Director Malcolm Ingram's Continental
tells the story of New York City's post-Stonewall gay bathhouse The
Continental Baths, which was located in the basement of the Ansonia
Hotel.
In fundraising for the film, Ingram
(Small Town Gay Bar, Bear Nation) discussed the
project.
“The Continental Baths was a seminal
gay New York City hotspot that existed from the late sixties to 1974.
The baths themselves were a lavish Roman style affair, which were
opened in the late 60’s in a newly post-stonewall NYC. Owner Steve
Ostrow wanted to create a decadent and luxurious clubhouse where
newly liberated men could explore with wanton abandon.”
“Along with the baths, The
Continental was home to glamorous shows that attracted first class
performers such as Cab Calloway, Peter Allen, Wayland Flowers, Patti
Labelle and a then unknown Bette Midler, who (with her piano player
Barry Manilow) became ringmaster to the revelry.”
“Continental existed in a very unique
period, post Stonewall – pre AIDS. That little window when gay
ruled the zeitgeist and Continental was the clubhouse. Its a story
of sex, celebrity, politics and most importantly … it is part of
our history.”
As of Wednesday, Ingram's “Big
Finish” Kickstarter campaign was nearly fully funded with 4
days to go.