The parallel stories of Plato's Retreat, a Manhattan sex club for straight couples that operated from 1977 until the mid 1980s, and of Larry Levenson, the club's impresario. In present-day interviews, Larry's family talks about him, while writers, reporters, and clients talk about the club. Mixed with these interviews are still photographs and archival footage of the club, Larry's appearances on talk shows, and newspaper articles. By the late 70s, the club was in full swing, with talk of Plato's Retreats in other cities. By the end of the decade, tax problems had Larry in trouble with the IRS and changing morals gave the club a different vibe. Then AIDS became an epidemic.
American Swing is a Documentary about the rise and fall of America's most infamous swing club, Platos Retreat. Platos was a swingers club for free thinking, free loving individuals. Sex was part of the game, but it wasn't the whole game. For a mere $25 membership fee (for couples.), you'd have access to all that Platos would have to offer. There was a Full length Swimming pool, disco music, a bar, food nearly everything you could think of. There was even a room within the building called the mattress room, and the mattress room was essentially an orgy room. Piles of people having sex, who would even react to changes in musical tempo.
Celebrities would routinely show at the club, including: Robin Leech, Sammy Davis Jr., Sinatra, Richard Dreyfuss along with countless Police, Senators and Judges. The only club rule was "No." If someone said no, that was it. outside of that, Females set the rules. They were in a position to be assertive and empowered.
Yet, some of them got more than they bargained for and unfortunately realized the downfalls of the lifestyle. Personal relationships were torn apart. Including the owners. Larry and Mary had a nasty split that saw Larry end up in the hospital and Mary end up institutionalized.
Platos downfall began when the IRS came knocking. It was discovered that the club owed about 3 years of back taxes. The owners received an 8yr jail sentence and although Larry was out in 32 months, there was a sense of doom in the air. But Once AIDS hit, it was pretty much over. The people who cared about their lives, stop going to sex clubs. Platos was fighting a losing battle and the club was shut down on December 31st, 1985. Due to health concerns, prostitution and drugs.
It is said that A place like Platos couldn't last. Larry believed the bullshit that he was spouting. But when the place was closed, he was abandoned by all the people he called family. The "King of Swing," who had become a cab driver, lived in a basement and died of a heart attack at 62.
People look back at Platos fondly and apparently, if you were there, you can talk about it vividly and usually with a smile. It was just a different time in the world....
Stray Quotage:
-"Platos retreat brought back the orgy to the world."
-"Nyc was a party city in 77."
-"In the 60's people were screwing in the meadows. Platos retreat just moved it inside."
-"Platos was always couples only"
-"Larry had a grocery store, and he turned it into a supermarket"
-"Platos Retreat was a poor man's playboy mansion."
-"Everything at platos had a certain charm. Including the ugly men."
-"Well what is the difference between parsley and pussy? You don't eat parsley."
Here's a sample:
Sounds like it was an awesome place. You know...before the AIDS.
Out of Ten? 7
Violence? No
Explosions? No. well...yeah, I guess
Nudity? Yes
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