day interviews with Chita Rivera, Sam Harris, Felipe Rose, Charlo Crossley, Melissa Rivers, Roslyn Kind, Lance Bass, and Thelma Houston along with former bartenders and patrons who recount their experiences at Studio One, and what the iconic club stood for.
In Theaters September 13
Available on VOD October 8 via Gravitas
The film takes us back to an era filled with the excitement of newfound freedom. The disco age was a time when people, especially within the gay community, experienced the joy of liberation and self-expression. Every night was a new adventure on the dance floor, where the rhythm of disco music resonated through the hearts of those who lived for the night’s festivities.
But with the thrill of freedom came the devastating agony brought on by the AIDS epidemic. The documentary poignantly captures the heartbreak of losing friends and familiar faces to this cruel disease. This epidemic had a profound impact on the gay community, turning places of joy into grounds of sorrow. The sweet memories from the clubs are forever intertwined with the bitter remembrance of those we lost.
The film is a treasure trove of great music and iconic celebrities that defined the disco era. Artists like Donna Summer and Thelma Houston provided the soundtrack to countless nights filled with exuberance. Their music played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural landscape of the late 70s and early 80s. These were the good old days, forever etched in the minds of those who lived through them.
However, the documentary does not shy away from depicting the harsh realities of racism that existed then and unfortunately persists even now. It sheds light on how, despite the sense of community, there were underlying currents of prejudice and discrimination. These issues were, and still are, a deep scar in the fabric of society, even within the gay community.
Ultimately, the film reflects both the joys and sorrows of the disco era. It is a bittersweet documentary that provides a nostalgic look back while reminding us of the ongoing fight to preserve the legacy and presence of those vibrant times. As an older man watching this film, the memories of dancing and partying with friends are brought back, mingled with the sad recollections of those no longer with us. Everyone should see this documentary.
Director: Marc Saltarelli
Produced By: Stephen Israel, Marc Saltarelli
Executive Producers:
Gary A. Carnow,
Alan Eichler
, Mj Humenuik
, Steve Masterson
Co-Executive Producers:
Pauley Perrette,
Drew Sklar,
Matt Zarley
Producers:
Michael Alden,
Lloyd Coleman
, John J. Duran
, Alan Eichler,
Loree Gold
, Chris Isaacson, Michael Roth
, Steve Saltarelli
, Gary Steinberg
