## Studio One Forever: A Disco’s Legacy and a History Lesson
Studio One Forever (2024), a new documentary from filmmaker Marc Saltarelli, transports viewers back to 1970s West Hollywood, a time when the term “gay lifestyle” was commonplace. The film centers on Studio One, a legendary disco for gay men, offering a poignant history lesson not just of a single building, but of an era when simple acts like two gay men walking down the street together could lead to arrest. Through a wealth of archival footage, photos of sweaty bodies dancing to disco beats in the cavernous La Peer Drive warehouse, and compelling interviews, Saltarelli paints a vivid portrait of a vital community finding solace, freedom, and expression within its walls.
The documentary’s focus isn’t simply on the club’s longevity—it thrived for 19 years, opening its doors in 1974—but on the individuals who shaped its identity. Patrons, performers, DJs, and bartenders share their stories of finding safety, liberation, and uninhibited revelry amidst the music, alcohol, and drugs. But Studio One was more than just a party; it became a crucial player in the Gay Rights Movement and the fight against AIDS. The upstairs “Backlot” evolved into a popular venue for musicians and comedians, attracting celebrities and becoming a significant cultural hub. The building itself boasts a fascinating past, from its origins as a movie camera factory in 1929 and its use as a munitions storage facility during World War II, to its transformation into “The Factory,” a private club partly owned by Paul Newman in 1967, before finally becoming Studio One under the ownership of Boston optometrist Scott Forbes.
The film opens with a present-day crisis: a real estate developer seeks the building’s demolition. The fight to save this cherished landmark brings together a chorus of voices, including Chita Rivera, Bruce Vilanch, and Liz Torrez, who share anecdotes about the club’s impact and its transformation into a stage for top performers, notably Joan Rivers during her AIDS activism. The list of celebrity patrons reads like a Hollywood who’s who, encompassing Cary Grant, Rock Hudson, and even Bette Davis.
However, Studio One Forever doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths. The documentary reveals the club’s discriminatory policies, particularly its founder’s preference for blond gay men, excluding people of color and lesbians. This surprising revelation underscores a complex irony: a space created for a community facing severe societal prejudice itself perpetuated prejudice within its walls.
The film further explores Studio One’s influence on the disco scene, detailing its role in the filming of *Can’t Stop the Music* and its impact on Steve Rubell’s creation of Studio 54. While the joy and camaraderie of the era are palpable, the film also acknowledges the profound loss caused by the AIDS epidemic, blending celebration with somber reflection. Studio One Forever ultimately offers a unique perspective on a pivotal moment in history, highlighting both the triumphs and the contradictions of a space that indelibly shaped Southern California’s culture.
Available on Digital Platforms beginning January 6, 2025