‘Swan Song’ starring Udo Kier is out now
Magnolia Pictures releases Swan Song in theaters on August 6 and on demand August 13. Take a sneak peek.
Director Todd Stephens said of the film:
“Back in 1984, I walked into my small-town gay bar for the first time — The Universal Fruit and
Nut Company. There he was, glittering on the dancefloor. Wearing a teal feather boa, fedora and
matching pantsuit, “Mister Pat” Pitsenbarger was busting old school moves straight out of Bob
Fosse. I was seventeen, and Pat was a revelation.
“Years later, when I set out to write my autobiographical Edge Of Seventeen, I immediately
thought of Mister Pat. I went back home to hunt him down, only to discover Pat had just suffered
an aneurism and was temporarily unable to speak. But his lover David told me stories…about how
Pat was once the most fabulous hairdresser in Sandusky, Ohio…about his legendary drag
performances…about how he used to shop at Kroger’s dressed as Carol Burnett – in 1967! This was
a man who always had the courage to be himself, long before that was safe. …
Swan Song is a love letter to the rapidly disappearing “gay culture” of America. As it has
become more acceptable to be queer, what used to be a thriving community is rapidly melting back
into society. Thanks to assimilation and technology, small-town gay bars like The Universal Fruit
and Nut Company are becoming extinct. “Swan Song” is dedicated to all the forgotten flaming
florists and hairdressers who built the gay community and blazed the trail for the rights many of us
cling to today. But, above all, for me this film is about learning that it’s never too late to live again.”
Legendary German actor Udo Kier stars in the role of his illustrious and prolific career as as retired hairdresser Pat Pitsenbarger, who busts out of his dreary Ohio nursing home after learning of a former (Republican) client’s dying wish for him to style her final hairdo. Always a professional, Pat embraces the chance for a final performance.
Pat is back, gathering the tools of his trade essential for the job, and revisiting his past along the way. Written and Directed by Todd Stephens, and with supporting performances from Linda Evans and Jennifer Coolidge, Swan Song is a heartwarming and bittersweet journey about being your best, gayest self, no matter what age you are.
More info at swansongfilm.com
