## Studio One Forever: A Disco’s Legacy and a History Lesson
Studio One Forever (2024) isn’t just a documentary about a West Hollywood disco; it’s a poignant time capsule capturing a pivotal era in LGBTQ+ history. The film transports viewers back to 1974, a time when the term “gay lifestyle” was commonplace and simply being openly gay could lead to arrest. Director Marc Saltarelli masterfully weaves together archival footage, photographs, and heartfelt interviews to paint a vivid picture of Studio One, a haven for gay men in a world often hostile towards them.
The documentary focuses on the club’s significance as a refuge, a place where gay men could gather, celebrate, and find community. The film is filled with stories from patrons, performers, DJs, and bartenders—tales of freedom, camaraderie, and revelry fueled by music, alcohol, and drugs. More than just a dance club, Studio One played a crucial role in the Gay Rights Movement and the fight against AIDS. Its upstairs “Backlot” became a renowned performance space, attracting musicians, comedians, and a glittering array of celebrities, including Cary Grant, Rock Hudson, and Bette Davis. The building itself boasts a rich history, previously housing a movie camera factory, a WWII munitions storage facility, and, notably, “The Factory,” a private club partially owned by Paul Newman.
The film’s narrative cleverly intertwines the club’s vibrant past with a contemporary struggle: a real estate developer’s plan to demolish the building. This impending destruction galvanizes former patrons and employees to fight for its preservation, highlighting the enduring emotional connection to this significant site. Through interviews with figures like Chita Rivera, Bruce Vilanch, and Liz Torrez, the documentary underscores Studio One’s impact on Southern California culture and its role as a launchpad for many prominent performers, including Joan Rivers, who used the club’s platform to raise awareness about AIDS.
However, Studio One Forever doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths. The documentary reveals a surprising element: the club’s discriminatory policies. Founder Scott Forbes’ vision, initially, was for a space exclusively for gay men, specifically favoring blond men, while excluding people of color and lesbians. This stark revelation presents a complex and challenging aspect of the club’s legacy, highlighting the internal contradictions within a community facing external oppression.
The film further explores Studio One’s influence on the broader cultural landscape, detailing its connection to the filming of *Can’t Stop the Music* and its impact on Steve Rubell’s creation of the infamous Studio 54. The emotional weight of the AIDS epidemic permeates the narratives, juxtaposed with the joy and exuberance of the club’s heyday. Studio One Forever ultimately offers a multifaceted and compelling look at a specific moment in history, one that profoundly shaped the social fabric of Southern California and the LGBTQ+ community.
Available on Digital Platforms beginning January 6, 2025.