---
title: "American Swing"
year: 2009
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/american-swing-2009"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 17073
imdb_id: "tt1058058"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 81
community_rating: 4.9
vote_count: 19
content_rating: "Unrated"
---

# American Swing (2009) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/american-swing-2009

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

American Swing is an American documentary film that explores the history and cultural impact of the New York City nightclub known as Plato's Retreat. Directed by Jon Hart and Matthew Kaufman, the production examines the rise and fall of this establishment during the 1970s. The film serves as a chronicle of the swinging phenomenon that took place at the club, which was a notable element of the sexual revolution in New York City throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s. The project is based on a book of the same name authored by Hart and Kaufman. The documentary features appearances by individuals including Bryce Britton, Irwin Corey, William Davidson, and Dan Dorfman. While some sources identify the film as a 2008 production, it was released in October 2009. The documentary provides an overview of the club's significance within its era, detailing its development and eventual decline. It is currently available for viewing through various digital streaming platforms and services.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "This documentary explores the history and cultural impact of the 1970s New York City nightclub Plato's Retreat."

### Why Watch
- examines a specific cultural phenomenon
- chronicles a notable nightclub's history

### Caveats & Content Note
- focuses on a niche subject
- Tone & Suitability: The film contains subject matter regarding an adult swingers' club.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: documentary, historical, cultural, retrospective

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | Philo, YouTube TV, Dox Amazon Channel, Magnolia Selects Amazon Channel | Kanopy | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | Plex | Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | None | Tubi TV, Plex | Apple TV Store, FlixFling |
| **Australia (AU)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | Tubi TV | Amazon Video |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Mathew Kaufman, Jon Hart
- **Networks / Studios**: Magnolia Pictures

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Buck Henry** as *Self*
- **Melvin Van Peebles** as *Self*
- **Ed Koch** as *Self*
- **Jamie Gillis** as *Self*
- **Ron Jeremy** as *Self*
- **Al Goldstein** as *Self*
- **Abbie Hoffman** as *Self (archive footage/uncredited)*
- **Irwin Corey** as *Self (as Professor Irwin Corey)*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What is the film about?
It chronicles the rise and fall of the 1970s New York City nightclub Plato's Retreat.

### Q: Who directed the film?
The film was directed by Jon Hart and Matthew Kaufman.

### Q: When was the film released?
The film was released in 2008 and 2009.

### Q: Is the film based on a book?
Yes, the film is based on the book American Swing by Jon Hart and Matthew Kaufman.

### Q: What is the genre of the film?
It is a documentary.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [American Swing (2008) - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1058058/)
- [American Swing streaming: where to watch online? - JustWatch](https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/american-swing)
- [American Swing - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Swing)
- [American Swing (2009) — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/17073-american-swing)
- [American Swing (movie, 2008) - Kinorium](https://en.kinorium.com/421880/)
- [American Swing (2009) - Jon Hart, Mathew Kaufman | Synopsis, Movie Info ...](https://www.allmovie.com/movie/american-swing-am36530)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*